Introduction
Spice Rack Ideas: Converting Kitchen Clutter to Kitchen Creativity
Picture this: You’re cooking a family favorite curry and, wait for it…the recipe calls for cumin. You open your spice cabinet and—chaos! A few bottles tumble out, the expired seasonings are hiding behind the new ones, and you can never find cumin.
If you feel like you’ve played the game of spice cabinet excavation more times than you can count, you are not alone. But don’t despair—you have come to the right place! With the following spice rack ideas, you can finally turn your messy kitchen into an organized kitchen. You’ll go from chaotic clutter to organized space. You’ll go from a frustrating experience to having fun creating delicious meals. You will convert your kitchen into a culinary creative workshop. meal prep will not only feel enjoyable, but you’ll feel like the chore just became creative outlet!
A well-organized spice collection is not just about making your kitchen look cute and Pinterest-worthy; it is also about creating function which will save you time, money, and worry. Studies show that home cooks waste an average of 12 minutes per meal examining their kitchen for ingredients. That is more than an hour of time wasted each week! With the right spice storage system, we can alleviate this daily grief and allow you to fall back in love with cooking.
In this ultimate guide, we will offer 25 incredible spice organization solutions that make sense for everybody, regardless of size, budget, or cooking style. Whether you have a commercial-sized cooking kitchen, or an apartment’s petite kitchen, there are inventive ideas that will change the way you store and reach for your favorite spices.
Countertop Spice Rack Options
For busy home cooks, countertop spice racks provide the convenience of having spices easily accessible. These storage solutions provide visibility and accessibility to your regularly used spices while you are cooking.
Tiered Spice Racks
A tiered style spice rack is a great way to efficiently use vertical space within your countertop. Tiered spice racks display your assortment of spices such that you can see them all. Nothing gets overlooked when meal-prepping with a tiered spice rack!
The better versions of tiered spice racks will have non-slip bases and will fit various jar sizes. A couple models have adjustable shelves for growth with your spices.
Rotating spice carousels
“Lazy Susan” style spice racks are great for maximizing storage without using a lot of area. They usually hold 20-30 spice jars and allow you to access everything with a simply spin.
Most new carousel organizers come with adjustable shelves and levels that can be taken off for cleaning. Some carts come with built-in measuring spoons that are stacked on top of each other.
Thin organizers for the counter
If your kitchen doesn’t have a lot of counter space, slender organizers can help you store things vertically without taking up too much prep area. These small racks are usually 4 to 6 inches wide and may store 12 to 20 spice bottles.
Quote Box: “The best way to store spices is the one you’ll actually use. Countertop racks are the easiest to see and reach, and they will make you want to try new tastes. – Maria Rodriguez, chef
Storing spices in cabinets and drawers
Hidden spice storage options help keep your kitchen looking neat and tidy while making the most of your space. This kind of organizer for cabinets and drawers is great for keeping vast collections of spices.
Cabinet and Drawer Spice Storage
Hidden spice storage solutions allow for a clean and clutter-free kitchen appearance while maximizing your space. This type of cabinet and drawer organizer is ideal for storing larger spice collections.
Pull-out Spice Drawer Systems
Installing a drawer pull-out system in your existing cabinets allows for designated spice storage that is easily accessible. Pull-out spice drawer systems typically have multiple tiers and hold 40-60 spice containers.
The drawer systems are a great solution because they keep your spices organized and visible. You won’t have to dig in and out of deep cabinets to find the elusive seasoning that is hiding in the back.
Cabinet Door Spice Racks
You can utilize the inside of your cabinet door for important spice storage by mounting spice racks on the door. These space-saving cabinet door racks are ideal in small kitchens where every inch of space matters.
You have the option of using wire racks, plastic organizers or wooden shelves, which can all be mounted on a cabinet door. Choose methods that have organized options, which could include spice jar and/or spice packaging.
Drawer Insert Organizers
Custom drawer inserts provide the ability to turn simple kitchen drawers into a fabulous organized spice storage. Drawer inserts usually have adjustable compartments to fit different jar sizes.
Bamboo & plastic inserts are popular for a couple of reasons. They’re easy to clean and durable. There are even models that have slanted shelves for more comfortable reading of the labels.
Warning Box: When checking out cabinet or drawer organizers, be sure to watch for movement issues that will interfere with closing the door or using the drawer. Always check movement clearances before purchasing any mounting hardware.
Spice Storage Ideas for Wall-Mounted Systems
Wall-mounted storage solutions help you maximize precious counter and cabinet space while also showcasing your collection of spices in an attractive way. These suggestions will fit nicely in a modern or modern farmhouse kitchen.
Floating Spice Racks
Floating racks are a very simple way to store your spices. You can mount them at any height, and they are customizable to fit your needs.
There are wood, metal, and glass floating racks, each of which has its own aesthetic appeal. Consider the overall style of your kitchen when choosing designs and finishes.
Pegboard Spice Organization
With a pegboard system, the configurations for storing spices can be limitless. Pegboard systems allow for re-organization any time you want, and changes to your collection don’t require a redesign of your storage system.
Pegboard could be traditional hardboard or quite modern metal, and you can purchase it in lots of colors and designs. You can design your own wall of small shelves, hooks, and containers to hold all the spices you could ever need or want.
Magnetic Spice Strip Storage
Magnetic strips are a creative solution for keeping spices in small containers organized. They can be hung on a wall, backsplashes, or even on the side of your refrigerator.
It is most useful for uniform small containers and it works very well with spices that are used often. It will keep your containers in a secure position but allow easy access to your spices.
Magnetic Spice Storage Solutions
Magnetic spice storage has changed the way we envision spice organization. We are moving into a new era of spice organization utilizing magnetic force, which keeps spices secure while providing easy access.
Refrigerator Magnetic Spice Jars
Refrigerator side, swap those 5-8 east coast side spice rack challenges with some magnetic jars to create an impressive spice storage solution. Magnetic jars hold reliably onto any standard metal surface and come in any number of sizes.
Glass magnetic jars with airtight seals provide secure freshness but also provide a clear view of spices. Many magnetic glass jar sets come with printed spice labels for popular spice and blank labels to create custom spices.
Magnetic Spice Tins
Small magnetic spice tins are an easy, space saving option for ground spice storage. Typically small magnetic spice tins hold 2-4 ounces of spices and usually come with transparent tops to quickly identify spices.
Typically small magnetic spice tins can be arranged on any magnetic surface – refrigerator surface or custom magnetic board – giving storage flexibility that’s hard to beat!
Systems for Magnetic Spice Boards
Custom magnetic boards allow for dedicated spice areas that can be placed anywhere in your kitchen. These systems typically include many different sizes of containers and organizational accessories.
Steel boards with powder-coated surfaces are highly useable surfaces for magnetic spice storage. You might also consider mounting these boards inside pantry doors or other empty wall space.
Tip Box: If you use magnetic spice storage, make sure your containers have strong magnets so that they don’t slip or fall. You should test the load strength of magnets before loading with spices.
Pull-Out and Rotating Spice Racks
Pull-out and rotating units provide the best accessibility while keeping your spice collection organized. Both options are great in deep cabinets and pantries.
Base Cabinet Pull-Out Units
Adding pull-out spice racks to your base cabinet creates easy-access storage. If your cabinet has multiple tiers and can hold dozens of spice containers, it will make a good storage unit.
Soft-close holds prevent the slamming of the door and the damage to the spices. Look for a unit with adjustable shelves to accommodate larger jars.
Pantry Rotating Units
Large rotating units pick up the slack in pantries and deep cabinets. These units can hold 60-100 spice containers and have numerous rotating tiers.
And, they include heavy-duty bearing units to rotate smoothly when filled with spices. Some have built-in labels and measuring tools for easy use.
Corner Cabinet Lazy Susans
Corner cabinets often can become dead spaces so lazy Susan applications can convert these corner spaces into high-value spice stores. Lazy Susans easily bring everything into reach with just a turn.
Adjustable lazy Susans can be adjusted to match your exact dimensions of your corner cabinet. Some have raised edges to stop containers from sliding off during rotation.
DIY Spice Rack Projects
A DIY spice storage solution gives you the opportunity to fully customize and frequently will save money. The DIY opportunities are as varied as the people who create them, and they range from basic to advanced, so there is something out there for everyone.
Wooden Spice Rack Builds
A wooden spice rack lets you get the exact match you want for your existing kitchen décor. Common woods are pine, oak, or bamboo and have many aesthetic and durability characteristics.
Most plans utilize basic woodworking skills and equipment. Plans for everything from simple wall-mounted racks to elaborate multi-tier racks can be found online.
Repurposed Storage Ideas
You can often get creative with items that are already in your house to make interesting and unique spice storage solutions. Old test tubes, baby food jars, and even pill organizers make attractive spice containers.
Upcycling things that already exist, is not only inexpensive, it provides you with a custom storage solution. There are popular upcycling ideas like a mason jar rack, wine rack ideas, and drawer organizers.
Printable Label Systems
Using professionally looking labels makes any spice storage system look great. You can use a variety of sources to create custom labels for spice storage at home via free templates available online or use your graphic design software to create your own.
Use waterproof labels to increase longevity, especially in kitchen environments. Also, clear labelled containers give a clean and professional look and can work together in an organized way if they have uniformity.
Quote Box: “DIY spice racks allow you to craft exactly what you need for your space/ cooking style and it is an added bonus to make something functional and beautiful.” Home Organization Expert Jennifer Smith
Storage for Spices in Small Kitchens
If you’re in a small kitchen, every bit of space requires creative solutions maximizing storage while not taking over the sightline. These spice rack ideas, though compact, show that just because there is limited space does not mean you have limited organization.
Storage Solutions from Above
Take advantage of your vertical space with tall and narrow organizers. The vertical storage structure works unbelievably well in galley kitchens and small apartments.
Stackable containers and tiered organizers help you build up rather than out. Some wall-mounted or inside cabinet organizers can free space increasing the area of your countertops.
Storage with a Dual Purpose
Try selecting a spice storage unit that performs other duties. Cutting board stands with built-in spice storage, magnetic knife strips with spice containers, cookbook holders that have both spice storage, and more can all serve multiple purposes while being functional.
These hybrid solutions are enjoyable knowing they check multiple boxes in homes like tiny homes and studio apartments where everything is expected to do double duty.
Hidden Storage Solutions
Keep your small kitchen in a clutter free style with hidden spice storage. Under-cabinet mount racks, inside door organizers and drawer systems keep spices within reach while they are not visible.
Slide-out systems and drop-down racks make great use of otherwise wasted space. These types of solutions work well in modern minimalist kitchens.
Warning Box: In small kitchens avoid overfilling your spice storage space, as it can be nice to have a full looking collection, even a well-organized one is ultimately better than than a large messy group of spices that simply defeats the object of being organized.
Advanced Spice Storage By Organizational Function
Getting organized to the next level requires some thought and the right amount of planning. This section will help you develop a truly functional system.
Alphabetical Organization and Frequency of Use
You must determine if your spices will be organized in alphabetical order or by frequency of use. Alphabetical or general systems work best for large spice collections; Frequency of use is placing every day spices in the best locations.
You can also have sections for baking spices, everyday spices and experimental blends, in some ways this is a hybrid of spice organization that provides the best of both worlds.
Spice Storage Management
Keep a digital or physical inventory of your spices to avoid duplicate purchasing and track expiration dates. Many apps are available to keep track of your spices!
Regularly checking your inventory can help you know which spices to get rid-of to avoid waste as well as buying replacements. To help stay on top of your spices, we recommend reminders to check the expiration date every six months.
Climate Control Storage
Your spice investments can be protected through proper storage conditions. The maximum potency and flavor of spices can be achieved by storing them away from heat sources, light, and moisture.
Airtight containers, cool temperatures, and dark storage conditions can help extend the lifecycle of your spices. Consider spice refrigerators (the mini-fridges shown in previous images) if you have valuable or frequently used spices so they stay aired out during the cooking process since it can be predictable as well as regularly used on a rotated usage.
Tip Box: Consider making a spice usage documentation to illustrate which spice you use the most often. This data is useful when deciding where to put spices (within temperature and convenience) and how you plan on purchasing spices in the future.
Conclusion
Using just the right spice rack ideas can take your kitchen from chaos to organized, and more enjoyable and efficient to cook in. With so many spice rack ideas available — from the simple countertop options to custom built-in systems, the challenge lies in determining which option or combination works for your cooking style and the amount of space you have.
The most important takeaway from this last section is to remember that the best spice organization system is actually the one you will use. So pick one simple way to organize your spices, and expand from there as your collection gets bigger. Maintenance is the key, along with proper labeling, and climate-controlled storage, and you’ll have a solid plan for keeping your spices fresh, sorted, and easy to retrieve for years to come.
Don’t let a messy mis-organized spice collection prevent you from cooking up your next culinary creation. Pick one of these 25 spice rack ideas and organize your kitchen today. You’ll be thanking yourself, every time you cook.
Ready to organize? Check out SpaceIdeasWorld.com for more creative storage solutions and organizational inspiration!
FAQ
What is the best way to maximize access to spices?
The best spice rack ideas for maximum access include a lazy Susan that can sit on a counter, a drawer organizer, or a wall-mounted system. You will want to keep your frequently accessed spices at eye level, trying to organize alphabetically or by frequency of cooking.
How do I store spices and keep them fresh?
Spices should always be sealed tightly in an air-tight container, to keep them as fresh as possible. Store spices in a place that is away from heat, light, and moisture, with heat and moisture being the worst offenders. Glass jars with tight fitting lids are best when it comes to containers. You should replace powdered spices every 1-2 years, and whole spices every 3-4 years, for optimal flavor.
What is the most space efficient way to store spices?
Magnetic storage and wall-mounted storage will be the best space efficient options. They are using vertical space, and neither will occupy precious counter-top or cabinet space—perfect for small kitchens.
Should I build my own spice rack or buy something off-the-shelf?
That will depend on your budget, skill level, and needs. Buying something you can just put together for your cabinet can save time, and provide a professional look, while building your own will allow you full measure of customizing, and will usually cost less. If time is important and you are after a certain look and outcome; buying something might fit your needs better.
