Design

The Best Scandinavian Vases to Buy

Although a vase can hold a myriad of beautiful objects, from bouquets to buds, these Scandinavian design vases are more likely to hold the attention of the room.

Go minimalist, be bold or simply evoke scandi-chic with our guide to the best Scandinavian design vases to buy:

Classic Scandinavian design vases

List Marker: Number 1aalto vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala

You’re standing at the edge of a forest, surrounded by towering evergreens and looking out across cool water. The sunlight hits the surface and the ripples of gold dazzle you. You take a deep breath, it smells like pine and salt. Or at last, that’s how you’ll feel every time you look at the Aalto vase.

Design by Alvar Aalto for Iittala and inspired by the Finnish landscape and lakes, the iconic rippled glass has been reinterpreted in various sizes and colors ever since its initial creation for the World Fair in Paris in 1937. Every vase is mouth-blown at the Iittala glass factory in Finland.


 
 

List Marker: Number 2Lyngby vase by Lyngby Porcelain

An iconic design originating from 1936, the Lyngby porcelain vase is a simple, cylindrical shape with elegant grooves running vertically. Although it is now available in glass and various colors, the white porcelain is the original and arguably the best incarnation.

 
 

List Marker: Number 3Rosvas vase by Göran Wärff for Kosta boda

The Kosta Boda Rosvas vase is ideal for all kinds of flora and fauna, as the wide, open mouth of its torch-shaped design is the perfect structure to build a flower arrangement on. Designed by Göran Wärff as part of the Limelight series, the vase features the brand’s signature light capturing and reflecting properties.


 
 

List Marker: Number 4Koppel vase by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen

The iconic Henning Koppel design for heritage silversmith Georg Jensen is a triumph of Danish design: everday objects become beautiful without sacrifcing function, like this practical vase crafted from polished stainless steel.

 
 

List Marker: Number 5Jam Jar vase by Estrid Ericson for Svenskt Tenn

You’d be forgiven for thinking this is actually Pooh Bear’s honey pot, but the 1930’s Estrid Ericson design is more frequently referred to as the “jam pot.” Crafted from pewter, the polished vase has a richness and depth to it that feels like an antique. The practicality and simple beauty of Ericson’s classic has made it a timeless favorite.


 
 

List Marker: Number 6Vase No.2 by Josef Frank for svenskt tenn

Designed in the 1930s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, the characteristic Vase No.2 works well with full blooms or as a stand-alone piece. The glass vase is blown at Skruf Glassworks in Småland, Sweden, using a wooden mold that changes character with time, so each vase takes on unique characteristics telling of their craftsmanship.

 
 

Modern Scandinavian design vases

List Marker: Number 1échasse vase by Theresa Rand for menu

Inspired by the test tubes found in laboratories, the drop-shaped design sits on échasses, meaning stilts in French and from which the design takes its name. The smoke-colored glass and brass base works well with muted palettes of stoney grays, earth tones, or acerbic yellows.


 
 

List Marker: Number 2Muuto silent vase by Andreas Engesvik for Muuto

Andreas Engesvik, designer of the Muuto Silent vase, says of the design: “Silent is about reducing a vase to it’s most simple expression. It is the shape of the vase that is in focus and adds character to the vase.” What’s left is a serene design that brings peace to any space, capable of carrying minimalist monstera stems or full bushy bouquets.

 
 

List Marker: Number 3Juice vase by HAY

Danish design heavyweights, HAY, are squeezing every drop of sunshine from the Scandinavian skies with this bright and playful design. The glass vase is crafted with asymmetrical stripes that have been created using the traditional filigree technique. Guaranteed to spark joy in any room and potentially even cure any SAD symptoms.


 
 

List Marker: Number 4Mini vase by Carina Seth Andersson for Marimekko

Small but perfectly formed, the hand-blown Marimekko Mini vase is just big enough for a Marguerite Daisy – the National flower of Denmark. It’s designed by Carina Seth Andersson, a Swedish designer known for her deceptively minimalist glass and ceramic design.

 
 

List Marker: Number 5Strøm vase by Raawii

Copenhagen-based Raawii takes inspiration from cubist still life paintings by Danish artist Vilhelm Lundstrøm. References are felt in the heavy, geometric shapes that are lifted with cylindrical bases and a color scheme fitting of the artist’s palette.


 
 

List Marker: Number 6Ikebana vase by Jaime Hayon for fritz hansen

Take the stress out of flower arangements with the Ikebana vase. Inspired by the Japenese art of flower aranging, ikebana, the vase features two drilled plates to allow precision of placement when adding flowers.

 
 

List Marker: Number 7Forrest vase from House doctor

Don’t be deceived by its stoney appearance, this delicate vase is crafted from glass. Its organic design and natural elegance makes it perfect for coffee tables and window sills alike. Team with an eclectic collection of tableware or use it to hold a single sprig of baby’s breath.


 
 

List Marker: Number 8Bon Bon vase by Eva Schildt for Design house stockholm

A sci-fi hard candy or a Swedish design? Just as sweet either way. Designed by Eva Schildt for Design House Stockholm, the Bon Bon vase is handmade using blown glass techniques.

 
 

List Marker: Number 9Hammershøi vase by Kahler

Featuring the distinctive furrows that bind the Hammershøi collection together, this elegant mint vase evokes Scandi interiors and Nordic scenes. Perfect as a table setting or on its own as an accent in a room.


 
 

List Marker: Number 10Mini Yuki vase by Arhoj

Studio Arhoj is the epitome of Japenese influence on Danish design. Its founder, Anders Arhoj, studied in Tokyo before starting his ceramics practice, which continues to explore the visual relationship between Scandinavian simplicity and traditional Japanese culture. The Yuki, named after the Japanese word for snow, is a hand-thrown vase with excellent craftsmanship.

 
 

List Marker: Number 11Ostrea Rock vase by Hein

Like a babbling brook formed in glass, it’s inspirations come from the infinite treasures of the sea, from light reflections to oyster formations. The Ostrea Rock vase is mouth-blown before being formed in a mold that’s carved by hand, creating the unique raw surface.

 
 
Heads up! This post contains affiliate links. The commission we earn when you buy through our links comes at no extra cost to you. For more information about affiliates, please see our Disclosure Policy.

Last edited

Sorcha McCrory

Sorcha McCrory is the Managing Editor at Scandinavia Standard. She is a British writer and content creator, writing on topics including fashion, feminism and pop culture.