Don’t throw away your old food jars! Instead, reuse them in a ton of different ways, like these bathroom storage jars. Plus, learn how to cut the ends off of long screws on decorative knobs!
A couple of months ago, I gave our bathroom a much needed face lift, and these glass jars were a part of the space. A complete gut job wasn’t in the budget this time around, but I did make some major improvements to the space with only $200.
These glass jars were part of my bathroom refresh, and they cost almost nothing to make. I took some old glass jars that I’ve recently started saving instead of recycling.
I have a box in my basement with a ton of different glass jars. Sometimes I worry that I’m becoming a hoarder, other times I’m so glad I have it because I’ve found so many ways to use them. Here are just a few of the projects I’ve completed using old glass jars from that box.
Recently, I took all of my large glass jars (both vintage from thrift stores and flea markets and saved food jars) and used them to store all of my dry pantry goods. I created DIY pantry labels for the glass jars that is easy to apply with packing tape. You can download the labels or view the tutorial here.
Before starting on the project, I cleaned and removed the labels from the jars. I finally found the best way to remove labels from glass jars, even the most stubborn ones. This post explains the best way to remove labels from glass jars.
All I did for these glass jars for my bathroom was to first spray paint the lid. I originally thought I wanted a hammered silver look, but after painting them, I didn’t love it. In the end, I painted them in black and sanded away a little of the black to show the silver underneath.
I drilled a hole through the top of each lid that was big enough for the screws to fit through.
I finally figured out an easy way to shorten the screws on these types of knobs, and ever since, I’ve been able to use these knobs for far more than furniture.
Simply screw the nut on the end, and you have a decorative top for those glass jars! I used some vintage knobs I’ve pulled off old pieces of furniture or found without a pair at flea markets. You could also use new knobs as well – Hobby Lobby is a fun place to search for the perfect knobs!
Right now, these jars are holding all the bathroom items that cluttered up the drawer before. I’ve seen them used for displaying candy, dry goods, or office and craft supplies. The possibilities are endless, and they are so cheap to make!
Here are all the tutorials on how I created the plank wall, the towel rack, and how I took our old vanity and gave the top a completely new look with concrete. For now, you can see everything in the space here.
My friend Kati from Houseful of Handmade reused some old glass jars in her kitchen, and I love the look and functionality of them now. You can see how she did it here:
Here are 10 MORE ways to reuse old glass jars:
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Would love to know what this tool is, the link “This tool is the perfect way to cut down those screws. You do need a little bit of hand strength, but I’ve found it’s the easiest way to cut them down so you can’t see them sticking down when you close the jar.” didn’t work for me.
Hi Tammara! I updated the link so it should link to the correct place. The best tool I’ve found to cut the screws it just a small pair of bolt cutters. Thanks for letting me know it wasn’t working!
It’s called a Bolt Cutter. Cuts hanging locks, bolts, thick wire, screws and more.
I just glue them on
Love these jars! Such a unique addition for bathroom storage! Off to see the makeover! Hugs!
Thanks for the kind words and for checking out the whole room!
What a pretty and useful way to repurpose those jars! Thanks for sharing them at Talk of the Town.
I gave you a shout-out on FB – https://www.facebook.com/KnickofTime/ and pinned you to the TotT board – https://www.pinterest.com/knickoftime/spotted-at-the-talk-of-the-town-link-party/
Hope you’ll come party again this evening!
~Angie
Thanks Angie! I’m so appreciative of you sharing it!
When I saw your idea I loved it! Instead of screwing the nobs in top of jar I took screw off and super glued them on the top! I absolutely love the look! At practically no expense at all!
Great idea, and I bet the super glue works just as well – that stuff is powerful!
I’ve done this as well, but instead of using the knobs with the holes, I just used tacky glue and put a cute rhinestone on the top if it had a hole. Still cute!
Yes, I’ve seen those too and it’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Look forward to future ideas. Thank you.
I absolutely love your idea of repurposing the smaller jars but what would be an idea to repurpose a large pickle jar?
Thanks Laura! I personally use the large glass jars in my pantry to store dried beans, rice, etc. (but I know that’s not a very fun idea!) I think I’ve seen them used as outdoor lanterns as well, but I’m sure there are a ton of other ideas out there. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I use mine to store flour, sugar, spaghetti noodles. macaroni etc. (Keeps weevils from getting started. If they are already in there, they will still develop – but they can’t travel from one jar to another! ). I use smaller (1-2 qt) sizes for lentils, split peas, rice etc. They are awesome.
Put a bay leaf in with pastas and flour…it will prevent weevils from hatching and eating your dried foods that contain wheat and other grains.
Thanks so much for the tip! I’ll do this too!
I use mine to store flour, sugar, spaghetti noodles. macaroni etc. (Keeps weevils from getting started. If they are already in there, they will still develop – but they can’t travel from one jar to another! ). I use smaller (1-2 qt) sizes for lentils, split peas, rice etc. They are awesome.
Great ideas, Cathy. I need to reorganize my pantry and will definitely use glass jars too.
Hey, girl: We just got the call that our daughter and son-in-law needed a sitter for their 3 & 6 yr. old kids: THIS afternoon and IT’S RAINING. Oh, it’s their anniversary! (Since they are out of town, the kids thought they were going to have a water gun afternoon in the creek.) That’s ok; your link just helped us out! I gathered up some old glass jars with lids; grabbed 4 kinds of snacks: dried almonds, cranraisons, pineapple bits, and chocolate chips. I grabbed the clear tape, prepared the labels which were printed out while I washed jars. WHEW! Now they will have fun, anyway. YOU are a lifesaver, girl! PatPat
I have a collection of glass jars too! Thanks for the pretty idea!
Love these. What kind of paint did you use for the lids?
Thanks! If I remember correctly, I used a oil rubbed bronze color spray paint. 🙂
Hi,
How did you manage to take the stains/smell from tomato sauce/products that came in the jar from the lids? I would keep most of the glasses if I knew how to clean it. i tried it in the past, but no success 🙁
Thank you.
I know what you mean about some of them retaining the smell. I always just hand wash them first and then wash them in the dishwasher. Most of the smell is usually gone, but even if a little remains, I haven’t noticed it when opening those jars in my bathroom. Although I will say I have recycled a few that still had too strong of a smell after washing and haven’t used them on projects. Sorry I’m not very helpful on this one.
Try filling with vinegar, let stand for a while/overnight…OR…
Try inserting absorbent napkin/paper towel…close lid…let sit ’til ready to recycle (I use this idea to absorb odors in coolers, after use).
Great idea. Thanks so much for sharing!
Baking soda…should absorb odor, I’d put some in the lid, seal in a zip lock plastic bag. Overnight, smelling great in the morning
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one with a stash of recycled glass jars. Love how you upcycled these jars into lovely and useful containers.
Haha, it is comforting, isn’t it?! Thanks for your positive words!
Hi Jenny, I love what you did with the old jars, they are lovely thanks for sharing, keep doing your thing.. You gave me a good idea too as well for some projects and how to save as well, thanks!!!! xoxoxo…
Why not get a shorter screw. When you buy knobs they come wirh screws that are not that long or thick.
Yep, that’s definitely an option! I will say that it always takes me WAY longer in that screw aisle to find what I’m looking for than it should, so cutting it is much faster for me.
Thanks for the cool ideas! I must admit, I have not been very creative in the past. So I would love to “follow ” you!
Thanks so much, Betty! Did you see you can sign up to receive emails (no more than one per week, often less) with post updates? Here’s the link if you’d like to be a part of that list. Have a great day!
Great idea. I must try it. But, I’m wondering how you unscrew the lid without unscrewing the knob since they both turn in the me direction?
I will say that the knobs do become loose every once in awhile and I do need to tighten them. I actually just unscrew them by holding the lid, though, and not the knob. If I’m being completely honest, the jar that holds the q-tips that we use every day, I just leave it propped on the top of the jar and don’t even bother to screw it on at all. 😉
I have an old big jar with no lid. I repainted a bathroom in gray & then filled the jar with sea shells that we had collected over the years to give the room a coastal look.
Great idea! Thanks so much for sharing!
Awesome ideas! I am a freelancer for The Taste of Home and was wondering if I could use your image, along with citing and linking to this article. Please let me know!
Hi Michelle, Sorry to get back to you so late, but if you’d still like to use the image you may. Please just use one, along with a direct link back to the post, as you described in your comment. Thanks for reaching out!!
Reduce REUSE recycle. In that order. Great ideas of reusing. I am kind of obsessed with Jars that food come in. We use them for drinking glasses, for storing extra smoothies, for freezing bone broth, etc. My grandmother filled every size jar imaginable with Jelly. One of my favorite memories is when she would let us go pick a few jars to take home.
I love all of these ideas! I totally agree with you on the power of reusing!
Hi I was wondering what paint you used to color the tops the leads for the jars .
Hi Wanda. Sorry, I don’t remember the specific paint, but I do know it was an oil-rubbed bronze colored spray paint.