Woman in white shirt holding clear glass pantry jar

Hone your inner minimalist when experimenting with kitchen canisters

Canisters traditionally store flour, sugar, or grains in your pantry. But should you leave them on your kitchen countertops? 

The Rise of Kitchen Containers

Since at least the middle of the 19th century, kitchen canisters have been a staple of the typical American kitchen. The popularity of canister sets has persisted into the 20th century, and many modern brides still include one in their registry for wedding and shower presents. 

These containers are aesthetically pleasing and offer a functional pantry storage solution. However, it would be best not to clutter your kitchen countertops with them.

“I think having less on your countertops is way better,” expert home stager Lindsay the Stager mentions in Episode 6 of Design Time: From the Floor Up.
Design Time: From the Floor Up with Lindsay the Stager Kitchen Canisters

Hoosier Cabinets

The concept of selling freestanding baking cabinets to housewives emerged as a solution since kitchens in the late 19th and early 20th centuries rarely had enough built-in cabinetry to contain baking materials and other needs. These cabinets, made by Hoosier and a few other producers, were created to help the busy women of this era operate in the kitchen more effectively. Hoosier cabinets frequently included a set of glass canisters for the cabinet shelves. 

Types of Kitchen Canisters

Tin canisters were one of the first containers and may have been offered for sale by roadside vendors or in local shops. Even the classic 1849 book Mrs. Putnam’s Receipt Book and Young Housekeeper’s Assistant included tin canisters for tea and coffee on Elizabeth Putnam’s list of kitchen necessities.   

The early 20th century saw a rise in the popularity of colored depression glass, clear-pressed glass jars, and milk glass. 
Clear glass jars with brown grains on kitchen countertop
Many canisters switched from tin to aluminum over the 20th century, and canisters made of ceramic also gained popularity. Ceramic and stoneware canisters came in a wide range of hues thanks to manufacturers like Fiesta.  

Pantry Storage Containers

It’s typical for the pantry to see a lot of activity in a home. It may start as the best place in the house, but without a sound system of pantry storage containers, it may rapidly become a hassle. The proper kitchen storage techniques will keep your items in order because we all know the dreadful feeling of searching around the pantry for that particular ingredient you need to finish a meal. 

Clear plastic pantry cereal organizers and clear glass food jars sit in white pantry cupboard

Here are five ways to save space in your pantry and store all of your delectables: 

1. Eliminate large packaging.

This one is timeless. Remove dry products like rice, pasta, and baking ingredients from big boxes to give your pantry a sleek and stylish appearance. Sort these pantry products into tall glass jars or transparent canisters to see what’s inside. Label the containers so you can quickly identify each component to increase uniformity. 

2. Utilize Lazy Susans.

A lazy Susan is ideal for arranging bottled goods like oils, dressings, and sauces in your kitchen pantry. Everything is easily accessible thanks to the rotating feature. 

3. Contain Food Storage Products.

You can organize plastic bags, tin foil, and parchment paper efficiently in wire baskets. You can maintain uniformity in your pantry and easily access less-than-appealing storage goods by putting them in wire baskets without completely hiding what you might need when you need them. 

Snacks stored in plastic food storage bags

4. Add A Canned Goods Organizer.

Use a can organizer to increase the room you have for cans instead of stacking them on top of one another on pantry shelves. 

5. Put Snacks In Storage Bins.

Grab-and-go foods can be removed from their original box and put in storage bins or baskets for quick access in your pantry. Put similar food items in these baskets. Doing so can help you quickly discover what you’re searching for and keep your pantry looking tidy. 

Modern Uses of Canister Sets

Storage Solution

One of the best storage options, according to some, is canisters. They are functional and can also be attractive and simple to label. Glass canisters are excellent storage containers for pantry goods. Canisters look appealing and seal smoothly to keep your food fresh. Who would have thought a pantry shelf of dried spaghetti could seem so satisfying?    

Additionally, canisters are a fantastic bathroom storage solution for cosmetics and other items like cotton balls, bath bombs, bar soaps, and Q-tips.
Wooden container with cotton pads

Florals

Canisters can be the right solution if you’re seeking the ideal vase for your favorite floral stems. Choose one large canister and fill it with flowers or greenery to create a lovely centerpiece for your kitchen island.   

Keep in mind that when experimenting with canisters in your kitchen, it’s ideal to keep your countertops clear of clutter.

Styling

In addition to their numerous functions, canisters are just a fun and adaptable addition to eclectic home decor. Canisters are a terrific way to add height and interest to your foyer table or fireplace mantle if you need a little extra oomph. You can leave them empty or fill them with plants, flowers, or incense sticks.   

Be imaginative, and be sure to check out Design Time: From the Floor Up, a weekly video podcast featuring Lindsay the Stager, for more insight on home solutions and interior décor ideas. 

This platform, sponsored by Floorily, strives to share fun and practical interior design knowledge with viewers of all backgrounds. Design Time: From the Floor Up discusses a range of subjects through regularly featured industry experts covering topics from flooring to paint shades to decorative accessories. 

Author

  • Sarah Dyer

    Sarah is the Communications Manager at Floorily. With a strong background in digital marketing, she develops strategies and marketing material to help grow and promote Floorily. In her free time, Sarah enjoys camping, hiking, and being a passenger on flights flown by her aviator husband.

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