In this post, let us focus on pantry and kitchen storage solution materials.
I prefer to use glass jars or containers for storing dried goods, nuts, seeds, etc. Why?
The answer is simple. Glass is a very durable material. It is easy to keep clean, and I do not know about any rodents, bugs or any other nastiness that can get through it. Nowadays, thanks to advancements in technology, we have all kinds of glassware and their proper, airtight lids.
These storage solutions are not just functional, but they tick another essential box too. They are beautiful.
Due to the inherent transparent nature, it is easy to identify the stored goods inside of them. But of course, we still use labels to ensure no mixup during cooking that fabulous meal for our loved ones or getting that fantastic birthday cake ready.
Glassware can come in coloured variations also, which can elevate the look of a space to the next level, adding an almost artistic touch to any room. Unfortunately, these coloured glass containers are not too widely available. We can find interesting pieces here and there, but they are truly limited, and some of them are only treated with some paint or coloured some other way, which can peel off or wear relatively quickly.
Another favourite of mine is earthware or ceramics. They give a special natural feeling to the room they are placed in and come in various colours.
Unfortunately, they are not transparent. Therefore labelling the stored goods inside is essential. These material characteristics are pretty handy in some cases, especially when we hold goods that do not take sunlight well. Yes, there are some stuff that we need to keep out of sunlight if we do not want them to get spoiled in a matter of days.
These containers can be airtight, especially when we talk about relatively new ones, but usually, make sure that you choose the right one for the task at hand.
And there are containers, cans that are made of metal. These options are mostly painted. Therefore I would not recommend placing anything in them without additional packages, like paper or plastic. I know manufacturers like to most about how their technology is revolutionary and never seen before, but I still question them. Hence, I usually use these solutions only when I plan on storing the goods inside them in their plastic package.
Due to their painted nature, these tin boxes don’t take scratching and tight arrangement too well. The quality ones are better in terms of scratch resistance, but some, especially the cheaper ones, are easy to scratch. If they are scratched, it eventually ruins their appearance. It degrades their functionality due to inevitable corrosion when bare metal surface meets moisture, even from the air, so be careful placing them in a kitchen.
Next up, plastic containers. They come in all sizes, shapes and colours. Yes, some of them are even transparent. They are lightweight, therefore, do not put extra strain on the shelving, cupboard or cabinet.
Also, they are very easy to clean and be replaced cheaply.
But, they are the least scratch resistant of the investigated bunch. They should give us ample protection from any storage invaders, but some of them are so lightly made that they do not give us the needed protection.
Usually, they deteriorate easily and do not stand a chance when heat is anywhere near them. They actually pose as a fire hazard if placed too near an open fire. Once they catch on fire, they can be difficult to put out, and during the burning, most of them produce harmful, poisonous gasses. It is highly recommended not to inhale their smoke when they burn.
I acknowledge their place in some situations, but I avoid them as much as I can.
Oh, and one more thing about them. In the best-case scenario, they can be recycled, but if, for some mysterious reason, they find their way to the rubbish heaps, their breakdown takes ages.
Finally, I want to touch on other natural materials, like bamboo, seagrass, rattan, leaves etc.
These are more on the decor side of the spectrum. Usually, they add additional esthetic appeal to the space they are being used in.
They are not very great to keep fruits in them for a longer period. If we choose to, for example, put some apples in them on a dinner table, never leave the apples in them for more than a couple of days. Once the fruits start to ripe, it is time to eat them and put something else into our beautiful baskets, containers.
For storing nuts in them is only when the nuts are still in their shells.
I often use them to store smaller items, like toys, magazines, books that are being read or notebooks just to give you some ideas.
Or even other decor items look great in them, like carved wooden balls, Christmas figures or ornaments. You got the picture.
But, you might find some other ideas on how you can use their calming, natural looks and textures to highlight your home.
One thing to point out, keep them away from moisture or open fire. In some cases, they are also excellent temporary homes to unwanted visitors from the garden. So be careful if you leave out in the country and keep your doors or windows open for extended periods.
I hope that you found something in this blog that give you inspiration or a little bit of information that can help you with your next home transformation project.