Fish Vases

Fish vases are among the most playful figural vases in home decor: a fish-shaped vase works as a standalone sculpture on the shelf and as a flower vessel at the same time. At Dims Studio you'll find fish vases in ceramic, stoneware, dolomite and glass from brands such as Kersten, Bloomingville, Creative Collection and GiftCompany, ranging from compact 11-centimetre pieces to statement vases at 30 centimetres. Below is a guide to materials, sizes, colours, brands and styling, so you can find the fish vase that suits your home.

Fish vases: materials and types

The fish vases in the range are split across four main materials, each giving a different look and function in the home. What they share is that the shape itself is the decoration, so the vase works equally well with and without flowers.

Ceramic fish vases

Ceramic is the most common material in the collection and appears with both Kersten and GiftCompany. The ceramic is glazed, which gives a glossy, richly coloured surface that's easy to keep clean and catches the light beautifully on the fish's curved body. Kersten's small fish vases in orange, turquoise and pink are cast with clearly defined scales, fins and tail, while GiftCompany's fish vases and fish jugs have a more organic, hand-painted finish with a mother-of-pearl sheen. Glazed ceramic is watertight and suited to fresh flowers, but should be wiped with a damp cloth rather than placed in the dishwasher, so the glaze keeps its shine.

Stoneware fish vases

Stoneware is a denser and more robust type of ceramic, fired at high temperatures around 1200 to 1300 degrees. That makes the material heavier to hold and gives a more rustic, matte surface than the glossy ceramic glaze. Bloomingville and Creative Collection are behind the stoneware vases in the range, including Irving, Ariella and Harvey, which are all hand-glazed or hand-painted, so each vase gets its own colour nuances and patterns. The stoneware is watertight and works well for cut flowers, but the handmade details last best if the vase never goes in the dishwasher.

Dolomite fish vases

Dolomite is a mineral-based ceramic type often used for decorative objects with a light, chalky surface. In the range you'll find, among others, the Pufferfish vase from GiftCompany in dolomite, where the round shape and soft pink and blue colours give a playful, almost cartoon-like expression. Dolomite tolerates regular wiping with a damp cloth and works well both with and without flowers as a purely decorative object.

Glass fish vases

For those who want a more transparent and light expression, GiftCompany offers hand-blown glass vases shaped like fish, including in blue and transparent pink. Glass gives a completely different lightness than ceramic and stoneware and lets the light play through the vase. The hand-blown glass vases are often somewhat larger, up to around 30 centimetres, and look striking as a standalone sculpture on the windowsill, where light can pass through.

The materials compared

Material	Look	Care	Examples in the range
Ceramic	Glossy, richly coloured, graphic	Damp cloth, avoid the dishwasher	Kersten's fish vases, GiftCompany's fish vases and fish jugs
Stoneware	Matte, rustic, handmade	Damp cloth, gentle cleaning	Irving, Ariella and Harvey from Bloomingville/Creative Collection
Dolomite	Soft, matte, playful	Damp cloth	Pufferfish vase from GiftCompany
Glass	Transparent, light, light-catching	Rinse with water, wipe dry	Hand-blown fish vases from GiftCompany

Colours: how to choose a fish vase that matches your home

Fish vases at Dims Studio come in a wide colour spectrum, making it easy to find a vase that either matches or contrasts with the rest of the room. Kersten's small vases come in clear, saturated tones such as orange, turquoise and pink, while GiftCompany's fish jugs come in softer shades such as mint green, lavender and azure blue, often with a subtle mother-of-pearl sheen that gives the surface depth. The hand-glazed stoneware vases from Bloomingville and Creative Collection have more organic colour gradients in blue, golden and warm brownish tones, where no two pieces are quite alike. The glass vases come in shades including blue and transparent pink, where the material itself gives the colour its own light.

If you want to keep the palette calm, choose a single colour and let it stand alone as an eye-catcher. If you'd rather create a playful, maximalist look, gather several fish vases in different colours and sizes on the shelf or dining table, ideally paired with other animal vases in the same style.

Sizes: from small windowsill vase to statement piece

The fish vases in the range span from quite compact models to large fish jugs that can carry a room on their own. Size matters a great deal for how many flowers the vase can hold and where it works best in the home.

Small fish vases, around 11 to 12 cm

The smallest fish vases, such as Kersten's fish vases at 8 x 5.5 x 11.3 cm and Ariella from Creative Collection at 15 x 12 x 9.5 cm, suit single flowers or small bouquets of three to five stems. They fit nicely on windowsills, bathroom shelves and nightstands, where they take up little space but add character even to a small surface.

Medium fish vases, around 20 to 24 cm

The fish vase from GiftCompany at 19.5 x 9.5 x 20.4 cm, Irving from Bloomingville at 22 cm tall, and Harvey from Creative Collection at 23.5 cm belong to the medium category. They hold a small bouquet or a few branches and work well as a standalone eye-catcher on the dining table or shelf, even without flowers.

Large fish vases and fish jugs, 21 to 31 cm

The large fish jugs from GiftCompany, available in mint green, azure blue, lavender and red, measure around 21 x 31 x 12 cm and work both as a water jug on the set table and as a vase for a fuller bouquet. The Pufferfish vase in dolomite at 22.7 x 13.3 x 14.1 cm and the hand-blown glass vase at 30 cm also belong among the larger models that can stand alone as a statement piece without flowers.

The sizes compared

Size	Typical height	Number of flowers	Best for
Small	11 to 12 cm	1 to 5 stems	Windowsill, bathroom, nightstand
Medium	20 to 24 cm	A few branches or a small bouquet	Dining table, shelf, as a standalone object
Large	21 to 31 cm	Fuller bouquet or as a jug	The set table, the floor, the side table

A good rule of thumb is that a small fish vase works best alone with just a few stems, while the large fish jugs can also be used as everyday vessels for water or juice at the table when not filled with flowers.

Brands behind the fish vases

The fish vase range brings together several brands, each with its own expression. Here's an overview of the brands you'll find at Dims Studio.

Kersten

The Dutch design house Kersten is behind the smaller, colourful fish vases in glazed ceramic, including in orange, turquoise and pink. Kersten is known for figural ceramic objects in a compact size with a clear, saturated glaze, making the vases well suited to grouping several together in different colours.

Bloomingville and Creative Collection

Bloomingville and its sub-brand Creative Collection are behind several of the handmade stoneware vases in the collection, including Irving, Ariella and Harvey. What they share is the hand-glazed or hand-painted finish, where the colours flow organically across the fish's body, making each piece unique. Also see the full range of Bloomingville vases for more models from the same house, including other fish vases in stoneware.

GiftCompany

The German brand GiftCompany, founded in 1998, offers the widest range of fish vases, from glazed ceramic vases and large fish jugs to the chalky Pufferfish vase in dolomite and hand-blown glass vases. GiftCompany often works with maritime and playful motifs, where the fish shape works both as a flower vessel and as standalone decoration.

How to use fish vases in your interior

Fish vases belong in a playful, colourful and often slightly maritime look, but can also work as a lively contrast in more subdued homes. Here are several ways to use them.

• Place a single fish vase with a fresh bouquet on the dining table as a natural eye-catcher.
• Gather two to three smaller fish vases in different colours on the windowsill for a playful, colourful look.
• Combine the fish vase with other motifs from the animal kingdom, for example animal vases, for a cohesive theme on the shelf.
• Let a large fish jug stand alone on the floor or on a side table with dried flowers or branches, when it's not being used as a water jug.
• Use a fish vase as a gift idea for both adults and children, especially those who love animal motifs or humorous design.
• Place a glass vase on the windowsill, where daylight can pass through the transparent material.

Fish vases for the living room, kitchen, bathroom and kids' room

Where the fish vase will stand affects which size and material suit best.

Fish vases for the living room

In the living room, a medium or large fish vase works well as a standalone sculptural element on the coffee table or shelf, ideally combined with books and other ceramic objects in related colours. A hand-glazed stoneware vase such as Harvey or Ariella adds an organic, tactile expression to the living room's decor.

Fish vases for the kitchen

The kitchen is a natural spot for the colourful ceramic vases, where a fish vase on the windowsill can hold fresh herbs or a single branch from the garden. The large fish jugs from GiftCompany also work as a practical water jug for the table when not used for flowers.

Fish vases for the bathroom

In the bathroom, a small fish vase with a single tulip or anemone adds a fresh, playful touch. Pair with a stack of folded towels or a small perfume bottle for a cohesive, personal table arrangement.

Fish vases for the kids' room

The fish shape often appeals to children, and a fish vase on the shelf in a kids' room can work as a fun detail, ideally alongside seashells or other maritime objects. Choose a smaller model that's easy for the child to move around.

Fish vase or ordinary vase? Our recommendations

Situation	Our recommendation
Small windowsill or bathroom shelf	A small ceramic fish vase from Kersten, around 11 cm tall
Statement piece on the dining table	A large fish jug from GiftCompany or a hand-blown glass vase up to 30 cm
Collector's look with multiple colours	Three to four smaller fish vases from Kersten in different colours grouped on the shelf
Handmade, unique expression	A hand-glazed stoneware vase such as Irving, Ariella or Harvey from Bloomingville/Creative Collection
Practical jug and vase in one	A ceramic fish jug that can be used both for water at the table and for flowers
Gift for a fish or animal lover	A smaller, colourful fish vase wrapped with a small bouquet. Also see more animal vases

Frequently asked questions about fish vases

What is a fish vase?

A fish vase is a vase shaped like or inspired by a fish, where both shape and details often draw on the fish's characteristic silhouette. It can be used for flowers or stand alone as sculptural decoration.

Which material is best for a fish vase?

It depends on the look you want. Glazed ceramic gives a glossy, richly coloured surface and is easy to clean. Stoneware is heavier and more rustic and is often used for hand-glazed models, where each piece is unique. Dolomite has a more chalky, matte look, and glass gives a light and transparent appearance.

What size fish vase should I choose?

Choose a small vase around 11 to 12 cm for single flowers or as pure decoration on a small surface. A medium vase at 20 to 24 cm suits a small bouquet, while a large fish jug at 21 to 31 cm can be used both as a vase and as a water jug for the table.

Can a fish vase hold water and fresh flowers?

Yes. Fish vases in glazed ceramic, stoneware and glass are watertight and suitable for fresh flowers. Change the water regularly and rinse the vase inside with lukewarm water between flower changes.

How do you clean a fish vase?

Wipe the vase down on the outside with a damp cloth and rinse it inside with lukewarm water after use. Most fish vases shouldn't go in the dishwasher, as the glaze and hand-painted details can wear or dull over time. For limescale buildup, fill the vase with water and a little vinegar for about an hour before rinsing thoroughly.

What's the difference between a fish vase and a fish jug?

A fish jug is a larger fish vase where the tail is often shaped as a handle, so it can be used as a water jug at the table. An ordinary fish vase typically has no handle and is used solely as a flower vessel or decoration.

Why are there colour differences between two fish vases of the same model?

Several of the fish vases, especially those from Bloomingville and Creative Collection, are hand-glazed or hand-painted. The glaze reacts individually during firing, so the colour distribution varies from vase to vase. This is a hallmark of handmade ceramics and means each piece is unique.

Can you group several fish vases together?

Yes, fish vases are great to group together. Place two to four models in different colours and sizes together on the shelf or dining table for a playful, cohesive look.

Is a fish vase a good gift?

Yes, a fish vase is a natural hostess or birthday gift for someone who loves animal motifs, colourful ceramics or a humorous twist in their decor. The smaller models are easy to wrap, while the large fish jugs work as a more striking gift.

Where can you place a fish vase in the home?

Fish vases suit windowsills, shelves, the dining table, bathroom shelves and nightstands. Size determines where it works best: the small models suit narrow surfaces, while the large fish jugs and glass vases need more space and work well as a standalone eye-catcher.

Which other vases go well with a fish vase?

Fish vases combine well with other figural vases in related colours or motifs, for example other animal vases or other vases from Bloomingville. If you want to keep the theme maritime, pair with fish platters or a fish jug in the same style.

Can a glass fish vase break more easily than a ceramic one?

Glass is generally more fragile than glazed ceramic and stoneware, so a glass fish vase should be placed somewhere it won't easily tip over or be exposed to knocks. In return, glass gives a unique, transparent look that ceramic and stoneware can't offer.