I love a thrift-store project that solves a real problem, and these upcycled glass olive jars do exactly that. We’re turning four plain jars into a matching fall bathroom storage set with painted lids, simple labels, and warm seasonal style that looks custom on a counter or shelf. If you’ve ever had cotton balls in one bag, hair ties in a drawer, and bath salts crammed wherever they fit, this is the kind of easy weekend project that makes the whole room feel pulled together.
As someone who’s always trying to make everyday spaces prettier without adding more clutter, I’m especially fond of this one because the jars are already the perfect shape for bathroom storage. A little paint, a polished finish, and coordinated fillers give you a 4-item set that looks much more expensive than it is, and it’s beginner-friendly even if your crafting time is basically squeezed between work and dinner.
Materials
4 thrift store glass olive jars with lids, 16 to 24 ounces each
Instructions
1. Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water, then peel off any old labels and scrub away glue until the glass is completely smooth.
2. Wipe each jar and lid with rubbing alcohol and let everything dry fully so the paint and labels will stick cleanly.
3. Lightly sand the tops and outer edges of the lids, then brush on a thin coat of bonding primer and let it dry according to the can directions.
4. Paint the lids in two thin coats, using cream on one, terracotta on one, sage on one, and soft black or deep brown on one, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.
5. Add a simple fall finish to the lids by dry-brushing a tiny amount of cream over the darker colors or lightly distressing the edges with sandpaper once the paint is dry.
6. Spray the painted lids with a clear matte sealer in a well-ventilated area, then let them cure completely so they’ll hold up better to bathroom humidity.
7. Cut four pieces of twine about 18 inches long each, wrap one around the neck of each jar two or three times, and tie a neat bow or knot in front.
8. If you want a little extra detail, hot glue one small faux fall accent onto each twine wrap, keeping it off to the side so the front of the jar stays clean.
9. Apply a label to each jar and keep the set practical by assigning one use per jar, such as cotton balls, cotton swabs, bath salts, and hair accessories.
10. Fill the first jar with cotton balls all the way to the shoulder of the jar so it looks full and generous without making it hard to close.
11. Fill the second jar with cotton swabs standing upright or loosely layered, depending on the jar shape, and tap the bottom lightly to settle them evenly.
12. Fill the third jar with bath salts, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top so the lid screws on easily and the contents don’t spill.
13. Fill the fourth jar with hair ties, clips, or other small bathroom essentials, choosing enough to make the jar look intentionally stocked rather than half-empty.
14. Screw on the finished lids, wipe off fingerprints, and group the four jars together on a tray, shelf, or toilet tank with the colors alternating for a balanced fall display.
Variations & Tips
Use matching jar heights: If you can find four jars in the same size, the finished set looks extra polished, but I’ve also mixed slightly different heights and just kept the lid colors coordinated.
Choose soft bathroom-safe fillers: These jars work best for dry items like cotton rounds, bath salts, soaps, or hair accessories; I skip anything damp so the lids stay nice longer.
Try a neutral fall palette: If orange isn’t your thing, use warm ivory, taupe, olive, and matte black for a moodier set that still feels autumnal.
Make the labels removable: I like using simple adhesive labels that peel off cleanly, because I always seem to change my bathroom organization system once a season.
Check lid fit before decorating: Test every lid after thrifting and before painting, since it’s much easier to swap out a bad jar early than after you’ve finished the pretty part.
Seal for humidity: Bathrooms can be rough on paint, so don’t skip the primer and sealer; that extra step is what makes this look cute for months instead of one busy week.
Create a gift set: Pair two filled jars with a nice hand towel and a candle for an easy hostess or housewarming gift that feels thoughtful without taking all weekend.