When I first began my journey toward a sustainable, eco-friendly life, I didn’t realize how many glass jars and bottles were quietly accumulated in my kitchen cabinet. Instead of tossing them into the recycle bin, I discovered the top 10 ways to reuse and up-cycle glass jars and bottles them into something creative and useful. It felt like a small but meaningful step to reduce waste and support eco-living in a plastic-free way.

Over time, I discovered that these simple items could be transformed into storage containers, homemade DIY crafts, and even charming decoration pieces for the house. By giving them great uses, I could repurpose every jar and bottle to store dry foods, herbs, or even refill liquids.

It’s not just about recycling, but about building a deeper connection with the planet through mindful sustainability and repurpose habits that make every small action matter.

Best Types of Jars for Upcycling Projects

There’s something special about giving glass jars a second life. Every jar tells a story. Maybe it once held jam, pickle, or peanut butter, and now it’s waiting for its next purpose. Through upcycling, you not only save money but also add charm and practicality to your home.  

Trust me, once you start reusing these containers, you’ll wonder why you ever threw them away.

Here are some of the great types of jars that make upcycling fun and functional:

• Mason jars – Ideal for canning, mixing, or storing fresh herbs.
  
• Jam jars – Perfect to keep new spices or decorative bathroom items.
  
• Pickle jars – Work wonderfully for organizing craft supplies or dry goods.
  
• Pasta jars – Best suited for storing homemade sauces or pantry essentials.
  
• Peanut butter jars – Reuse them to hold nuts, seeds, or even small items like buttons.
  
• Baby food jars – Great for spice storage or DIY mini candle projects.
  
• Broken glass jars – Can be creatively used in craft mosaics or light décor.
  
• Large jars – Ideal for bulk storage or stylish kitchen display pieces.
  
• Small jars – Handy for new spices, fresh herbs, or quick gifting ideas.
  
• Big jars – Use them as mixing containers or to organize bathroom items neatly.

Top 10 Ways to Reuse and Up-cycle Glass Jars

1. DIY Liquid Soap Dispenser

Have you ever looked at an empty glass jar and thought it was too pretty to throw away? You’re not alone. With a little creative effort, you can discovered the top 10 ways to reuse and up-cycle glass jars and also the bottles instead of tossing them in the bin. 

One of my favorite ways is transforming a simple jar into a DIY liquid soap dispenser that not only looks great but also helps reduce plastic containers in your home.

How It’s Made

The process is surprisingly fun and satisfying. I first learned this trick while trying to save money and avoid buying more single-use plastic containers. Here’s how you can make one yourself:

• Carefully make a small hole in the jar’s lid using a hammer, nail, or drill—just wide enough for the dispensing pump.
  
• Always exercise caution to safely puncture the lid and avoid any sharp edges.
  
• Insert the pump closure and dip tube through the hole, trimming or cut it to the right length if needed.
  
• Secure the setup with adhesive for a tight seal, and you’ve got a stylish combo that works perfectly for soap, lotions, or even kitchen sauces.
  

From experience, It’s a small project that delivers a big environmental impact proof that thoughtful design can start right on your wood board workbench with just a drill and a bit of patience.

2. Tissue Holder

If you’re on a mission to make your home more sustainable, glass jars are your perfect starting point. 

They’re durable, sturdy, and full of practical applications once their original purpose is done. I’ve always loved finding creative ways to reuse them instead of tossing them into cartons for recycling. One of my favorite and most DIY-friendly ideas? Turning an old jar into a chic Tissue Holder that not only looks great but keeps your space organized too.

How It’s Made

Creating a Tissue Holder from an empty glass jar is a simple craft that’s both useful and stylish, it feels like unlocking a small home design secret.

Here’s the following quick guide to get you started:

• Cut a small circle of felt or other sturdy material that fits neatly over the jar’s mouth.
  
• Fold the fabric and make a slit in the center just big enough to pull the tissue through.
  
• Fasten the fabric in place with an elastic band or some adhesive so it stays over the lid without slipping.
  
• Fill the jar with tissues, close it up, and you’ve got a functional plus a decorative piece for dispensing one that did not disappoint when I explored it myself.
  

When you use these homemade tissue holders, you’ll notice how they blend seamlessly into your home style, each jar becoming a small expression of creativity. You can even separate them into different rooms or give them to friends. They’re practical for everyday life and a reminder that sometimes, the best solutions are the ones we make on our own.

3. Lights & Lanterns

Every time I finish a jar of jam or sauce, I pause before throwing it away. Those empty glass jars have endless creative possibilities! One of my favorite ways to repurpose them is by transforming them into beautiful lights and lanterns that instantly warm up any space. 

How It’s Made

Creating lanterns from glass jars isn’t just an eco-friendly idea — it’s a relaxing weekend craft that brings charm to your home or garden. Here’s how you can do it yourself:

• Choose glass jars that can handle high temperatures and resist heat.
  
• Add LED tea light or string lights inside the jar for a soft glow.
  
• Cover the outer surface with leaves, beads, or tinting to create a unique pattern.
  
• Turn them into citronella candle holders to keep insects away on summer nights.

4. Glass Jar Terrarium

There’s something truly magical about turning an ordinary glass jar into a tiny terrarium. I remember making my first one on a rainy weekend. It became a calming hobby that helped me observe the beauty of growth up close.

How It’s Created

Making your own small-scale biome is easier than it looks. The key is to replicate nature’s system in a confined space and let it thrive. Think of it as creating a miniature ecosystem that balances moisture, air, and soil—right inside a glass jar.

• Start with layers: Begin with a thick pebble layer to create drainage, preventing rot and odor from stagnant water.
  
• Add fertile soil: Keep it slightly damp and fertile, perfect for moss or tiny succulents that love gentle humidity.
  
• Decorate creatively: Use rocks, wood, twigs, and alike ornaments to make it visually rich, arranging the tallest plants at the back and the smaller ones in front, leaving gaps for air circulation.
  
• Choose your lid wisely: For an open-lid setup, ideal for dry succulents, keep the top open. For enclosed terrariums, create a mild airtight seal but to avoid mold you can screw the lid loosely or even use a nail and hammer to make tiny holes for ventilation.

5. Tabletop & Hanging Plant Holder

Sometimes the simplest things around us can transform into the most creative home décor. That old glass jar sitting on your shelf isn’t just trash it’s a hidden treasure waiting for a repurpose.  

How It’s Made

There’s something magical about turning empty jars into decorative pieces that also help your plants grow. Here’s how you can make your own hanging or tabletop vases for your little green friends:

• Use macrame or beaded hangers to suspend your glass jars stylishly.
  
• Fill them with water to create mini propagation stations for propagating and growing new cuttings.
  
• Keep an eye on your clear jars to observe root growth and determine when the roots are long enough to pot.
  
• Turn a few into small vases or holders for fresh herbs, adding life and scent to your kitchen space.

6. Spice Storage or Shakers

There’s something magical about turning old glass jars into something practical again. Instead of throwing them away, I love finding small ways to reuse them around the kitchen. 

One of my favorite transformations is making spice storage or shakers. It’s simple, creative, and keeps my shelves looking organized in a very personal and stylish way.

How It’s Made

Creating spice shakers from glass jars is a clever way to mix simplicity with usefulness. You don’t need fancy tools or extra purchase, just a few easy-to-follow tips and a little time. 

Whether you’re working with large jars for bulk spices or small jars for daily use, you can turn them into something both beautiful and functional.

• Clean the jars thoroughly and remove any labels before starting.
  
• Use a hammer and nail to poke holes in the jar’s lid for easy sprinkling.
  
• Add your personal blend of spices to make customized spice shakers.
  
• If needed, fit spice caps on the neck to give the jar a neat finish.

7. DIY Candy Jars

Every time I finish a jar of jam or sauce, I can’t help but think of how glass jars have endless potential beyond the kitchen. They’re durable, reusable, and can turn into something truly beautiful with a little creativity. 

One of my favorite ideas is making DIY Candy Jars. They’re not only cute but also practical for organizing sweet treats or gifting.

How It’s Made

Creating these DIY Candy Jars is a fun and rewarding project. With a few everyday materials and a dash of imagination, you can transform ordinary glass jars into something sweeter and full of charm. 

The best part? They offer easy access to your treats and help maintain the candy’s shelf-life perfectly.

• Choose wide mouth jars for easy access and better display.
  
• Use a flat lid as a perfect base for adhering small bulbs, knobs, or holiday figurines.
  
• Add plastic animals or decorations on top and paint the entire jar in a single color for an elevated look.
  
• Store preserves or your favorite Candy collection to reuse them for parties or gifting.
  

8. Beverage Mug

There’s something truly satisfying about turning old glass jars into something both stylish and functional for your home. I remember the first time I transformed one  it instantly became my favorite beverage companion! 

How It’s Made

Before you start, make sure your jar’s surface is clean and dry. The fun part is watching an ordinary jar repurpose into something that looks custom-made. I’ve personally made several, and each one feels unique, a little rustic yet trendy.

• Select a sturdy jar’s body that can hold liquids safely.
  
• Puncture the lid gently and insert a reusable straw through it.
  
• Use a rubber grommet on the underside of the lid to stabilize the straw and prevent spills.
  
• Ensure the thread of the lid fits easily and tighten it with caution when inserting the straw.
  

9. Supply & Toiletry Organizers

It’s surprising how something as simple as glass jars can bring both beauty and function into your space. Over the years, I’ve found countless creative ways to reuse these jars in my own home  and they never fail to add a touch of luxurious appeal. 

With just a few tweaks, these humble containers can turn into elegant organizers that simplify your daily routines.

How It’s Done

Transforming jars into stylish supply and toiletry organizers is one of the easiest and most satisfying upcycling projects you can try. 

These jars are not just eco-friendly but also look stunning when placed around your household spaces  from your bathroom to your office desk. I personally love using clear glass because it gives that high-end look, even when holding the most common everyday items.

• Store toiletries like cotton swabs, balls, floss picks, and toothbrushes neatly on your vanity.
  
• Use them for cosmetics, makeup, or small cosmetic products like hair ties, brushes, and combs.
  
• Keep your desk clutter-free by turning jars into art supplies holders for pencils, paint, paper clips, or beads.
  
• Repurpose them in your craft area to store and organize materials such as sewing materials, loose change, toys, piping tips, or cupcake liners.

10. Holiday snow globes

Every time the holidays roll around, I find myself collecting leftover jars that once held sauces, candles, or spices. One of my favorite transformations has to be turning them into holiday snow globes. It’s creative, eco-friendly, and brings a warm sparkle to your interior.

How It’s Made:  

There’s something satisfying about transforming plain spice jars or bottles into festive décor pieces that shine on your mantel or as holiday centerpieces. Here’s how I usually make mine, especially when I want them as thoughtful gifts or tiny ornaments for friends and family.

• Add glitter, glycerin, and distilled water into your clean jar.
  
• Place small plastic reindeer or bottlebrush trees inside as miniature decorations.
  
• Seal the lid tightly and wrap a ribbon around it with cute toppers for extra charm.
  
• Shake gently to see the sparkling snow globe effect come alive.
  

It’s amazing how such an easy DIY can completely elevate your holiday décor, transforming everyday jars into glowing pieces of joy that fit beautifully with the rest of your decorations. Each one becomes a little memory, capturing the magic of the holidays in the palm of your hand.