How to Float Flowers in Urli Bowls for a Festive Look

Introduction
Indian décor is a celebration of color, craftsmanship, and serenity, and nothing captures this better than a beautifully arranged brass urli bowl filled with floating flowers. Traditionally used in South Indian homes and temples, urli bowls have now found their way into contemporary spaces across the world, adding elegance and tranquility to modern interiors.
In Indian tradition, floating flowers symbolize purity, positivity, and new beginnings. They are often used to decorate homes during festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and weddings. However, beyond festivities, a floral urli bowl can also serve as a daily reminder of beauty and peace in your home.
In this blog, we will walk you through how to float flowers in urli bowls for a festive look, covering design ideas, flower selection, placement tips, and creative styling options. Whether you want to welcome guests with a warm ambiance or enhance your living space with timeless charm, you can easily create this enchanting setup at home.
If you are in the USA and want authentic brass urlis and Indian home décor, explore Lovenspire for premium handcrafted pieces that celebrate traditional artistry with modern sophistication.
What is a Brass Urli Bowl?
An urli bowl is a shallow, round vessel traditionally made of brass or bronze. Originating from Kerala, India, urlis were once used for cooking but gradually evolved into decorative centerpieces. Their reflective metal surface and smooth circular design make them ideal for holding water and floating flowers or candles.
Brass urlis are not just decorative; they also carry spiritual significance. In Indian culture, brass is associated with prosperity, good energy, and purity. Placing a brass urli near the entrance or in the living room is believed to invite peace and positive vibrations into the home.
Modern homes, especially in the USA, often use urlis as a centerpiece on tables, mantels, or entryways to add a hint of Indian luxury to contemporary interiors.
The Significance of Floating Flowers in Indian Tradition
Floating flowers are a timeless expression of beauty and spirituality. They symbolize freshness, renewal, and devotion. The act of placing flowers in water also represents letting go of negativity and welcoming purity into one’s surroundings.
During Indian festivals and rituals, floral arrangements in urlis are used to honor guests and deities. The natural fragrance of flowers and the reflection of light on water create a serene environment, perfect for meditation or prayer.
Today, this practice transcends cultural boundaries and is loved globally for its soothing aesthetic. Whether for festive décor or everyday ambiance, a urli bowl with floating flowers can instantly uplift the mood of your home.
See also: Transform Your Outdoors with the Stainless Steel Waterblade
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Float Flowers in Urli Bowls
Creating a floral urli arrangement is simple and enjoyable. Here’s how you can do it beautifully and effectively.
Step 1: Choose the Right Urli Bowl
Select an urli that suits your space and theme. Brass urlis are the most popular because of their golden hue and traditional charm.
If you have a large entryway or living room, go for a medium or large urli bowl. For coffee tables or sideboards, a smaller version works perfectly.
Lovenspire offers a variety of handcrafted brass urlis ideal for both small and large setups. Their polished finish reflects light beautifully and complements both modern and traditional interiors.
Step 2: Select the Flowers
Fresh flowers are the heart of any urli arrangement. Some of the best options include:
- Marigolds: Bright orange and yellow marigolds are festive favorites.
- Roses: Red, pink, or white roses add elegance and fragrance.
- Lotus: A symbol of purity, the lotus flower looks divine when floated in the center.
- Jasmine: Small white jasmine flowers add a subtle fragrance and delicate beauty.
- Gerbera Daisies or Carnations: Perfect for modern homes in the USA where tropical flowers may not be easily available.
You can also mix flowers to create color gradients or patterns.
Pro Tip: Choose flowers with a strong stem or firm petals so they float longer.
Step 3: Add Water and Optional Fragrance
Fill your urli bowl about three-fourths full with clean, room-temperature water.
To enhance the sensory experience, you can add a few drops of essential oils such as sandalwood, rose, or jasmine. This will make your arrangement smell divine while keeping the flowers fresh.
You can also sprinkle flower petals on top of the water for an extra layer of color and texture.
Step 4: Arrange the Flowers
There is no single right way to arrange flowers in an urli. You can choose from several styles based on your preference and the occasion.
Classic Circular Design
Arrange flowers in concentric circles by alternating colors. This pattern works beautifully for festive occasions like Diwali or weddings.
Floating Pattern
Mix and match whole flowers with petals to create a more natural, floating look.
Lotus Centerpiece
Place one large lotus flower in the center and surround it with rose petals or jasmine for a spiritual and elegant arrangement.
Minimal Modern Style
For a contemporary American home, use a few select blooms and candles to achieve a balanced, minimalist look.
Step 5: Add Floating Candles or Diyas
To elevate the beauty of your floral urli, add small floating candles or brass diyas. The soft glow of the flames reflecting off the water and brass creates a magical, peaceful ambiance.
Light the candles in the evening for a calming effect or during special celebrations for a festive glow.
Safety tip: If you are using real candles, ensure the bowl is placed away from fabrics or drafts.
Creative Urli Decoration Ideas for Different Occasions
1. Diwali Celebration
Use marigolds, roses, and floating candles for a traditional festive look. Add a few drops of rose or sandalwood oil for fragrance. Place the urli near your entrance or in your living room to welcome guests.
2. Wedding or Anniversary
Opt for white roses, pink lotuses, and jasmine. You can decorate the area around the urli with flower petals, fairy lights, or crystals for an elegant touch.
3. Everyday Serenity
Keep it simple with a few fresh blooms and tealights in your urli bowl. Place it in your meditation area or by a window for daily calmness.
4. Housewarming or Dinner Party
Impress your guests by using colorful petals and floating candles as a table centerpiece. This makes your décor look thoughtful and inviting without requiring much effort.
Where to Place Your Urli Bowl
The placement of your urli bowl plays an important role in enhancing the energy and beauty of your space.
1. Entrance or Foyer
Placing a brass urli near your front door creates a warm welcome for guests and attracts positive energy. It sets a spiritual and elegant tone for your entire home.
2. Living Room
An urli on a coffee table, console, or near the window adds a luxurious focal point. It blends beautifully with both modern and traditional furniture.
3. Puja Room or Meditation Corner
Floating flowers in an urli during prayers adds serenity and devotion. The scent and soft light enhance your spiritual practice.
4. Balcony or Outdoor Space
For outdoor settings, choose hardy flowers like marigolds and use larger urlis. The reflection of sunlight or moonlight on water and brass creates a breathtaking view.
Caring for Your Brass Urli
Brass is a long-lasting and elegant material, but it requires regular maintenance to preserve its shine.
- Clean after each use: Empty the water daily to prevent staining.
- Wipe gently: Use a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water.
- Polish occasionally: To keep the shine, use natural brass polish or lemon juice with salt.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: These can dull the metal over time.
With proper care, a brass urli can last for generations and become a cherished part of your décor.
Modern Variations: Blending Tradition with Contemporary Design
If your home leans toward a minimalist or modern style, you can still incorporate urlis beautifully.
Here are some contemporary adaptations:
- Use a small brass urli as a tabletop accent paired with neutral décor.
- Create a floral arrangement using floating petals instead of full blooms.
- Combine glass beads and white candles for a modern touch.
- Place multiple mini urlis in a row for a symmetrical, elegant display.
These creative arrangements bring a refined balance between Indian heritage and American interior design aesthetics.
Why Choose Brass Urli Bowls from Lovenspire
When decorating your home in the USA, authenticity matters. Lovenspire offers handcrafted brass urlis designed by skilled artisans who preserve India’s timeless metalworking traditions.
Lovenspire’s collection includes classic and contemporary designs, allowing you to choose the perfect piece for your home. Each urli is crafted with precision, making it not only a décor item but also a meaningful symbol of cultural artistry.
Whether you are decorating for Diwali, a wedding, or simply elevating your everyday ambiance, Lovenspire ensures quality, elegance, and authenticity delivered right to your doorstep in the USA.
Conclusion
A brass urli bowl with floating flowers is more than a decoration; it is a statement of peace, beauty, and tradition. With just a few simple steps, you can transform your home into a haven of warmth and positivity.
From marigolds and candles for festive occasions to lotus flowers and jasmine for meditation, every combination reflects a part of India’s rich culture.
If you are in the USA and wish to embrace this timeless tradition, visit https://lovenspire.com/ to explore a stunning range of brass urlis and other authentic Indian décor. Let your home glow with the spirit of artistry, elegance, and cultural harmony.




