The most common type of vase is the glass vase. Most flower vases are glass -- either clear, etched or carved into crystal. They come in all shapes and sizes, from thin, single-stem bud vases to vases large enough to hold dozens of roses. They can be any color and often have scalloped sides or fluted rims.
Vases made from pottery or ceramic can be used for holding flowers, but more often they are simply decorations in their own right. Different types of materials and glazes create a variety of decorative effects. Some pottery vases have polished stones or chips of glass embedded in the clay to create a mosaic pattern. Artists often hand-paint elaborate scenes on ceramic vases.
Metal vases are also generally decorative as opposed to used for holding fresh-cut flowers. Usually made of copper or brass, but sometimes other metals, they can be nearly any shape and often have intricate designs. Most wall vases are metal.
Other materials used for making specialty decorative vases include wood, bamboo and even stone. Vases come from nearly every culture around the world, and a style of vase can be found to fit nearly any theme or decorating scheme.