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How to arrange flowers at home – a florist’s guide to vases and long-lasting bouquets
Malin Brandén is the community planner who became a florist and founded Blombruket. The florist offers sustainable cut flowers on subscription, straight to your mailbox.
How to choose the right vase for flower arranging
The first step in arranging flowers is choosing the right vase. According to Malin, the placement of your bouquet in the home determines which type of vase you need.
- For a bouquet with long stems: choose a tall vase and place it on a side table.
- For a bouquet on the dining table: choose a lower, rounder vase so guests can easily see each other across the table.
Malin, who previously worked as an urban planner, chose to follow her passion for flowers and founded Blombruket in 2019. Today, the company delivers sustainably grown cut flowers in beautifully designed boxes, complete with clear instructions on how to arrange them and select the right vase to highlight the bouquet in the best way.
“I believe there is added value in the whole experience – being able to arrange the flowers yourself and create something beautiful at home,” she says.
So, what types of vases should you have at home for successful flower arranging? Here are Malin’s three must-haves.
1. How to arrange flowers in a wide mouth vase (the round vase)
Most people have tall, narrow vases at home. Instead, Malin recommends investing in a round vase with a wide mouth that is slightly narrower than the vases base.
A wide mouthed vase is one of the most versatile options for flower arranging. Whether your flowers are hand-tied or loosely arranged, you should position the stems at an angle to create volume. A round vase naturally helps you achieve this shape.
Florist’s tip: A wide mouth vase is perfect for arranging flowers directly in the vase or for holding a hand-tied bouquet.
Why it works
- A wide mouth vase encourages your flower arrangement to fall outward naturally
- This type of vase creates volume without overcrowding
- A wide mouth vase is ideal for everyday bouquets and seasonal flowers
This type of wide mouth vase makes flower arranging easier, especially if you want a soft, organic look.
Wide mouth vases
2. How to arrange flowers in a tall vase
“You should also have a tall, straight vase for flowers such as pampas grass, lilies or amaryllis. This type of vase is perfect for creating height and structure in your arrangement.”
When arranging flowers in a tall vase, focus on proportion. The vase should support the stems without overpowering them, and the flowers should be approximately one and a half times the height of the vase for a balanced look.
For a timeless classic, Malin recommends the Alvar Aalto vaser from Iittala.
“If you are only going to invest in a few vases, it is worth choosing a classic. They are still popular because they function well and are easy to use.”
Florist’s tip: Use a tall, straight vase for long-stemmed flowers such as reeds, lilies and amaryllis.
TALL VASES
The Alvar Aalto vase – A design classic for flower arranging
The Alvar Aalto vase is one of Malin's favourites. It is not only a design icon but also surprisingly practical for cut flowers. The vase has a naturally organic shape and is available as both a tall vase or a shorter wide mouth vase. The shape naturally guides the stems and gives even loosely arranged bouquets a beautiful silhouette.
It works particularly well for:
- Loosely arranged bouquets
- Single branches or seasonal stems
- Arrangements with a natural, organic expression
Thanks to its soft lines, each bouquet feels dynamic without the need to constantly adjust the arrangement.
You can read more about the Alvar Aalto vase here: Alvar Aalto
3. Small vases – for single stems and delicate flowers
“I also recommend having one or two small vases. They are perfect for single flowers that have come loose from a bouquet or for delicate seasonal flowers such as snowdrops.”
Malin encourages creativity when it comes to flower arranging:
“You do not always need a traditional vase – small glass jars, bottles or even candle holders can work perfectly.”
Florist’s tip: Use several small vases for single stems from your bouquet or garden. Group them together for visual impact.
Mini vases are a must have so you can take care of every little flower.
SMALL VASES
Japanese flower arranging with an Ikebana vase
If you want to arrange flowers mith more intention, an Ikebana vase is an inspiring choice. Inspired by the Japanese art of Ikebana, the focus is not on fullness, but on line, form and balance.
Ikebana-style arrangements are ideal for:
- Single branches
- A few expressive blooms
- Calm, minimalist interiors
Often, a kenzan (also known as a flower frog) is used to hold stems in place and allow precise placement. Perfect for creating maximum impact with just a few carefully chosen elements.
Pet-friendly flower arrangements
If you have a cat at home, it is especially important to choose flowers carefully. Many popular cut flowers are toxic to cats, but there are safe alternatives.
Cat-friendly cut flowers include:
- Roses
- Gerbera
- Sunflowers
- Freesia
- Orchids (for example Phalaenopsis)
Even with non-toxic flowers, it is wise to place vases out of reach of curious paws.
Once you have the flowers and the vase, the best way take care of your flowers by giving them a fresh cut - preferably with help from a set of sharp secateurs.
How to make your flower arrangements last longer – 3 essential tips
Once you've chosen the perfect vase and arranged your flowers, it's important to take care of them so they stay fresh longer. Malin shares her top three tips for extending the life of cut flowers:
- Cut stems at an angle using sharp secateurs (not a kitchen knife) to prevent clogging and help the flowers absorb water efficiently.
- Don’t just leave flowers in the same water for days. Change it frequently and wash the vase at least once a week to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Fruits release ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to wilt faster. Keep your bouquet at a safe distance for longer-lasting blooms.
Find the best vase for your flowers
The right vase can transform your flower arrangement, making it more beautiful and long-lasting. Whether you're displaying a grand bouquet, a simple sprig, or seasonal blooms, having the right vase on hand is key.
Browse our selection of stylish vases to find the perfect match for your flowers.
Choosing the right vase for your flower arrangement makes all the difference
Whether you want to arrange a generous bouquet, let a single branch take centre stage or create a minimalist ikebana arrangement, the choice of vase is crucial to the overall effect. The right vase emphasises the shape of the flowers, gives the arrangement balance and makes it easy to succeed.
With a well-thought-out selection of vases at home, you are always ready to put the season's cut flowers in the spotlight.
Photography: Angeliqa Dahldorph Nielsen, @applaudden, @catarinaeldana, @norregardnr9, @house_an_der_mosel, @miia_home_interior, Serax, Design House Stockholm, @merve_tangör
FIND THE BEST VASE FOR YOUR FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
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