Looking for creative, upscale vase decorating ideas? Try these easy DIY vase makeovers using paint, Mod Podge, vinyl, rope, and more!
I’m fully convinced that decorating vases starts innocently and then slowly becomes a personality trait.
At first you just want one cute centerpiece for your coffee table. Totally normal. Then suddenly you’re standing in thrift stores holding six random glass vases while whispering: “These all have potential.”
And honestly? They probably do.
Because once you learn how to decorate a vase, it becomes ridiculously easy to make your home decor feel more personal without spending a fortune.
A little spray paint, some Mod Podge, maybe a few decorative elements . . . suddenly that plain vessel from Dollar Tree looks like something from a boutique shop with terrible lighting and a $92 price tag.
That’s the fun part.
I also love that vase decor works in basically every room. Add fresh flowers to a dining table. Put greenery beside candles on a mantel. Style pampas inside cylinder vases on a living room shelf. Even a small vase can change the entire placement and mood of a room.
And yes, thrift stores are absolutely the secret weapon here.
Some of my favorite flower vases looked ROUGH before getting a DIY makeover. But the right color scheme, a little creativity, and the right size project can completely transform glass vases into pieces you actually want sitting out.
There are modern projects. Vintage inspired ones. Bright colorful tutorials. Rustic finishes. Fun seasonal ideas for special occasions. Some focus on pattern while others lean simple and clean.
Basically, if you’ve ever looked at a plain clear glass vase and thought “you could be cooler,” this list is for you.
Before You Begin
When I’m dealing with glass or ceramic surfaces, I wash them with warm, soapy water and then rinse thoroughly (here’s an article on removing labels). Then I let them dry.
I also wash my hands before working with them so that I don’t get oily fingerprints all over the surface.
Paint to Use
I like to use FolkArt Multisurface paint to decorate all sorts of items, and I use it for glass as well. There’s also a FolkArt Enamel paint made specifically for glass.
For my purposes the multisurface works just fine. Get my guide to painting on glass.
Are you ready to get started? Here are all the projects. Let me know your favorite in the comments!
Vase Decorating Ideas
1
How to Decorate a Vase with Tissue Paper
Tissue paper creates colorful layered effects while making flower vases feel playful, artsy, and much more visually interesting overall.
Swirled paint creates dramatic depth and bold color scheme details inside glass vases for statement-making modern decorating ideas. The paint is swirled around on the inside so you can't put water in there, but you can use faux flowers as filler if you like.
Stone spray paint transforms thrift stores finds into ceramic vase inspired home decor with earthy personality and modern texture. Some pampas would look great in this project!
Joint compound creates ceramic vase earthenware charm for a fraction of boutique prices while adding rustic personality throughout your home. Pair with pampas to make it pretty.
This is one of my favorite vase ideas! Rice paper and Mod Podge transform a vase into elegant blue-and-white decor with timeless grandmillennial inspired style indoors.
Personal photos turn flower vases into meaningful DIY gifts perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or sentimental family celebrations together beautifully.
Confetti and Mod Podge create a colorful vase packed with cheerful personality and playful party-ready decorating energy throughout celebrations. Add fresh blooms for your celebration!
Photo transfer medium transforms glass vases into vintage inspired keepsakes packed with nostalgic personality and creative decorating possibilities. The decal method basically creates a glass cling with a vintage look.
Honestly, once you learn how to decorate a vase, it becomes VERY hard to stop collecting them.
One trip to thrift stores and suddenly you’re carrying home random glass vases because “the shape is interesting.” Next thing you know, your craft stash has paint, ribbon, Mod Podge, beads, and enough supplies to redecorate an entire dining room.
But honestly? I regret nothing.
Whether you love colorful flower vases, modern cylinder vases, rustic texture vases, or simple ideas with fresh flowers and greenery, these tutorials are an easy way to add personality to your decor without spending a fortune.
Try one for your coffee table top, bathroom, shelves, or mantel . . . and don’t be surprised when decorating vases becomes your new favorite obsession.
Did you enjoy these projects? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to take a look at these other posts:
I have to make 3 really large “church” stained glass windows for my play’s backdrop. If I use plexiglass, or something similar, could I use puffy black paint for my lead lines? Will it stay stuck or is there a method to use a Mod Podge to protect it from sliding?
Judy you could absolutely use puffy black paint for your lines. Just make sure it dries completely on a flat surface. I don’t think it will be as raised as the lead lines because I believe you have to iron puffy paint? I can’t remember. But it should work for your purposes!
Love, Love, Love these ideas!! Decoupage was one of the first true craft projects I learned as a kid and I still love doing it today. I’m thinking this is a good week to finally hit my “vase stash” and get to work 🙂
Great ideas! I do wish you could use Redi-Lead on those circles on the geometric vase with Gallery Glass. That is an awesome vase! But I don’t think it comes in circles – my hand is too unsteady with the liquid lead. I never thought to use scrapbook paper on a vase! I digital scrapbook now but have lots of paper left from my paper scrap days. There are some really beautiful patterns so I will be trying this and a few of the others! Thanks for the great ideas.
Hi Jan! They used to come in circles but now they are a relic from the past! You might get lucky on eBay. 😀 My hand is also too unsteady with the liquid lead for circles. I’m wondering if the 1/16″ lines could be shaped into circles?? I doubt the 1/8″ ones could but maybe you should try it with the 1/16″ . . .
I have to make 3 really large “church” stained glass windows for my play’s backdrop. If I use plexiglass, or something similar, could I use puffy black paint for my lead lines? Will it stay stuck or is there a method to use a Mod Podge to protect it from sliding?
Judy you could absolutely use puffy black paint for your lines. Just make sure it dries completely on a flat surface. I don’t think it will be as raised as the lead lines because I believe you have to iron puffy paint? I can’t remember. But it should work for your purposes!
Love, Love, Love these ideas!! Decoupage was one of the first true craft projects I learned as a kid and I still love doing it today. I’m thinking this is a good week to finally hit my “vase stash” and get to work 🙂
Mindy please share what you make in the group! 😀
You might try using a bottle cap and go around it with the liquid lead to get circles.
Pat that is a great idea!!
Great ideas! I do wish you could use Redi-Lead on those circles on the geometric vase with Gallery Glass. That is an awesome vase! But I don’t think it comes in circles – my hand is too unsteady with the liquid lead. I never thought to use scrapbook paper on a vase! I digital scrapbook now but have lots of paper left from my paper scrap days. There are some really beautiful patterns so I will be trying this and a few of the others! Thanks for the great ideas.
Hi Jan! They used to come in circles but now they are a relic from the past! You might get lucky on eBay. 😀 My hand is also too unsteady with the liquid lead for circles. I’m wondering if the 1/16″ lines could be shaped into circles?? I doubt the 1/8″ ones could but maybe you should try it with the 1/16″ . . .