Keep Bathroom Counters Clear With An Essential You Can Usually Find At The Thrift Store

You're not alone if your bathroom counter quickly devolves into a cluttered mess in the midst of the busy work week. From makeup to skincare products, there are a massive amount of items that can pile up. Allowing it to stay cluttered can feel like the only option if you're using the same bathroom products day after day anyway. And while there are plenty of solutions to lean on — from hidden bathroom storage to makeup pouches — these options don't allow the easy access we may need. If you're looking for a more stylish and accessible option to clean up your counter, consider using a thrifted crystal bowl to store your essentials. These might include lip balms, face creams, hair claws, and more.

Crystal bowls are a fairly common thrift store find. You'll often stumble across shelf after shelf of candy dishes, serving bowls, and decorative bowls. However, not all of these pieces will be authentic crystal. Some will be cut glass. To qualify as true crystal, a piece must be rather dense and contain at least 24% lead. In order to differentiate valuable crystal from cut glass at the thrift store, carefully consider a piece's density, manufacturing mark, the sound it creates, and its ability to create a prism. True crystal has a density of at least 2.90. When you flick crystal, it will ring whereas glass simply makes a dull clink. Moreover, if you put a flashlight up to true crystal, it creates a prism. As you browse thrift stores for crystal bowls, keep an eye out for manufacturers such as Waterford Crystal or Baccarat. 

Take your time tracking down the perfect crystal bowl for your bathroom counter. This piece will be a key focal point in your bathroom so be sure to pick one you'll love to look at. To quote the great Marie Kondo, really examine each piece and ask yourself, "Does it spark joy?" There's a diverse range of crystal bowl styles to consider, from pieces with simple clean lines to more ornate options with an explosion of intricate facets. The thrift store is a great jumping-off point, but if you don't happen to find your perfect crystal bowl there, you can also search estate sales and online sources such as eBay.

Style your crystal bowl alongside other countertop accessories, such as a toothbrush holder, soap dish, or ring holder. You can even pair it with a fancy counter tray to get that elevated, vintage bathroom look (even in a modern home). Then, use the freed-up space to add in more stylistic elements, such as a small decorative sculpture or flower vase, too.

The bathroom isn't the only place you can use a crystal bowl as an answer to clutter. Look around your house and identify areas that seem to constantly pile up with small odds and ends. This might be a great spot to incorporate a crystal bowl. For instance, you can place one on your entryway table for your keys and wallet, or perhaps next to a candle to store matchboxes. The options are limitless.