Let me guess—you’ve got herbs stuffed in random cabinets, essential oils rolling around in drawers, and that jar of dried lavender you bought six months ago has mysteriously disappeared into the void of your pantry. Been there, done that, got the expired chamomile to prove it.
The truth is that attractive apothecary storage is more than just aesthetics, though let’s face it, that makes it very appealing. It’s about keeping everything potent and fresh and really being able to find your remedies when you need them. Because your home pharmacy deserves better than a shoebox under the sink, let’s discuss 14 storage options that perfectly balance form and function.
Why Storage Makes or Breaks Your Home Apothecary
Before we get into the good stuff, can we talk about why proper storage actually matters?
Your preparations and herbs are therapeutic, not merely ornamental. Their potency is diminished by air, moisture, heat, and light. When I kept my tinctures in adorable clear bottles on a sunny windowsill, I discovered this the costly way. After three months, they resembled dejected brown water. I wasn’t quite getting the vibe I wanted.
Good storage protects your investment while making your space look intentional instead of chaotic. Win-win.
1. Apothecary Cabinet with Glass Doors
Nothing screams “I know what I’m doing” quite like a vintage apothecary cabinet with glass-front doors.
These beauties allow you to see everything at a glance while shielding your herbs from dust. It’s an old dentist’s cabinet from the 1950s that I purchased for $200 at a flea market. It can hold about 80 jars. The glass doors display your collection while blocking out some UV rays.
What to look for:
- Adjustable shelving for different jar heights
- Solid wood construction that won’t warp
- Glass that’s not super thin (you’ll bump it, trust me)
- Multiple compartments for organizing by category
Pro tip: If vintage isn’t in your budget, IKEA’s glass-door cabinets work great and you can age them with some dark stain and vintage knobs.
2. Tiered Bamboo Shelving Units
Want maximum storage without eating up floor space? Vertical bamboo shelving is your best friend.
In my kitchen, I have a three-tier bamboo unit that is revolutionary. Bamboo has a warm, organic appearance that blends in well with the herbal aesthetic, and it is naturally antimicrobial and moisture-resistant. It’s also far less expensive than solid wood shelving.
The tiered design means you can see everything without moving stuff around. No more forgetting about that jar of rose hips hiding in the back. Each tier can hold different categories—teas on top, tinctures in the middle, bulk herbs on the bottom.
3. Magnetic Spice Tin Wall Display
Here’s a storage hack that looks absolutely stunning: magnetic tins on a metal board or sheet.
I made a huge magnetic board on my wall in my kitchen and stocked it with standardized tin boxes of the herbs most frequently used by me. Approximately 2-3 tablespoons can be placed in each of the tins, and this is ideal when it comes to everyday use items. You can write labels on the tins using metallic pens and the entire setup occupies no counter space.
This works brilliantly for:
- Culinary herbs you use daily
- Tea blending ingredients
- Small amounts of expensive herbs
- Spices for cooking and remedies
The visual impact is incredible—it looks like an art installation, but it’s completely functional. IMO, this is the most Pinterest-worthy storage solution on this list. 🙂
4. Vintage Wooden Apothecary Drawers
Remember those old card catalog systems from libraries? That same concept works phenomenally for herb storage.
I bought a vintage apothecary chest having 24 small drawers at an estate sale and now it is my favorite storage piece. The name of the herb and properties are written on each of the drawers. The wood has the ability to automatically adjust the humidity and the drawers form separate dark spaces that house herbs which are sensitive to light.
Drawer organization tips:
- One herb per drawer (no mixing)
- Line drawers with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Keep a master list of what’s where
- Store heavier roots and barks in bottom drawers
The shallow depth prevents herbs from getting crushed under their own weight, which happens in deep jars.
5. Mason Jar Organization System
Yes, I know Mason jars are everywhere. But there’s a reason they’re the classic choice for apothecary storage.
The trick is organizing them properly instead of just having random jars scattered around. I use three sizes (half-pint, pint, and quart) and keep them uniform on my shelves. Same jars = cohesive look = your space looks intentional instead of cluttered.
| Jar Size | Best For | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | Essential oils, tinctures | 12-18 months |
| 8 oz | Daily-use dried herbs | 6-12 months |
| 16 oz | Bulk herbs, tea blends | 12+ months |
Add chalkboard labels, and you’ve got a system that’s both beautiful and practical. The wide mouths make it easy to scoop out herbs without making a mess.
6. Hanging Wire Basket Storage
Wall-mounted wire baskets bring that vintage farmhouse apothecary vibe while keeping items accessible.
I installed three wire baskets in descending sizes on my wall, and I use them for items I grab constantly—tea bags, commonly used tins, my mortar and pestle, measuring spoons. The open design means air circulates, which is great for items that don’t need dark storage.
This solution works especially well in small spaces where counter real estate is precious. You’re using vertical space that would otherwise go to waste. Plus, wire baskets are cheap—I got mine for under $30 total.
7. Amber Glass Apothecary Bottle Collection
For tinctures, extracts, and light-sensitive preparations, amber glass bottles aren’t optional—they’re essential.
I keep my entire tincture collection in uniform amber bottles with dropper tops, organized on a single shelf. The color-coding I use: 2 oz bottles for daily remedies, 4 oz for less-frequent use, and 8 oz for my bulk tinctures that I decant from.
Why amber glass matters: UV light destroys the medicinal compounds in tinctures faster than you’d think. Clear glass might look prettier, but you’re literally watching your remedies lose potency. Not worth it.
Label them obviously with the name of the herb, alcohol content and date of production. Later you will be glad to be able to know the specifics of it when you are rooting in the future, in search of the proper medicine in the middle of the night.
8. Sliding Ladder Library System
Okay, this one’s for the overachievers with serious space and budget, but hear me out—it’s spectacular.
A floor-to-ceiling shelving unit with a rolling ladder turns your apothecary into a proper herbal library. I’ve seen setups like this in person, and they’re absolutely breathtaking. You can store hundreds of jars organized by category, with everything visible and accessible.
If you’re DIY-inclined, you can build this for way less than buying a prefab system. Use reclaimed wood for shelves and install a simple rail system for the ladder. It becomes the focal point of your space and provides insane amounts of storage.
9. Under-Cabinet Pull-Out Drawers
Let’s talk about maximizing awkward spaces. Under-cabinet pull-out drawers are brilliant for storing flat items and smaller containers.
I fitted my cabinets with pull-out drawers under the upper cabinets and they are excellent in storing such objects as tea filters, small bottles of tinctures, droppers and labels. It is all arranged in dividers and I am able to slide the entire drawer out and look at what I have.
This keeps the counter clear while making use of space that’s usually just… there. The drawer fronts can match your cabinets or be left as natural wood for contrast.
10. Apothecary Spice Rack with Labels
A dedicated spice rack system—but make it apothecary-style.
I am referring to dark wood or metal racks and jars of uniform size all neatly labelled. They can be purchased as ready-made or homemade using plain pieces of wood in the form of strips and small shelf brackets. Fix them on the wall at eyes level so that they are easily accessible.
Organization strategies:
- Alphabetical (classic and easy)
- By use (immune support, digestive, sleep, etc.)
- By frequency of use (daily, weekly, occasional)
- Seasonal (rotate what’s front and center)
The key is choosing ONE system and sticking with it. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time searching than actually making remedies. FYI, I learned this after changing my system three times in two months. :/
11. Vintage Metal Tins and Containers
There’s something incredibly satisfying about storing herbs in vintage metal tins.
Over the years, I have gathered old tea tins, tobacco tins, and ornamental metal containers in a variety of sizes. They keep herbs dark and safe while creating a lovely, eclectic look. High-quality tins last a lifetime, and metal doesn’t contaminate your herbs.
The hunt for these is half the fun—antique shops, estate sales, online marketplaces. Look for tins with tight-fitting lids to keep herbs fresh. Some of my favorites have gorgeous vintage labels that I’ve kept intact for character.
12. Open Shelving with Decorative Bookends
Sometimes the simplest solutions work best. Open wooden shelves with decorative bookends create a clean, organized look.
I organize jars into sections on my open shelves using bookends made of copper or brass. It adds a touch of elegance while preventing everything from spreading out and becoming disorganized. The secret is to avoid crowding; give the display some breathing room to avoid looking cluttered.
This works best for items you use frequently, since they’re exposed to light and air. I keep my daily teas and commonly used culinary herbs here. Less-used medicinal herbs go in closed storage.
Styling Your Open Shelves
Mix heights and textures for visual interest. A tall jar of dried flowers next to medium herb jars next to a small mortar and pestle creates dimension. Tuck a vintage herbal book or two between jars as natural dividers.
Don’t make every shelf identical—vary the arrangement while keeping the overall vibe cohesive. Think curated, not uniform.
13. Rotating Lazy Susan Storage
Want to know a secret? Lazy Susans aren’t just for condiments.
In my deeper cabinets, I have two large wooden lazy susans that are absolutely indispensable. A large one can hold 15 to 20 jars, and with a simple spin, everything rotates to the front. No more toppling three jars to get to the back one.
Best uses for lazy Susan storage:
- Essential oil collections (those tiny bottles love to hide)
- Tincture bottles that you rotate through
- Small jars of less-used herbs
- Salves and balms in tins
I keep one in my upper cabinet for essential oils and another in a base cabinet for salves and balms. The time I save not digging through cabinets has literally paid for itself.
14. Apothecary Cart with Wheels
Last but definitely not least—a rolling cart transforms your apothecary from stationary to mobile.
I use a three-tier metal cart that I can wheel around as needed. Daily teas and ongoing projects are on the top shelf. Extracts and tinctures on the middle shelf I’m using it right now. Extra jars and supplies for making tea are on the bottom shelf. I roll it to my desk while I’m creating remedies. It tucks into a corner when I’m finished.
The mobility is clutch if you don’t have a dedicated apothecary space. You can set up wherever you have room and then roll everything away when you need the space back. Plus, carts are incredibly affordable—you can find good ones for $30-50.
Choosing the Right Cart
Metal carts work better than wood in kitchen environments because they don’t absorb moisture or oils. Look for one with a lip on each shelf to prevent jars from sliding off when you move it. Locking wheels are a nice bonus if you have uneven floors.
Bringing Your Storage System Together
Here’s the reality: you don’t need all 14 of these solutions. Pick 3-4 that fit your space, budget, and actual usage patterns.
Start with the essentials: a labeling system, one main storage unit (cabinet, shelving, or cart), and high-quality jars. As you determine what you truly need versus what merely looks good in pictures, you can build from there. Instead of adding to your maintenance burden, your storage should make your life easier.
If the most beautiful apothecary storage in the world isn’t functional for your actual herb usage, it’s worthless. You certainly don’t have to choose between function and beauty with these concepts.
Now go create that Pinterest-worthy apothecary space that actually functions in real life. Your herbs deserve a proper home, and you deserve to find them when you need them.