10 Creative Mason Jar Projects for Home Organization

Introduction

Mason jars have been around since the 1800s, originally designed for home canning and preserving. Today, these versatile glass containers have become a staple in DIY culture, beloved for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and endless potential for creative repurposing.

In our quest for more organized, clutter-free homes, mason jars offer an affordable, eco-friendly solution that adds a touch of rustic charm to any space. Whether you're an organizing enthusiast or just looking for simple ways to declutter your home, these 10 mason jar projects will help you transform your space while giving new life to these classic containers.

Materials You'll Need

Project 1: Bathroom Counter Organizer

Transform your bathroom counter from cluttered to organized with this simple yet effective mason jar organizer.

What You'll Need:

• 3-5 wide-mouth mason jars
• Spray paint in your choice of color
• Clear sealer
• Painter's tape (for creating patterns, optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and thoroughly dry your mason jars
2. If desired, use painter's tape to create patterns
3. In a well-ventilated area, apply 2-3 light coats of spray paint
4. Allow to dry completely, then apply a clear sealer
5. Use the jars to organize cotton balls, Q-tips, toothbrushes, makeup brushes, and other bathroom essentials

Pro Tip: For a cohesive look, paint all jars the same color but in different sizes, or choose complementary colors that match your bathroom decor.

Project 2: Kitchen Utensil Holder

Keep your most-used kitchen utensils within arm's reach with this practical and attractive solution.

What You'll Need:

• 1-3 wide-mouth quart-sized mason jars
• Chalk paint
• Sandpaper (for distressed look, optional)
• Twine or ribbon
• Chalkboard labels (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry your mason jars
2. Apply 2 coats of chalk paint, letting dry between coats
3. If desired, lightly sand edges for a distressed look
4. Wrap twine or ribbon around the mouth of the jar and secure with glue
5. Add labels if categorizing utensils (wooden, metal, baking, etc.)
6. Fill with your most frequently used kitchen utensils

Pro Tip: Group similar utensils together, or arrange by frequency of use for maximum efficiency in your kitchen workflow.

Project 3: Wall-Mounted Office Supply Organizer

Free up desk space while keeping office supplies visible and accessible with this wall-mounted organizer.

What You'll Need:

• 4-6 mason jars (pint size works well)
• Wooden board sized to fit your jars
• Pipe clamps or hose clamps that fit around jars
• Screws
• Drill
• Wall anchors
• Stain or paint for the board

Instructions:

1. Stain or paint your wooden board and let dry completely
2. Measure and mark where you want to place your jars
3. Attach pipe clamps to the board using screws
4. Mount the board securely to your wall using appropriate anchors
5. Slide mason jars into the clamps
6. Fill with pens, pencils, paper clips, rubber bands, and other office supplies

Pro Tip: Leave the jars clear to easily see what's inside, or paint just the bottom half for a dipped effect while maintaining visibility.

Project 4: Pantry Storage System

Create a uniform, airtight storage system for pantry staples that looks beautiful on open shelving.

What You'll Need:

• Mason jars in various sizes
• Chalkboard labels or paint
• Chalk marker or white pencil
• Measuring cups

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly wash and completely dry all jars and lids
2. Apply chalkboard labels to the front of each jar, or paint a section with chalkboard paint
3. Using a chalk marker, label each jar with its contents and any relevant cooking instructions (e.g., "Rice - 1:2 ratio, 20 min")
4. Transfer pantry staples like flour, sugar, rice, pasta, beans, and grains into jars
5. Arrange on pantry shelves by category or frequency of use

Pro Tip: Keep a small measuring scoop in jars for items you use in specific amounts, like coffee beans or oats.

Project 5: Magnetic Spice Jars

Free up cabinet and counter space with this clever magnetic spice storage solution.

What You'll Need:

• Small 4 oz. mason jars
• Strong magnets
• Strong adhesive (like E6000) or hot glue gun
• Round labels for jar lids
• Marker or label maker
• Metal surface (side of refrigerator or metal sheet mounted on wall)

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry jars thoroughly
2. Glue magnets to the lids of the jars using strong adhesive
3. Allow adhesive to cure completely (usually 24 hours)
4. Apply labels to the lids or fronts of jars
5. Fill jars with spices
6. Attach to your refrigerator or other metal surface

Pro Tip: For a cleaner look, use the flat metal disk part of the lid for the magnet, and screw the jar into the ring. This way, you can easily refill without removing the magnet.

Project 6: Desk Organizer Set

Create a coordinated desk organizer set that brings order to your workspace with style.

What You'll Need:

• Mason jars in various sizes
• Spray paint in coordinating colors
• Gold or silver paint pen (optional for details)
• Clear sealer
• Small tray or wooden board (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry all jars
2. Apply 2-3 light coats of spray paint to each jar, allowing to dry between coats
3. Use a paint pen to add decorative details if desired
4. Apply a clear sealer for durability
5. Group jars on a tray or board for a cohesive look
6. Fill with paper clips, thumbtacks, rubber bands, and other desk essentials

Pro Tip: Choose an ombre effect with gradual color changes, or paint jars in your company or brand colors for a personalized touch.

Project 7: Bathroom Soap and Lotion Dispensers

Elevate your bathroom aesthetics while reducing plastic waste with these charming soap and lotion dispensers.

What You'll Need:

• Mason jars with regular mouths
• Pump dispenser tops (can be purchased separately or upcycled from old dispensers)
• Drill with metal bit
• Paint or decorative touches (optional)
• Liquid soap, lotion, or hand sanitizer

Instructions:

1. If using metal lids, drill a hole in the center large enough for your pump dispenser tube
2. If using plastic pump tops designed for mason jars, simply follow package instructions
3. Decorate jars as desired (optional)
4. Fill with soap, lotion, or sanitizer
5. Attach pump top and test to ensure it works properly

Pro Tip: For a cohesive bathroom design, make matching sets for soap, lotion, and mouthwash, with small labels to distinguish the contents.

Project 8: Craft Supply Storage Wall

Organize your craft room and put supplies on display with this practical and inspirational storage solution.

What You'll Need:

• Multiple mason jars
• Strong shelf or shelving system
• Labels
• Categorized craft supplies

Instructions:

1. Sort craft supplies by category and color
2. Fill jars with like items (buttons, beads, ribbon, etc.)
3. Create and apply labels
4. Arrange jars on shelves by type of supply or color spectrum for visual appeal

Pro Tip: Leave jars clear to showcase colorful supplies. The visual organization becomes both functional storage and inspiring decor for your creative space.

Project 9: Meal Prep Container System

Revolutionize your meal prep routine with a sustainable, portion-controlled system using mason jars.

What You'll Need:

• Wide-mouth mason jars in quart or pint sizes
• Plastic mason jar lids (for easier opening/closing)
• Erasable labels or masking tape
• Marker

Instructions:

1. Wash and thoroughly dry all jars and lids
2. For salads, layer ingredients with dressing at bottom, hearty vegetables in middle, and greens on top
3. For overnight oats or parfaits, layer ingredients as desired
4. For soups or stews, leave an inch of space at the top
5. Label each jar with contents and date prepared
6. Store in refrigerator for grab-and-go meals

Pro Tip: When making salads in jars, always put dressing at the bottom and greens at the top to keep everything fresh. When ready to eat, shake to distribute dressing.

Project 10: Tiered Desk Organizer

Create a multi-level organizing system that maximizes vertical space while keeping supplies visible and accessible.

What You'll Need:

• 3 mason jars in different sizes
• 2 mason jar lids
• Strong adhesive
• Spray paint (optional)
• Decorative paper or fabric (optional)

Instructions:

1. If painting, spray paint all jars and lids in your chosen color
2. Allow paint to dry completely
3. Glue the bottom of the largest jar to a flat surface (like a small wooden board) for stability
4. Glue a lid to the top of the largest jar, flat side up
5. Glue the bottom of the medium-sized jar to this lid
6. Repeat with another lid and the smallest jar
7. Allow all adhesive to cure completely (24 hours)
8. Fill each tier with appropriately sized supplies

Pro Tip: Use the largest jar for tall items like pens and markers, the middle jar for medium items like scissors and tape, and the top jar for small items like paper clips and thumbtacks.

Tips for Mason Jar Project Success

• Clean thoroughly: Before starting any project, wash jars with hot, soapy water and dry completely to ensure paint adheres properly and food storage is safe.
• Paint in thin layers: When painting glass, multiple thin coats work better than one thick coat, which can drip or peel.
• Consider your environment: For bathroom or kitchen projects, use water-resistant sealers to protect from moisture.
• Mix and match: Combine different jar sizes for visual interest and to accommodate different storage needs.
• Think beyond clear glass: Blue vintage mason jars or amber-colored jars can add a distinctive look to your projects.
• Safety first: If crafting with children, consider using plastic mason-style jars instead of glass.

Conclusion

Mason jars offer endless possibilities for creative home organization. Their classic design, durability, and versatility make them perfect candidates for upcycling into functional storage solutions throughout your home.

Beyond the practical benefits of organization, these projects help reduce waste by repurposing existing materials and eliminating the need for new plastic storage containers. The transparent nature of glass jars also helps you see exactly what you have, potentially reducing waste from forgotten or hidden items.

As you implement these ideas in your own home, don't be afraid to customize and experiment to suit your unique space and organizational needs. The most effective storage solutions are the ones that work with your lifestyle and bring you joy every time you use them.

Have you created any mason jar organization projects? Share your creations or questions in the comments below!