A while back I mentioned that mason jars were my favorite party decorating idea. Today I’ll expand on that: any glass container is one of the most useful, attractive, and versatile everyday accessories you can own. Whether large or small, with lids or without, round or tall, glass jars are endlessly adaptable.
Why I love glass jars
They’re affordable, often free if you repurpose food containers, and easy to collect. Most kitchens already hold several jars and bottles that can be transformed into functional storage or charming décor. Keeping them around is a frugal, practical way to organize and decorate every room in the house.
Frugal, multipurpose ideas that work throughout the home
Sewing kit, Martha… other three from my personal collection
Use jars in craft rooms, laundry areas, bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens. They work equally well for storage and display.
Dress them up for decorating. Wrap a simple jar with twine, ribbon, or decorative stickers to add texture and color without spending much.
Combine jars for layered displays. Nest two glass containers and fill the space between with colored water, sand, shells, or seasonal accents for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Jar with ribbon, Martha…others from Pottery Barn
When you start exploring your cupboards, you’ll find more types of glass containers than you expect: ice buckets, vases, canning jars, spaghetti sauce jars, jelly jars, baby food jars, and more. Each can be repurposed for a different need. Think beyond the jar’s original use and consider how shape and size work for storage, lighting, or display.
Ways to use jars around your home
- Pantry organization: Store dry goods like rice, beans, pasta, and baking ingredients in clear jars so you can see quantities at a glance.
- Bathroom storage: Cotton balls, Q-tips, bath salts, and small soaps look tidy and pretty in labeled jars.
- Craft and office supplies: Buttons, beads, pens, clips, and ribbon scraps are easy to sort and display.
- Centerpieces: Group jars with flowers, fairy lights, colored water, or sand for a quick table arrangement.
- Lighting: Create candle holders or tea-light lanterns by placing candles inside jars and embellishing the rims.
- Gifts and favors: Fill small jars with homemade jam, spice blends, or cookie mixes and add a handwritten tag.
- Planters: Use jars as small herb pots or succulents containers; add drainage layers of pebbles if needed.
These ideas are easy to adapt for any style—rustic, modern, cottage, or minimalist—by changing labels, finishes, or embellishments. A little twine and a printed tag can make a jar feel handcrafted; a coat of spray paint or a frosted finish can make it sleek and contemporary.
Questions to get you started
Do you have cupboards full of jars and vases you can pull out for decorative storage? Which containers around your home could become attractive, useful displays or organizers? Think about everyday items you already own that could be repurposed—you’ll likely find more possibilities than you expect.
Look around your kitchen and beyond: with a bit of imagination, glass jars can simplify storage, enhance décor, and help you create memorable centerpieces without spending much.