Plate Racks: Not Just for Grandma’s House Anymore
Check out 16 fun, practical and stylish ways to display your dinner plates
If you think plate racks are old-fashioned and belong only in traditional-style homes, let us serve you up a new idea to ponder. Whether it’s a built-in plate rack designed for a modern kitchen, a hanging plate rack that’s just the right size for a small studio kitchen or an integrated plate rack hidden behind a cabinet door, there’s a bevy of ways to add a plate rack to any style of home. Here are 16 examples of plate racks to get your creative juices flowing.
2. Modern. Though plate racks might conjure up images of the old-fashioned, let this modern version of a built-in plate rack change your perspective. The custom walnut-and-steel rack was designed by Johnny Grey Studios for a modern London kitchen.
3. Deep-slotted. If you want a low-profile look for your built-in plate rack, this one designed by Charmean Neithart Interiors for a Los Angeles kitchen might inspire you. Located between an upper cabinet and a built-in microwave, its deep slots allow large serving platters as well as dishes to be tucked neatly away yet remain readily accessible.
4. Side wall. This farmhouse kitchen in Atlanta designed by the team at Historical Concepts makes the most of every inch. A narrow wall at the end of the counter features a small built-in plate rack with a distressed beadboard backing.
5. End cap. The end or side of a cabinet is an underused space in most kitchens. The team at Mango Design made the most of this Vancouver, British Columbia, kitchen’s cabinet space by adding an end cap with a plate rail that showcases a collection of glasses and plates.
6. Island. If you’re having trouble finding a spot to add a plate rack in your kitchen, perhaps you should lower your gaze. The base of this kitchen island designed by the team at Howdens Joinery features a built-in plate rack and display shelf.
7. Display rack. A built-in display rack stores plates facing out so you can better see their patterns and prints. This is a great way to display collectible plates that might be used only on special occasions. This built-in display rack was designed by Lee Meier Interiors for a Cleveland kitchen.
8. Hutch. This beautiful piece of furniture adds storage and style to a Connecticut kitchen. The built-in hutch, designed by Crisp Architects, features an integrated plate rack on the lowest open shelf.
Stand-Alone Plate Racks
9. Antique. A mix of materials makes this Colorado kitchen by Dragonfly Designs feel as if it has evolved over time. Different stains and colors for the cabinets, an antique mounted plate rack and open shelves showcasing a collection of new and old serveware create an eclectic space that’s difficult to peg to a particular period.
9. Antique. A mix of materials makes this Colorado kitchen by Dragonfly Designs feel as if it has evolved over time. Different stains and colors for the cabinets, an antique mounted plate rack and open shelves showcasing a collection of new and old serveware create an eclectic space that’s difficult to peg to a particular period.
10. Studio-size.This small studio apartment in Moscow designed by the team at Studio Bazi features a kitchen behind closet doors. To the right of the sink, a hanging wood-and-metal plate rack provides easily accessible plate storage.
11. Standing. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to add a plate rack to your kitchen, take some inspiration from this Los Angeles space designed by Jennifer Grey Interiors Design & Color Specialist. A small metal plate rack stand provides both easy storage and a spot for hand-washed dishes to dry.
Browse metal plate racks
Browse metal plate racks
Alternative Styles and Locations for Plate Racks
12. In front of windows. The designers of this beach-style Miami kitchen ran out of wall space to add a plate rack so they installed two custom plate racks in front of the kitchen windows. Since the racks have no backing, they don’t completely block the views or sunlight.
12. In front of windows. The designers of this beach-style Miami kitchen ran out of wall space to add a plate rack so they installed two custom plate racks in front of the kitchen windows. Since the racks have no backing, they don’t completely block the views or sunlight.
14. In-drawer. Another idea for those who want a plate rack but don’t want to see it all the time is to add one inside a pullout drawer. This integrated in-drawer plate rack was created by the team at PB Kitchen Design.
15. Butler’s pantry. Who says plate racks have to be in a kitchen? If you’re lucky enough to have a butler’s pantry in your home, adding a plate rack there might be the way to go. Check out this one built by Windover Construction for a butler’s pantry in Boston.
16. Dining room. A plate rack in a dining room might make the most sense of all. This rustic dining room in Milwaukee features a vintage wood-and-metal plate rack with a shelf underneath that displays a collection of plates and serveware.
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1. Traditional. Many built-in plate racks are constructed as part of a larger cabinet unit. The upper cabinets in this Dublin kitchen designed by the team at Neptune by Global Village feature two rows of plate racks above the sink — a convenient location for storing hand-washed dishes.