Home Florals : Repurposing Old Containers

Flowers in the home space, is such a passion project of ours.  Whilst I spend a great deal of my time in the professional arena of floristry, I fully enjoy encouraging creative projects for sheer joy, pleasure and passion at home too.

If you'd like some step by step guidance on a project...or six...that you could try out at home, sign up for my free beginners tutorials; First Steps Flowers.

Home projects can be simple, creative, beautiful, seasonal expressions that invite joy and a touch of nature into your home space.  I love the simplicity of using something you already have to hand when it comes to creating a floral offering for your home.

Some of the most unique and eye-catching displays come from repurposing everyday items you probably already have in a cupboard or lying on a side table.  Whether it’s a vintage teapot, a rustic mason jar, or one of my favourites – a used candle container.  Everyday items can be repurposed for a fun, simple home floral project.

In my professional teachings, I champion sustainable techniques, and it's no different in the home space.  Upcycling what you already own is a great way to embrace sustainability.  let's take a closer look at some tips and considerations.

1. Why Repurpose Containers?

Repurposing containers has become a popular trend for a number of reasons:

•  Eco-Friendly: Reusing old containers reduces waste and encourages sustainable living.
•  Cost-Effective: No need to buy fancy vases—just use what’s already in your home.
•  Personalized Style: Each container tells its own story, giving your floral arrangements a personalized touch.
•  Creative Expression: It’s a fun way to experiment with floristry and show off your creativity!

2. What Containers Can You Use?

Almost anything can serve as a vase, as long as it can hold water (or be adapted to hold water). Here are some fun ideas:

•  Teapots and Coffee Pots: Old teapots, especially vintage or ceramic ones, add a quaint, nostalgic vibe to your flower arrangements. They’re perfect for a cottagecore look!
•  Mason Jars and Jam Jars: These are classics for rustic floral designs. Their transparency allows you to see the stems, which adds to their charm. Pro Tip:  Add a ribbon or lace around the jar to give a more styled look and custom feel.
•  Tin Cans: Empty cans from the kitchen can be transformed with a little DIY! Paint them, wrap them in decorative paper, or leave them bare for a minimalist, industrial look.
• Baskets: Baskets can work beautifully for floral arrangements as long as you line them with a waterproof material (like a small vase or container or waterproof lining) to hold the water inside.
• Candle Containers: If you're a candle lover like me, you may end up with a collection of beautiful vessels that you don't want to waste.   I often choose a particular candle because of its aesthetic, which means it matches my home decor style seamlessly in its new floral role too.
  

 3. How to Prepare Your Containers

Before placing your flowers in the container, there are a few things you’ll want to do to ensure your arrangements last as long as possible:

•  Clean Thoroughly: Even if you love the weathered look of an old tin or jar, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before use, especially if it’s been holding something other than water.  If you're using an old candle container, placing it in a bowl of hot water to loosen any remaining wax on the inside is a good trick.  You can then remove what's left with a spoon and paper towel - just be sure not to pour any melted wax down your drains!
  
•  Make it Waterproof: Not all containers are naturally waterproof. If using something like a basket place a small plastic or glass jar inside to hold the water. 
  
•  Use the Washi Tape Grid Method: For more control over your arrangement, especially in wide containers like shallow bowls, consider creating a simple framework to help support and build your arrangement.
  

You can learn the Washi Tape Grid Method in my free series, First Step Flowers, right HERE.

4. Pro Design Tips

These projects are all about using what you have available to hand.  When it comes to flower choices you can turn to your garden, local market, even supermarket for what is readily available.  Once you’ve chosen your container and flowers, it’s time to create your arrangement. Keep these tips in mind:

•  Beyond Flowers: One thing I love to do with candle containers that are opaque is select bulbs or plants over fresh cut flowers.  You can add additional design detail by incorporating small branch detailing like in the blog post image – trim the branch on a sharp angle and twist into the soil to secure.
•  Layering and Texture: Mix flowers with greenery to add texture and depth to your arrangement. Play around with different heights and shapes for a dynamic, natural look.
•  Group Similar Containers: If you have several smaller containers you can create a styled vignette or build them up into a table-scape.  Additional elements like candles, tea lights, flower heads and even fresh fruits can be incorporated for a more designed look.
  

Take a peek at the Grape-scape in my free series First Step Flowers for some inspiration on adding fruit as a style element.

Final Thoughts

Repurposing old containers into unique vases is not only a fun and creative way to express your floristry skills, but it’s also a great way to be sustainable. With a little imagination, everyday items can become stunning pieces of floral art, bringing beauty and personality to your home.

I share six creative floral projects for the home in First Steps Flowers, sign up for free right HERE.