Transparent vases
The first series of vases were produced in plain transparent uncolored glass with different forms and had a functional design to be used for flower arrangements. They were simple containers, designed by collaborators of IKEA in basic forms without any decoration, although some of them were designed to be objects that could stand alone.
The series “Rektangel” is based on a cubic form and is produced in different sizes and forms (Figure 1).  Similarly, the series “Kanist”, exists out of a cubic container that increases from the bottom to the top (Figure 2). The series “Cilinder” is based on a cylinder and is produced in different sizes. It was also edited in white glass (Figure 3).  Larger sized vases “Bladet” up to 30 cm, designed by Anne Nilsson, had a simple form, but by their size it was possible to contain large flowers or branches (Figure 4).

Next to transparent vases based on simple forms like rectangles, cilinders or globes, more complex designs have been made in clear transparent glass.
Such a more complex form is seen in the “Matresa” vase with 2 conic bowls integrated in each other (Figure 5). The “Stelik” series, has a star-shape form, and refers to the famous Aalto vase by Alvar Aalto for Iitala, a typical Scandinavian design (Figure 6).
 “Vasen” designed by Åsa Gray is a vase that has an elegant feeling to it (Figure 7). The inspiration for this vase came from thinking about an armful of tulips, the first flowers you can buy in Sweden in the early months of the year, when spring still feels far away. But by its functional design it can be used for all types of flowers and bouquets. Also when it is empty, the form is elegant and nice to look at. It was produced in different sizes, of which the 20 cm version is still on sale.
Another recent series “Ensidig”  of transparent glass designed by C. Halskov and H. Dalsgaard refers to  milk bottles of the 1960’s, that have been cleverly adapted to be used as a vase, in the philosophy of recycling materials and forms.  They are produced in different formats to serve for different forms of plants and flowers (Figure 8).

Ehlén Johansson, a Swedish industrial designer, designed the IKEA PS 2012 vase (2) and added a ribbling to the surface (figure 10).  “It all started when I visited a glassworks to learn more about working with glass. I also visited the Venice Biennale art exhibition and was impressed with the city’s architecture, something I think influenced my design as well. That’s why I made IKEA PS 2012 vase majestic. I wanted it to have a life of its own, even when it’s empty. If you get flowers, it’s possible to separate the vase into a larger and a smaller part, one for large bouquets and one for somewhat smaller ones.”

In the same series, incisions were made on the surface, referring to the designs in cristal vases produced by other companies (e.g. Val Saint Lambert).
Monika Mulder made the design for the “värvind” series. Its beauty is based on irregularity and the feeling of imperfection. They refer to handmade urns and half-inflated balloons, among other things. The vases have a strong character, while they also have a lot of spontaneity and playfulness (Figure 11).

Pia Amsell and Barbro Wesslander made the design for “Blomster”, a transparent blown vase with an added floral design decoration (Figure 12). It is a vase that can be used for small wildflowers or big, festive floral arrangements. By adding the floral decoration, the object can also be used as a stand-alone object.