Apothecary jars are a home decorator’s best friend.  They are so versatile – leave them empty and sparkling clean for an elegant understated look or fill them with just about anything to add an unexpected touch.  The jars are available in just about any size, shape, or price point so it’s easy to find one to fit your needs and budget. 

Apothecary Jar Ideas

An apothecary jar is any good sized jar with a lid, usually footed, but not always.  They can be anywhere from 8-10″ tall to 24″ or taller for a grand impression.

Photo via HouseAndHome.com

Plain like the jar on the right or a little dressier like the one on the left, options are endless – just like what can go in them.  A collection of buttons, a collection of old silver, coins from your travels, Happy Meal toys, keys, pretty rocks, marbles, game pieces…….the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and what will fit through the neck of the jar.

Photo via HouseAndHome.com

A series of the same jar can be used as a centerpiece spaced down the center of a table.  These hold a matchbook collection.  What do you collect that could be displayed attractively in an apothecary jar?

Photo via Pottery Barn.com

Photo via Save-on-Crafts.com

As I browsed around, I found Save On Crafts is a resource for affordable apothecary jars  (disclaimer – I’m not familiar with the site and make no representations on their service or product quality).

Here’s a list to get you started on ideas to fill your apothecary jars:

• Candy – M&Ms, candy corns for fall, gumballs, anything small and colorful
• Marshmallows, especially the minis for winter
• Trix or other colorful breakfast cereal
• Nuts in the shell for great texture
• Dried pasta noodles or beans
• Fruit like lemon or limes (don’t leave covered too long, they’ll spoil)
• Candle
• Potpourri (mostly for texture since the lid will reduce the fragrance)
• Fall leaves
• Silk flowers
• Curled ribbon
• Buttons
• Marbles
• Wine corks
• Colored water (change frequently)
• Seashells on a bed of sand
• Holiday appropriate doodads like small Christmas ornaments, jingle bells, Easter eggs, plastic spiders, collection of hearts
• Nature decor like branches, leaves, smooth rocks, moss, rose hips, acorns, pods, pinecones
• Practical applications like cotton balls, decorative soaps, jewelry
• Small plants making a terrarium
• Leave off the top and it’s a vase

Apothecary Jars in Home Decor

Where can you use these lovely accessories?  Any room in the house, of course!  Collect apothecary jars of different sizes/heights to maximize your options.  Group a few together on a dining room table for a perfect centerpiece; place one or two on the bathroom countertop and fill with items to complement your color scheme; use them on a sofa table for a touch of seasonal decor; add height and color on the kitchen island with a pretty grouping of apothecary jars.

My floral design.

                                                                                 

                                                                                

Do you love or hate apothecary jars? Do you have an idea for a filler for apothecary jars that I’ve forgotten?  Do you just bring them out seasonally or for holidays, or do you use them all year?  Share your response in the Comments section below or leave us an email at solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com

Be Sociable, Share!

•