Decorative glass containers with lids can be used to contain food, craft items, or artfully arranged contents, such as layers of colored sand. They are somewhat delicate -- glass can be easily broken but are generally durable, being resistant to water damage. Glass can be ornamented in a variety of ways, including designs molded into the substance, dyes added to create colors, frosting, etching, and painting.
Strictly Ornamental
Not all glass items are created equal. Some include dyes or chemicals that render them unsafe for food storage while others simply have shapes that do not encourage practical applications. That does not keep glass containers from being beautiful. From basic clear glass kitchen jars through frosted vases with willowy shapes, glass containers make a lovely addition to any room. Ornamental glass comes in a variety of brilliant colors, which combined with light can create a focal point for any room.
Cookie and Bulk Goods Storage
Flour, sugar, salt, and cookies, along with coffee and tea, are traditional things that might be stored in kitchen jars. Clear glass jars help the cook see what is inside facilitating food prep. Labels can be added – and are advisable since some substances, such as sugar and salt, look remarkably alike. Glass is impervious to moisture and resistant to mice, roaches and other creatures that can slip into your home and ruin your food supply. This protective feature of glass makes it a good choice for storing items such as beans, dried peas, and pasta because they are protected from predation. Clear glass is less useful for storing foodstuffs such as olive oil or wine because sunlight can cause chemical changes in the liquid.
Combined Qualities
Many glass canisters combine the qualities of ornamentation and practicality. A frequently seen example is a set of glass canisters in graduated sizes with wooden lids or cork stoppers. These jars are often used to store items such as spaghetti, macaroni, rice or beans. The colorful jars of dried food make an interesting kitchen accent.
Glass, while easily broken, can be formed into many different shapes. Some types of glass are strictly ornamental while other types can be used to store foodstuffs and many other things. Glass can be shaped by blowing or by molding. It can be etched, frosted and even painted. This makes it an amazingly versatile substance with many applications.