These Once-Popular Vintage Jars Are Making The Sweetest Comeback In Kitchens

One search about home decor trends will show you that nostalgia and vintage aesthetics are all the rage at the moment, and thrift stores are having a big moment. If you're excited to find all the old treasures at your local secondhand shop that social media and design experts are touting as "the it pieces," then you will want to start searching for the vintage Merry Mushroom jars that are making a big statement in kitchens. These sweet containers deliver a burst of color in a very nostalgic design that helps you get on the adorable mushroom decor trend, too. Whether your home is Cottagecore themed or you just want to add some vintage style to your cooking space, the mushroom storage set is worth seeking out when you're thrifting. Even if you only snag one, it will certainly add to the vibe that is taking over the interior design world.  

The Merry Mushroom jars originated at Sears and were produced between the 1970s and 1980s. During their reign in kitchenware, there were around 250 items people could purchase from this line. The unique designs were made as both cookie and flour storage, so when you are shopping you might find either option — though you can use them for whatever you want. The cookie jars can be slightly smaller than the flour canisters; however, the sizing varied throughout the jar's production, so you may get options of the same size. There are also a plethora of other ceramic pieces from this line, making it important to look for tell-tale elements that define the Merry Mushroom collection.

Notable for their unique coloring and mushroom shape, these '70s decor trend is making an unexpected comeback and are the epitome of vintage. Not only do they bring a bright shade to your kitchen that can be combined with a variety of aesthetics, but their unique design makes them a statement item. The glossy lids are a mustard yellow hue with brown accents, and the mushroom embellishments on the jars also feature orange, brown, and even red shades, giving you plenty to work with when decorating.

If you're wondering how to style these, there are several ways to make them work in your space. To balance the color of the jar and the design, you could pair these on a wood tray with more neutral items like a frame in beige or taupe to match. This will play up the color and also complement the natural elements of the mushroom. Another idea? Add your jars to shelves with other kitchenware in wood or copper to help balance out the yellow and brown tones. If your kitchen is more eclectic, play to the '70s style by matching it with richer brown shades and other mustard tones. You can also use gold accents to complement the mustard color.

To determine if you've found a real item from the Merry Mushroom collection, you can check the bottom of the ceramic pieces for stamps with their years. Created between the '70s and '80s as mentioned above, you should find dates within this range as well as a Sears notation. This is one of the simplest ways to identify your pieces. However, it has been noted that some of the lids may be mismatched and the sizing varies depending on the year each was produced. While some measure 9.75" others may come in at 10" or 10.75" for the jars. Other pieces can measure much smaller like the tea canisters, so keep that in mind. If you don't plan to bring a ruler or tape measure with you to the thrift store, just check for the stamp and the tell tale colors that make these jars so unique.

They create a cozy inviting element that you want in a room like your kitchen. The key with these is to not overthink it, and use them as creative storage rather than trying to build a whole aesthetic or theme around them. These would be great for keeping electronics, hiding cords, or even transferring items from your junk drawer into. You can also store dried goods like cookies, flour, rice, or any other food items like pasta, which is what they were made for. Adding these to your home is a great home decor idea to bring back the '70s without breaking the bank.