Spices are an essential part of cooking, but they can also be one of the most frustrating kitchen items to organize. With a plethora of shapes, sizes and labels, it’s no wonder most spice racks turn into cluttered messes that make it impossible to find what you need.
The good news is there are lots of creative ways to organize your spices so they not only look great but also make it easy to find exactly what you need. Whether you want to organize alphabetically, by cuisine or color, or even based on frequency of use, there are plenty of unique and functional spice storage ideas to try in your kitchen.
Spice Rack Organization Ideas
When organizing your spices, first think about your needs and preferences to choose a system that works for you. Here are some common ways to creatively organize spice racks:
Alphabetical Order
Arranging spices alphabetically makes it simple to locate what you need in seconds. This works best for large collections where remembering locations of each jar would be tricky. Separate like spices (ie oregano and marjoram) for easier distinction.
By Cuisine
Group spices together based on the cuisine they are commonly used in – all Indian spices in one area, all Italian seasonings in another, etc. This makes it easy to grab spices for certain dishes.
By Frequency of Use
Keep your most frequently used spices in the most accessible areas of your rack for quick grabbing. Reserve upper shelves or bottom cabinets for those spices used only occasionally.
By Color
Organizing spices by color creates visual appeal and makes spices easier to identify at a glance. Group all reds together, greens in one spot, etc.
Small Drawers or Shelves
Adding small shelves or drawers to your spice rack provides concealed storage to hide away almost-empty containers or specialty spices only used now and then.
Creative Spice Storage Ideas
Beyond just organization, you can also get creative with the actual storage containers and rack itself. Unique vessels and DIY racks add flair to your kitchen.
Repurposed Containers
Before tossing old jars and containers, consider repurposing them for storing spices. Match lids and spray paint or decorate them for uniformity. Clean baby food jars work great too.
Magnetic Spice Jars
Spice jars with magnetic backs make it easy to adhere them to metal surfaces like fridges, vent hoods, and magnetic strips. The spices become part of the decor!
Spice Drawers
Drawers provide concealed storage for spices while keeping them easily accessible. Label drawers or add small handles to each for identification.
Spice Clips
Spice clips that attach directly to cabinet shelves or inside cabinet doors provide visibility and make spices easily reachable.
Spice Cabinets
Install custom built-in cabinets or shelving units to neatly organize a large spice collection while keeping it hidden behind doors. Add lighting inside for visibility!
DIY Spice Racks
Refurbish old wooden ladders, unused kitchen utensils, salvaged wood and other found items into one-of-a-kind spice racks. Add hooks, shelves and baskets for storage.
Rotating Spice Racks
Circular rotating racks are great for keeping spices visible and within arm’s reach. Spin the rack to locate what you need.
Chalkboard Spice Jars
Decorating glass jars with chalkboard paint or labels lets you handwrite names of each spice for an artsy look. This also makes it easy to wipe and change spice locations.
Under Cabinet Racks
Installing racks that mount under kitchen cabinets saves valuable countertop space while keeping spices hidden but accessible.
12 Creative Spice Storage Ideas and Hacks
Here are 12 spice storage ideas that offer unique and practical ways to organize your spice collection with a little creativity:
1. Repurposed Wooden Ladder
Give an old wooden ladder new life as a spice rack. Lean it against a wall or mount it horizontally. Add mason jars, hooks, baskets and other holders to keep spices categorized.
2. Magnetic Spice Tins
Glue small circular magnets to the back of stainless steel tins (like mint or altoid containers) then adhere them to a magnetic strip, vent hood or fridge for easy access.
3. Custom Shelving Unit
Build a custom shelving unit fitted to a vacant wall space and outfit it with storage jars, containers and racks to neatly organize a large spice collection.
4. Hanging Rack Cabinet
Install racks or bars across the inside of a cabinet door to hang spice containers by their lids for an out-of-the-way storage solution.
5. Rotating Tower
Utilize a circular multi-tiered spice rack that rotates for easy visibility and access to every spice. Keep on the counter or mount inside a cabinet.
6. Spice Drawer Organizer
Convert a drawer into a customized spice organizer using small containers, trays and dividers to hold spices categorically. Label each section.
7. Rail Storage
Screw S-hooks into the underside of kitchen cabinets or upper rails, then hang small spice jars from each hook to save space.
8. Shadow Box Storage
Mount a decorative shadow box on the wall and fill it with uniform mini spice jars. This adds artful display to your storage.
9. Hidden Space Organizer
Install slide-out cabinet organizational units in rarely used spaces like under sinks or beside the oven to neatly tuck away spices.
10. DIY Chalkboard Jars
Transform glass jars into decorative chalkboard spice jars. Use chalk to elegantly label each spice container with cursive handwriting.
11. Repurposed Ladder Shelf
Screw an old wooden ladder horizontally onto a wall and arrange spices attractively on the rungs. Hang extras from decorative hooks along the sides.
12. Spice Drawer Organizer
Use a divided drawer organizer or craft storage box to neatly section off square spice containers. Label each compartment for easy identification.
Spice Storage Tips to Maximize Freshness
Proper storage is key to keeping spices fresh and flavorful. Here are some tips:
- Keep spices away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight which can cause faster deterioration.
- Transfer spices from clear glass jars into darker opaque containers to help block light exposure.
- Don’t over-pack spices into crowded shelves. Too much contact with other jars can accelerate spoilage.
- Clean spice shelves periodically to remove oils and residue that can impart flavor.
- Store less used spices separately from everyday spices so you can easily keep track of expiration dates.
- Purchase spices in smaller quantities more often for superior freshness compared to large bulk sizes.
- Grind whole spices as needed vs keeping pre-ground spices which lose potency faster.
- Consider refrigerating spices for extra longevity. The cold helps slow evaporation of oils.
- Monitor expiration dates and replace stale spices regularly. Don’t forget about ones shoved in the back!
FAQs
What are the best containers for storing spices?
Glass, stainless steel or ceramic containers with tight fitting lids work best for storing spices. Avoid plastic which can absorb flavors and odors. Dark tinted glass helps block light to keep spices fresher longer.
How should you organize a spice cabinet?
Some popular ways to organize spices include alphabetically, by cuisine, by frequency of use, or by color. Choose a method that makes sense for your needs and kitchen setup. Consistency and labeling help keep things tidy.
Where is the best place to store spices?
The ideal place to store spices is in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Spice racks can be installed inside a cabinet, mounted under cabinets, or situated on the counter for convenience.
Should spices be kept in the fridge?
Whole spices can be kept in the fridge to maximize freshness thanks to the cool environment slowing the evaporation of essential oils. Transfer to smaller jars for fridge storage. Keep use-as-you go spices handy outside the fridge.
How often should you replace spices?
Ground spices are freshest within 1 year, while whole spices can last 2-3 years. Check expiration dates and replace stale spices regularly. If scent and flavor seem weakened, the spice should be replaced sooner. Write purchase dates on jars.
What are creative ways to display spices?
Creative spice display ideas include mounted magnetic tins, chalkboard jars, custom shelving units, installed wall cabinets, repurposed ladders, shadow boxes, and rotating carousels. Utilizing different sized containers, heights and visibility keeps things interesting.
Conclusion
Spices deserve more than being relegated to a boring cluttered cabinet. With a little creativity, your spice collection can become an organized focal point that adds style and function to your kitchen. Purposeful storage not only looks great, but also makes cooking easier by letting you quickly locate exactly the spices you need.
Implementing any of these unique organization methods and storage ideas can transform those jumbled spice jars and containers into a stunning showcase. So ditch the uninspiring boxes and bags, and give your spices the DIY home they deserve. A well-designed spice storage solution will make your inner chef very happy!