Decorating with Jars

Jarringly beautiful

Few vessels offer the versatility, function, and decorative possibilities of the jar.  Produced since the time of ancient civilizations and once considered a luxury befitting royalty, the vast array of the types of jars available for use in home decoration provide us with limitless design possibilities.  Whether originally intended for adornment, canning, or storage, you can use jars as a versatile and functional way to fill out a design scheme.

Tomb raider

Canopic jars, frequently discovered in complete sets of four, stored the entrails of the deceased and played an important part in the religious process of mummification.  Sealed into pyramids and secreted underground, these ancient jars survive today in museums, nearly unchanged after thousands of years. 

Replicas of these venerable and enigmatic jars - capped with sculptures of pharaohs, hawks, jackals or cats - capture the regal artistry of ancient Egypt and impart a room with a sense of mystery.  Place them in studies or offices to inspire creativity.

Modern medicine

Decorative glass jars come in a number of recognizable shapes.  The popular apothecary jar - named for the pharmacists who used them to sterilize implements in their practice before the creation of plastic - has evolved from its medical origins. 

With its modern, clean lines, this style of jar proves attractive and functional for storing and displaying small items in bathrooms and on nightstands.  Fill them with fluffy cotton balls and leave them out on the counter.

Hidden treasure

Once a mainstay of countertops everywhere, the cookie jar still remains popular with collectors, both as a useful kitchen implement and a kitschy piece of Americana. 

In 2002, the artist Andy Warhol's collection of cookie jars, acquired inexpensively at flea markets over several years, sold for a record-setting $198,000.  Collectors still scour garage sales, outdoor markets, and web sites searching for a rare make or a vintage model.  Display your collection in a central location.

Canning and more

Collectors also scour markets, antique shops, and garage sales in search of examples of canning jars, notably Ball canning jars and Mason jars.  Named for their inventors (John L. Mason and William Charles Ball respectively), these jars helped spread the practice of home canning across the United States. 

Also popular are lightning jars, glass fruit jars that seal with a hinged joint and a rubber ring.  Although most antique jars are unsafe for home canning, they can be used to store dry goods or as spice jars.  Keep dry pasta, flour, and beans out in the open for easy access.

Scent-ilating design

A recent trend in home décor, jar candles can be used in almost any room in a house.  In living rooms, jar candles provide ambiance and graceful lighting for gatherings and parties.  Scented jar candles for bathrooms and bedrooms combine aromatherapy and decoration.  Use different scents to achieve different moods, from energetic and festive to restful and relaxed.

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