Turn Florist Vases Into Pretty Pottery

Here is an easy way to upcycle that cabinetful of glass vases I know you have

Turn your throwaway glass florist vases into pottery. It just takes a few coats of matte paint. (Photo: The Velvet Chaise)

I love getting flowers sent to me—who doesn’t? What I don’t especially like are the boring glass vases they are sent in. So you can store them, throw them away or turn them into something more interesting.

The two vases on the right were selected for this project. I’m thinking about painting the cube-shaped vase next. (Photo: The Velvet Chaise)

Here is a ridiculously easy way to remake glass vases: paint them.

The secret to this simple transformation is matte or chalk-based paint. The matte finish resembles unglazed or matte-glazed pottery, which is the look I was going for. I also noticed that best results come from using colors that are more earthy. (I tried periwinkle on one that I am not going to show you.)

Try to use your own forlorn floral vases for this project but if you do decide to buy one look for something with a pleasing shape, maybe square or cylindrical. Textures are also welcome—my vase with a raised hobnail pattern turned out really well.

You don’t need a lot of paint to do this. Look for matte paint that comes in 2-oz. or 4-oz. sizes. (Photo: The Velvet Chaise)

Paint your vases

Here’s what to do:

Step 1

Clean and dry your selected glass vases. Paint 2-3 vases so that you can group them. Select a high-quality brush and small containers of your desired matte paint. To get close to the color I mixed, try this one. Have a mixing bowl handy if you plan to blend your own color.

Step 2

Combine your selected paints or stir your single color thoroughly.

Step 3

Paint the vase in long, even strokes, leaving the top rim unpainted so you can turn the vase upside down to dry. Paint the bottom, too. You can apply just one coat on the base so that when you paint the second coat, the vase can sit on its base. Wait at least a couple of hours, then paint a second coat, this time painting the top rim. Allow to dry overnight.

That’s it!

Styling your new “pottery”

It’s pretty amazing how different these look just by painting them. Now these vases reflect a warm late summer/early fall feeling, with a gathering of dried natural plants. Other arrangements to consider include pussy willow (more springlike), white hydrangea, fall leaves or cattails.

This is a great weekend project as you transition one or two of your home’s spaces for a new season.