I bought a compartmentalized matchbook car box and store in that

An old half gallon clear glass pickle jar works for me. I just pour the buttons out when I need a couple. I love looking at them so don't mind sorting through them. It takes up less space and sits on my mantle most days. My kids love to shake it and look at the buttons. I have even caught them running their hands through them. My DD is 20 now, and my boys are almost 18! They have buttons in that jar with "their name" on them for whatever future project!

I keep mine in a 1 gallon jar. They look so pretty.

I buy the square clear glass storage bottles. They come in several sizes and stack nicely. I have lots of buttons.

Button Storage
 

I have mine in old mason jars. Labeled each onee... leather buttons, metal buttons, theme buttons, holiday buttons, black, white, wood, itsy bitsy, extra large, etc. etc. Makes it easy to find one when needed.

I use the small jars ice cream toppings come in--like the walnuts or the caramel sauce, etc. I just wish the sides were straight. I really like them for safety pins, etc. I can just throw them in my bag.

I sort mine by colors and put them in plastic containers. For the 'speciality' buttons I put them in one of the hanging jewelry storage carriers (they're 2-sided and have a hook on the top to hang them.)

small tool kits, small fishing tackle boxes, old jewelry boxes. baby food jars......just think outside the box a bit. depends on how any buttons you keep around. The plastic boxes used for separating embroidery thread work too. Walk around the house and you'll come up with all kinds of ideas....smile...

I put mine in zip lock plastic bags. I sort them by color put them in bags.You can see through, plus you can move them around to see which button you want. Then you can squeeze it to the top to get it much easier. I keep them in one of my sewing drawers

Throw them all in big glass containers, like flower vases or candle holders, and display them in your sewing studio.