Product + Inspiration: Blue and White Ginger Jars

via william sonoma home

Good design is timeless and a perfect example of that is the blue and white ginger jars.  Ginger jars are identified by their high-shoulders, rounded shapes, small mouths, and domed lids that often continue the piece’s exterior decoration all the way up to the finial. Ginger jars were initially used to store and transport spices, hence their name, but since the 19th century they have been used chiefly as decorative objects.

Although the patterns, styles and colors available in ginger jars is limitless, the classic blue and white ginger jar has become the most mainstream of the styles.  These days you can find ginger jars at flea markets, thrift shops and even big box discount stores like Ross.  This beautiful blue and white lidded temple jar is just one of several styles available from William Sonoma Home.

via william sonoma home

One of the things I like most about ginger jars is the variety of ways you can use them to decorate.

You can use them as a vase and group several together to create a dynamic centerpiece…

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A collection can be used to decorate the top and underneath of a console table in a foyer or hallway…

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A single jar can add substance and color to a coffee table arrangement…

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Finding a substantial piece to decorate a mantle can be challenging but blue and white ginger jar are made for mantels…

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And don’t limit your decorating with ginger jars to inside your home…you can take them outside to decorate too!

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If you want to start a collection of blue and white ginger jars, keeps these tips in mind:

1.  Collect a variety of sizes and shapes which will give any vignette you create visual dimension and interest

2.  Buy a mix of pattern styles so each piece will look unique and individual

3.  Look for pieces that come with decorative bases which can add character to a piece

4.  If you come across a vintage piece without the lid, don’t pass it up. Many of the lids on older pieces have been lost or broken but the jar is still beautiful without it.

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Shopping for ginger jars, check out:

Wisteria

Etsy for vintage pieces at great prices

Overstock

Ross, HomeGoods, TJMaxx and Pier1

Although I don’t own any blue and white ginger jars (yet), I do love the look of them in decor.

How about you…have you jumped on the ginger jar trend?