Mason jars are versatile glass jars that can be used for far more than just canning. Their vintage charm and versatility make them perfect for DIY projects. Mason jars are great for storage too. Their compact size and transparency allow you to see contents easily while their seal keeps items protected.
Reusing mason jars is also eco-friendly, reducing waste. With some creativity, mason jars can help organize your home and free up space. Here are 16 clever mason jar storage ideas to help you save space.
Utilize Mason Jars in the Kitchen
The kitchen has lots of little items that can clutter counters and take up cabinet space. Mason jars are perfect for corralling these items and making your kitchen more organized.
Spice Storage
Spices are notorious for taking up space. Large containers half-filled with spices can monopolize precious cabinet real estate.
Decanting spices into matched mason jars saves space. It also looks uniform and aesthetically pleasing. Simply pour spice contents into appropriately sized mason jars. Label jars using chalkboard paint or printed labels.
Store jars together on a spice rack, spinning organizer, or inside a cabinet. Arrange jars alphabetically so you can easily find what you need while cooking.
Utensil Storage
Loose utensils crammed inside drawers are annoying and unorganized. They take up more room than necessary and things get lost in the clutter.
Mason jars are great for corralling utensils. Fill jars with utensils of the same type, like all the spatulas in one jar. Consider designating jars for big utensils, small utensils, cooking spoons, slotted spoons, whisks, etc.
Store the mason jars together on the counter or inside a drawer neatly organized and ready for cooking. You’ll save drawer space and always be able to find the right utensil.
Under Shelf Storage
Wasted vertical space under cabinets and shelves is perfect for compact mason jar storage. Take advantage of this often overlooked space by attaching mason jars underneath using S-hooks.
Use jars to store small items like packets of spices, tea bags, drink mixes, etc. Arrange jars categorically so everything has a dedicated place. Add chalkboard labels so you know what’s inside each jar.
Counter Top Jars
Instead of cluttering counters with cooking ingredients and tools, contain items in mason jars. Fill jars with cooking utensils like wooden spoons, whisks, spatulas, etc.
Store dry baking ingredients like flour, sugar, chocolate chips or spices in counter top jars. Use visually appealing jars labeled with chalkboard paint to add a rustic element. Keep jars conveniently located for hassle-free baking.
Pantry Storage
Upgrade your pantry with mason jars for an organized look. Transfer dried beans, grains, pasta, baking mixes, nuts, snacks and other pantry items from bags into jars. For ease, use a funnel.
Attach chalkboard labels to identify contents. Arrange jars on shelves categorically. This storage method lets you see what you have and makes items easy to access. It also prevents stale, forgotten ingredients from getting pushed behind clutter.
Get Organized in the Bathroom
The bathroom tends to accumulate lots of little things like cosmetics, medications, toiletries, first aid items, etc. Mason jars are great for organizing bathroom items in a space-saving way.
Toiletry Storage
Toothbrushes, razors, combs and other toiletry items quickly clutter up bathroom sinks and counters. Storing these items in mason jars clears clutter and saves space.
Designate a mason jar for each family member or type of toiletry. Fill jars with the corresponding items and store together on a bathroom shelf or inside the medicine cabinet.
First Aid Kit
Prepackaged first aid kits take up ample medicine cabinet space. Make your own portable first aid kit using a quart sized mason jar.
Include essentials like bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, etc. Customize your kit based on your family’s needs. The transparent jar lets you easily monitor supplies so you know when to restock.
Cotton Balls and Q-tips
These bathroom staples are typically stored in plastic containers that hog precious shelf space. For a compact solution, transfer cotton balls and Q-tips into slender mason jars.
The tall, narrow jars take up less space than bulky plastic containers. Arrange them neatly together on a bathroom shelf or inside a medicine cabinet.
Makeup Brush Storage
Uncapped makeup brushes cluttering up sinks and counters can be both unsightly and unhygienic. Store them neatly in a mason jar that takes up hardly any space.
Fill the jar with brushes facing down. For more stability, fill the bottom inch or two of the jar with marbles, beads, or dry rice before adding brushes. The jar keeps brushes organized, minimizes mess, and prolongs brush life.
Craft Room Mason Jar Ideas
Mason jars are a crafter’s best friend. Repurpose these versatile jars to neatly organize craft supplies and minimize mess.
Recipe Storage
Instead of stashing recipes in a bulging folder or drawer, store them neatly in mason jars. First, hole punch recipes and secure them onto a binder ring.
Place the binder rings full of recipes into wide mouth quart jars. Attach chalkboard labels to identify recipe categories like appetizers, soups, entrees, etc. Now you can quickly find exactly the recipe you need.
Art Supply Storage
Running low on storage for art supplies? Round up an assortment of mason jars to corral crayons, markers, paint brushes, clay tools, and other art supplies.
Label the jars so kids can easily put supplies away where they belong. The transparent jars make it easy to see when restocking is needed. Keep on a dedicated shelf or cart so supplies stay organized.
Sewing Notions
Tiny sewing items like buttons, snaps, needles, pins are a pain to organize. They tend to get thrown in boxes and bags, making it hard to find what you need for a project.
Store sewing notions categorically in mason jars to keep them neat and accessible. For example, store pins, needles, thread, snaps, elastic, etc in separate jars. Use chalkboard paint to label each jar.
Hardware Storage
Nails, nuts, bolts, and other hardware pieces are tricky to organize. Transferring them into mason jars is an ideal solution.
Fill jars with like-items, such as different sized bolts in one jar and nails in another. Label jars so you know exactly what’s inside. The glass lets you easily see when inventory is low. Arrange jars neatly together on a shelf or cart.
Bedroom Mason Jar Storage Solutions
Bedrooms tend to harbor lots of small items like jewelry, office supplies, toiletries and more. Repurpose mason jars in the bedroom to organize efficiently and free up space.
Jewelry Storage
If you’re forever sifting through a messy pile of jewelry, try organizing your pieces in mason jars. The jars keep items neatly corralled so they’re easy to see and access.
For rings and earrings, place pieces loosely inside the jar. For necklaces, adhere ended corks on the inside perimeter of the jar to hold them in place. Consider using different sized jars to separate types of jewelry.
Office Supply Storage
Mason jars are perfect for organizing small office supplies like paper clips, rubber bands, push pins, etc. Fill jars with like-items and keep them together in a drawer or on your desk. The transparent glass lets you monitor inventory.
Toiletry Storage
Bedside mason jars provide handy storage for toothbrushes, lip balm, lotions and other personal care items. Fill jars with toiletries each person needs and keep them together on the bathroom counter, dresser or nightstand.
Versatile Living Room Storage
Take advantage of vertical space in living rooms by mounting mason jars on walls for organized storage. Repurpose jars to help minimize clutter on shelves and end tables too.
Utensil Storage
Kitchen utensil jars aren’t just for the kitchen. Store utensils in mason jars placed next to your coffee station to hold stir sticks, small spoons, etc.
Or use them next to the fireplace to hold fireplace tools like pokers, tongs, & gloves. The jars keep items visible and within reach while eliminating clutter.
Remote Control Storage
Remote controls laying around the living room are unsightly and easily misplaced. Store them out of sight in a mounted mason jar.
Use epoxy or a mason jar mounting kit to adhere a jar to the wall securely. Place remotes inside the jar to clear off surfaces and keep them from getting lost between couch cushions.
Wall-Mounted Storage
Take advantage of vertical real estate by mounting mason jars on living room walls for organized storage. Attach jars securely using epoxy, brackets, or a commercial mason jar mounting kit.
Use wall-mounted jars to store little items like batteries, pens, sticky notes, etc. Keeping these items stored off surfaces minimizes clutter.
Clever Kids’ Room Storage Solutions
Mason jars are great for organizing a child’s room without taking up valuable play space. Take advantage of wall space and repurpose jars to store toys, art supplies and more.
Stuffed Animal Storage
Overflowing stuffed animals are a common childhood problem. Store extra plush pals out of the way in mounted mason jars.
Use epoxy or mason jar wall mounts to attach jars securely. Place smaller stuffed animals inside. Let kids decorate jars with paint and stickers for a fun look.
Toy Storage
Minimize toy clutter without taking away play space. Mount mason jars on walls to store small toys like cars, action figures, ponies, etc.
Kids can easily access toys in the jars. And you don’t have to constantly pick toys up off the floor. Use chalkboard paint on jars so kids can label contents.
Art Supply Storage
Wall mounted mason jars in kids’ rooms are perfect for storing art supplies. Fill jars with markers, crayons, paint brushes, and other art tools. Consider using smaller jars for things like paint brushes.
Mount jars low enough for kids to reach. The transparent glass lets them see what’s inside and helps teach organization.
More Crafty Mason Jar Storage Solutions
Repurposing mason jars for storage lets your creativity shine. There are so many possibilities! Here are a few more crafty ways to use the jars.
Office Supply Storage
Corral paper clips, tacks, batteries, and other small office supplies in repurposed mason jars on your desk. Arrange jars together in a caddy or mounting rack to save space.
The glass jars keep supplies visible and organized right where you need them. Try labeling jar contents using mini office supply flags.
Battery Storage
Batteries tend to accumulate in junk drawers and cabinets. Make better use of space by storing batteries of different sizes in separate mason jars.
Label the jars for easy identification. The transparent glass lets you easily monitor supply levels. Keep jars someplace convenient like a kitchen drawer or garage shelf.
Wrapping Paper Storage
Instead of stashing gift wrapping supplies in a bulky box that monopolizes closet space, store them neatly in mason jars.
Fill wide mouth quart or half-gallon jars with tissue paper, gift bags and tags, ribbons and bows. The glass containers keep everything visible and use space efficiently.
DIY Decorative Mason Jar Storage
Personalize plain mason jars with crafts and DIY projects to create decorative storage solutions for your home.
Chalkboard Paint Jars
Jazz up boring mason jars by giving them a fresh coat of chalkboard paint. This allows you to label jar contents in chalk.
Paint the entire jar or just a vertical stripe. Consider using different color chalkboard paints like green, black, pink or blue for a pop of color.
Fabric Covered Jars
Cozy up bare mason jars by covering them with fabric. Simply brush the jar with modge podge or fabric glue. Then wrap fabric around the outside, smoothing out wrinkles.
Use scraps of cotton, burlap or patterned fabric. For stability, cover only the body of the jar, leave the lid bare. The fabric gives jars a rustic or shabby chic look perfect for DIY storage.
Twine Wrapped Jars
A simple way to decorate boring mason jars is by wrapping them with twine or yarn. Apply a coat of modge podge to the outside of the jar. Next, wrap and criss-cross natural twine around the jar.
Customize colors by choosing different twine hues like black, tan, red, etc. The texture and color transforms basic jars into rustic-chic storage solutions.
Answers to Common Mason Jar Storage Questions
Mason jar storage is popular for good reason, but it’s normal to have some questions if you’re new to repurposing jars. Here are answers to some common mason jar storage FAQs.
Are mason jars airtight?
Yes, when properly sealed, mason jars are airtight containers. The vacuum seal created by the two-piece lid keeps air out. This prevents food from spoiling and keeps contents protected.
How do you properly seal mason jars?
To get an airtight seal, first ensure the rim of the jar is free of cracks and chips. Only use a brand new, unused flat lid each time you seal. Screw on the band until resistance is met. Avoid overtightening.
Once cooled, test the seal by grasping the jar by the band. It should hold together. The center of the lid should flex down when pressed then “pop” back up when released.
Where can you buy mason jars?
Mason jars are widely available at most grocery stores, big box stores like Target and Walmart, craft stores such as Michael’s and Hobby Lobby, and online retailers including Amazon. Shop sales to get the best deals.
How much weight can a mason jar hold on the wall?
An individual mason jar can hold about 20 pounds when mounted on the wall. However, consider how much the jar’s contents actually weigh so you don’t exceed the recommended weight. Mounting jars securely is also key.
What’s the best way to mount a mason jar on the wall?
Epoxy or commercial mason jar mounting kits allow you to adhere jars to walls securely. Position in place, allowing epoxy/adhesive to fully cure before loading jars. Use appropriate anchors for your wall type and avoid overloading jars.
Are mason jars microwave safe?
Regular mason jars are not microwave safe; the metal lids contain trace metals that can spark. Oven and microwave-safe mason jars suitable for hot foods are available. Look for jars specifically labeled for high heat when microwave canning or cooking.
Get Organized with Mason Jars!
Mason jars are a versatile and budget-friendly way to organize your home while saving space. Hopefully these mason jar storage ideas sparked some inspiration for your own projects!
Repurposing mason jars allows you to neatly corral items throughout your home. Mounting them utilizes vertical space efficiently. And the transparent glass keeps contents visible.
Give your jars a decorative makeover or simply label them to keep types of items organized together. However you decide to use them, mason jars allow you to declutter and get organized the DIY way.