Design Spotlight: How Our New Flori Vase Came to Life

Sometimes creativity arrives in the most unexpected circumstances. For BOMSHBEE co-founder William Lau, the idea for our new Flori vase collection took shape during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he was stuck quarantining in a Shanghai hotel.

Like many people confined to a small space, William found himself with ample time to observe the tiny details around him. One in particular caught his attention: the swirling patterns in the glass cover surrounding a hotel lamp’s light bulb. The subtle optical effect created by the twisted glass fascinated him, and soon he began sketching ideas inspired by what he saw.

“I was trying to keep myself busy during quarantine and started thinking about new designs for BOMSHBEE,” William recalls. “We already had glasses, plates and cutlery on the table, but I wondered what else could add something small and beautiful to people’s daily rituals at home.”

Those early sketches would eventually evolve into the Flori vase: a small yet thoughtful addition to our tableware line, designed to elevate everyday spaces.

Crafted Through Traditional Glassmaking
Made from borosilicate glass, known for its durability and brilliant clarity, the vases feature a distinctive swirl optic pattern that catches and reflects light in subtle ways. Produced in northern China by skilled artisans using traditional lampworking techniques, the pieces require a few exacting steps to bring to life.

First, glass tubes are heated to temperatures of around 600°C before being mouth-blown into Flori’s signature forms. To achieve the swirling optic effect, artisans must carefully twist the molten glass to a specific angle while simultaneously blowing air through the tube – a delicate process requiring both strength and precision.

According to William, he wanted Flori to come in two shapes designed to suit different settings – a round and plump silhouette and a tall, slim version – and complement each other. Compact in size, the vases are intentionally designed to hold those small stems, say, a sprig of eucalyptus or a few pieces of baby’s breath, usually leftover from larger bouquets that can still be used and styled on the table.

“Vases can really add life to the table setting,” says William. “Even something as simple as a few small flowers can completely change the atmosphere. It adds freshness, warmth and a sense that the table is truly ready to welcome people.”

A Small but Striking Detail
In fact, the idea partly grew from William’s own dining experiences. While eating out, he began noticing how frequently restaurants placed small floral arrangements on their tables.

“I started noticing more and more small flowers on dining tables when I went out for dinner,” he says. “It made me realize that having fresh blooms on the table isn’t a new idea – it’s really a finishing touch that completes the setting.”

In that sense, the Flori vase brings a touch of restaurant-style elegance to everyday meals at home. And though originally conceived as part of a tablescape, the vases also work beautifully throughout the home.

“I have them on my work desk, my shelves, my console table, and side tables next to the sofa,” he says. “The colours are neutral – grey, clear, and teal – so they work perfectly in any room setting. You can place a single vase or several together, with or without flowers, to style tables or shelves. There are so many ways to display them.”

A Design Rooted in History 
The simplicity of William’s design also connects to a broader fascination with the long history of vessels themselves. During a recent visit to the British Museum, he found himself captivated by how vases – made from craft materials like glass and ceramic – have appeared across countless civilizations for thousands of years.

That enduring history has sparked new ideas for the future of BOMSHBEE’s designs, including ways to share more stories about the cultural significance of vases and how people have styled them throughout time.

For now, however, the Flori collection reflects the brand’s core philosophy: creating thoughtful objects that elevate everyday rituals – especially those shared around the dinner table.

From dining tables to bookshelves, consoles to desks, the Flori vase is an easy way to add a little life to any corner of the home. Explore the collection and the rest of BOMSHBEE’s thoughtfully designed pieces.