Have you wanted to use vintage containers as floral vases?  I am showing you 6 different containers you can use for your flower arrangements.  

A quick note that this post includes affiliate links and if you purchase items from links provided in this post, I will receive a small commission, but at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I am presenting you with my own opinion and honest review of the information provided. If you want to read the entire disclosure statement, please click HERE. You can also read my privacy policy by clicking HERE.

As an antiques dealer, I am always stumbling upon some beautiful and unique floral containers. After speaking with my friends and family, many of them never thought about using these containers as floral vases. They typically reach for their tried and true white pitcher or glass bud vase for their flower arrangements. (Not that there’s anything wrong with using the tried and true containers! ) However, if you feel like expanding your creative boundaries, and finding different way to use vintage containers then here are 6 examples of flower arrangements in some of my favorite vessels. 

6 Vintage Containers as Floral Vases

Where to get vintage containers

These unique containers are part of my personal collection and are items I have found over the years at various vintage markets and shows. Where possible, I have provided links to similar vintage containers sold online.  However, you can get most of these unique containers from a thrift store, antique market or even yard sale.  It’s fun to amass a collection over time. 

Where to get flowers

I purchased a bunch of fresh flowers, shown in the photos, from the local grocery store and Trader Joe’s.  I also went into my yard to gather some small clippings of ferns, branches and hosta leaves. The whole idea behind this post is that you can re-create these same floral designs in your own home.   It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. 

1. Cast Iron Urns

While cast iron urns are frequently used outside in the garden – they are seldom used inside a home as a floral container.  I usually put a glass jar or plastic liner inside the cast iron urns, filled  with water, for the flowers.   Cast iron urns create beautiful floral arrangements in an entryway or on a sideboard.  These are my favorite vintage vessels to use for flowers.  

Just a quick note, cast iron urns can be heavy!  So, make sure you are placing them on a stable surface. 

2. Architectural Salvage

I love finding sections of old columns or any architectural salvage with a hollow center. Applying the same principle as above, I simply add a jar with water for the flowers.  

Architectural salvage floral arrangements look lovely on a dining table.  This is especially true if you have a small collection with 3 or 4 pieces.   These can be very pretty when incorporated into wedding decorations.

3. Old Tins

Normally, it’s fairly easy to find old coffee and tobacco tins.  I am always on the lookout for old candy tins, cookie tins or unusual tins with pretty colors.  Again, because these older tins can be fragile, I usually place a jar on the interior. 

If you find a tin that has the bottom rusted through, then simply put a plate underneath the entire arrangement.  

4. Trophy Cups

People always ask me what I plan to do with the old trophies I collect and usually my response is – use them for flowers.  If you don’t have old trophy cups, then there are plenty of metal vases that simulate a trophy cup form. 

Given the shape of these containers, sometimes I add a small bowl with water instead of a jar.  Evaluate the size and shape of the container to determine what works best for you.

5. Flour or Sugar Canisters

There are a wide variety of old canisters that can be found in vintage and antique markets.  It’s always fun to repurpose these canisters as flower vases.  I tend to use the Flour or Sugar canisters because they are the largest.  However, you could easily create a quaint arrangement in a small canister for tea or spices. The one shown in the photo is from England, is enamelware and is fairly large.  

If you want to repurpose an old flour or sugar canister for a flower arrangement, just be sure the bottom of the canister is solid.  As with the other containers, I simply put a glass insert (a jar) or plastic liner inside the canister and then add the flowers. 

6. Old Bottles

This is my favorite way to create a floral display.  It’s easy, fast and doesn’t require much thought or planning. Put a collection of old bottles together and then fill them with cut flowers.  This works best for delicate flowers with small stems such as daisies or cosmos. 

When purchasing old bottles, look closely to be sure they aren’t cracked.  

Other Ideas

In addition to those containers shown above, here are some additional vintage containers you can use for your floral arrangements:

• Vintage coffee pot – especially those made of enamelware
• Amber bottles – perfect for fall arrangements
• Old Mason jar
• Vintage pottery 
• Baskets – again with glass inserts for flowers

Summary

Thanks for stopping by the blog today. I hope you found some inspiration and will look around your home for some vintage containers that can be used as floral vases.

If you like these types of posts that I share with you, please subscribe to my mailing list. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest for more inspiration.

You may also enjoy the following posts:

7 Items to Look For at Markets

Collecting Vintage U.S. Flags