The Thrift Store Treasure You Can Use To Organize Your Bathroom

Bathrooms often present an organizing challenge — there's a lot to store in such a compact space, from toiletries and makeup to hair tools and accessories. While an interior designer could help you to reconfigure your bathroom to maximize every inch, not everyone has the budget for that kind of renovation. The good news? You don't need a big spend to get amazing results. Simply set aside a weekend to browse local garage sales or thrift shops, and you'll likely uncover affordable treasures that will not only assist you in organizing your bathroom vanity but will also give your bathroom a stylish update.

Go thrifting, and you'll easily find some vintage glass jars, bowls, and dishes that can hold your self-care odds and ends and look fantastic doing so. In addition to classic mason jars, keep an eye out for pre-owned or antique glassware that can enhance any bathroom aesthetic, from sleek and modern to charmingly farmhouse or naturally organic. As a bonus, while saving money and keeping your bathroom tidy and easy to navigate, you'll also be shopping sustainably — rescuing beautifully made pieces that might otherwise end up in an already overflowing landfill. With a bit of luck, you might pick up a charming mason jar for cotton balls, a crystal dish for your toothbrush and toothpaste, or a colorful glass soap tray in soft pink or blue.  Perhaps you could even grab some depression glass patterns you should always keep an eye out for at the thrift store, adding both nostalgia and beauty to your space.

There's a variety of gorgeous glassware you could snag for pennies on the dollar if you know what to look for. Mason jars are trending in home decor and are great for corralling items like combs, lipsticks, or Q-tips. Many mason jars are clear, but you might find stunning blue-green or amber antique Ball jars that glow beautifully when sunlight filters through.

For a sweet way to store jewelry or other small items, look for milk glass at the thrift store, which may end up being valuable as well as a helpful organization tool. First made in 16th-century Venice and later popularized by makers like Anchor Anchor Hocking, Fenton, and Westmoreland, these vintage glass pieces are prized for their milky-white, porcelain-like finish. There are also rarer pink, blue, or green versions.They may sport charming raised patterns, such as Hobnail or Stars and Bars.  Available in a variety of forms — like dessert bowls and goblets — milk glass can be used in many ways, such as for holding makeup brushes in a short vase, popularly used by florists in the 1950s and '60s.

For a cheerful retro touch, look for colorful Depression glass bowls, glasses, or saucers. For feminine flair, try rosy pieces in intricate patterns like Cherry Blossom or Pansy to hold earrings, razors, or other essentials. Keep in mind that while vintage glassware are lovely options for storage, many pieces contain lead, so they're best used decoratively and not for serving food or drink on a daily basis. Always hand-wash them to preserve their sparkle — dishwashers can cause unfortunate chips or cracks.