Not Bins, Not Racks: This Simple Spice Storage Idea Frees Up Space In Cabinets

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Life without a little spice is boring and bland, but storing all those bottles of seasoning can be challenging. Herbs and spices take up a lot of valuable cabinet space, especially in a small kitchen. The shorter bottles also make it difficult to use all of the vertical space between shelves. Finding clever ways to store and organize your spice collection can keep the flavorful ingredients tidy without taking up too much space. TikTok creator ryleemapes_ moved spices out of the cabinet and onto a floating shelf above the kitchen countertop to create more space. 

You can replicate this storage option with any type of floating shelf. It keeps the spices off the counter, so you're not losing workspace and can store other items underneath. Your spices are also readily available when you're cooking. To incorporate open shelving without sacrificing a clutter-free look, choose a matching set of spice jars instead of using the containers the seasonings come in.

Just keep in mind that the ideal spice storage situation is cool, dark, and dry, which is why many people put them in cupboards or pantries. If you try the floating spice shelf idea, avoid areas where direct sunlight hits, and keep the shelf away from the stove and oven. Heat and light are particularly detrimental to spices and can affect the flavor and aroma.

Consider your kitchen's overall style, and choose a floating shelf with the right design to blend in. These Sorbus Floating Shelves have a simple box-style shape and come in various colors. An option like the Axeman Floating Shelf with a lip along the front can keep the bottles from sliding off. Or, if you have tile or don't want to make holes in the wall, Command's Damage-Free Floating Shelf gives you a no-drill option.

To determine what size of shelf you need, pull out your spices. This is also a good time to toss the older ones. Then, transfer the seasonings to matching spice jars. You can combine multiple partial containers of a single spice into one new jar. Narrowing the collection down makes it easier to estimate how much shelf space you need, but leave some extra room for new flavorings.

Then, choose your location. Positioning it between your countertop and the upper cabinets leaves the spices easily accessible, and the upper cabinets can block some of the light. Or, turn underutilized kitchen space into practical storage by attaching the shelf to the open side of a cabinet. Once the shelf is installed, arrange the spice bottles on it with the seasonings you use most often toward the front. Don't forget that your spice rack needs to be cleaned regularly, and perhaps even more so when it's out in the open.