Spice Rack Ideas for Better Kitchen Storage

“All those spices and herbs in your spice rack can do more than provide calorie-free, natural flavorings to enhance and make food delicious. They’re also an incredible source of antioxidants and help rev up your metabolism and improve your health at the same time.”- Suzanne Somers

Variety is the spice of life, but spices are the life of your food. You could cook food without seasoning, but it would be bland and boring. Whether you’re the type to have a few core seasonings that you use all the time or have an extensive collection, you need to have a secure place that’s easily within reach to store them all.

You could shove them all on a cabinet shelf, but this will look messy and disorganized and be hard to get to your spices. Instead, make your time in the kitchen easier by organizing them. These spice rack ideas will get you inspired to upgrade your storage solution to something that is both functional and beautiful.

1. Discover Creative Spice Storage Solutions

Get creative with the rack you use to hold and organize your spice jars. You don’t have to use open shelves or a complete shelving unit. Sometimes, an item that wasn’t intended to be a spice rack is the perfect solution for your spice shelf.

Jars of spices labeled with names, organized in a white wire basket with a wooden handle, sitting on a white shelf — Source: @flaurel_designs via Instagram

Open drawer with various spice jars neatly organized in two rows, including cinnamon, oregano, and paprika — Source: @lifeofspicedesigns via Instagram

Neatly organized spice racks filled with various jars and bottles of spices on wooden shelves — Source: @therocketscientess via Instagram

Depending on your storage space size, you could use a vintage soda crate that once held the small glass bottles. Or you could use an old milk bottle crate and easily bring your spice jars with you around the kitchen. Affix different sized wood crates to your wall and DIY your own shelving/display unit.

2. Explore Elegant Wooden Spice Racks

A wooden spice rack is functional and beautiful. Choose a wood that’s complementary to your kitchen decor. It could have a worn finish to mimic reclaimed wood for a rustic or farmhouse feel. Or you could use a light wood that will blend in beautifully with a Scandinavian design.

Cozy kitchen corner with a wooden shelf of spices, vintage cookware, a floral bouquet on the table, and books on a white cabinet — Source: @brightkitchentales via Instagram

A wooden spice rack with labeled jars, a geometric blue vase with greenery, and a wooden cutting board on a kitchen counter — Source: @housetohome.45 via Instagram

Rustic wooden spice rack with labeled glass jars and small drawers, adding charm to a vintage-style kitchen wall with decorative accents — Source: @strawberywitch via Instagram

Wooden spice rack filled with assorted spices and seasonings; nearby pantry shelves store various food items like marshmallows and snacks — Source: @woodandsoilshop via Instagram

A wall-mounted wooden spice rack with labeled jars and four mugs hanging beneath in a kitchen — Source: @woodenulike via Instagram

If you want to build a custom rack, wood is an easy and forgiving material to work with. You can buy affordable pieces of scrap wood and create the perfect rack that fits in your kitchen and holds all of your spices.

Give your rack an old-world elegance with decorative trim pieces that make your rack look as though it’s intricately carved.

3. Maximize Space with Spice Drawer Organizers

If you’re limited on cabinet space, consider keeping your spices in a drawer. This is a nice solution because it puts all of your spices immediately on display. You’ll need to have a drawer organizer for them and spice containers that neatly fit into the organizer and the drawer. This typically means having a set of jars that you transfer the spices into.

Drawer filled with neatly organized spice jars and containers, labeled and arranged in rows — Source: @anne.wang2001 via Instagram

Open drawer with neatly organized spice jars, each jar has a black label with white text naming the contents — Source: @cristinageorgia85 via Instagram

Open kitchen drawer with neatly organized labeled spice jars in two rows; silver toaster on the countertop above — Source: @gestaltliving via Instagram

Open kitchen drawer with neatly organized spice jars, containers, and wooden utensils on a marble background — Source: @letstidywithnermeen via Instagram

Kitchen drawer with glass jars of spices and grains, two labeled containers, and a microwave above — Source: @rellie101 via Instagram

Organized drawer with labeled spice jars and packets of seasoning, including sea salt, pumpkin pie spice, and Italian herbs — Source: @theorganizedmethod via Instagram

If you have a deep enough drawer, you can label the lids and stand them up. However, most people find that their drawers are too shallow for this and end up laying them down. For increased functionality, look for one that puts the jars on a slight slant. This will make it easier to grab one jar and put it back without disrupting the other rows.

4. Choose Sleek Hidden Spice Racks

Modern cabinet makers have found creative ways to hide a spice jar specific storage space in the kitchen counters. These hidden pull-outs are one or two spice jars wide and as deep and tall as your other cabinets. You’ll have several shelves with rails on either side to hold the jars in place. You then pull the drawer out to access your spices or slide it back in place to hide them.

Glass jars with wooden lids containing spices like bay leaves and cayenne pepper are organized on metal shelves inside a white cabinet — Source: @driftwoodcandc via Instagram

Pull-out kitchen drawer with organized spice jars and containers arranged neatly in two rows — Source: @haboob_homereno via Instagram

Kitchen island with gas stove and pull-out spice racks on both sides, set against dark wood cabinetry and a granite countertop — Source: @hammonshaven via Instagram

A kitchen with a pull-out spice rack hidden between a cabinet and an oven, displaying various spices — Source: @orangecountywoodworks via Instagram

If you aren’t building a new kitchen or remodeling, you can still build a custom hidden pull out. Look at the available space you have around your fridge. You can build a rolling rack with a solid front with a handle that fits into the space.

5. Hang Stylish Spice Racks in Your Kitchen

Creating a hanging spice rack can be a unique and creative way to organize your spices. If you have wall space, you can string planks of wood together for a multi-tiered shelving system. Use a rough twine or jute rope to give it a rustic feel. A thin boat line can create a nautical feel for a coastal home. String some black rope around a metal pipe affixed to the wall for an industrial feel.

Metal shelf with glass jars of spices and a small tin, flanked by hanging green plants on both sides — Source: @daniel.ighisan via Instagram

Jars of spices and nuts hanging under a kitchen cabinet, over a coffee maker and kitchen countertop appliances — Source: @diythalie via Instagram

A modern kitchen with spice jars under a cabinet, knives in a block on the counter, and a blurred poster on the wall — Source: @emilymalin4 via Instagram

Minimalist hanging spice shelf with labeled glass jars, paired with matching tea, coffee, and sugar canisters for a clean and organized kitchen — Source: @theyareupnorth via Instagram

Another hanging option is to utilize the space under your upper cabinets. You could have magnetic strips on the bottom of your cabinet that the spice jars connect to by their lids. Or you could affix Velcro dots to the cabinet and your lids. Then they’ll hang under the cabinet and out of the way. If you decide to do a hanging option, use jars with lids that securely screw-on. Otherwise, you risk the body of the spice jar falling from the lid and spilling spices everywhere.

6. Opt for Efficient Cupboard Spice Solutions

Storing your spices in a cabinet is smart. It puts them easily within reach while cooking and protects them from degrading in the light. However, piling them all on a shelf is a terrible idea, and something will get lost in the back. Arrange them in your cabinet so that you can easily see everything.

An organized spice cabinet with labeled jars and bottles filled with various spices and grains, with a funnel hanging on the right side — Source: @by_h.h_prosman via Instagram

A wooden cabinet filled with neatly arranged spice jars, organized by type and size on three shelves — Source: @cindy_metzler_ via Instagram

Neatly organized cupboard with woven baskets and a wooden spice rack holding cork-topped glass jars, creating a tidy and stylish kitchen space — Source: @dr.jenb_ via Instagram

Rustic wooden spice rack with jars and bottles, featuring an open mesh door, and a striped towel hanging below — Source: @jivanscreations via Instagram

Tall, narrow pantry with open door showing shelves filled with canned goods and spices; white cabinetry; wooden floor; blue walls — Source: @rikbdesignbuild via Instagram

Wooden spice rack filled with various jars of spices and herbs, a can and a jar are on the adjacent countertop — Source: @ryn955 via Instagram

Organized spice cabinet with labeled jars containing various spices, bottles of oil, and a basket with containers on a wooden shelf — Source: @thehousewivesof2c via Instagram

A lazy susan is perfect because you can line the spices on the spinning plate and spin it to see everything. You could also mount a test tube spice rack on the inside of the cabinet door. This utilizes space that often goes unused. However, you’ll want to make sure the spice jars don’t interfere with the shelves or anything on them.

7. Select Modern Metal Spice Racks

Embrace the sleekness and durability of modern metal spice racks in your kitchen.

Wall-mounted spice racks with labeled jars of various spices on display — Source: @a_day_in_a_moms_world via Instagram

A metal spice rack holding jars labeled with various spices, such as basil, chili powder, oregano, and thyme — Source: @altmpod via Instagram

Wall-mounted spice rack with five shelves holding glass jars of various spices, each labeled with a black sticker — Source: @diningwiththedolans via Instagram

Spice rack filled with labeled jars including baking powder, dill weed, and chili powder, organized neatly on two shelves — Source: @grandentrance_interiors via Instagram

Pantry with wire shelves holding jars, cans, and containers; wooden ladder is leaning against the wall on the left — Source: @justmaryline via Instagram

Ideal for contemporary spaces, these racks offer a stylish yet functional way to display your spices. Their sturdy construction ensures longevity, while their clean lines and metallic finishes can complement any modern decor.

8. Embrace Innovative Magnetic Spice Storage

The most common magnetic spice racks are strips of metal that you adhere to your wall or cabinets. You’ll then put your spices into magnetic spice jars. The metal strip will hold the jars in place. If you have many spices, you may need to use a large metal plate instead of thin strips to hold all of the jars.

Hexagonal magnetic spice jars arranged on a stainless steel panel, creating a stylish and space-saving kitchen storage solution — Source: @caitlinebahr via Instagram

Wall-mounted magnetic spice rack with labeled jars, complementing a neatly organized kitchen countertop with utensils and greenery — Source: @its_a_sprange_world via Instagram

Magnetic spice jars arranged neatly on the inside of a kitchen cabinet door — Source: @marikaknowsthings via Instagram

Mounted spice rack with clear-lid jars filled with various colorful spices and herbs, next to kitchen utensils on a counter — Source: @poppatjamals via Instagram

Hexagonal glass jars with various spices arranged on a metallic backsplash in a kitchen, above a granite countertop and wooden board — Source: @susanfink via Instagram

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, wall-mounted spice rack, wooden dining table, chairs, fruit bowl, and large wall clock — Source: @williams_at_wimbornehome via Instagram

Another option is to use the side of your fridge. If you have access and your jars have strong enough magnets, you can affix them to your fridge. Whatever style you use, the jar will either attach by its lid or the body of the jar. If you don’t want to buy new jars, you could glue magnets to the back of your glass jars.

9. Utilize Compact Spice Organizers

If you don’t need a large spice rack, then a small spice organizer is all you need. You can place it on a shelf, in the pantry, or on the counter. This is nice because you can move it about as your cooking or if you want to reorganize and move your spices to another cabinet, it’s easy.

A well-organized pantry shelf with spices, herbs, glass jars, mixing bowls, and a mug, neatly arranged — Source: @joyinthewilderness via Instagram

Open spice drawer with neatly organized jars and labeled sections containing various spices and seasonings — Source: @organizedbyjm via Instagram

Open cupboard with three shelves holding olive oil spray, wine bottles, and various spice jars — Source: @organizeddesignco via Instagram

A popular option is a tiered stand. It will have one or two levels that you can place your spice jars on. Another beautiful display is a criss-cross design that looks like a smaller version of a wine rack. You’ll place your spice jars in the spaces with the tops showing.

10. Adopt Space-Saving Cabinet Rack Designs

Mount a shallow kitchen cabinet on your wall or inside of a cupboard to organize spices. These shallow cabinets are just deep enough to hold your spice jars in a line, with several flat rows lined up above and below each other. You can see everything immediately, and the individual cabinet keeps your spices safe and away from light when not in use.

Open kitchen cabinets filled with various spices, jars, and food items, with a range hood visible below the middle cabinet — Source: @andnomadicfoodie via Instagram

Organized spice cabinet with labeled jars containing a variety of seasonings, including paprika, cinnamon, cumin, and garlic powder — Source: @builderbynight via Instagram

A kitchen cabinet filled with various spices, seasonings, and hot sauces organized on shelves — Source: @mgfrisb via Instagram

Modern kitchen with neatly organized glass jars storing spices, pasta, and baking essentials inside open cabinets for a clean, functional look — Source: @mylittleessexhouse via Instagram

These cabinets are typically made from wood and can be as simple or as ornate as you want. This organizational system works best for people with a smaller spice collection.

11. Style with Chic Open Shelf Spice Storage

Open shelves are trending when it comes to kitchen design. However, committing to only open shelves throughout your kitchen isn’t practical for most people. This doesn’t mean you have to give up on them completely. Modern designs use open shelves as display pieces.

White wooden spice rack with three shelves, neatly storing spice jars in a compact and organized kitchen space — Source: @aoifelouisebrennan via Instagram

Minimalist floating spice shelves on a navy accent wall, blending style and functionality in a modern kitchen design — Source: @cbbc_design_build via Instagram

Shelves stocked with various jars and baskets containing spices and seasonings, labeled and organized for display — Source: @laurengrebinski via Instagram

Mount one or multiple small open shelves on your wall and display your spices on them. The shelves can be shorter and offset on the wall. Or you can have one long shelf that extends the entire length of your kitchen wall under the upper wall cabinets.

12. Add Rustic Charm with Mason Jar Racks

Incorporate a touch of rustic charm into your kitchen with mason jar spice racks. This idea is perfect for those who appreciate a country-style aesthetic.

Wall-mounted spice rack with labeled glass jars, each containing a different spice, organized in a wooden grid — Source: @_matt_of_all_trades_ via Instagram

Kitchen corner with spice jars in a cabinet, utensils in a holder, and salt and pepper bowls on the counter, knife block nearby — Source: @maryscozyspace via Instagram

Three metal racks on a wall holding glass jars filled with various spices, each labeled with black tags — Source: @theleaontheleft via Instagram

Labeled glass jars filled with various spices and herbs on white kitchen shelves — Source: @tidyup.solutions via Instagram

Using mason jars for spice storage not only adds visual warmth but also provides an eco-friendly way to organize your spices. You can label each jar for easy identification and arrange them on wooden shelves or racks for a quaint, homey look.

13. Organize with Pantry Spice Rack Ideas

If you have a large pantry closet, storing your spices here can be convenient. A pantry shelf is a perfect place for your spice rack. You can have multiple levels to the spice rack to utilize the vertical space and see all of your spices at once.

A neatly organized pantry shelf with labeled jars of spices, containers of flour and sugar, a basket, and a small grater — Source: @lakesideliving_ct via Instagram

A neatly organized pantry with spice racks on the door and shelves stocked with jars, tins, and a variety of food items — Source: @myportlandtownhouse via Instagram

If you don’t have the shelf space, consider mounting your spice rack on the backside of your pantry door. When you close the door, the spices will sit in the unused space. When the door opens, your spices will be easily within reach while you’re grabbing the other ingredients needed for your recipe.

14. Go Ultra-Modern with Contemporary Spice Racks

Give your spice rack a modern touch by using clear Lucite or acrylic shelves instead of wood. You can then place glass jars with wood lids on them. Finish the look with crisp white labels that have plenty of white space and a clean san serif font.

Wooden spice rack with various labeled spices in metal tins, attached inside a cabinet door — Source: @holistic_viber via Instagram

Rotating wooden spice rack with labeled glass jars, adding convenience and style to a well-organized kitchen countertop — Source: @mumzynotebook via Instagram

Magnetic spice jars neatly arranged on a refrigerator door, providing a space-saving and modern solution for kitchen organization — Source: @peonyproorganizing via Instagram

Another modern option is to have a countertop spice rack. They’re typically four-sided and have three or four spice jars on each side. You can spin the rack 360 degrees to access the different spices. These racks are nice because they typically come as a complete set with the rack and prelabeled jars.

15. Create Your Own DIY Spice Rack

Do you have a small kitchen or one that is uniquely shaped? Then building your own DIY spice rack gives you the freedom to create your own storage solution. Sometimes, this is the only solution when you can’t find one that fits your kitchen space and spice collection.

Built-in wooden spice rack with labeled glass jars, neatly arranged beside a rustic kitchen with green walls and black cabinetry — Source: @brandidoodle via Instagram

A collection of labeled spice jars arranged on a rounded wooden shelf in a tiled kitchen corner — Source: @our_montrose_home via Instagram

The easy approach is to build a unique spice rack out of wood. You could create a stand that sits on the counter or a rack that mounts on the wall. Another simple solution is to mount wire baskets on the back of a door. Then place your spice jars in them.

You want your spices to be easily within reach while cooking. Look for ways you can build a spice rack into an area near your food prep area or stove. You could build a rack that sits on the back of the stove or shelves that mount under your upper cabinets or on another wall.

16. Install Convenient Wall-Mounted Spice Racks

It’s actually not a smart idea to store your spices on a kitchen wall. Exposure to sunlight degrades the quality of the spices. If you regularly use your spices, this isn’t a big deal because you’ll use them before they degrade too much. However, the spices that get used less often may not be as flavorful when you get to the bottom of the jar.

Wall-mounted wooden spice rack with various spices in labeled bags, set against a white tiled background — Source: @blackwattledeli via Instagram

Wooden spice rack on a bold orange wall, filled with assorted spice jars, while a curious cat watches from the window ledge — Source: @chiefsuperdelay2 via Instagram

Wooden shelves with neatly organized spice jars, each labeled with different herbs and spices — Source: @halispicemama via Instagram

Wall-mounted spice rack with multiple shelves holding jars of spices, herbs, and condiments in a kitchen setting — Source: @happysurfingbird via Instagram

Rustic wooden wall spice rack with neatly arranged organic spice jars, adding charm and functionality to a cozy kitchen space — Source: @leafandmake via Instagram

Sleek built-in spice rack with labeled glass jars, neatly organized on open shelves in a neutral-toned kitchen — Source: @rellie101 via Instagram

What you could do is seasonally rotate your spices. Then use the wall rack for the spices that you use most often during that time of year. Another option is to use your wall rack for your favorite spices that you go through faster. Then keep less-used spices safely tucked away.

How do you organize spices in a small space?

Choose a spice rack that will work with your space. Start by deciding where in your kitchen it makes the most sense to store your spices. Then find a rack that will fit in that space. Choose smaller spice containers.

Is it better to store spices in glass or plastic?

Expensive or high-quality spices are always stored in glass containers. Plastic is a porous material that can allow tiny amounts of air to leak in and degrade the spice. Glass doesn’t have this issue and can prolong the spice’s lifespan. You can also seal glass containers better.

What is the best way to organize spices?

The best spice organization method is the one that will make sense to you. For some, this means organizing your spices in alphabetical order. Another option is to organize them by cooking style or ethnicity. However you organize them, choose a display method that lets you see everything. That way, you don’t have a spice that gets hidden and forgotten about.