A good spice holder organizes your spices, so you quickly find the ones you use most. When the jars are uniform and placed closely together, it creates a sense of calm on the shelf or in the drawer, and you avoid buying duplicates. Think in simple, repeatable solutions that suit your everyday life and your kitchen. Stick to a few sizes, and place them where your hand naturally reaches when cooking.
Spice Jars in a System
A uniform system makes it easier to maintain order. Choose the same series of jars for your entire collection, so the height fits on the shelf and the lids match. Pour the spices directly into the jars, and perhaps store the small bag in one place for refills. If you're starting from scratch, you can find complete solutions in Spice Jars & Accessories.
How to Choose Sizes
- Small jars for ground paprika, chili, and cumin, which you use often but in small quantities.
- Medium jars for dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Larger jars for whole spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks.
Turntable for Spices
A rotating tray in the cupboard or on the corner shelf provides quick access to your entire collection. You simply rotate it and get an overview without moving the front jars. See the selection of Turntables, and choose the diameter according to your shelf.
Organize by Function
Choose what goes on the tray:
- Jars: the spices you grab every day.
- Bottles: oil or vinegar bottles that can stand stably next to the jars.
- For serving: salt, pepper, and a favorite blend, so it's easy to take to the table.
Labels for Overview
Short, uniform names on the front make it easy to see the contents, even when the jars are close together. Write the name and, if necessary, add the refill date on the underside. Find ready-made sets under Labels, so the appearance is calm and recognizable across the entire row.
Place According to Routines
Put the most used spices at the front and at arm's reach. Group baking spices together, and put strong spices in the same zone so you don't have to search. In a drawer, rows of the same height provide a neat overview from above. On a shelf, stepped arrangements or a rotating tray work well.
Spice Storage in Drawer or on Shelf
In a drawer, it's an advantage for all lids to face the same way, so you read the name from the top. Measure the depth of the drawer and choose jars that can stand in full rows without wasted space. On a shelf, a single, unified row creates a calm look. If you have the height for it, you can gather rarely used jars at the back and daily ones at the front or on a rotating tray, so everything is still easy to reach.
Storage Jars for Larger Quantities
Some spices take up more space than standard jars can hold. Here, larger Storage Jars are practical for e.g., coarse salt, whole bay leaves, or a homemade dry mix. They protect the contents from dust and pests and create a uniform look when placed alongside your smaller jars on a shelf.
Refill and Maintain the Rhythm
Collect your empty bags in a small box and refill them all at once. Establish a fixed routine, e.g., when you're already making a shopping list. This way, you avoid multiple jars running out at the same time, and the system remains easy to use every day.
With a simple system, clear names, and well-thought-out placement, your spice holder becomes both functional and harmonious. It creates an overview, saves time, and provides a stylish look in the kitchen.
