When we think of spice racks, the first thing that typically comes to mind is a kitchen essential, holding jars of cumin, paprika, and other seasonings.
However, the versatility of spice racks extends far beyond culinary boundaries. Whether it’s a rotating or fixed spice rack, there are many things you can use it for beyond the kitchen.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some surprising and creative uses for spice racks that will inspire you to look at this common household item in a whole new light.
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Here are 18 unique ways to use a spice rack besides well…storing your fave spices and condiments.
Why a spice rack?
Spice racks are incredibly versatile as storage options for several key reasons:
- Compact Size: Spice racks are designed to maximize storage in a small space. They are compact yet provide enough compartments or shelves to hold multiple items. This makes them ideal for areas where space is limited, such as small kitchens, bathrooms, or workspaces.
- Clear Organization: The typical layout of a spice rack, with its individual compartments or shelves, lends itself to clear and systematic organization. Each item stored on a spice rack has its designated place, which makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. This is essential not just in cooking but in any activity where quick and easy access to small items is necessary.
- Versatile Design: Spice racks come in various designs, from wall-mounted to free-standing, with different numbers of shelves or jars. This variety in design means they can be adapted to a wide range of storage needs and spaces. Additionally, their aesthetic appeal can be a decorative element in any room.
- Visibility and Accessibility: Spice racks are typically designed to display their contents openly, making it easy to see and access what’s stored in them. This visibility is crucial for quickly finding what you need, whether it’s a spice jar in the kitchen or a roll of tape in a craft room.
- Multipurpose Use: Originally intended for spices, these racks can be repurposed to store almost anything that fits. From craft supplies, small office items, and jewelry to bathroom essentials and small plant pots, the uses are nearly endless. This multipurpose capability makes them a valuable tool for organization in various contexts.
- Customizable: Many spice racks can be customized to fit specific needs. Shelves can be adjusted, jars can be labeled, and the racks themselves can be painted or decorated. This level of customization allows for a personal touch and ensures that the rack serves its purpose effectively in whatever context it is used.
- Durability: Spice racks are generally built to be durable and withstand frequent use, especially those made from materials like wood or metal. This durability ensures that they can be repurposed and used for a long time, even when their contents change.
- Economical and Space-Saving: Using a spice rack for various storage needs can be a cost-effective way to organize your space. Instead of purchasing multiple storage units for different items, a spice rack can serve multiple purposes, saving both money and space.
Check out the Spice Rack Kitchen Cabinet Organizer- 3 Tier Bamboo Expandable Display Shelf
Or, a classic VITEVER Spice Rack with 28 Spice Jars, Organizer for Cabinet
Here’s a classic rotating spice rack which can be useful if you’re tight on space: Kamenstein 16 Jar Heritage Revolving Countertop Spice Rack Organizer
1. Craft Supply Organizer
Craft enthusiasts know the struggle of keeping small items like beads, buttons, and sequins organized. A spice rack serves as an excellent solution.
The small jars are perfect for segregating these tiny items, and the rack itself provides a neat, accessible display. You can easily see all your materials at a glance, making your crafting process smoother and more enjoyable.
2. Home Office Helper
In a home office, a spice rack can transform into a handy organizer for small office supplies. Use it to store paper clips, thumbtacks, rubber bands, and other small items that often clutter desk drawers.
This not only helps in keeping your workspace tidy but also adds a quirky touch to your office decor.
3. Plant Display
For those with a green thumb, a spice rack can become a charming indoor garden display. Small herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint are ideal for planting in spice jars.
This not only adds a touch of greenery to your space but also provides fresh herbs right at your fingertips – perfect for the urban gardener.
4. Jewelry Holder
Say goodbye to tangled necklaces and lost earrings. Spice racks can be repurposed into stylish jewelry holders.
The jars can hold smaller pieces like rings and earrings, while the rack itself can be modified to hang necklaces and bracelets, ensuring that everything stays untangled and easy to find.
5. Bathroom Organizer
In the bathroom, a spice rack can be transformed into a storage solution for small toiletries and accessories.
Use it to organize items like cotton balls, q-tips, hair ties, and small cosmetic products. This not only helps in keeping your bathroom clutter-free but also adds a unique decorative element.
Also read about how to store your favorite snacks
6. Art Supply Storage
For artists, managing small supplies like brushes, pencils, and markers can be a challenge. A spice rack offers a great way to organize these items.
The jars can hold smaller items like erasers and sharpeners, while the rack itself can be a display for frequently used tools.
7. Nail Polish Display
If you have a collection of nail polishes, a spice rack can be an unexpected but effective way to display and organize them.
Check out this wooden bamboo organizer!
This setup not only makes it easier to find the color you’re looking for but also turns your nail polish collection into a colorful decorative piece.
8. Sewing Supplies Organizer
For those who sew, keeping track of needles, threads, buttons, and other small items is essential. A spice rack provides a neat solution.
You can easily sort and access your sewing essentials, making your sewing projects more organized and less frustrating.
9. Kitchen Utensil Holder
Beyond spices, spice racks can hold various small kitchen utensils like measuring spoons, small whisks, and peelers. This can free up drawer space and keep your most-used tools within easy reach.
10. Mini Library
For book lovers with a collection of small books or magazines, a spice rack can serve as a mini library. It’s perfect for organizing and displaying your favorite reads in a compact and accessible way.
11. Snack Station
Turn a spice rack into a snack station. Fill the jars with different nuts, dried fruits, pretzels, or candies for a fun and convenient way to store and serve snacks.
This is especially great for parties or as a quirky addition to a family room.
12. DIY Advent Calendar
Around the holidays, a spice rack can be transformed into a unique advent calendar. Fill each jar with small treats, notes, or tiny gifts. It’s a creative and reusable alternative to traditional advent calendars.
13. Office Supply Station for Kids
Create a dedicated space for your kids’ school supplies using a spice rack. It can hold items like erasers, paper clips, and small craft supplies, helping your children stay organized and encouraging them to take care of their belongings.
14. Miniature Art Gallery
For art enthusiasts, a spice rack can be a platform for displaying miniature art pieces or small collectibles. This adds a personal touch to your living space and showcases your interests in a unique way.
15. Essential Oil Display
Essential oil enthusiasts can use spice racks to organize and display their essential oil collection. This not only keeps the bottles neat and easily accessible but also adds a decorative element to the room.
16. Game Piece Organizer
Board game pieces often get lost or mixed up. Use a spice rack to keep these pieces organized and readily available for game nights. It’s especially useful for games with many small components.
17. Memory Jar Display
Fill spice jars with small mementos like shells, pebbles, or ticket stubs to create a display of memories. Each jar can represent a different trip or event, offering a unique way to reminisce and decorate.
18. Spice Rack as a Gift
Lastly, consider giving a spice rack filled with non-traditional items as a gift. Fill it with the recipient’s favorite items, whether they’re craft supplies, sweets, or small plants. It’s a thoughtful and versatile present.
Conclusion
The humble spice rack is much more than a kitchen accessory. Its versatility can be harnessed in numerous ways to organize, decorate, and add functionality to various aspects of your home.
Whether you’re an artist, a plant lover, or just someone who enjoys a well-organized space, there’s a spice rack hack for you. So, the next time you spot a spice rack, think beyond the kitchen – the possibilities are endless!