It's amazing what the right container can do for a box of Q-Tips. Something so basic can be transformed into a functional design element just by putting it into a glass jar.
In kitchens, glass jars have long been used to display pasta and cookies. And in store catalogs and mall windows, glass containers often hold potpourri, wicker balls or starfish. But practical, everyday items also can be put on display.
"Glass containers are nice because they create a decorative look," says Dave Carnaghi, a store manager at Restoration Hardware in the St. Louis Galleria.
An apothecary jar can bring a new perspective to loofah or soap bars. A large, footed jar can house bath salts and a small plastic scoop. Even powder laundry detergent can be made fancy in a fun vat placed on a laundry-room counter.
Big-box shopping leaves us with trunkloads of sponges and gazillions of cotton balls. When those extras are stored in interesting containers, they become artful sculptures, free from dust, collapsing cardboard and cellophane wrap.
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"(Glass) helps soaps stay fresher and last longer. It keeps things clean, which definitely adds more appeal. Plus, when you take things out of the boxes, it creates more storage underneath the cabinet," Carnaghi says.
Containers filled with swabs, toothbrushes, razors, pencils — and even washcloths — become miniature display cases.
The variety of shapes ranges from simple cookie jars to sculptural urns. Chrome-accented cylinders and U-shaped vessels also make strong decorative accents. But when standing atop an etagere or desk hutch, the containers add some pizazz to whatever they hold.
The thing is — it's glass. So, it is important to store items that won't damage the jar. Loose change should be kept in a sufficiently heavy container. Footed jars should be placed on level surfaces or in child-free zones. And, if necessary, urns or other oddly shaped vessels can be weighted with glass beads or marbles.
Store almost anything in an apothecary jar
Bath salts, potpourri, candles, swabs, makeup squares, soaps, coins, dishwasher or laundry detergent, toilet paper, sponges, scouring pads, beads, buttons, napkins, matches, washcloths, hand towels, pencils, markers, chalk, brushes.
The jars
● A cookie jar (Target, $9.95) can hold legions of items from swabs to pencils.
● Tall jars make architecture of stacked items (Restoration Hardware, www.restoration hardware.com, $69).
● Soap keeps its fresh scent when stored in an apothecary jar (Restoration Hardware, $45).
● Razors and other essentials can come out of the wrapper and into glass for sanitary storage (Pier 1 Imports, $10).
● Scoop bath crystals from a glass urn (Z Gallerie, $39.95; Poolside bath crystals, Pier 1 Imports, $10).
● Tealight candles are handy in glass jars (Pier 1 Imports, $5).