Decorative Jars & Ginger Jars

What is a ginger jar?

Ginger jars were originally made in China to store and transport spices, including ginger, and became popular in European homes as decorative pieces. Today the term describes the shape rather than the use: a round-bellied ceramic jar with a short neck and a domed lid. The classic look is blue and white porcelain, but modern ginger jars come in plain glazes, stone effects and metallic finishes that suit contemporary rooms.

How to style ginger jars

• Use a matching pair at either end of a mantelpiece, sideboard or console table for a symmetrical, classic look.
• Group three jars of different heights in the same finish on a coffee table or shelf.
• Take the lid off and fill a jar with faux stems or dried grasses for a softer arrangement.
• Stand a large ginger jar on the floor beside a fireplace or at the foot of the stairs as a statement piece.
• Mix a glossy glaze with matt stone-effect pieces for contrast.

Ginger jars pair naturally with table lamps and artificial flowers and stems.

Choosing size and finish

Compare the jar's height with the things around it. On a sideboard or console, a tall ginger jar of 35cm to 49cm balances a lamp, while a jar of 25cm to 32cm suits a bookshelf or a coffee table. Cream and white jars suit pale, light-filled rooms; stone-effect jars feel softer and more rustic; chrome-effect jars add a little shine to a modern scheme.

Using jars for flowers and storage

Most decorative ginger jars are designed for display or faux flowers rather than water. Where a listing says a jar is for faux flowers, line it with florist's cellophane if you want to use real stems. Lidded jars and stone canisters are handy for hiding small items such as matches, cotton wool or hair ties, but they are not intended for storing food.

Looking after decorative jars

Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Lift a jar by its body rather than the lid, and set the lid down separately when moving it, as lids can slip off and chip.

Ginger jars: your questions answered

What is a ginger jar used for today?

Today a ginger jar is mainly a decorative piece. It is used on mantelpieces, sideboards and shelves, often in pairs, and many people remove the lid to display faux flowers or dried stems. Small lidded jars can also hide little everyday items.

What do you put in a ginger jar?

You can leave a ginger jar empty with its lid on as a sculptural piece, or remove the lid and add faux stems, dried grasses or branches. For real flowers, use a jar that is watertight or line it with florist's cellophane. Avoid storing food in decorative jars.

Are ginger jars still in style?

Yes. Ginger jars have stayed popular for centuries because the shape suits both traditional and modern rooms. Today's versions in cream, stone-effect and metallic finishes give the classic outline a fresher, more contemporary feel than traditional blue and white.

Should ginger jars be in pairs?

They do not have to be, but a matching pair at each end of a mantelpiece or sideboard creates a balanced, classic look. For a more relaxed feel, group three jars of different sizes in the same finish, or pair one tall jar with a lamp.

Can I put water in a ceramic ginger jar?

Only if the listing says the jar is suitable for water or watertight. Many decorative ginger jars are designed for faux flowers. If you want to use fresh stems, line the jar with florist's cellophane or place a glass liner inside.

Explore more vases, ornaments and figurines and home decor.