Let’s talk about an underrated decor piece. A piece that’s known to be stashed in a cabinet only to be brought out when someone picks up flowers (most likely by the infrequent but sweet guest). I’m talking about vases (and some planters). But today I’m going to focus on the sculptural vase. You know, the kind that look great with or without flowers? They can add height, texture, pattern, and/or shape. Heck, they can add all of those at the same time if you want. I just took a quick look around my living room, and I think I counted five (with many more in the kitchen). And you know Emily loves and highly approves of a sculptural vase (especially one that can hold large branches:)) So today I’m going to show you spaces we’ve designed with and without their sculptural vase to show you what they do for a room. I also found A TON of incredible shoppable options in case you have been looking or are inspired to get one. The prices vary, but there’s something for every budget. But also look around your local thrift shop, flea market, etc. They really are everywhere if you keep your eye open. Ok, let the lesson begin!

Sculptural Vase: Color Blocked & Handpainted

As you can see, the left photo (or top if you are on mobile) is the original with the blue-toned painted vase I bought from Emily Bowser when she was clearing out her styling inventory to make room for new things. When you compare it to the next photo without it, the room doesn’t look bad, but you miss the height, color, and pattern the vase added to the space. The mantle also feels a little too empty and off balance.

Porcelain Table Vase | Torino Ceramics Vase

And in case you love that vase, here it is! I love it so so much, and while it’s a little north of $200, it’s really so versatile and a forever piece (unless you’re a stylist who needs to cycle through your inventory ;)). The other vase is a bit shorter but has a great width, is handmade (and looks like it in the best way), and I love the brighter terra cotta color. It pops in a fun but still calming way. I love these color combos so much.

Sculptural Vase: Unique & Colorful

Ok, Emily, has had that incredible turquoise sculptural vase forever and for good reason! The shape is so unique, and the ceramic texture is perfection. Would anyone think this little landing moment was “ugly” without the vase and flowers? No, that would be insane. However, that vase and color make the whole moment really come alive! It talks to the tones in that stunning piece of art and visually balances the painting since it’s on the other side of the chair. Plus, the MCM style is a wonderful contrast to the over “farmhouse” vibe of the home.

Safa Etero Corteccia Green and Brown Decorative Vase | Hostas Vase

Here are two more expensive options I found that I want (“Jess, you have ENOUGH!*). Both are handmade and so unique. The green and terra cotta one is made by an amazing ceramicist in Italy and comes in different size variations. The blue one also comes in cream and is made in the US by another critically acclaimed ceramicist. Don’t make me choose because I can’t!

Tall Hexagon Ceramic Vase

This one is budget-friendly at only $25! I love the shape, color, and glaze. It’s just enough of a color pop to stand out but not enough to visually take over.

Sculptural Vase: Abstract

Do I even need to say it? That blue vase is a crucial piece in making this room feel like it’s full of personality. Emily Bowser and Julie did such an incredible job! Now, some of you might not be in love with such a bold color and prefer something softer, which is totally fine. If that’s the case, then I’d recommend still choosing an interesting shape but in a neutral or patterned organic material.

Santiago De Borja Cocona Decorative Vase | Geometric Green Vase

I feel like these two vases are a little in the middle of bold and “neutral,” given the green tones. However, the shapes are so playful! That’s really what this category is about – big, fun shapes (mostly with handles).

Sculptural Vase: Tall & Slim

If you have the counter space in your bathroom to have a sculptural vase, you won’t regret it! Look what a beautiful difference it makes in the River House primary bathroom?? It’s an oppurtunity to add a little color (if you want), some height (if you want), and, of course, a place to put some pretty flowers or leaves (if you want). It just adds that final styling touch that makes your space look like a designer had a hand in creating it.

Castalia Handmade Ceramic Table Vase | Handmade Ceramic Table Vase

Not colorful but textured and interesting shapes. The first one with the little handles is quietly playful! I love how small they are compared to the rest of the piece. It’s so fun but still serene for a calming bathroom (or any room). The other one is tall and slim with a shape you don’t commonly see (especially at this reasonable of a price point). Doesn’t take up a lot of surface space, so it’s great for a counter, mantle, etc.

Mesola Qatrefoil Vase

Another tall and slim (but chic) sculptural vase! This one is both bold with its color and soft with the almost flower shape at the top. It’s handmade in the US and extremely special.

Sculptural Vase: Short & Round

Round Textured Ceramic Vase | Round Exaggerated Rim Vase

These are two affordable options that give you great visual texture! I really love the exaggerated rim on the darker vase. That’s a style I see mostly in very expensive pieces.

Sculptural Vase: Organic & Graphic

When I took out the two vases from the original photo, even I was shocked by the stark difference! Of course, you need to factor in that the flowers and branches are gone too, but woah, if there was ever a case for sculptural vases, it might be this example! The blue on (which I also desperately want someday) is by the amazing BZippy, while the other is a great vase from Anthropologie. Together, the soft colors and bold shapes work together and help to create a really visually interesting room. Here are some other options that live in the same world

New Collection Handmade Ceramic Table Vase | Natural Cement Planter

I adore the shapes of both of these so much! The first sculptural vase is modern and cool, but soft and lol so much more expensive than it is! The second vase is under $40! The movement is intoxicating to me and has a real studio pottery vibe to it, which is a favorite of mine.

The room examples are now done, and below are more incredible vases I found and had to show you. It’s a design sickness, and I’m sorry if I’m spreading it to you all;)

Sculptural Vase: Classic-Inspired Blue Striped

Cyrene Bud Vase | Ceramic Vase ‘Krater N°1’

Like, are you kidding me????? That first bud vase makes my heart stop a little. It’s handmade in England, and I want to own it. It’s small, but my god, it’s so special. The second is an incredible modern twist on ancient Greek pottery. What a great piece to either contrast with a more traditional style home or a super eclectic one! The hand-painted look and raw finish really gives it so much movement.

Sculptural Vase: Hand-Sculpted Double-Handled Urn

Handmade Stoneware Sculpture | Medusa Vase

My jaw will continue to remain on the floor because look at these two pieces! I really adore when ceramics look hand-sculpted, and these two are very close to that (especially the first one). Special, special, special!

Sculptural Vase: Modern Classic & Colorful

Green Glazed Ceramic Vase | Italian Peeled Large Scale Vase

Let’s come back to some color, but still in a more antique style. Honestly, no notes for either of these pieces. I love the added circles and exaggerated handles of the green one, and how precious are those scroll accents on the terra cotta one?

Sculptural Vase: Striped

Maya Eline Leroy Striped Ceramic Vase | Hulu Ceramic Vase

You can’t really go wrong with a stripe. The green and blue one is fun and wonky in the best way. It’s just whimsical but cool, you know? Then what I love about the tan and black vase is the shape (obviously), but also the alternating stripe orientation. It’s so simple but adds a fun twist.

Fraya Vase | Rhysa Vase

Clear glass isn’t always my personal favorite because the stems are really on display (again, a personal preference), but this first one has those great green stripes that make it really fun and the blue solid base. Big fan. Then who doesn’t love a cool jug? I know we all do, and this two-tone green striped one is perfect. It’s got a great shape, a fun pattern, and texture.

Sculptural Vase: Colorful Glass

Dotted Rim Pink Glass Vase | Bristol Glass Bud Vase

Speaking of glass, here are two more options that are colorful, beautiful, AND will mostly hide your stems should you put flowers in them:)

Sculptural Vase: Architectural with Thin Arms

Corra One Handled Zinc Vase | Sanita Handmade Metal Table Vase

Ugh, I LOVE an angular and exaggerated skinny vase handle! These two fit that bill to a T. And don’t worry, both of these vases are nice and tall, giving you height, shape, and texture. These give Brutalist and would create some awesome style tension if your style is more traditional.

Ceramic Table Vase | Asel Metal Table Vase

Here are two more! The blue one’s handles aren’t large per se, but the difference in scale in proportion to the body is so fun. Also, that glaze and color are very good. Then it’s not all that often that a vase has four handles like the brown metal sculptural vase you see above. It’s simple but special (I had to say it once; it’s in the EHD law book).

Sculptural Vase: Ruffle/ Textured Accents

Peony Vase | Lola – Vase D

For my more traditional with a twist style lovers, this section is for you. That big, green, beautiful vase is incredible. It’s part of Heidi Caillier’s collection with Lulu and Georgia, so it’s a no-brainer. Now the blue one is by a Mexican ceramist by the name of Perla Valtierra. I first saw one of her vases in a coffee shop in Mexico City in 2022, then again in an incredible shop on our team retreat in Todo Santos in 2024. Another piece I want for my future. Those ribbon accents and perfect glaze color are unreal.

Cloud Blue Ceramic Pinched Edge Hand Painted Vase

But for a much, much more affordable option, these pinched-edge vases are so wonderful! Has that handmade element, and that super light blue color is so peaceful.

Sculptural Vase: Special Blue & White Handpainted

Bird Vase | Wonky Ware Vase

We also love a darker blue, and these hand-painted, hand-sculpted pieces are what ceramic dreams are made of! These are true works of art with their immense amount of texture and free-form shapes. So yes, I want these too. They are almost giving modern, studio pottery Chinoiserie!

Limn Vase | Printed Floral Shell Vase

Two more blue and white beauties that are also incredible. That more graphic piece is made in the US, and I’m in love with the shape and mixing of patterns. The shell vase is from Pottery Barn, is a great size, and under $100. Playful and unique!

Sculptural Vase: Organic Polka Dot

Nobuko Konno Planter | Tagine in Buttons

It wouldn’t be a cool vase post without polka dots in some form, right? These two in particular are so special. Polka dots are known for being quite uniform, but these feel so cool and organic. The shapes are amazing, the textures have so much movement, and the pattern makes both so incrediby eye catching. 100/10.

Adger Paper Mache Table Vase | Unusual Decorative Blue & White Modern Vase

These two are in the “polka dot category,” but are more bumps and dots:) The black one is so unique! The dark single color keeps it from taking center stage in a room, but the shape is SO fun and eye-catching. Then the white one also has SUCH an unreal shape, and the pattern feels youthful and fresh.

Sculptural Vase: Organic & Wavy

Anetta Decorative Vase | Round Decorative Ceramic Vase

But if you want cool shapes and textures but like neutral and not “too crazy,” one of these could be the sculptural vase for you. These feel like they were scooped up from the ocean, but not in a “I’m a coastal vase” kind of way. Their texture just looks like it was made by the ocean’s currents, and there’s something so calming when you look at them. Aren’t they beautiful? Also, they could work in, I believe, almost any style of home.

Brittany Llanas Large Porcelain Vase

Here’s an awesome, really tall version that’s under $150!!

Sculptural Vase: Black & Bold

Hampstead Urn | Palermo Ceramic / Porcelain Table Vase

Finally, here are some truly great solid black options. The shapes and materials make them so special. I’ve loved that metal urn for a while now. It’s so elegant but moody. I’m just very drawn to it. The other one feels very “EHD”! Exaggerated rim, cool shape, and a great height. Also, a very fair price!

Ryder Metal Decorative Urns & Jars (Set of 2) | Karme Vase

These last two are modern traditional at their core, and boy, are they so pretty! Different materials, great unique handles, and classic body shapes. They are quite showstoppers.

This is where I leave you. If the room you’ve been working on feels like it’s just missing a little something and you don’t already have a sculptural vase, try one! It’s a piece of art that’s functional, can be a conversation starter, and is easy to take with you to a new home. If you ask me, it’s a worthy investment:)

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Farmhouse Landing Wallpaper and Art Update!