Function

• Vases serve to do more than add color or an accent. They provide a receptacle to hold flowers, both fresh and dried, as well as other decorative accents, such as curly willow or large palm fronds. Some vases serve simply to draw the viewer's eye to a portion of the room that contains other exquisite art, while other vases are entirely hidden by the items which they contain.
  
  

Types

• Vases come in a tremendous array of colors, sizes and shapes. Waterford and Baccarat create beautiful crystal vases that contain no color, simply using the play of light across exquisitely rendered patterns to draw attention to the vase. Classic pottery vases incorporate color to complete the decoration of a room or add an attractive motif, such as an Oriental pattern or a cloisonne design. Sizes vary from the minute bud vase to the enormous Limoges vases.
  
  

History

• Vases are first recorded as vessels that mourners placed at burial sites around 750 BC. These vases, called dipylon, contained abstract representations of people as well as bold geometric shapes. These vases served as burial markers, though they may have initially been used for the receiving of libations at the temple. In modern day, vases are still connected with death, as ashes can be stored in decorative vases if the deceased is cremated. But most vases are associated with celebrations and displays of flowers, such as those used for Thanksgiving gatherings or Valentine's Day.
  
  

Potential

• When purchasing vases, keep in mind the space in which they will be placed. You want to use the vases to either extend the color scheme of the room or add an accent color in a space. Different forms also denote different style. Geometric shapes are considered more modern, whereas gently rounded shapes are considered to be more traditional. Use the shape to further define your decorating motif; geometric shapes might well be used for art deco or arts and crafts styles, but French Country would require a more relaxed form with large roses or other flora.
  
  

Pricing

• Don't let the high price of some vases deter you--a Waterford vase can last for generations and leaded crystal is extremely strong, well able to withstand even weekly use of the vase. Similarly, don't let a cheap price stop you either. The value of the vases come from how it can be deemed useful in your home. You'll soon forget the actual price when you enjoy seeing the vases displayed on your mantel or festooned with flowers.