How to choose a 3D-printed vase: size, stems and water use
Shape, size and styling
Start with two questions: where will it sit, and will you put water in it? Sway and Ellipse are flower vases with water-resistant interiors. Trunklin is a branching display stand for small plants and trinkets, despite “vase” being in its name.
The short answer
For fresh flowers, choose a vase whose listing explicitly allows water: Sway and Ellipse do. Compare their outside dimensions with your shelf and ask about the opening if you have a particular bouquet in mind. Choose Trunklin for small display objects or plants, rather than water-filled flower arrangements.
Start with where it will sit.
The same vase reads differently on a bedside table, a shelf and a dining surface. Placement helps narrow the size and visual weight before colour enters the picture.
Desk or bedside
Start with the 10 x 10 cm footprint of a regular Sway or Ellipse. Leave room for your lamp and daily items, and check where the stems will spread.
Open shelf
Choose the silhouette first. Texture and unusual outlines still make an impact when the vase is not holding flowers.
Side table or corner
Try a paper template before choosing a larger footprint. Keep the base fully on the table and make sure tall stems will not block a walkway or be easy to knock.
Sway, Ellipse or Trunklin?
Dimensions below are approximate outside measurements from the product listings. They do not give the opening diameter or internal water capacity.
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| At a glance | Sway | Ellipse | Trunklin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual feel | Smooth and rounded | Fuzzy printed texture | Branching and sculptural |
| Intended use | Fresh flowers or dried stems | Fresh flowers or dried stems | Air plants, small potted plants and trinkets |
| Regular size | 10 x 10 x 15 cm | 10 x 10 x 15 cm | 6.6 x 6.3 x 18 cm |
| Large size | 13 x 13 x 20 cm | 14 x 14 x 22 cm | 8 x 7.8 x 22 cm |
| Water use | Listing permits water for fresh arrangements | Listing permits water for fresh arrangements | Not intended as a water vessel |
Can a 3D-printed vase hold water?
Some can, but the material name alone does not tell you. The Sway and Ellipse listings describe water-resistant interiors intended for fresh arrangements. That is product-specific guidance, not a waterproof guarantee for every printed vase.
For the first fill, put the vase on a water-safe surface and check underneath before placing it on wood or beside electronics. Use room-temperature water. If you notice seepage, empty it and contact the studio; dried stems are an option while you resolve the issue.
Will your stems fit?
The widest outside measurement is not the opening size. A dense bunch needs a wider opening than a single stem, and tall or heavy branches need a stable base. Ask for the opening and usable depth if you are buying for a specific arrangement. Leave space above the vase to insert and remove stems on a shelf.
Trunklin’s listing describes air plants, small potted plants and trinkets on its branches. Do not fill it with water or soil as though it were a conventional vase or planter.
Compare the finishes up close
Sway has smooth curves, Ellipse has a deliberately fuzzy printed texture, and Trunklin has branching arms. The texture is part of the print; Ellipse is not covered in fabric.
Quiet curves
Sway Vase
A balanced, rounded silhouette for fresh flowers, dried stems or a calm standalone object.
Explore Sway
Soft texture
Ellipse Vase
A fuzzy, fabric-like surface that catches the light and gives even a simple arrangement more character.
Explore Ellipse
Branching form
Trunklin Vase
A tree-like display piece for air plants, tiny potted plants, rings and other small objects. Flowers appear in the styled photo; the listing does not describe Trunklin as a water vessel.
Explore TrunklinQuestions, answered
Before you choose a vase.
Can a 3D-printed vase hold water?
Sway and Ellipse have water-resistant interiors and are designed to accept water for fresh arrangements. Trunklin is intended for air plants, small potted plants and trinkets rather than as a water vessel.
Should I choose a regular or large vase?
A regular vase is easier to place on desks, bedside tables and compact shelves. A large vase creates more visual presence on an open shelf, side table or in a quiet corner. Check the comparison above for the exact dimensions of each design.
Do these vases work without flowers?
Yes. Sway and Ellipse are designed to work as standalone sculptural objects, while Trunklin is especially expressive on its own or with small objects balanced on its branches.
How do I clean a 3D-printed vase?
Wipe the exterior with a dry or lightly damp soft cloth. For Sway and Ellipse, empty flower water regularly and avoid hot water, dishwashers and abrasive cleaning. Follow the listing and ask the studio if residue inside will not come off with gentle cleaning.
Product sources
Written by That Odd Piece about our own collection. Dimensions and intended uses were checked against these listings on 9 September 2026. This is buying guidance, not independent product testing.