A Vase is a Vase is a Vase

Handblown vase/pitcher

Apparently, the way you pronounce VASE depends on how much it's worth.  Mine are definitely pronounced with a long "A".

A highly expensive vase should not hold real flowers and water; it will diminish the value.  With a couple of exceptions, my vases are clearly OK with water and flowers.  

Large blown vase goes with any color

I've given most of my leftover florist vases to the Salvation Army thrift store.  And speaking of thrift stores!

Most of my vases are thrift store finds or repurposed from things not originally meant to hold flowers.  Here's how I deem a thrift store vessel worth the purchase:

1. The glass is lead crystal and either carved or etched.
2. The glass is hand blown.
3. The shape serves a specific purpose or specific flower.
4. It's too darn cute to pass up. 

An old perfume bottle that sits on my window sill.

Some hints that help - although not always true:

1A.  Lead glass is usually very heavy, the carved edges are sharp and held up to the light, it will may have rainbows and sparkle.

2A.  Blown glass is often heavy or at least thick, many with patterns and colors and the base will be thicker.

3A.  An unusual bud vase or has a small opening.  The top is wide enough/bowl shallow enough to float a flower.  It will hold short stems without overpowering.  

4A.  Often the fun ones.  A teacup, soap dish, teapot, enamelware, wine glass, old medicine bottle, anything cobalt blue and on and on.

Large blue blown vase - one of my best finds.

Reject any of these:

Deep foggy water stains especially on clear glass.  These can be impossible to eliminate no matter how many hints you read on line.

Any cracks.  Chips may not matter but a crack will eventually leak water or totally come apart.

Little vintage pitcher

Any colored container where the color is painted on the outside.  It will scratch and all you'll have left is a nasty looking piece of glass.

Iron or rust stains.  If they don't show on the outside and you don't care, then no harm.  

If it's top heavy.  Add flowers to a top heavy vase/container and it will topple over at the slightest movement.

Other considerations:

Pottery or clay vessels must have a saucer under them if there's water or damp soil inside.  Even if they have the bottom glazed, there is a risk of water spotting your tables.  They also tend to scratch wood.  

Blown glass bud vase

Enamel ware will leak if there is a spot where the enamel has been chipped.  Look for a black spot (often round) and this will be where there will eventually be a leak.  Also, if there's a spot or line with the color rust.  The enamel protects the metal from corrosion.

Some thrift shops are charging more for items than you can get at places like dollar stores, Marshalls/Home Goods/TJMax and on line sales.  Get to know what's reasonable.

Simple little wine glass 

Antique shops will almost always have a great selection of vintage vases.  If it's a popular style and by a famous maker, it may be expensive.  Fact is, antique vases are a hard sell and they can be priced to move.

The whole "shabby chic" trend was an unfortunate title for what can be some really lovely vendettas encompassing vases.

A footed vegetable dish - I've had over 50
years and always perfect to float flowers.

Vases for Mid Century Modern or other minimalist interiors are currently very inexpensive in the Midwest.  Look for the colors of that period.  Many are a statement piece along with providing a vase for flowers.      

Enjoy fresh flowers and greenery and give them a vase just as beautiful.   

 

The most expensive vessel for flowers in today's
article cost $5. (the large blue)  It doesn't cost
much to have beautiful vases.