Every House Had One In The '50s — The Valuable Vintage Canister We Want On Our Countertops

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Interior design in the 1950s was all about post-war optimism. An array of bright colors and patterns was the norm in most homes, and "Mid-Century modern decor," which still persists in modern designs, was officially born. One thing you would likely see on the side of any kitchen countertop in that era was a Maxwell House coffee canister. Renowned for their house blend, which was first created in 1901, the brand quickly became one of the most popular confectionary names of the mid to late 20th century. But, why is it a desirable piece of homeware today and what is it worth? 

There are lots of colorful Maxwell House canisters that are immediately eye-catching. They are characterized by their intricate designs that boast retro-style typography and playful patterns, which any vintage homeware lover would be a fan of. If you happen to spot one in your local thrift store, you may want to snap it up as you don't see them all too often. Empty Maxwell House cans are reasonably affordable and cost between $20 to $30. However, sealed and unused canisters can be worth around $80. 

There are lots of unique ways to repurpose empty coffee containers as a decorative item around your home. For example, using the Maxwell House coffee can to display your favorite houseplant. Simply clean out your canister, pop in some polythene sheeting to act as a liner, fill with soil, and plant your chosen variety. A lovely reason to display your canister on your kitchen countertop, not just for aesthetic purposes, but for functional reasons too, is to use it as a utensils caddy. Fill your Maxwell House coffee canister with cutlery and utensils that you wish to grab on a daily basis and place next to your prep station for a subtle vintage pop. 

Alternatively, if you want to add some wow-factor to your countertop, fill your vintage canister with a handful of colorful blooms. A handpicked flower arrangement will brighten up any kitchen, and the combination of a retro tin and vibrant florals is a match made in heaven. If you don't mind taking the canister under the knife and off of the counter, you can transform the empty coffee container into a birdhouse to give your outdoor area some vintage flare too.