Look, I get it. You walked past an antique shop, spotted those gorgeous vintage storage jars, and suddenly your brain screamed “I NEED THESE IN MY KITCHEN.” Been there, bought the jars, transformed my entire kitchen aesthetic. No regrets.
Vintage storage jars aren’t just containers—they’re statement pieces that turn your kitchen into something that looks like it belongs in a beautifully curated Instagram feed. But here’s the catch: you need to know how to use them right. Just randomly placing vintage jars around won’t cut it. You need a strategy, and lucky for you, I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to.
Why Vintage Storage Jars Transform Your Kitchen
Let’s first discuss why using vintage jars in apothecary-style kitchens is so beneficial. These stunning glasses have a history and personality that new containers just cannot match. Every chip, glass bubble, and slightly uneven lid has a story to tell.
My kitchen went from “generic rental apartment” to “would you look at that charming space” almost immediately after I began collecting vintage storage jars about three years ago. The finest aspect? The majority of my jars are available at thrift and estate sales for less than $10 each.
The apothecary vibe thrives on that old-meets-functional aesthetic. When you store your flour in a 1940s glass canister instead of a plastic bin, you’re not just organizing—you’re creating ambiance.
Idea 1: Create a Vintage Jar Pantry Wall
Since it’s the most dramatic change you can make, it’s my personal favorite. Set aside a wall or area of your kitchen to store vintage jars from floor to ceiling.
If you’re interested, I installed three rows of basic floating shelves and filled them only with old glass jars of various heights. This amazing visual rhythm is produced by the consistency of the glass and the subtle differences in each jar’s design.
Key elements for a successful jar wall:
- Mix jar heights (short, medium, tall) for visual interest
- Keep the glass color consistent (all clear or all amber)
- Use jars with similar lid styles (all metal or all glass)
- Label everything for quick identification
Does it take time to find matching sets? Absolutely. But the payoff when guests walk in and their jaws drop? Priceless. 🙂
Idea 2: Amber Glass Jars for Oil and Vinegar Display
The majority of people are unaware of the fact that amber glass jars shield light-sensitive ingredients in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. The old pharmacists were skilled at what they did.
I store my homemade extracts, specialty vinegars, and olive oils in vintage amber jars on open shelves. This lovely glow is enhanced by the warm golden color, especially when they are exposed to natural light. Additionally, if you place them close to your cooking station, they add a wonderful scent to your kitchen.
Pro tip: Make sure these jars have tight-sealing lids. Nothing ruins the vintage vibe faster than rancid oil because your decorative jar couldn’t seal properly. Trust me on this one—I learned the hard way. :/
Idea 3: Vintage Apothecary Jars as Spice Stations
Ever seen those small vintage apothecary jars with the ground glass stoppers? They’re perfect for spice storage. I’m talking about the ones that are maybe 4-6 inches tall with that satisfying weight to them.
| Jar Size | Best For | Storage Tip | Display Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (4″) | Expensive spices | Cork-lined lids | Tiered risers |
| Medium (6″) | Herbs & blends | Airtight seals | Lazy Susan |
| Large (8″) | Salt & sugar | Wide openings | Counter display |
Group them by cuisine type or usage frequency on a dedicated shelf. I’ve got my baking spices together, my savory cooking spices in another section, and my “fancy stuff I rarely use” group way up high where I need a step stool.
The beauty of authentic apothecary jars? They make even basic paprika look like an expensive ingredient.
Idea 4: Mason Jar Evolution Display
Alright, controversial opinion: an apothecary kitchen is the perfect place for vintage Mason jars. Yes, everyone uses Mason jars these days, but vintage ones—those made before the 1950s—have a certain weight and quality that contemporary replicas don’t.
Ball jars, Kerr jars, and Atlas jars are just a few of the styles and eras I have gathered and arranged chronologically on a shelf. It serves as both useful storage and a talking point. I start giving spontaneous historical lessons about American canning culture when people genuinely inquire about the dates on the jars.
Use them for dry goods, homemade preserves, or even as drinking glasses. The versatility is unmatched, and let’s be real—they’re usually the cheapest vintage jars you’ll find.
Idea 5: Pharmaceutical Bottle Herb Garden
This one’s a bit different, but hear me out. Those tall, narrow pharmaceutical bottles you find at antique shops? They make incredible vessels for displaying fresh herb cuttings.
I’ve got a row of them on my windowsill, each holding a different herb—basil, mint, rosemary, thyme. They root in the water, you can snip what you need for cooking, and they look like something out of a Victorian botanical study. The narrow necks keep the herbs upright, and the vintage glass catches the light beautifully.
Change the water every few days, and you’ve got functional decor that actually improves your cooking. Win-win.
Idea 6: Stackable Vintage Storage for Small Items
These clever stacking lids that allow you to create vertical storage are included with some vintage storage jars. I purchased a set of four at an estate sale; each jar has a unique lid system that allows it to stack perfectly on top of the others.
These are ideal for things like tea bags, bouillon cubes, chocolate chips, or nuts that you use often but don’t need in large quantities. While maintaining visibility and accessibility, the stacking design conserves counter space.
Finding Stackable Sets
You won’t find these everywhere, FYI. I hit up estate sales for about six months before I found my set. But when you do find them, grab them immediately. They’re becoming collector’s items, and prices are climbing.
Idea 7: Colored Glass Jar Accent Wall
While clear glass is classic, colored vintage glass creates drama. I’m talking cobalt blue, emerald green, and that gorgeous purple glass that turns color from sun exposure over decades.
I dedicated one small section of my shelving to exclusively colored glass jars. They hold less-frequently-used items (specialty flours, decorative sugars, exotic teas), so function takes a slight backseat to form here. The color play, especially when backlit, transforms that corner into a focal point.
Best colored glass combinations:
- All blues (various shades)
- Green and amber mix
- Purple and clear glass together
- Single color statement (all cobalt)
Don’t overthink it—even mismatched colored glass creates visual interest as long as you group it intentionally.
Idea 8: Vintage Canister Sets as Countertop Showpieces
Remember those matching vintage canister sets your grandmother had? The ones with flour, sugar, coffee, and tea written on them? They’re making a serious comeback, and IMO, they deserve the hype.
I scored a 1950s set at a flea market—cream-colored ceramic with copper lids and hand-painted labels. They live on my counter permanently because they’re too beautiful to hide in a cupboard. Plus, having flour and sugar within arm’s reach actually makes me bake more often.
The key is finding a set that matches your kitchen’s vibe. Mid-century modern canisters work in contemporary kitchens, while Victorian-era glass sets suit more traditional spaces.
Idea 9: Wire Basket and Jar Combinations
Pairing your jars with vintage wire baskets is a styling tip that elevates the whole vintage jar scenario. I’m referring to those old wire shelf organizers, wire egg baskets, and metal milk crates.
For a layered, collected-over-time appearance, put jars inside the baskets. The baskets facilitate moving several jars at once, and the industrial metal contrasts exquisitely with the delicate glass. This is how I set up my baking station; all of my baking-related jars are stored in a sizable wire basket that I can remove as needed.
It’s useful and avoids the “too precious” feeling that occasionally accompanies vintage displays.
Idea 10: Vintage Jar Lighting Feature
Stay with me on this slightly bonkers idea: turn vintage jars into pendant lights. I converted three large apothecary jars into hanging lights above my kitchen island, and they’re absolutely my favorite DIY project ever.
You’ll need pendant light kits (available at any hardware store), the right drill bits for glass, and some patience. But the result? Custom lighting that doubles as art and ties your entire vintage jar theme together from ceiling to counter.
Safety First
Make sure you understand basic electrical work or hire someone who does. Pretty lighting isn’t worth burning your house down. Just saying.
Idea 11: Rotating Seasonal Displays
Here’s what keeps my kitchen from feeling stale: I rotate my vintage jar displays seasonally. Spring brings jars filled with flower bulbs and pastel candies. Summer means fresh herbs and colorful dried fruits. Fall gets dried leaves and cinnamon sticks. Winter? Cranberries, pine branches, and peppermint sticks.
This doesn’t mean buying new jars every season (my wallet couldn’t handle that). It means repurposing the same vintage containers with different contents. The jars stay consistent, but the contents and arrangements evolve.
This approach keeps things fresh without losing the cohesive apothecary aesthetic you’ve worked so hard to create.
Making It Work Long-Term
Nobody brings up maintenance, so let’s talk about it. Vintage jars need real maintenance. Only wash by hand (dishwashers can destroy metal lids and old glass). Regularly inspect seals. If they are on display, dust them once a week.
With vintage goods, it’s inevitable that some jars will chip or crack over time. Don’t worry about it. Though I’m just sentimental about inanimate objects, I really believe that small flaws add to the charm.
Building a collection of vintage jars is lovely because it takes time. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars all at once. Frequently visit antique shops, thrift stores, and estate sales. If you are patient, good jars will find you.
Wrapping It All Up
Using antique storage jars to create an apothecary kitchen elevates the cooking area. It’s about fusing aesthetics and functionality, utilizing objects with personality and history while also fulfilling useful functions.
Perhaps a few jars on one shelf is a good place to start. Observe how they make you feel each time you enter your kitchen. Then progressively grow, creating a collection that represents your individual needs and style. This method’s beauty lies in the fact that no two pharmacy kitchens ever have the same appearance..
Your kitchen should make you happy every single day. If vintage storage jars do that for you (and they absolutely do it for me), then commit to the aesthetic fully. Hunt for those perfect pieces, arrange them thoughtfully, and enjoy the process of creating a kitchen that feels like it has a soul.
Now go rescue some beautiful vintage jars from that dusty antique shop shelf. They deserve a second life in your kitchen.