The history of tin containers

Tin containers, also known as tin boxes or simply tins, are frequently used for packaging coffee, biscuits, breath mints, holiday treats, and sewing supplies. Tin containers originated in England in the early 1700s as a means of packaging snuff, but today’s tins have evolved to be both functional and decorative—with some enthusiasts even treating tins as a collector’s item. Artsy collectors often modify tin boxes with embellishments and paint to add their own unique flair. While tins are, of course, made of tin, other common materials are ceramic, plastic, wood, and aluminum. The result? Endless uses and designs to choose from.

Tins are one of the most versatile items in your home. Here are a few pretty and practical ways to use them throughout your house: Tea tins: Tea tins and coffee tins are tall, wide tins designed to store your favorite coffee or tea bags. Whether you’re after customized containers decorated with a jaunty saying or vintage tins with hand-painted borders that harken back to antique china, artisans on Etsy outdo themselves with every new design. Storage tins: Medicine, utensils, candies, cords, or hair ties. When it comes to storage tins , the only limit is your imagination. These tins come in a kaleidoscope of shapes and sizes to suit your storage needs, and many shops on Etsy offer personalization options to ensure that you’re getting the exact style you’re looking for. Decorative tins: Sometimes, all you want is a tin shaped like a Polaroid camera or an oblong tin container decked out with Art Deco engravings. From collectibles for your curiosity cabinet to dining table centerpieces, decorative tins offer a fun way to dress up your home.

Organizing with tin containers

In the modern home or business, there’s a call for discreet and space-conscience storage options. Tin containers hear this call and deliver. Even vintage cookie tins reflect how storage can blend in seamlessly with the existing aesthetic of a room, rather than cluttering your spaces. Alongside their variety of uses, endless design options, and ease of cleaning, tin containers are more than just a home decor trend—they’re nothing short of a must-have staple.

Tins

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Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Sophia

5 out of 5 stars

"Little Cloverine tin arrived speedily and in excellent condition. Travis (and kids) enclosed a very warm thank you note that made me smile and think about it throughout my day. Thank YOU Travis and your beautiful family for such wonderful customer service and this thoughtful moment of connection amidst the pandemic. Hoping you're all happy and healthy. - Mari"

Rare Vintage Cloverine Aspirin Tin, Tyrone, PA 1940s
Angela

5 out of 5 stars

"I’m a repeat customer of this shop because the tins are so pretty and of good quality. The lid design is lovely and the tin makes a perfect pill box."

Crow tin, stitch marker tin SMALL (017)
Marie Elena O'Brien

4 out of 5 stars

"I would love this item, but I was extremely disappointed that the art was applied upside down to the direction that the tin opens."

Ivy & Laurel Mucha altered tin
Amber Wallin

5 out of 5 stars

"This is so cool! Very sturdy 3D print, and I love that the tin still smells like cinnamon Altoids."

Altoid Tin Travel Watercolor Palette!!
Kathleen Woodruff

4 out of 5 stars

"Cute little tins for a birthday basket."

Set of 4 Ladybug Tins, Hinged Tin, Small Metal Tin, Tiny Tin, Decorative Tins

Tins

Round Chinese metal tin heavy lidded tin dragon motif dragon

Tin Box bundle of 4 | Trinket Box Collectors | home decor vintage collection tea tin boxes kitsch old antique colourful decorative storage

12 Types | Portable | Mini Tin Box | pocket stash, metal container, tiny pill container, container for jewelry, candy | B410-2 | KS-MX-045

Baked with Love Custom Cookie Tin, Personalized Box, Tin Box, Cookie Tin, Personalized Gift Box, Biscuit Box

Vintage Calumet Tin Baking Powder Can 5 Lb Farmhouse Kitchen Primitive

Vintage Oxo Cube Tin/Caddy

absolutely stunning fabric box, absolute rarity brocante, 1920

White Rabbit Creamy Candy Tin With Fun Graphics Red Easter Tin Vintage China

Personalized hinged tin

Vintage Casa Via Variccio Pasta Tin - Italy Napoli Bologna Turino Green Cylinder Tin - Spaghetti Pasta Container

Vintage Deckel Dose 70er Jahre Kunststoff Beige/Grün Retro Seventies Mid Century Shabby Chic Landhausstil

Vintage Drostes Cacao Cocoa Powder Tin from Haarlem, Holland

Case 950 silver, bamboo decoration, Japan

DutchJunkYard- THE SNOW QUEEN - Kjeldsens Tin Canister Box- Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales - The Snow Queen - Michael Hague Art - 1980s

Antike Bomboniere aus der Jugendstilzeit Zuckerdose mit Malerei Shabby vintage Frankreich

An original vintage 1980s Dutch Don Miguel Miguelitos duck egg blue and gold cigar tin with original paper

Empire Sewing Thread Tin; Sewing Tin, Thread Tin, Sewing Notion Tin, Sewing Collectible, Sewing Decor, Collectible Tin

Vintage Nabisco 1969 Premium Saltine Cracker Metal Container Box Tin 14 Oz, Vintage Cracker Tin

Celestial swallows tin (022)

Mug "Kalea" / container / storage / mug with lid / storage / Keraflott / home decor / decoration

vintage Doans pill tin

Vintage Tin Boxes "Feeding the Ducks & Geese

2 Antique French Tins for the Kitchen

Crow tin, stitch marker tin LARGE (017)

Decorative Tin, Storage Box, Metal Tin, Forget Me Not, Blue Flowers, Jewelry Case, Resin, Pressed Flowers, Altoid-size, Sewing Kit, Purse

Vintage Rectangular Floral Tin Box/Container - Made in Holland

Antique container tea caddy Thomsberger & Hermann Colditz with windmills and ships made of porcelain Shabby vintage

Set of 3 Vintage Decorative Tins-Murray Allen-Riley's Toffee-Round Made in England Container

An original vintage pre Euro Panther Sprint rectangular black and gold 50 Cigarillos tin

Personalised Pocket Tin

Set of 6 old Droste Tins including miniature edition and anniversary tin

Vintage Typhoo Caddy, Tin

Vintage Daher Design CAP-TINS Litho Tin made in England, CHOICE of Rabbit or Snowwoman Tin

Dr. Worden's Female Pills - antique reproduction patent medicine tin for reenactors, cosplay - perfect gift for her

Funny Family 2 Gallon Popcorn Tin, "This Family Has No Self Control"

Vintage Tin- Christmas Tin Container - Christmas Decor- Cookie Tin- Catchall Tin- Festive Container- Christmas Storage

Vintage McCormick Green Label Spice Tins -- Pair Of Vintage Kitchen Tin Cans -- Onion Flakes & Paprika Tin Containers -- Farmhouse Decor

Tin Box Co. Designed By Damer NY Made In England Vintage Floral Tins Set Of 3 Varying Shapes and Sizes

Art Deco case 800 silver, Louis Kuppenheim

Vintage-Inspired Lead Soldier Metal Storage Tin Set - 3-Piece Decorative Cookie & Keepsake Tins

Mariana Madrani Cocaine Chewing Gum - reproduction patent medicine tin for reenactors, cosplay, gamers - perfect gift

Jelly fish tin LARGE, Notions tin, treasure box, jewellery box (034)

Altoid Tin Tackle Box! Tool Box! Jewelry Box!

vintage tin w/ reproduction antique seed packets artwork print, seed storage box

Crow tin, stitch marker tin SMALL (017)

Farmhouse Decor, Dog Food Tin, Dog Food Bin, Farmhouse Dog Food Container, Dog Food Container, Personalized Dog Food Tin, Pet Food Storage

Seven Star Tin Tray Insert Organizer Storage Bugout for Trangia Mess Aluminium Tin (6.5 x 3.5 x 2.6 inch Size)

Mushroom tin SMALL pill box, pin box, jewellery box, notions tin (006)

Vintage Log Cabin Shaped Maple Syrup Tin

Crayola Collector Tin W Lid Storage Gift Box Limited Edition NO CRAYONS Vintage Tarnished with Dented Lid

Vintage Campfire Marshmallow TIn

Bloom Chinoiserie Cookie Tin - Round Treat Tin - Biscuit Tin - Personalized Cookie Tin - Baking Gift - Blue and White Chinoiserie Storage

SCHILLING NUTMEG TIN 1977 Vintage Kitchen Free Shipping

Antique ceramic lidded box from BMF

Cherry tin LARGE, Notions tin, stitch marker tin (001)

Stone's Brand Ground Sage/Vintage Spice Tin/Vintage Advertising

Sheep tin LARGE, Notions tin, treasure box, jewellery box (042)

BB enameled sheet metal matchbox with rose garland decoration

Droste Cocoa powder tins in various sizes - released by the well-known Dutch cocoa / chocolate brand Droste, in Haarlem

Tooled Leather Engraved Tin, Stash Tin, Travel Tin, Gift Box

3 Pack - Metal Tins | Blank Altoid Tins, Hinged Lid Tin Boxes for Wedding Favors, Embroidery Supply Storage, Craft Projects - RECTANGLE TINS

vintage tin metal Tall ships Silver Crane box Denmark round container 7.5"

Vintage Large Biscuit Tin Tin - Cote D Or Chocolate with Image of a Dragon Asian Design 1950s

Bee notions tin LARGE (016)

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