There is something mighty satisfying about turning a handful of humble thrift store finds into something that looks right at home in a cozy fall bathroom. For this project, I’m taking 4 old glass pickle jars and turning them into a matching bathroom storage set with soft autumn color, simple painted finishes, and practical uses for all those little things that tend to clutter the counter.
I love a project like this because it doesn’t ask for fancy supplies or a workshop full of tools. If you can wash a jar, brush on paint, and tie a ribbon, you can make this. It’s especially nice for anyone who wants seasonal decorating that still earns its keep, and it reminds me of the way my mother used to save every sturdy jar that came through the kitchen, certain it would be useful again someday.
Materials
4 thrift store glass pickle jars, 1 quart each, washed and labels removed
Instructions
1. Wash the 4 pickle jars and lids well with warm soapy water, then remove any lingering adhesive from the labels. Dry everything completely before moving on.
2. Wipe the outside of each jar and each lid with rubbing alcohol to remove dust and oils. Lightly scuff the lids and the outside of the jars with 220-grit sandpaper so the paint has a better surface to grip.
3. Decide how you want to use the set: one jar for cotton balls, one for cotton swabs, one for bath salts, and one for hair ties or clips works beautifully. Keeping the jars as a set but giving each one a slightly different fall color makes the whole thing feel collected rather than stiff.
4. Tape off any area you want to leave clear, such as the top inch of the jar or a small window on the front. If you prefer full coverage, you can skip the tape and paint the jars entirely.
5. Paint one jar cream, one muted pumpkin orange, one sage green, and one in a cream-and-orange combination using a foam brush for smooth coverage. Apply thin coats and let each coat dry before adding the next, usually 2 to 3 coats for a solid finish.
6. Paint the lids matte black for a tidy, finished look that ties the set together. Let the lids dry flat so the paint stays even.
7. Once the paint is dry, remove the painter’s tape carefully to reveal crisp edges. If you want a softer farmhouse look, lightly sand a few raised spots or edges to distress them just a touch.
8. Seal the painted areas with a clear matte topcoat, following the dry time on your sealer. This helps the jars stand up to bathroom humidity and frequent handling.
9. Wrap each jar neck with 18 to 24 inches of jute twine and tie it in a simple bow or knot. Glue a small faux fall greenery or berry pick under the twine on each jar for a quiet little autumn touch.
10. Fill the jars with bathroom essentials and screw the lids on snugly. Group all 4 jars together on a tray, shelf, or the back of the toilet tank so they read as one finished fall storage set.
Variations & Tips
For a softer look: Use only cream, tan, and sage if you want your fall colors to whisper instead of shout. That works especially well in a small bathroom where too much orange can feel busy.
For more storage: If your jars are different heights, put the tallest one in back and use it for bath salts or cloth rounds. The shorter jars are handier for cotton swabs and hair pins.
For cleaner paint lines: Let the final coat dry until it is just barely set, then peel off the tape slowly at an angle. I’ve found that rushing this part is what causes most paint lifting.
For a safer bathroom finish: Keep the sealer matte rather than glossy, which helps the jars look more like pottery or old crockery. It also hides little fingerprints better, and in my house that always matters.
For thrift store success: Choose jars with similar shape and shoulder lines, even if the lids don’t match perfectly at first. A coat of black paint on the lids brings them into the same family faster than you’d think.
To keep it practical: Don’t overdo the decorations around the neck of the jars. A small sprig and a bit of twine are plenty, and that leaves the set easy to wipe down when bathroom dust settles in, as it surely does.