Short vases offer a creative way to add a touch of elegance to spaces of all sizes. These versatile vessels come in various shapes and styles and can be showcased as a centerpiece or used as a charming adornment to a mantelpiece. The right accompanying bouquet selection can dress these vases up for an elegant affair or turn them into a lovely addition to your daily decor. 

From budding to seasoned florists, arranging in short vases is typically easier, making them the ideal base for all levels. In this article, we will introduce you to the different types of short vases, the best arrangement styles for these vessels, and tips on how to arrange flowers in a short vase from our floral design experts. 

Roundup of Types of Short Vases 

There is a wide variety of short vase styles to choose from, each with its own charming features. Selecting the right short vase for your space depends on the arranger’s personal taste and the aesthetic of the room. Whether you prefer more modern and minimalist arrangements or lush and organic designs, there is a short vase to match. 

Bud Vases 

Bud vases are sleek, minimalist designs, created to hold single flower stems or flowers. They are ideal for highlighting and showcasing plants known for grand individual blooms. Roses, orchids, irises, and hydrangeas are examples of flowers well-suited for bud vases. These classic vase arrangements are often used for event centerpieces. 

Compote Vases 

If you want to create an organic and bountiful arrangement, compote vases are your best bet. The wide, shallow design of these bowl-shaped vases allows for foliage and flowers to overflow to create a low, lush arrangement. When choosing your flowers search for top-heavy flowers like ranunculus, chrysanthemums, and juliet roses.

Cube Vases 

Cube vases are cube-shaped designs that are well suited for a contemporary aesthetic. This geometric vessel goes well with short-stemmed flowers. A tip on how to arrange flowers in this particular vase - build several small bouquets before placing them in the vessel. To add a decorative touch to these holders add pebbles to the bottom.

Low-Profile Vases

With their short, wide bases, low-profile vases are one of our favorite go-to choices for compact arrangements. These vases offer a clean, minimalist aesthetic that compliments clustered floral varieties, such as ranunculus, roses, and hydrangeas. Low-profile vases, like blossom vases, often come in earthy tones that bring a serene natural touch to any room.

Ikebana Vases 

Ikebana vases are designed with the principles of Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging, in mind. There are several different styles of Ikebana vases that come in a range of sizes and materials. The most ideal Ikebana vases for compact arrangements are the short flower frog vases. These bowl-shaped vases have a built-in ‘frog’ - a stand with holes to keep flowers upright. You can find stand-alone oval flower frogs if you want to mix and match them with other vases. 

Our Favorite Arrangements for Short Vases 

Selecting the right arrangement for your vase is just as important as the vessel itself. The right floral arrangement can enhance the design and style of your short vase and vice versa. In addition to the vase, we always suggest thinking about the occasion and setting when thinking of how to arrange flowers. Below are some of our favorite arrangements that work well with compact pots. 

Bud Vase Cluster 

Bud vase clusters are a dynamic way to create some diversity in bud vase arrangements. To create this design, cluster multiple bud vases with individual stems together into a centerpiece. These arrangements are a low-cost option to create elegant displays for events. 

Low Centerpiece 

For these arrangements, choose a bowl or compote vase. Fill up the vase with a mix of greenery and flowers and allow them to overflow over the top. These make charming, casual centerpieces to dress up a dining room or coffee table. 

Floating Flowers

This romantic arrangement would pair well with a shallow oval bowl. To achieve this whimsical design, fill the bowl with water and place in short-stemmed or trimmed flowers, and let them float. We recommend using fragrant gardenias, water lilies, and lotus flowers for floating arrangements.

5 Essential Tips for Arranging in Short Vases 

If you are new to the art of floral arrangements, you might want to consider a short vase. The shorter silhouette is beginner-friendly and easy to build upon. Like with anything in floral design, with the right techniques in your tool belt, you can create a stunning display with ease. Here are some essential tips on how to arrange flowers in a short vase to help guide your design. 

1. Select the Right Flowers 

The key to your arrangement is choosing the right flowers for your vase. Short stem flowers are naturally suited for these vessels but that doesn’t mean you should rule our long stem plants. If you want to use long-stem flowers you will just need to trim the stems to ensure they fit in the vase. For more dynamic designs pick flowers of different shapes and sizes, for a more minimal arrangement, go for a single variety and select one type of flower.

2. Create a Focal Point 

Choosing a focal point for your design is a helpful technique to help guide the creative process. Identify a large or vibrant flower that you want to be the focus of your arrangement, and then position it a bit off-center to create a more eye-catching visual. Weave in foliage and different-sized flowers to enhance the focal point. 

3. Be Mindful of Proportions

When thinking of how to arrange flowers in a short vase it is important to be mindful of the proportions. Unlike with taller vases, there should be some level of uniformity and balance in the proportions of your flowers. This is why short vases are well-suited for rounded shapes. While we encourage you to experiment with flower heights, no one flower or element should overshadow the rest of the bouquet. 

4. Consider Vase Style 

The style and shape of your vase can affect the appearance of your arrangement. This is why your flowers, arrangement style and vase style must be cohesive. Rounded or square vases tend to be better suited for organic, free-flowing styles, while cylindrical vases are more ideal for symmetrical aesthetics. 

5. Play With Personalized Touches 

Don’t let the rules of how to arrange flowers get in the way of your creativity. Flower arranging is an opportunity to get in touch with your creative voice, experiment, and play. Adding personal touches, like freshly cut kumquat branches or foraged grasses is one way to introduce some personality to your floral arrangement. 

Why Choose a Short Vase Arrangement?

Short vases are versatile in their shapes, styles, and uses. The compact size of these vases makes them a great option for rooms with limited space and surfaces. Many people find them a charming decorative solution for offices, bedrooms, and small living spaces where you can perch them atop mantles and side tables. 

Not only do these compact vases work well in various rooms, but their adaptability extends to different occasions. Whether you want to brighten up a room or need centerpieces for an upscale event, there is a short vase arrangement that fits. 

More Floral Society Resources 

• A Complete Guide: How To Arrange Flowers
• A Complete Guide: How To Arrange Flowers In A Vase
• Ikebana Vases to Guide Your Next Arrangement
• The Floral Society Vases