20 Clever Ways To Reuse Old Glass Jars Around The House
Do you hate throwing away a good glass jar, perhaps one that was used to hold something like jam, pasta sauce, or a candle? They're so versatile and useful that it seems criminal to just get rid of them. Yet, if you don't know how to repurpose them, they're just clutter. If you have an assortment of empty jars, we're here to offer some inspiration, as we've provided 20 clever ways to reuse them around the home. These ideas range from utilizing them for simple storage to turning them into beautiful home decor pieces. Many of these projects are beginner-friendly and have lots of opportunities for creativity, so you can really make them your own.
Glass is a sturdy material that has a great deal of repurposing potential, as it can last for many years. Though it is 100% recyclable, most glass ends up in landfills. That's reason enough to find new uses for glass jars, as you'll be doing your part to save the planet. Depending on what you make, you could craft beautiful and functional pieces at a fraction of the price you'd pay in stores. To make your jars ready for reuse, simply wash them out with dish soap and water, dry them well, and remove any stickers or labels.
1. Lantern
There are many types of luminary pieces that you can create with a glass jar. Some designs call for battery-operated tea lights or votives, some require copper LEDs, and others use traditional candles for a classic look. Painting the outside is optional, but with some paint, you could create a stained glass-inspired lantern. Glass jar luminaries can either be hung around the home or can make excellent table decor for weddings and other celebrations.
2. Terrarium
Terrariums are tiny ecosystems that we can observe from the comfort of our homes. To create your own mini-world, you'll need potting mix, rocks or shells, moss, and any small plants of your choice. Many terrariums contain air plants or succulents because they're small and require less care than other plants. Though your options are endless when creating an attractive landscape, it's important to put rocks or shells in the jar before adding the soil and plants. These will help your soil drain and decrease the chances of root rot.
3. Refill at a zero-waste store
Zero-waste or bulk stores allow you to refill your own containers with food and cleaning products. Glass jars are a favorite among those who are attempting to limit packaging waste and save money, as they can easily be refilled with oil, soap, grains, candy, and more. Be sure to get your jars weighed before you begin shopping so that you're only paying for the volume you're purchasing. Add tape on top of the lid and write the weight of the empty jar so that you and the cashier know what to subtract from the overall cost.
4. Snow globe
Snow globes are full of whimsy and wonder, and if you have a glass jar, you can make one yourself. You'll need some small decorations, waterproof craft glue, water, glycerin, and glitter. Begin by gluing the decorations to the underside of the metal lid. While the glue is drying, combine water, glitter, and a few drops of glycerin inside the jar. Screw the lid onto the jar, apply the glue around the edge, and shake until your heart's content.
5. Drinkware
Have you ever eaten at a trendy restaurant and found that they used jars instead of traditional glassware? It's easy to see why the jars would be an effective replacement. Mason jar glasses require no modifications, but they're easy to decorate should you want something more eye-catching. Stained-glass or translucent paint can totally transform the appearance of the jars, but be sure to add a top layer of dishwasher and food-safe sealant. Further, ensure that the glass is food-safe before using it for this purpose.
6. Plant pot
Jars are perfect for that windowsill garden you've been wanting. They allow light in and let you better observe what's going on beneath the soil. Popular jar plants include culinary herbs, the majority of which are easy to grow. Because glass is non-porous and won't drain on its own, you will need to add pebbles, rocks, or shells to the bottom of the jar before adding potting mix and plants.
7. Piggy bank
Mason jar piggy banks are as easy to craft as you want. The only necessary modification is a slit in the lid. Ensure you create an opening that's wide enough to fit coins and paper bills. Then, decorate the outside as you see fit. If you like a simple look, make minimal alterations. To craft something closer to a traditional piggy bank, you can use paint, hot glue, and decorative pieces that will transform a jar into an animal. Consider repurposing other items in your home for facial features. For example, bottle caps make adorable noses.
8. Meal prep container
Chances are, your glass jar once held a food item. That's because glass is an effective food storage material and could be used for meal prepping, as long as it's food-safe. Glass containers are typically more expensive than their plastic counterparts, but reusing jars is free and requires no special alterations. Further, they'll help you keep all your containers organized when stored in the fridge. Things like soups and salads could easily be prepped at the beginning of the week and then kept in the glass jars until you're ready to eat them.
9. Herb storage
You can organize your fresh or dried herbs in small food-safe glass jars. The airtight seal will preserve herbs for longer. Make salt, pepper, and fine seasoning shakers by puncturing a few holes into the lid of the jar. However, keep in mind that basil, bay leaves, star anise, and other larger ingredients will not fit through the small holes. They can still be kept in the jars, but you'll have to open the lids to use them. Label the contents with a glass-specific pen or add a chalkboard sticker that you can write on and erase when swapping out herbs.
10. Leftover food organization
Food-safe glass jars are also great for containing leftovers, either from takeout or from home-cooked meals. The benefit of using your glass jars is that you'll easily be able to see what's inside them. Further, they could help you keep the fridge more organized, as you'll have less bulky plastic or styrofoam containers taking up space on your shelves. The lid could also create an airtight seal that will keep the food fresh. Storing food this way also makes it easily transportable without taking up too much space, so you can take your leftovers to work without the need for a large lunchbox.
11. Soap dispenser
You can easily turn your mason jar or other old glass jar into a soap dispenser for the kitchen sink or bathroom. Simply find a pump that matches the size of the top of your jar and screw it on after filling the glass with the liquid soap of your choice. You can personalize the piece by adding ribbon or twine around the top or by painting the jar any color you desire. This DIY could save you money and reduce your plastic waste, as you'll be able to buy your soap in bulk instead of purchasing a new dispenser every time.
12. Plant propagation station
There are many plants that you can propagate from a cutting. One of the best ways to propagate is by placing a cutting into water, where the roots will grow. Glass jars are perfect for this growing method because they fit on a windowsill and you can see through them. Being able to see how the roots are progressing lets you know when it's time to transplant them into some soil or the garden.
13. Loose item storage
Have you ever misplaced something small and later found that you really needed that item? Whether you deal with rogue screws and nails or easily-lost crafting supplies like buttons, a glass jar can solve all of your organizational problems. Though labeling is optional due to the transparency of the glass, adding a label will give the jar an elevated and purposeful appearance.
14. Painting tools holder
All painters, whether they paint artwork or walls, should consider using glass jars to store brushes and other equipment. Further, if you need to touch up a wall, you could pour a small amount of paint into a glass jar and easily carry it around. Or, if you paint artwork, you could use one jar for holding your brushes and another for holding water so you can easily clean off your brush before using a new color.
15. Centerpiece
Glass centerpieces have a classic and timeless appearance. An unaltered jar with some water and flowers is a simple design that anyone could execute. For something showier, consider adding metallic, sea glass, or textured paint to the outside of the glass. Textured paint like a stone spray paint would completely transform the look and feel of the object. It's also a way to disguise any imprinted logos or designs you wish to hide.
16. Potpourri holder
Potpourri is an old-school way to make your home smell fresh. Making your own dry blend is simple, and you might already have everything you need in your home. Fresh seasonal items have the strongest scent, but you can use older herbs, too. Popular ingredients like dried apple or orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and bay leaves have a warm scent. Dried flowers will smell more like traditional blends that are reminiscent of spring. You can combine all of these ingredients inside a glass jar and simply open the lid to give your home a delicious fragrance.
17. Pantry dry goods storage
Dry goods often come in bags or boxes that may or may not reseal. Further, even if bags or boxes can be resealed, the hold is often weak. Storing food like noodles, rice, nuts, quinoa, and granola in glass jars instead keeps them fresh and secure, so when you reach for the spaghetti in your pantry, it won't slide out and onto your floor. Further, this will help you organize all your different dry goods. Add creative labels that you can change as the contents are replaced.
18. Matchstick container
Matchsticks should be a part of every preparedness kit, or they could simply be used to light candles in the home. Their typical paper box packaging can be damaged, which can lead to faulty, bent, or waterlogged matches. Instead, put them upright in a jar for safe storage. You can also glue rounded sandpaper to the lid either on top or underneath the rim. It will act as a striking pad which you can use to light your matches.
19. DIY gifts
You have likely seen some of the creative ways people use glass jars for gifts. Easy yet delicious ideas include baking kits containing all the dry ingredients needed for a recipe, hot cocoa blends, and snack mixes. Those willing to spend more time in the kitchen can make homemade vanilla, limoncello, and infused oils. You could also include things like soaps, potpourri, or other household essentials instead. Decorate the jar and be sure to include any instructions required to use your gift.
20. Bathroom organization
While you could go to a home goods store and buy glass jars for your cotton balls, cotton swabs, and toothbrushes, store them in your empty jars for free instead. They look nice on top of a counter, but if you lack the surface area, mount the jars to a wall or place them on a floating shelf. You could attach them to the wall with a small mounted plant pot holder, or affix them to a wooden board with pipe clamps, pliers, and screws.