Modern Vase Shapes

Vases have existed for thousands of years, but contemporary designers continue to discover new and unique modern vase shapes. Modern vase shapes can be hip even when they're square, or provide the convenient storage and design flexibility of stacking. These are a few of the most popular modern vase shapes.

Square Vases
It's surprising how something as simple as a straight line can take a vase from classic to contemporary. Tall and slender square vases are especially striking as modern design accessories. A short, square glass vase can be used to float individual flower heads, or even hold candles at a party or festive ceremony.

Tulip Vases
Known in 19th Century England as a Jack-in-the-pulpit vase, the tulip vase was popularized by the famous designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Both names are given to represent the plant-like appearance of the vases, which feature slender bodies and necks flaring out into a wide, spreading, and often ruffled lip. Tulip vases can be almost operatic in their design flair. Tulip vases are guaranteed attention grabbers, particularly when used with dramatically shaped flower arrangements.

Hurricane Vases
Most hurricane vases are made of transparent glass. They're perennial favorites at wedding ceremonies, where they are used for holding candles or to create decorative centerpieces. The name hurricane vase is derived from hurricane shades, which use glass coverings to protect candle flames from the wind.

Stackable Vases
Stackable vases are unmistakably modern in their design. Smaller, individual pieces made from metal or glass can be stacked or unstacked to achieve the specific height you want for your stackable vase. Used individually, the stackable vase pieces work as simple candleholders. With enough pieces you can create several medium-sized stackable vases, or you can use them all at once for a tall, weird, and often highly colorful modern vase.

Bud Vases
Sometimes a world of information can be provided by a single gesture, image, or word. The slender necks of bud vases are designed to hold a single flower or a very small arrangement of several flowers. Bud vases are commonly used with gift arrangements, or in homes as simple and unobtrusive centerpieces.

Eiffel Tower Vases
The tower vase, commonly known as an Eiffel tower vase because of its extreme height and the legged design of its foot, makes a very powerful centerpiece. Frosted glass is sometimes used with Eiffel tower vases to add a captivating luminous quality. Because of their dramatic visual effect, Eiffel tower vases are commonly used as centerpieces at wedding receptions and formal banquets.