There is something special about old mason jars, especially the vintage and antique ones.
Maybe it’s the way light catches the soft blue-green glass, or the thought of days long past with my grandmother in the kitchen canning vegetables. Whatever it is, these old jars deserve more than gathering dust on a shelf.
Mason Jars, young and old, deserve to keep telling their stories, and sometimes, the best way to honor something old is to give it a little new life. Here are a few simple ideas for you to repurpose your collection of old mason jars and canning vessels around your home.
Why I Love Repurposing Old Canning Jars
Some of my favorite afternoons have been spent wandering through antique stores, running my fingers over tables full of old glassware, and dating old mason jars. I always find myself drawn to the antique mason canning jars, the ones with cloudy swirls in the glass, varying logos, the kind you know were once loved and used.
When I first started making candles, our antique mason jar candle collection felt like a small way to preserve part of someone’s everyday story. Not locked away, but lit up, enjoyed, and passed on.
Simple Ways to Repurpose Vintage Mason and Canning Jars
If you have been collecting antique jars for years or recently discovered one tucked away in a grandparent’s attic, there’s no shortage of creative ways to enjoy them again. Repurposing vintage mason jars not only gives them a new purpose but also brings a little beauty, nostalgia, and sustainability into your everyday life.
If you love vintage glass as much as we do, you’ll also enjoy one of our earlier posts about creative ways to repurpose antique glass around the home.
Here are some of our favorite simple (and heartwarming) ideas to help you make the most of these timeless treasures.
#1: Light Up Your Space with a Candle
Of course, we’re partial to this one!
One of our favorite ways to breathe new life into old mason jars is by turning them into candles. Whether you find one through a treasure hunt or shop one of our hand-poured vintage candle pieces, mason jars make perfect vessels for a cozy, welcoming glow.
And when the candle’s finished? Your jar is ready for its next chapter. With one of our refill kits, it’s easy to keep the light going.
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Candle Refill Kits
$24.95
#2: Create a Sweet, Simple Vase
Vintage mason jars were made for fresh blooms. Their delicate colors and nostalgic feel pair perfectly with everything from wildflowers to roses.
Tuck a few blooms into your favorite jar and place it by the window, on the table, or anywhere you need a little lift.
#3: Turn Them into a Chandelier
We have seen some stunning light fixtures made from repurposed mason jars. Whether it’s a DIY project or something you commission, this is a wow-worthy way to bring antique charm into your home.
#4: Organize Everyday Essentials
Give your bathroom, office, or kitchen a touch of vintage charm. Mason jars are functional and beautiful, perfect for everyday organization use.
In our case, our essentials are various seashells and sea glass, but you could use your jars for partial uses to hold:
- Q-tips and cotton balls
- Makeup brushes
- Pens and pencils
- Coffee beans or loose tea
It’s the little touches like these that add warmth and personality to your space.
#5: Host with Vintage Charm
Throwing a party, wedding, or baby shower? Vintage mason jars make beautiful, easy decorations.
Use mason jars as part of your tablescape. Fill them with:
- Fresh flowers
- Fairy lights
- Sweet treats
- Votive candles
- mantel decorations
Mason jars, whether young or old, make budget-friendly centerpieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia, elegance, and personal touch.
#6: Store Your Pantry & Closet Staples in Style
Bring a little vintage spirit into your kitchen! Use your jars to store:
- Baking supplies like flour, sugar, or cocoa
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Coffee grounds or dried herbs
- Homemade granola, candies, or cookies
It’s a lovely nod to the kitchens of generations past and those who used them before us!
#7: Make a Snow Globe
Yes, really! We shared a full tutorial for DIY Mason Jar Snow Globes during the holidays, and it’s still one of our favorite seasonal projects.
Perfect to do with kids, or to give as handmade gifts.
#8: Pass Along the Story
Vintage pieces were made to last and to be shared. Sometimes, the best gifts don’t have to be brand new to be meaningful.
Fill a vintage mason jar with homemade goodies (cookies, jams, a candle you poured yourself!) and gift it to a friend, neighbor, or loved one.
Tie it with a ribbon, include a little note, and gift it to someone who could use a bit of joy. It’s a sweet way to pass along not just a gift, but a little bit of history too.
Bringing the Past Into Your Home with Antique Mason Jars!
At The Outer Banks Candle Company, we believe old things still have a place in the present, especially when they’ve been loved well. There’s beauty in the everyday treasures we collect!
We’re always exploring new ways to celebrate the beauty and charm of the past.
If you’re feeling inspired, take a peek at our latest Vintage Candle Collection. Each piece is hand-poured with care, using authentic antique glass candles, ready to bring a little warmth and joy to your home with a story worth sharing.
Kimber Smith is the creative founder of The Outer Banks Candle Company. With a degree in art, she has dabbled in many art forms from oil painting to calligraphy to furniture refinishing. And when she’s not busy making candles or managing the high energy (chaos) of life with five kids, she enjoys writing about the journey of it all!
