Organizing tupperware in kitchen


12 Ways to Organize Tupperware & Food Storage Containers

Organize & Clean

Kitchen

Organizing

by Brittney Morgan

updated Aug 10, 2022

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Raise your hand if, despite your best efforts, Tupperware and other food storage containers always seem to take over your entire kitchen.

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Does it feel like no matter how much you stack those lids up, they never quite stay put? A piled up mess of lids will make it a struggle to get out the door each morning with your packed lunch intact. And you might just want to forget about saving the plentiful dinner leftovers when you can’t find a container to fit them. You can see why organized Tupperware is total #kitchengoals!

Good news: there are plenty of easy ways to keep your food storage containers from ruining your entire kitchen organization system. And the even better news is that you might have several of these supplies already at home. Which means you’ll save both money and time. (See, you’re already killing it!)

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1. Corral with a carousel.

If the majority of your Tupperware includes tall, square-shaped containers, an organization carousel like this Storage Container Set and Carousel from Lowe’s  will be just right. Plastic columns keep stacks in order and prevent them from falling, and the inner space provides plenty of room for lids. 

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2. Use a mesh divider for easy visibility.

Tired of searching  for that exact piece of Tupperware in your kitchen cabinet? Keep  things tidy with this see-through 5-Section Pull Out Organizer from the Container Store.  

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3. Stack lids vertically in a plate rack.

Bet you didn’t know a simple plate rack could lead to organized Tuppeware! Arranging and dividing them by size makes it easy to find exactly what you need. You can source a bamboo dish drying rack for less than $10, then just place it inside your kitchen cabinets—or on top of the counter if you want to keep it within easy reach.

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4. Use book bins as dividers.

For a super simple solution to keep plastic containers of varying sizes neat and tidy, turn cloth book bins on their sides and use them as dividers. You might already have soft-sided book bins that you can borrow from the kids’ room, or consider investing in some new ones. But really, any kind of basket or bin will work here (we used these drawer organizers in the photo above)—as long as you can fit it in your cabinet or drawer with the opening side up, you’re in business!

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5.

Keep lids in check with tension rods.

Small tension rods are a smart way to ensure organized Tupperware. They can help keep lids from getting out of hand, since they can be extended to fit just about any size drawer. Stretch them across the width or depth of your drawer, all the way to one side, leaving just enough room to prop up a stack of several lids on their side. If you don’t have tension rods already at home, you can score a six-pack for less than $15. (Save the extras to create bonus shoe storage in the closet or prop up baking sheets somewhere else in the kitchen.)

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6. Separate lids and containers with drawer dividers.

With the help of some drawer dividers and some smart stacking, this drawer is now totally organized—and super satisfying to look at. We used this $15 adjustable organizer from Bed Bath & Beyond that has dividers working in two directions, but really any kind of tension drawer dividers are going to help make sense of your mess.

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7. Use pegboard to keep containers in place.

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8. Store lids in a hidden magazine rack.

The cure for out-of-control lids? Add a magazine rack or file sorter to the inside of your cabinet door for hidden, easy-to-reach and super organized Tupperware whenever you need to put leftovers away. You can make it happen with any narrow wire organizer and stick-on Command Hooks (make sure the organizer has holes big enough to accomodate the hooks). Or find a file sorter that’s designed to be wall-mounted and fasten it to your cabinet door with short screws for a semi-permanent solution.

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9. Hack a cereal box.

This might be the quickest, cheapest solution (at least if your family eats a lot of cereal, pasta, or really anything that comes in a box) for better organized Tupperware. Grab a box destined for the recycling bin and cut off the top and one corner to create a magazine-style organizer practically out of thin air. If you want to dress it up, wrap it like a gift with pretty patterned paper, tucking and taping the paper around the cut edges.

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10. Create a lid organizer with a drying rack.

If you’re already storing your food container lids in a small bin, but wish the solution was a little tidier, consider this: Snag a roll-up dish drying rack and unroll it across the top of your bin to give your lids neat little sections to slide into. You can buy a roll-up rack like this for $8 online—but they’ve been known to turn up in the dollar store or bargain sections of your favorite stores, too.

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11. Buy an off-the-shelf solution.

If all this hacking and DIY isn’t your style, you should know that almost every organizing solution company makes their own version of a food storage lid organizer. The YouCopia organizer has adjustable sections and comes in a few different sizes to fit whatever space you have to sort out. And this one from mDesign is simple and solid, and the acrylic look might match your other organizers perfectly (if not, they make a bamboo version too).

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12. Invest in an entire storage system.

If you have a lot to store and you’d prefer to just shell out for a ready-made storage system, the Cadillac of food storage organization has to be this Food Storage Pull Out Pantry from Rev-a-Shelf. It fits a standard 21.5-inch-deep cabinet and comes in two widths, and you can find it for sale on Amazon or Wayfair for around $250.

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11 Smart Ways to Organize Tupperware & Food Storage Containers

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

In homes across the country, we are waging a battle against our Tupperware containers.

You know exactly what I mean! You’ve got that drawer or cabinet that’s stuffed with toppled containers, mismatched lids, and tubs of every shape and size. And when you reach in there to grab one, you can never quite find the one you need . . . or you can never locate its lid.

But getting those food storage containers tidy and accessible is easier and less expensive than you might think. If you’re looking to organize Tupperware in your home, these 11 systems and tools are invaluable

Before you start

Having the right organizing systems and tools is key to taming the Tupperware. But — before you start buying bins and boxes — you need to set yourself up for success. Here’s how:

1. Declutter.

There’s no point in making the time and space to store something that’s not actually worth keeping. So sift through your Tupperware and get rid of the following:

2. See what you still need.

If you’re feeling overrun with food storage containers, it’s hard to imagine a world where you need more Tupperware!

But you might find that you routinely run out of containers in a certain size. Or you could use a few more glass containers in place of plastic. Or you want additional containers that are transparent instead of the old, opaque ones you had.

Take note of the types of containers you’d like to add to your existing collection. If you plan to get those soon, hold off on organizing until you have all your new containers on hand.

Whenever possible, choose containers from the same product line or brand. They’ll likely nest together nice in the cabinet and stack well in the fridge or pantry.

3. Group like containers together.

Okay! You’re ready to get organized. Take everything — yes, everything — out of your current Tupperware storage area (or pile!). Start sorting.

Group together containers based on how it makes sense for you and your collection. Maybe you create groups of Tupperware based on the brand or product line. Or you lump together containers or lids that are all the same size. Perhaps you even pair together containers and lids that go together.

Keep in mind that some Tupperware sets have lids that fit multiple containers of different depths. So you may wind up with a big stack of identical lids for several sizes of containers.

4. Stack, file, or pair?

It’s time to decide on your storage strategy. What you choose depends on your available storage space, the types of containers and lids you have, and your own preferences. So ask yourself:

5.

Should you store Tupperware containers with the lids on?

No, keep your lids and Tupperware containers separate. Containers with their lids on don’t nest, so they occupy way too much space. And you might even get a weird smell in the container.

Some storage systems allow you to snap lids to the bottoms of containers for easy storage and retrieval. So if you want to keep your lid and your container together, look for a set like that.

Now let’s get some Tupperware storage!

Now that you’ve got your food storage containers sorted and a strategy in mind, it’s time to get the organizing tools you need to put your system into practice.

Consider these 11 smart ways to organize Tupperware and food storage containers:

1. Use a ready-to-go Tupperware lid organizer.

Photo credit: Amazon

This food container lid organizer keeps your lids visible, grabbable, and compact. Plus, you can sort by type and size of lid. And the rack adjusts to accommodate the precise number of each lid style you have.

2. Organize lids vertically with a plate rack.

Photo credit: Amazon

A sturdy plate rack is good for so many more things than just organizing plates. (I love using one to keep my pot lids neatly filed!) Grab an inexpensive plate rack to store and separate your Tupperware lids.

3. Use drawer dividers to separate containers.

Photo credit: Amazon

Tension rods like these drawer dividers are inexpensive, sturdy, and lightning-fast to install. And, since there’s no permanent mounting involved, you can move them around as needed. Use your tension rods to separate rows of Tupperware that sit flat on the drawer bottom or that you stand on end.

4. Attach a basket to your cabinet door.

Photo credit: Amazon

An over-the-door cabinet basket is an excellent way to take advantage of unused real estate, especially if space is at a premium in your kitchen.  Slip the basket easily the door to the cabinet holding your Tupperware. Then fill the basket with the lids for those containers.

5. Stack your food storage containers on top of your lids.

Photo credit: Amazon

Socks in the dryer and Tupperware sets have something in common — they’re forever losing their mate. So if you’re tired of having lidless containers, nab a food storage set that lets you snap lids directly to their containers!

I love these Rubbermaid Easy Find containers. The containers nest, the lids snap together, and the lids snap to the container bottoms. It’s a great way to keep your containers easy to access, organized, and compact.

6. Install a pull-out rack in your cabinet.

Photo credit: Amazon

Say goodbye to fishing around the back of your cabinet for Tupperware. Try a set of stackable cabinet drawers to keep yourself organized. You can choose to install a permanent solution with sturdy hardware or slide in a removable drawer instead. Put lids and containers into the drawers, and simply slide them out as needed.

7. Slide in an under-shelf storage basket.

Photo credit: Amazon

Here’s another great way to take advantage of unused space in your kitchen! An under-shelf storage basket is a low-profile, inexpensive storage solution that you can reposition as needed. Use it to contain smaller Tupperware containers or keep the lids for the containers in your cabinet.

8. Use a large bin to corral lids or containers.

Photo credit: Amazon

Want to create a more modular storage system? Grab some plastic storage bins. Choose larger ones for big food storage containers, small ones for tiny Tupperware, long ones for lids, etc.

Bins with handles or hand holes are amazing, since you can grab the whole box directly from your cabinet. Use clear bins to see what you’ve got, or choose labeled opaque bins to hide your Tupperware set.

9. Invest in a turntable organizer.

Photo credit: Amazon

Tired of reaching into the recesses of your cabinet when you want a food storage container? Spin your way to an organized cabinet with a turntable organizer. With a flick of the wrist, you can choose the container size you want and then spin again to get your lid.

Keep in mind that most turntable organizers fit a specific brand of food storage containers. So you’ll only be able to store Tupperware sets from that company or product line.

10. Customize an in-drawer pegboard.

Photo credit: Amazon

Pegboards are incredible organizing tools. Usually seen on workshop walls, you can use a drawer-friendly pegboard organizer to section off areas of drawers and cabinets. Position or reposition pegs to create areas specifically designed to accommodate your containers or hold up stacks of lids.

11. Use a food storage pull-out drawer.

Photo credit: Amazon

Want to go deluxe with your Tupperware storage? This snazzy pull-out drawer lets you mount an organizer directly into your cabinet. Nest your food storage containers on the bottom. And use the top to stack and separate lids of different sizes.

So what’s the best way to organize Tupperware? It really depends — on what your Tupperware collection is like, on what your kitchen can accommodate, and on you. Sometimes one system is perfect. But you may find that using more than one can get an even more customized solution.

So choose what works for you! And you’ll finally win the war against disorganized food storage containers.

How do you keep your food storage containers organized and accessible?

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how to place comfortably and beautifully

Given the amount of crockery and appliances in the modern kitchen, it can be hard to figure out how to organize it all. Which storage system to choose - open or closed? What to place on the countertop, and what in the tables and drawers? How to properly arrange the dishes so that it is not only convenient, but also beautiful? Here are some ideas that will help each thing find its place, and you - get rid of the mess.

Where to start? nine0005

With inventory and sorting dishes. First, sort out the plates, cups, glasses, cutlery. Keep as many kits in your kitchen as you need for everyday use. The rest is carefully packed and put away in the pantry.

Next, sort pots and pans, kitchen accessories, baking sheets, baking dishes, other utensils into groups. Remove unnecessary items for long-term storage, and if you do not plan to use them, get rid of them. Also throw away broken and worn dishes. nine0003

When planning how to lay it all out in the kitchen, use the following rules:

– Store similar items together.
– Locate them in close proximity to where they are used most often.
– Place frequently used dishes at the bottom and on the middle shelves, less used dishes at the top.
– Use dividers and organizers to keep organized.

Storage methods and ideas
Plates and serving utensils

Everyday plates should be at arm's length. The most convenient places for this are a wire dryer above the sink, open or in a closet, and if you use a dishwasher, deep drawers next to it. Use dividers and coasters to keep your drawers organized.

Store festive porcelain together with serving utensils (salad bowls, gravy bowls, soup bowls) separately from everyday plates, for example, in a wall-mounted or free-standing display case with transparent doors. If there is not enough space in the kitchen, it can be installed in the dining room, living room. Also, stacks of plates and beautiful dishes look great on open shelves as decoration. nine0003

Cups and glasses

Keep the cups you use daily near your coffee/tea maker. To do this, put them in a wall cabinet, and if there is not enough space, hang them on hooks by attaching a horizontal railing. Everyday cups can also be stored in a special wire mug organizer or in a dish drainer by placing them above or below the plates.

Use beautiful cups and saucers to decorate open shelves and racks. This is especially appropriate in kitchens in Provence and country styles. nine0003

Goblets and other glass look great in a wine cabinet or on a bar cart. In small kitchens, it is convenient to store glasses in hanging holders attached to the bottom of the cabinet.

Cutlery

For sets of spoons, forks, knives, purchase trays with dividers that are installed in the top drawer of the kitchen floor module. That way you keep it in order. In addition to cutlery, it is convenient to store small kitchen utensils in such organizers (openers, corkscrews, wooden spatulas, pastry brushes, etc.). nine0003

Another option is to store cutlery in a decorative basket on the countertop. But with this method, make sure that water does not accumulate in the container, otherwise the handles of the spoons and forks will darken.

Pots and pans

These are the bulkiest and heaviest items in the kitchen, organized by the lower cabinet shelves and deep drawers next to the stove. They can be folded into each other or use dividers in the form of shelves. Consider installing a drawer organizer. It will help to use the most inaccessible places in the kitchen and significantly save space. nine0003

Pots with handles, stewpans, frying pans can be stored suspended on rails right next to the stove. This method is especially good for Teflon and ceramic dishes, as they are afraid of scratches.

Pot and pan lids

This is probably the most problematic type of dishes, for which it is difficult to find a place for it. Difficult, but possible. The most compact option is wall racks. Due to the vertical arrangement, they take up a minimum of space and place 5-6 lids at the same time. If you don't want to ruin your walls, use a table stand. It is convenient to store not only lids, but also cutting boards, flat dishes in it. nine0003

Another good place to store lids vertically is in the deep drawers of your floor cabinets. Separate a narrow compartment in them in front, and the problem will be solved. The only condition is that the boxes must be at least 60 cm wide.

Trays, ovenware

If you have enough shelf height in floor cabinets, you can easily organize vertical storage of baking sheets in them, and with them other flat-dimensional items: trays, cutting boards, dishes, lids. It is enough to install and fix the wire separator. nine0003

Under ceramic pots, baking dishes, mortar, take the lower shelf or drawer of the floor cabinet. You can also place nested mixing bowls here. Don't forget the drawer under the oven - it will perfectly fit metal or glass baking dishes.

Kitchenware

This category consists of a large number of accessories, and so that they do not "scatter" around the kitchen, organize them into groups. nine0003

- Keep spatulas, tongs, skimmers, colander, ladles, kitchen hammers in the cooking area - in a basket or hanging on a durable metal rail specially designed for this purpose.
– Knives can be stored in several ways: in a cutlery drawer, in a special knife holder on the countertop, on a magnetic strip hanging next to the cooking area.
– Space can be allocated for cutting boards on the lid rack or tray holder. But those boards that you use daily are best stored leaning against a cabinet wall or an apron. nine0003

If all the dishes are well placed in their places, you will be surprised how much more convenient it will be to cook and how spacious your kitchen will be, even if it is small. Choose the storage systems that you like, and in the ROOMER furniture center you will find kitchen sets with a variety of interior filling options.

useful tips, general recommendations, photo examples

No matter how beautiful the repair in the kitchen is, if you don't keep it in order, you can't talk about the beauty of the interior. We have prepared for you more than a hundred ideas for organizing storage in the kitchen - from tips for choosing furniture to recommendations for folding packages. nine0003

Table of Contents

General Recommendations

How you organize your crockery, kitchen utensils, food supplies and all sorts of little things will make your job easier. Before you start sorting your inventory, think about whether you have organized your storage locations correctly. We will give you some general recommendations. They will help you arrange your workspace as efficiently and ergonomically as possible.

Everything that you are used to using in everyday cooking should be at your fingertips. It is best to place dishes and kitchen utensils in cabinets at the bottom of the headset - so you can get everything you need as quickly as possible. In a small kitchen, organize the storage system in such a way as to maximize the use of the walls. Use hanging cabinets or open shelves. nine0003

Lifehack for a small kitchen! Is the area limited to a few squares? Order a headset with retractable panels. Yes, it will cost more than regular furniture. However, you will save space and conveniently place everything you need.

Items that you use more often should be placed closer to the edge of the shelves. Use a couple of times a month - deeper. If you get something once a year, it’s time to think about whether you need it - perhaps it’s easier to free up space from an unnecessary food processor or service that has been gathering dust since the moment you bought it. nine0003

Pour all cereals immediately into airtight containers - this will prevent the appearance of food moths. If cracks appear on the dishes, throw them away immediately. This is not only a bad omen, but also a direct way to clutter up your kitchen.

And, of course, consider the most ergonomic working triangle - so that you can easily get any item in the kitchen. These seemingly simple rules will greatly facilitate cooking and maintaining order in the kitchen area. Now let's move on to more specific recommendations. nine0003

Choosing furniture: helpers in maintaining order

It's good if you have a spacious kitchen where you can place a huge corner suite with countless cabinets and shelves. In this case, the issue of maintaining order and organizing storage is only in your accuracy: it is enough to allocate a separate container for each type of item.

It is more difficult if you have to decide how to fit everything you need into a standard kitchen in Khrushchev. However, in this case, there are inconspicuous helpers - furniture with hidden tanks. nine0003

Now we are talking not only about standard sets, where you can equip pull-out shelves that do not take up much space. Many furniture companies produce U- and L-shaped kitchens, in which the corners are decorated in a special way - in the form of shelves of complex shape. Thus, you can easily adapt a place for storage that used to be just idle.

Do you find this option boring? Order a headset, where a special rotating platform will be installed in the corner. Comfortable, ergonomic and very stylish. nine0003

If the kitchen has a lot of dishes, it makes sense to think about a pull-out rack. When closed, it practically does not take up space, but all kitchen utensils are placed in it. However, an ordinary vertical dish rack with lower drawers can also be very convenient. In addition, such furniture is an excellent decoration for a kitchen in a classic style.

Need a place to store supplies or dishes that are not used too often? Think of a kitchen nook with drawers or a lift-up lid - convenient and no one will notice that there are more cabinets under the soft seats. nine0003

As you can see, furniture for storing dishes and other utensils is not only a set. Show your imagination and organizing order will become a pleasant and easy thing.

Wall storage

However, in a small kitchen it is not always possible to put something other than a headset and a small dining table. In this case, the walls will help you out! You can use them in many ways - not only to install wall cabinets.

For country-style kitchens, they can be replaced with open shelves. True, keep in mind that the dishes displayed there must be beautiful and in perfect condition - which means that cleaning will have to be done regularly. nine0003

A handy feature for storing kitchen appliances is a perforated panel on the wall. It is easy to hang any kitchen utensils on it - from ladles to small pans.

Don't do it this way! Do not try to place all the dishes in the house there. There is a risk that under its weight the panel will simply collapse.

For cutlery, you can also use a magnetic panel - some people lay out whole pictures on it from forks and spoons, turning a handy gadget into a real kitchen decoration. nine0003

Shelves-pockets are good for storing plates, flat pans, pot lids. The latter are a real scourge of a housewife, as they are often in a complete mess and take up a lot of space. And in this way you can compactly place them on the wall.

Organizers for kitchen storage

Do not neglect the various organizers - plastic, wood, fabric, depending on the style of the kitchen. They can accommodate both various little things or spices, as well as kitchen devices - sometimes even overall ones. nine0003

Go beyond standard wall organizers. Vertical models look interesting. We recommend taking those that rotate - they are much more spacious and more convenient.

Wicker baskets are also handy. They are made from various materials, so you can easily choose the option for your interior design. Baskets can be hung on furniture or household appliances - for example, on the side panel of the refrigerator.

Would you like to give your home a rustic charm? Place them on open or sliding shelves. It's both comfortable and stylish. nine0003

Boxes are an alternative. It is important to pay attention to quality here - standard cardboard used in rooms will not work. Under the influence of temperature extremes and high humidity, they quickly get wet. But plastic, metal or wooden are useful for storing all sorts of little things.

You can also make your own storage containers. For example, from old basins or cans. Drape them with a beautiful fabric that matches the interior of the kitchen. A hand-made decor element with useful features is ready! Accessories for organizing storage in the kitchen can be very diverse - the main thing is to find those that are convenient for you. nine0003

Household Appliances

Modern kitchens are full of gadgets: microwave ovens, mixers, toasters, food processors, and so on. It is quite difficult to place all this correctly.

First of all, think about what you really need and what should be put on the mezzanine or thrown away altogether. Decided? Let's talk about how to store it all. Does space allow? Equip the so-called functional cabinet (a term taken from professional chefs).

Most often, this is a vertical rack, which is reserved for storing small household appliances and large-sized dishes - baking sheets, baking dishes, meat grinders.

For spacious kitchens, you can also install a kitchen island, allocating space for gadgets in it. Comfortable, fashionable and practical.

If there is not too much space, try to create a niche - a cabinet hidden in the wall with shelves where you put all the appliances. Rank it by frequency of use. nine0003

On a standard headset, we recommend equipping a technical station - a small part of it, completely reserved for equipment. This approach will help you keep order and ensure the convenience of using household appliances.

By the way! Now there are many universal gadgets that combine the functions of several devices at once. We recommend gradually updating your technical arsenal - you will noticeably save yourself space.

As you can see, storing household appliances is not that difficult - unless, of course, you are a geek who dreams of collecting all the appliances, including an egg cooker, a banana slicer and a peeler. nine0003

Let's talk about dishes

Perhaps the most problematic thing is storing dishes in the kitchen. We offer you specific recommendations on how to conveniently place kitchen and dining utensils, while making it easier for yourself to put things in order. Let's start with the most cumbersome - how to organize the storage of pots, pans and lids.

If you have a lot of utensils with handles, use railings - special bars for hanging such devices.

By the way! Teflon and ceramic utensils should be stored this way to help prevent scratches.

The revolving display case is also handy, but not in every kitchen. But it makes it easier to access what you need, and you always see your entire range. Lids can be stored on the inside of cabinet doors - as long as they don't fit snugly into shelves. Install special fasteners or magnetic panels there - the order is observed, and the covers do not take up much space. nine0003

You can also order a special set with dividers - it will help you arrange the dishes according to size and not get confused in them. An easy and convenient way to keep order, but quite expensive. An alternative is to make your own divider using metal mesh. Lids are conveniently stored in a special Bloom mesh that clings to any vertical surface.

Experiment with the storage system for pans and pots in the kitchen - perhaps you will be comfortable with the usual vertical pyramid, assembled according to the principle of nesting dolls. For fragile dishes like glasses, we recommend using a vertical hanging organizer or purchasing a special stand. This will prevent fairly expensive utensils from being beaten regularly. nine0003

Design welcome! Sometimes a chandelier is used as a place to store glasses. Hang crystal glassware from it using special loops. When not in use they are a great and unusual decoration. True, if there are children in the house, this technique is not suitable - it is too traumatic.

Beautiful cups can be placed on open shelves. If you wish, make small separate shelves for each cup. In this case, it is not necessary to select the same dishes - it will be enough to withstand the general style. nine0003

Do you like country style? Carefully place them on a textile napkin in a wicker basket. There are many options - just show your imagination! The same is true with plates: find a convenient organizer or use plates as decoration.

Important! Never stack them simply vertically. Sooner or later, someone will put a smaller dish under a larger one, or try to pull out the base of the pyramid in a hurry. You risk losing most of the dishes at once. nine0003

Knives, forks and other cutlery are conveniently stored in special organizers. Make sure they don't accumulate water or dry the dishes thoroughly: the liquid may mold and the metal may darken.

Knives are most conveniently placed in special stands or on magnetic boards.


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