Pantries and kitchen cabinets can easily become cluttered spaces. Jars are a great way to neatly organize spices, snacks, and other food items while adding a touch of style. Read on for tips on using jars to create an artfully organized pantry that will make you smile each time you open the door.
Why Use Jars for Pantry Organization?
Jars are versatile, reusable, and lend a vintage-chic vibe to your pantry. Here are some of the benefits of using jars:
- Aesthetic Appeal – Clear glass jars allow you to see contents easily while adding a rustic or apothecary-style look. Colored jars inject more personality.
- Containment – Lids keep food sealed and fresh while protecting from pests. Jars are great for containing snacks, grains, and baking ingredients.
- Stackability – Their uniform shape allows jars to stack neatly on shelves or turntables. This maximizes space efficiently.
- Reusability – Unlike plastic containers, glass jars can be reused endlessly for pantry storage. Repurposing jars is eco-friendly and cost-effective.
- Customization – Use jars of different sizes and shapes for visual interest. Label jars to organize ingredients for baking, school lunches, etc.
Pretty Jar Ideas for Pantry Organization
Mason jars are the most commonly used, but consider other vessels too. Here are ideas for organizing with pretty jars:
Repurposed Jars
- Reuse glass jars and containers from foods like pasta sauce, jams, and pickles. Remove labels and wash thoroughly before using.
- Look for unique jars and bottles at thrift stores to add character. Interesting shapes like apothecary jars work beautifully.
- Upcycle jars from candles or other household items by removing wax and labels.
Colorful Jars
- Opt for colored glass like azure, emerald, or amber to add pops of color to your pantry.
- Spray paint clear jars with metallic finishes like copper, rose gold, or silver for a glamorous effect. Use chalkboard paint to create customizable label spaces.
- Choose colored lids to coordinate with ingredients, like red for spices and green for teas.
Vintage-Style Jars
- Ball/Kerr and Weck jars have a classic, old-fashioned look perfect for pantries. Use with cloth covers and round labels.
- Seek out vintage jars at flea markets and antique shops. Old fruit jars and apothecary bottles have great retro charm.
- Distress jars by gently sanding exteriors. Soak in diluted tea or coffee for a stained effect.
Shaped & Etched Jars
- Find square, rectangular, or teardrop-shaped jars for unique visual appeal on shelves.
- Look for etched, fluted, or otherwise textured glass for added interest. Herringbone and crosshatch patterns look striking lined up.
Styling Your Jars for Dramatic Effect
A few simple styling tricks can take your organized jars from straightforward to striking:
- Elevate with risers – Place jars on platforms like mini crate boxes to add dimension. Risers show off pretty jars in back rows.
- Include tie-on tags – Use baker’s twine to attach cute tags identifying jar contents. Handwritten chalkboard tags look homey.
- Accent with art – Lean small framed photos or art against jar groupings. Add personality with related accents – a tiny colander in the pasta jar area or mini measuring spoons near baking ingredients.
- Play with heights – Use jars of varying heights together for an artful composed look. Place taller accent pieces like vases or cookbooks between staggered jars.
- Light it up – Install puck lights or strip lighting to illuminate pretty jar displays. The glow makes contents sparkle.
Sealing Jars for Maximum Freshness
The right lids and seals will keep pantry goods fresh and extend shelf life. Consider:
- Mason jar lids – Traditional dome lids with screw bands create an airtight seal. Use new lids each time for best results.
- Clamp-style lids – Weck and Le Parfait jars use rubber gaskets and clamping glass or metal lids to seal out air.
- Cork topping – Insert cork stopper disks into jar mouths to seal herbs, spices, and dry goods. Coat cork with olive oil for added protection.
- Vacuum sealing – After filling jars, use a vacuum sealer machine to suck out excess air before sealing with the lid. This prevents oxidation and staleness.
- Oxygen absorbers – These packets soak up oxygen from sealed jars to keep foods like dehydrated fruits, grains, nuts, and coffee fresher longer.
With the right combination of utilization and presentation, jars can make your pantry as practical as it is eye-catching. Get inspired by these tips and create your own artfully organized kitchen using repurposed jars. Those plain shelves will become a pretty pantry to be proud of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing with Jars
What are the best foods to store in jars?
Dry goods like grains, baking ingredients, beans, pasta, rice, nuts, seeds, dehydrated fruits, trail mixes, and dried herbs are all perfect pantry items to store in jars. Jars also work well for snacks like candy, cookies, granola bars, crackers, and chips.
What size jars work best?
Use a mix of sizes like 1 cup, 1 quart, and 1/2 gallon to accommodate different ingredients. Standard mouth wide-mouth mason jars are versatile. Match jar size to ingredient volume for less waste. Small 4-8 oz jars are great for spices, while large 1/2 gallon jars suit bulk snacks or flour/sugar.
How do you clean jars for reuse?
Wash thoroughly in hot soapy water, using a bottle brush if needed for narrow openings. For a deep clean, soak in diluted white vinegar to dissolve residue, then rinse well. Boil for 10 minutes to sanitize, then air dry upside-down.
Should jars be stored in sunlight?
Avoid direct sunlight which can degrade food quality and fade labels. Shelve jars out of direct sun or use opaque containers like Weck jars if sunlight is unavoidable in your pantry space.
How do you keep pantry jar lids from getting moldy?
Wipe rims and lids with a clean, dry cloth before sealing to remove any food residue. Ensure foods are dry before filling jars. Store jars with the lid side down to avoid standing moisture. Vacuum seal if possible.
What labels work best on glass jars?
Chalk-based pencil, liquid chalk markers, chalkboard stickers, printable iron-on labels, and acrylic-based paint pens are all easily removable options for labeling reusable jars. Avoid permanent markers/adhesives.
Conclusion
Organizing with jars is an easy, inexpensive way to add aesthetic appeal and efficiency to your pantry. Repurposed jars give new life to glass food containers while providing airtight, stackable storage. Visually arrange jars in different sizes, colors, and shapes and top them with custom labels. Keep contents fresh with proper sealing lids and techniques. With a bit of creativity, your shelves can transform from cluttered to a stunning showcase. Let jars bring artful order and joy to your pantry.
