In Praise of the Glass Jar

cookie jar lamp from Graham and Green

When it comes to versatility the humble glass jar might just be the winner. I, perhaps rather boringly, have them on my shelves for storing things. But it turns out that they’re so much more than that. Recently I have seen them in hotels where they are used as lighting, as cocktail shakers and in my local cafe they are simply handed out as glasses to drink from.

the mason jar cocktail shaker from rowen and wren

The most common is the Mason jar, mine are Quattro Stagioni, but let’s not forget the Kilner version too. All of which have been pressed into service by enterprising craftsmen and women to create something that is along way from storage.

set of six glass jars by peach blossom

Etsy, the bastion of all things vintage and handmade is full of mason jar lights, including this very pretty sea green version.

sea glass mason jar pendant by bootsngus

While westelm, newly opened in London (but with lighting still to make the trek over from the US) has created its own version based on the jar.

glass jar pendant lights from westelm

There are even countless websites devoted to the repurposing of the classic mason jar of which this: 100 Clever Ways to Repurpose Mason Jars is just one. There is also a Pinterest Board called One Million, but at 247 pins so far, I feel that may have been a tad ambitious.

mason jar wall planter from notjustahousewife.net

In addition to plant pots, they also make rather good lamp bases as you can fill them with different things and change the display. If you fancy having a go at making your own then here’s a tutorial and finally, this time a wall light.

mason jar wall light by pottery barn

So what are you waiting for. Glass light shades with vintage bulbs are deeply fashionable at the moment. Eat the jam, wash the jar, add some electricity to it. Send over your photographs to kate at madaboutthehouse dot com.

mason jar light £65 from uniche interior furnishing

And here are mason jars used as soap dispensers as mentioned in the comments below:

mason jar soap dispenser from fade interiors