How to choose a vase: opening, height and placement
Begin with the stems you like and the surface you have. A practical guide to vase proportions, with Iittala to discover.
Start with the stems, then the opening
Think about what you bring home most often: a few individual stems, a loose bunch or a fuller bouquet. A narrow neck can gather a small number of stems close together; a broad opening leaves more room to spread them out. Neither shape makes every arrangement work. Before buying, picture the actual stems passing through the opening and ask whether you want them upright or leaning outwards. If you enjoy changing the arrangement, look for photographs from above as well as from the side: a profile alone can hide an unexpectedly wide mouth.
Read the dimensions beyond height
Height is only one part of the footprint. Check the width or length at the widest point, then compare it with the shelf or table where the vase will stand. Iittala’s official page for the clear Alvar Aalto Collection vase, reference 1007041, describes a 160 mm glass vase and specifies hand washing. Use that exact reference when checking details; the collection includes different sizes and finishes. A named design is a useful starting point for discovery, but the dimensions of the object you choose should decide whether it fits your room.
Try the whole arrangement in its place
On a dining table, consider the flowers as well as the vessel. Sit down and check the sightline across the table, leaving space for plates and serving dishes. On a console or shelf, check the height available above the vase before adding tall branches. Give the base a level, steady surface away from an edge. A simple paper outline of the base can help you judge the footprint before ordering; it will not tell you the weight or stability, so check those separately rather than judging from a styled photograph.
Choose something you can clean comfortably
Look inside the neck and at the base before committing to a shape. Can you comfortably reach the interior with an appropriate cleaning tool, and do you have a suitable place to wash and dry it? Follow the care instructions for the exact glass, glaze or finish; do not infer dishwasher compatibility from the material alone. Explore Iittala on Selezio to find a design you want to live with, then check its official care information. The useful choice balances the arrangement you enjoy, the space it occupies and the routine of using it again.
Continue your discovery
Sources
Sources checked on publication.
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