Vases

To arrange flowers beautifully in a vase, trim stems at an angle and start with odd numbers - three, five or seven tends to look best. Taller stems go in the centre, then layer in medium and filler flowers. Criss-cross stems for grip, especially in wider vases, which may also need floral tape or a grid. Narrow-necked vases offer natural structure. Change water regularly and remove wilted stems to keep things looking lovely. Think of it like painting, but with petals.

The best way to keep flowers fresh for longer in a vase is frequent water changes - every couple of days works wonders. Trim stems each time and strip off leaves below the waterline to stop rot. A clean vase is crucial, as bacteria is the enemy of fresh blooms. Flower food is useful, but a pinch of sugar and a drop of bleach do the trick too. Cooler spots out of direct light help preserve petals longer, quite literally keeping your cool.

To clean a narrow or awkward-shaped glass vase, fill it with warm water, a splash of white vinegar, and a spoonful of uncooked rice. The rice scrubs gently as you swirl it around - no elbow grease required. Let vinegar sit overnight for stubborn limescale or mildew. For trickier nooks, try a pipe cleaner or bottle brush. Rinse well and dry upside-down to sidestep drips. Avoid the dishwasher unless you’re sure the vase won't wobble or trap water.

The most durable vases built to last a lifetime are made from heavyweight stoneware, borosilicate glass or reinforced ceramic. These sturdy materials resist chipping, cracking and thermal stress. Look out for repairable designs, weighty bases, and lifetime guarantees - some makers even offer re-glazing services. Ceramic and stoneware tend to outlast delicate glass, though well-made glass vases can still go the distance. Find them in our homeware collection or see how we choose for durability.

Yes, you can use these vases for both fresh and dried flowers. Just make sure the vase is watertight for fresh stems, and stable enough to handle top-heavy dried arrangements. Swapping between the two is a faff-free way to keep your home in bloom all year. Plus, dried flowers are a low-maintenance, low-waste option that last for ages - no dreaded chalky water or weekly faffing required.

To care for handmade ceramic or glass vases, hand wash gently using warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh scrubbers or big temperature swings, as handmade materials can be sensitive. Dry thoroughly to stop water marks forming, and store away from knocks or wobbly shelves. If the base is unglazed or porous, don’t let water sit in it too long. With a little TLC, many of these pieces genuinely last a lifetime. More tips in our care and repair hub.

You can buy ethically made vases crafted in Britain from small-batch potters and glassmakers using sustainable, low-waste methods. Many use local materials and offer plastic-free packaging or even lifetime guarantees. It’s a choice that keeps craft skills alive and shrinks your carbon footprint too - what’s not to like? We’ve gathered some brilliant British-made options in our vase collection.