If you're a lover of cooking, there truly is nothing better than a beautiful recipe book to pore over.
Therefore, there's also nothing better than a bookshelf stuffed full of them. But, did you know you shouldn't store recipe books in the kitchen? I didn't either, but according to New York Times Wirecutter kitchen writer Michael Sullivan, who truly has the kitchen of my dreams, bursting with beloved vintage gadgets and tools, they're best kept elsewhere.
Here, I spoke to a professional organizer for her tips on how to organize cookbooks, while still celebrating their charm.
No, you shouldn't store recipe books in the kitchen
Michael Sullivan says, 'Okay, technically you should not keep your cookbooks in your kitchen, if you can avoid it.' But why?
Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized, explains, 'Cookbooks in the kitchen might seem like the obvious choice, but it's not always the most practical solution. In small kitchen ideas, space is at a premium and every cabinet or countertop counts,' which is why it's important to regularly take time to declutter countertops, which is one of the best ways to reduce visual clutter in the kitchen.
'Storing cookbooks there can make the area feel cluttered and take away valuable storage that could be used for essentials like pots, pans, or pantry items.'
Ter Avest also points out the issue of potential damage when storing cookbooks in your kitchen ideas, where heat, humidity, spills, and grease can ruin your beloved recipe collections over time, particularly with prolonged exposure.
Where to keep recipe books instead
On dedicated shelves
'If you're luck enough to have a spacious kitchen, storing cookbooks in the same room where you cook can work beautifully, as long as it's done thoughtfully,' says Ter Avest. This means that using dedicated kitchen shelving ideas can make a stunning feature, but only if away from the stove, sink, or dishwasher, to keep them protected from spills and moisture. For example, this will work in any kitchen diner ideas, where you have space away from the cooking area, or why not display them in your dining room, instead.
'Open shelving can double as stylish decor if you group books by color or size, and adding bookends or a cookbook stand, such as the bestselling wishacc Bamboo Book Stand available at Amazon, can make the setup both functional and visually appealing,' adds Ter Avest.
I love these gorgeous, fun bookends. Customers rate them for their weight, sturdiness and their ability to hold a large amount of heavy books.
This cookbook stand will look at home in any modern rustic kitchen ideas, and is durable and multi-functional, as it can be used as a tablet or music stand, too.
These stunning bookends will elevate any bookshelves, and are made from crystal cut glass to reflect the light.
In a cabinet or drawer
If you don't have space elsewhere, tucking your cookbooks away in your kitchen cabinet ideas or drawers will keep them 'organized and safe' from damage, suggests Ter Avest.
Then, you can group by cuisine, or alphabetically, depending on how you prefer to stay organized.
In your home office
If you have one, making your recipe books part of your home office ideas 'ensures they stay accessible while freeing up prime kitchen real estate for the tools and ingredients you use every day,' says Ter Avest – and they look great too.
Shop my recipe book top picks
You really can't go wrong with declicious Ottolenghi recipes, and this set of two will look gorgeous on display out of the kitchen.
If you love ramen, this recipe book is perfect for perfecting it at home, straight out the immensely popular London chain.
Learn the best-kept secrets behind Dishoom's delicious recipes with this book, which makes a perfect Christmas gift.
Hungry for more? These are the celebrity cookbooks worth a space on your shelves.
