Plate racks are a timeless and charming way to display dishware in kitchens and dining rooms. As more people embrace traditional style elements in home decor, plate racks are experiencing renewed popularity. Let’s revisit the traditional plate rack and explore how this classic storage solution is being reimagined in today’s homes.
The History and Charm of Plate Racks
Plate racks have a long history of providing beautiful and functional dishware storage in kitchens. Before cabinets became standard in kitchens, open shelving was common. Plate racks provided a way to neatly store stacks of plates, bowls, and other dishware on these open shelves.
The signature sloped and tiered shelf design allowed air to circulate around the dishware for drying. Plate racks were often crafted from wood, wrought iron, or steel and incorporated lovely decorative details. Even after cabinetry became prevalent in kitchens, many homeowners continued using plate racks for their visual appeal.
Today, the vintage charm of plate racks remains appealing in old and new homes alike. Displaying heirloom china, handmade pottery, or everyday dish sets on a plate rack lends a traditional feel. Plate racks showcase dishware as decorative focal points rather than hiding items away in cabinets.
Bringing Back Plate Racks in Contemporary Kitchens
While plate racks suit traditional kitchen aesthetics, they can also add character to contemporary spaces. Modern takes on plate racks adapt the traditional tiered shelves in sleek new designs.
Minimalist metal plate racks in black, white, or stainless steel mesh well with other modern kitchen elements. Wood plate racks also get updated with clean lines instead of ornate details. Mixing these contemporary plate racks with modern dishware creates an eclectic blend of old and new.
In open concept kitchens, plate racks make smart use of the space between kitchen and dining areas for displaying tableware. Modern plate racks complement other transitional touches like pendant lighting, cafe table seating, and mix-and-match dishes.
Creative Ways to Use Plate Racks
Beyond holding plates, creative homeowners find many other innovative uses for plate racks’ tiered shelving. Plate racks can be repurposed for:
- Displaying pretty cups, mugs, and glasses
- Organizing cookbooks, cookware lids, and baking pans
- Air drying and organizing kids’ plastic dishes
- Storing vinyl records or small plants
- Displaying collectibles, vases, or baskets
Mixing in a few of these unexpected items among dishware makes for chic and eclectic plate rack displays. Mini versions of plate racks are also available to provide the same storage solution in a smaller space.
Tips for Styling Plate Racks
To create an eye-catching plate rack display, keep these tips in mind:
- Alternate dishware sizes and colors: Mixing up plates, bowls, and platters creates visual interest. Vary colors and patterns too.
- Incorporate decorative accents: Add in mugs, pretty glassware, utensils, or vases as accents between dishware.
- Style a vignette: Flank the plate rack with framed art, greenery, candles, or other decor to build a vignette.
- Light it up: Install lighting above or around the plate rack to highlight the display.
- Keep it tidy: Remove chipped dishware and often dust for a clean, curated look.
With some creativity and style consideration, plate racks can make a big decorative impact even in small kitchens.
DIY Plate Rack Ideas
For a custom plate rack on a budget, DIY options are abundant. Here are some creative ways to handmake plate racks:
Wooden Ladder Plate Rack
- Supplies: old wooden ladder, wood boards or trim pieces, screws or nails, paint/stain
- Assembly: Screw or nail wooden boards across the ladder rungs to create tiers
- Finish: Paint or stain the ladder and boards to protect and beautify
Plumbing Pipe Plate Rack
- Supplies: plumbing pipes and joints, pipe hangers or clamps, spray paint
- Assembly: Arrange and connect the pipes into a rack shape with joints
- Finish: Spray paint the rack in your color of choice
Picture Ledge Plate Rack
- Supplies:picture ledges, trim pieces, anchors, nails
- Assembly: Mount ledges in a staggered formation on the wall as tiers
- Finish: Use trim pieces to frame ledges and anchors to secure to the wall
Salvaged Wood Plate Rack
- Supplies: salvaged wood boards, screws or nails, sealant
- Assembly: Stack & secure boards in a sloped shape to make shelves
- Finish: Sand, seal, and stain the wood for long-lasting appeal
Let your creativity run wild to make a plate rack that showcases your personal style!
Quality Materials for Plate Racks
For plate racks that will stand the test of time, quality materials are key. Here are top options for materials:
Wood
Beautiful hardwoods like oak, walnut, and maple lend a traditional, handsome look. Pine and poplar provide budget-friendly options. Always properly seal and finish the wood.
Wrought Iron or Steel
Wrought iron plate racks with scrolled curves and floral motifs have old-world charm. Stainless steel or powder-coated steel offer sleek durability.
Wire Mesh
Open wire mesh designs allow air circulation and provide a minimalist aesthetic. Opt for stainless steel mesh for rust resistance.
Glass
Glass plate racks have a light, airy appearance perfect for displaying colorful dishware. Tempered glass shelves withstand everyday use.
Combination Materials
Mixing materials like wood frames with metal mesh shelving blends natural and industrial elements. Extend wood shelves with metal scrolling for a hint of shabby chic.
Placement Tips for Plate Racks
To maximize both form and function, consider these smart placement tips for plate racks:
- Near the dining table for easy table setting
- Between the kitchen and dining room to define the spaces
- On an open wall or island to take advantage of the visibility
- Near other storage like cabinets to create a built-in look
- Above counters or appliances to utilize vertical space
Measure the area to find a size and shape of the rack that fits without sticking out. Anchoring the rack into studs ensures sturdy support. Place racks out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Maintaining and Cleaning Plate Racks
Like any storage solution in the kitchen, plate racks benefit from occasional cleaning. Here are tips for keeping them looking their best:
- Use a duster or soft cloth to regularly remove dust.
- Clean glass racks with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
- Use mild dish soap and warm water to clean wood, metal, or wire racks as needed.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers which could damage finishes.
- Periodically check for loose screws, joints, or connections and tighten if needed.
- Re-seal wooden racks every few years to protect from moisture damage.
With proper care, a quality plate rack can serve as beautiful dishware storage for generations. The traditional charm never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plate Racks
What are the benefits of using a plate rack?
Plate racks provide easy access to dishware for setting tables or grabbing items while cooking. The tiered shelving protects plates from getting chipped and allows air circulation. Plate racks also display dish collections decoratively rather than hiding them away.
Where is the best place to install a plate rack?
Most homeowners install plate racks near dining tables for convenient table setting. They also commonly utilize the wall space between kitchens and dining rooms to delineate the spaces. Plate racks are also handy near kitchen sinks or installed on islands for access.
How much weight can plate racks hold?
The weight capacity depends on the materials and quality. Most average sized metal or wooden plate racks can hold 20-30 pounds on each shelf. Larger racks may support up to 50 pounds per shelf. Always check manufacturer specifications for recommended weight limits.
What is the best way to clean a plate rack?
Use a duster or soft cloth to regularly remove dust buildup from plate racks. For deeper cleaning, wipe wooden racks down with mild soap and water. Glass cleaner can be used on glass plate racks. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads which could damage any finish.
How can you make a DIY plate rack?
There are endless ways to DIY plate racks on a budget. You can create tiers by attaching wood boards to a salvaged ladder, connecting plumbing pipes, mounting ledges on a wall, or stacking wood boards. Get creative with materials like driftwood, barnwood, or copper pipes for a unique rack.
Can you use a plate rack for anything other than plates?
Absolutely! The tiered shelves of plate racks are perfect for creatively organizing all kinds of kitchen, dining room, and home decor items. Plate racks can hold mugs, cups, glasses, cookbooks, cookware lids, vinyl records, small plants, collectibles, and more.
Conclusion
Plate racks are back in style and better than ever thanks to contemporary updates on the traditional tiered shelving design. Cleverly incorporating plate racks provides both form and function for your kitchen or dining space storage needs. With the variety of materials, designs, placement options and styling tips covered here, you are ready to find the perfect plate rack display to show off your dishware collections in style. Let this classic storage solution bring vintage charm to your home.
