Decorating with ginger jars, temple jars and other chinoiserie pieces has surged in popularity recently. I’ve always loved blue-and-white pairings and classic, traditional styling, so these ceramic accents have long been a favorite. If you’ve admired them and want practical ideas for how to decorate with ginger jars in your home, here are approachable, stylish ways to begin.
One of the best qualities of ginger jars is their versatility. They fit easily into a range of design styles—from traditional and coastal to farmhouse and grandmillennial—and they work beautifully in almost every room of the house.
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What is a ginger jar?
Ginger jars date back centuries in China. Originally they were practical storage vessels used for spices, salt, and other goods—ginger among them—which is how they earned their name. Over time they became prized decorative objects, and the classic blue-and-white chinoiserie patterns familiar today evolved from that heritage.
What is the difference between a ginger jar and a temple jar?
Temple jars and ginger jars share similar decorative patterns, but their silhouettes differ. Temple jars tend to be taller, often taper near the base, and frequently have a domed lid with a finial. You’ll also encounter rectangular tea jars featuring related motifs. Each type—ginger, temple, and tea jars—has its own visual character and practical uses in styling.
How to Decorate With Ginger Jars, Temple Jars & Tea Jars
Below are several inspiring, practical ideas for incorporating chinoiserie jars into different rooms and arrangements.
1. Ginger Jar Topiaries
One of my favorite uses for ginger jars is as bases for boxwood topiaries. A preserved boxwood topiary tucked into a blue-and-white ginger jar creates a refined, evergreen focal point that works year-round on a mantel, console, or entry table. The rich patterns of the jar balance the clean green of the topiary for a classic look.
2. Centerpiece with Ginger Jars
Ginger jars make excellent bases for floral centerpieces. Their intricate motifs pair naturally with organic materials, and a single jar or a grouping filled with fresh or faux flowers instantly becomes a show-stopping dining table or entry vignette. Try arranging books, candles or small decorative objects around the jar for a layered centerpiece.
3. Chinoiserie Jar Art
Ginger and temple jars often appear in paintings and prints; combining two-dimensional art with a three-dimensional jar on a mantel or shelf creates depth and cohesion. Use a jar to echo a color or pattern found in the artwork for a polished, intentional display.
4. Ginger Jars as a Vase
Beyond formal centerpieces, ginger jars work beautifully as vases for seasonal blooms. The ceramic body showcases vibrant flowers, and the traditional patterns add character to living rooms, entryways or dining areas. Use jars on coffee tables, console tables, or a media cabinet to bring color and texture to the space.
5. Non-Traditional Colored Ginger Jars
While blue-and-white remains the classic choice, modern ginger jars are available in many colors. A collection in an unexpected hue—such as orange, green, or navy—can provide a lively contrast against neutral walls or a complementary pop against saturated blues and creams.
6. Blue-and-White Bowl Decor
Don’t limit yourself to jars—blue-and-white bowls and platters evoke the same traditional aesthetic. Use a decorative bowl to hold faux orchids, small plants, or seasonal accents in a dining room or entry. Bowls introduce variety in scale and silhouette while maintaining cohesive patterning.
7. Kitchen Counter Decor
Although most contemporary ginger jars are decorative rather than functional storage, they still belong in the kitchen. A pair or trio on an island or counter introduces color, pattern and texture—softening the clean lines of cabinetry and adding a welcoming, homey touch.
8. Chinoiserie Jars for the Bathroom
In bathrooms, chinoiserie jars can be purely decorative or functional—use larger jars to discreetly store bath essentials or place smaller jars on open shelving for visual interest. Pair them with a garden stool or folded linens for a curated spa-like feel.
9. Ginger Jar Decor in the Bedroom
Ginger jars also translate well to bedroom styling. A temple jar on a bedside table or shelf provides pattern and color while remaining elegant and understated. They’re especially helpful in layered nightstand vignettes when paired with framed art, a lamp, and a stack of books.
10. Ginger Jar Lamps
Transform a ginger jar into a lamp base to combine pattern with function. Ceramic jar lamps bring personality to a room and act as sculptural accents while providing soft, layered lighting. They look especially striking in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms when coordinated with other blue-and-white pieces.
11. Printable Ginger Jar Art (Bonus Freebie)
Two-dimensional ginger jar designs—prints and artwork—are another easy way to bring the motif into your home. I created seasonal printables featuring lemon trees and ginger jars for summer and displayed them in natural wicker frames on built-in shelves. They added texture and vibrant pops of color to the space. A free printable version of these lemon tree and ginger jar designs is available for personal use.
Where to Buy Ginger Jars, Temple Jars and Tea Jars
Ginger jars and other chinoiserie pieces are widely available from home decor shops, independent makers, and vintage sources. Look for classic blue-and-white styles as well as contemporary colorways to suit your palette. Many retailers also offer lamp conversions and complementary bowl and plate collections to help you coordinate a full look.
Final Thoughts
I hope these ideas inspire you to experiment with ginger jars and chinoiserie pieces in your own spaces. Whether you choose classic blue-and-white patterns or a modern colorway, these ceramics almost always elevate a room with pattern, texture, and timeless charm. Try mixing shapes and scales—topiaries, vases, lamps, bowls and two-dimensional art—to create layered, personal displays that feel curated rather than staged.
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