Short answer: match the vase to the stems. Tall, slim vases suit one to three long stems. Teardrop shapes suit long stems and grasses. Round vases with a short neck hold full, loose bunches. As a rule of thumb, flowers that stand about 1.5 to 2 times the height of the vase look balanced.
The 1.5× rule
Measure the vase, then cut the stems so the arrangement stands about one and a half to two times taller. Shorter looks squat; much taller can look top-heavy and tip over. For a low, round vase, aim for a dome of flowers just above the rim.
Slim bottles: one to three stems
A narrow neck holds a single stem upright without any help. Try a tulip, a calla lily, an olive branch or a single dried pampas plume.
Our picks: Seta, Oliva, Vela and Calla.
Teardrops: long stems and grasses
A wide base and a tapering top give tall stems a steady footing. They suit eucalyptus, delphiniums, branches and dried grasses.
Round bodies: full, loose bunches
A generous body and a short neck gather a bunch together and let it spill outwards. Ideal for roses, peonies, ranunculus and supermarket bouquets cut down short.
Our picks: Nuvola, Luna, Notte and Salvia.
Statement shapes: fine on their own
Some vases are sculptures first. Add two or three sculptural stems, or leave them empty on a shelf.
Our picks: Giardino, Onda and Mare.
Choosing a colour
- White & ice: lets bright flowers do the talking.
- Black: adds contrast to pale blooms and dried stems.
- Blush: soft with whites, creams and dusty pinks.
- Teal & green: calm with foliage, whites and yellows.
Quick answers
How many flowers go in a narrow-neck vase?
One to three stems. Any more and they crowd the opening.
How tall should flowers be compared with the vase?
About 1.5 to 2 times the height of the vase.