Whether you go all in on brutalist interiors or just want a shelf that doesn’t look like a leftover from uni, the right decorative vases can pull a whole space together. Below are 7 we think actually deserve a spot in your home — not tucked away in a cupboard or filled with dust. And yes, we’d put them all on the same shelf.
The thing with decorative vases is they can go two ways: either they disappear completely, or they become the one object that holds a whole shelf together. That’s kind of the sweet spot — not loud, not filler, just quietly right. We looked for shapes and finishes that add something even when they’re empty, and picked options that could work in both clean modern setups and messier, character-driven rooms. You don’t need the perfect floral arrangement to make these work. In fact, most of them might be better off left alone.
We’ve kept it visual, practical, and a bit unexpected. If your shelves have been feeling flat, start here — a decorative vase might be all it takes.
This one’s a little sculptural, a little silly. It looks like a paper bag that’s been crumpled and stood up — and somehow, it totally works. A nice option if your decor skews warm neutral but you still want a shape that’s a bit unexpected.
It’s literally shaped like a red London brick. Glossy ceramic, bold color, and surprisingly weighty in feel — this vase is the design equivalent of a wink. Not trying too hard, just sitting confidently in its own thing. Bonus points for how good it looks with a single stem.
A little random for Haven and Hanger, but it works. This soft green ceramic Bulbasaur is technically a succulent planter, but we think it earns a place on display purely on charm. It’s a fun clash of pop culture and minimalism — especially good if your space tends to feel a bit serious or overly curated. It adds levity, colour, and just enough nostalgia to start conversations without feeling like decor for a kid’s room.
Simple, rounded, and with a subtle speckle to the glaze — these decorative vases are low-effort wins. They feel calm, clean, and won’t try to steal the spotlight from other items. Use them to break up a cluttered shelf or cluster them for some intentional symmetry. These are the kind of decorative vases that work in nearly any space — neutral enough to blend, but just sculptural enough to hold their own.
These have the same clean off-white tone as the set above, but come in taller bottle shapes with more height variation. They feel a bit more structured, like they belong in a hotel lobby (but not in a bad way). Good for making a shelf feel taller or balancing out a chunkier object nearby.
Leans into kitsch in the best way. This ceramic orange juice carton has vintage diner energy without veering into themed kitchen territory. It’s playful without being too loud, and adds just enough humour to a shelf without making it feel like a novelty corner. Perfect as a standalone piece on open shelving, or as a light counterpoint to more muted homeware — especially in kitchens or breakfast nooks where colour tends to get left behind.
A set of three decorative vases in matte black — one shaped like a ring, one like a curved arch, and one with soft stacked ridges. Sculptural and minimal, these look great grouped together or spread out across a larger shelf. Especially nice against pale walls or wood.
Decorative vases don’t need to blend into the background — the right shape or texture can do more for a shelf than a whole stack of books. Whether you lean cute and characterful or sharp and sculptural, the key is finding pieces that feel right for your space. These seven hit the sweet spot.
If you’re into decorative vases, you might be into our post on decorative wall mirrors — same quiet design energy, just on the wall.
And if you’re more of a visual scroller, we’re always pinning setups and product picks over on Pinterest too.
