Every House Had One In The '60s — The Valuable Canisters That Are Bold And Beautiful

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If you thought The Home Edit (and its famous clear bins) invented the idea of organizing your kitchen, think again. When built-in cabinetry and countertops became commonplace in the 1920s, so too did kitchen canisters to store everyday necessities like flour, sugar, coffee, and, for some Southerners, grits. Styles of choice evolved over time, from early glass and jadeite canisters to the popular tins of the '40s and '50s. It was during this time that Anchor Hocking Glass introduced its Fire-King line, along with a colorful set that dominated the bright aesthetic of the '60s and '70s. Today, you should never question buying these rare glass canisters at the thrift.

The original Anchor Hocking Fire-King milk glass canister set included solid colors and ombre designs in bold shades of blue, yellow, orange, and green. The painted glass jars are topped with sturdy, black plastic lids. Today, these covetable containers go for a pretty penny, ranging from $20 to $45 for a single container to nearly $300 for a full set — which is a rare find. Now, it's useful kitchen decor that keeps things organized, so it can be worth the splurge if you find the right set.

Today, mid-century modern canisters are vintage kitchen accessories that are making a comeback. Anchor Hocking's colorful set is a rare find, especially if you source one in good shape. You'll want to look for a milky white interior with a bright colored or ombre-glazed exterior. If you're shopping in person, test the lid to ensure it still fits snugly if you intend to use it to store perishables. Many have the brand's stamp on the bottom (a logo of an anchor over the letter "H"); however, it can be hard to see today.

If you don't love the solid colors, the brand had other popular canisters in its Fire-King line you can source secondhand today. One popular style is the all-white "Harvest Grape" pattern, which is a milk glass canister featuring a vine design. Or, the "Red Flower Pot" set from the 1940s offers another stylish choice, with ivory milk glass, a graphic flower pot design, and simple text displaying the contents (salt, flour, sugar, etc.) Whatever your kitchen style, there is an Anchor Hocking canister for you.