What is the basic rule of thumb for arranging flowers in terms of height?

The best practice for arranging flowers involves maintaining balance and proportion, which is why the guideline that the focal flower should be about one and a half times the height of the container is widely accepted. This height allows the focal flower to rise above the rest of the arrangement and draw attention without overwhelming the overall composition. It contributes to a visually appealing display by establishing a clear focal point, while ensuring that the arrangement maintains an appropriate scale and doesn’t become top-heavy or unbalanced.

Choosing a height that is too short could lead to a lack of visibility for the focal flower, making it hard to appreciate the design. Conversely, making the focal flower too tall might create a top-heavy look or distort the proportion of the container, potentially leading to instability and detracting from the arrangement’s aesthetic. Therefore, the one and a half times height rule helps achieve an elegant balance that enhances the overall appearance.