Inspiration: Why do you think you need to put something in that vase?

A friend recently shared a styling conundrum: She’s started a collection of pretty vases and urns, but is not sure what to put in them. “Oh, why do you think you need to put something in them?” I asked her. 

It’s true — I love a faux stem. And I’m guilty of cutting seasonal branches from our yard on the regular. But a beautiful vase, urn, or vessel can be a showstopper all on its own. (Hold our attention without holding any flowers, if you know what I mean!) And a collection of vases? Now, you have the opportunity for some classic layering. 

I’ve bought three large-scale vases in the past two years, and they feel like the gifts that just keep on giving. I keep moving them all over our house: styling them on the dining room table, in the entryway, on the front porch. They’re workhorses! Like pretty sculptures, they look substantial and classic — Even when there’s nothing in them! It's a simple lesson I realized and when it clicked: The vase is the art, it's the focal point and the greenery or leaves or flowers or whatever you want to put in it only enhances the pottery--it was freeing and too life-changing to keep to myself.

I’ve gathered some inspiration from interiors populated with vases, urns, pots, and jars that look anything but empty. (See: Polished — without a plant in sight!) And I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites, by size, so that you can start a collection of your own.

Source: @cedarlanehomeco

Source: @joineryanddesignco

Source: ATELIER AM

Source: All Sorts Of

Source: McGee & Co.

Source: Zara Home

Source: @studiomcgee

Source: Croft House

Ready to get the look in your own home? Try these on for size!

1. Carved Teak Urn - 10.6”Dia x 16”H, $148
2. Bolton Black and White Striped Vase - 8.9"Dia x 11"H, $49.95
3. Goldshine Vase - 2”Dia x 6”H, $18
4. Scratch Vase, 11.5"Dia x 11.5"H, $128
5. Artisan Vase Large, 12.25"Dia x 14.5"H, $99
6. Artisan Vase XL Jug, 8"Dia x 16.5"H, $129
7. Celia White Vase, 4.75"Dia x 5.75"H, $16.95
8. Small Bottle Bud Vase - 5.5”Dia x 7.5”H, $29 
9. Dorr Round Beaded Stoneware Table Vase - 7''Dia x 6.25''H, $28.99 
10. Ceramic Vase Coated Finish White - 6”Dia x 9.75”H, $16.92
11. Round Wood Planter Natural - 12”Dia x 8.66”H, $29.99
12. Geometric White Vase, 5.8”Dia x 9.4”H, $18.74
13. Ceramic Flower Vase with Retro Grid, 6.2”Dia x 6.1”H, $21.99
14. Clear Barcelona Vase - 7"Dia. x 12.5"H, $34.99
15. Ebele Indoor/Outdoor Planter - 13.5"Dia x 16"H, $134
16.  Morandi 5 Piece Table Vase Set - 4.25”Dia x 3.5"H to 2"Dia x 9.5"H, $68.99
17. Aurelle Home Grey Rustic Cement Textured Vase - 19”Dia x 23.25”H, $178.39
18. Carved Wood Planter - 8.4"Dia x 6.3"H, $24.99

Truth be told, you'll still see me sporting freshly clipped branches and faux stems, too. But I hope it takes some of the weight off being reminded that these pots carry a beauty on their own.