Owners of small apartments often face a lack of space. This problem is especially acute in the kitchen. For example, how to store pot lids? After all, due to their non-standard shape, they take up too much free space. Below are the most successful solutions. The list includes both store-bought devices and those that you can make yourself.
Stands
Depending on the shape, stands for lids can be divided into: horizontal and vertical.
As the name implies, in the first case, the utensils are stored “lying down”. You can also place pans and cutting boards in the same storage, which will free up additional space.
In the second case, the dishes are stored “standing up”, as shown in the photo below.
Stands are available in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, you can choose the appropriate option for any kitchen design.
As for materials, such devices are made from a variety of materials: wood, metal, plastic. In some cases, they are replaced with standard plate dryers. But in this case, the lids will not have to be placed in each cell, since the protruding handles will get in the way.
They are usually placed in drawers for dishes, or in upper hanging cabinets. In rare cases, such stands are installed directly on the tabletop, but this solution has two disadvantages:
- takes up the usable area of the table;
- dust and grease accumulate on unused lids.
So there are a number of questions regarding such “decoration” of the work surface.
Advantages and disadvantages
Order on the work surface and inside the cabinets ensures the correct placement of dishes. Storing pots and pans with lids has its supporters. This method provides a certain convenience in using utensils, but the free arrangement of closed dishes will occupy all the cabinets, even in a spacious kitchen. Cluttering the shelves doesn't look very attractive, and it's unlikely that you'll be able to get the pan out silently. Most housewives choose to store lids and dishes separately, which is practical and advisable. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. The second one is easier to optimize with the help of special stands.
Modern devices help to rationally distribute utensils and avoid stacking lids in a small kitchen. The housewife will not have to waste time choosing the appropriate element. In such a process, it is difficult to avoid the noise created by falling or touching covers. Stands of various shapes, textures, and styles add order to the space. From a variety of models, you can always choose the optimal design for any kitchen.
Most stands are inconvenient for storing different-sized lids. If structures are made of metal, they are susceptible to corrosion.
Holders
There are practically no ready-made lid holders on sale. Therefore, you will have to make such devices yourself, but it is not difficult.
From ropes (rubber bands)
Wrap the top shelf (“ceiling” of the compartment) with two ropes or elastic bands, as shown in the photo below. It is better to use rubber bands that are not too elastic, otherwise they will sag under the weight of the lids. This solution allows you to make the most of your free space.
In order to put or take out the necessary utensils, you just need to move the elastic bands apart. The only drawback: you can’t place many lids this way.
If pots are stored in a drawer rather than in a cabinet, string can be stretched between the side walls. In this case, the lids will be stored vertically without falling to the bottom.
This solution is only suitable for deep boxes or small-diameter lids. But this is one of the most convenient and simplest ways to organize space.
In principle, a rope holder can be made in any convenient place. It is enough to screw a couple of self-tapping screws into the wall or door and stretch an elastic band between them, on which to hang the pot lids.
The main thing is to choose a place so that the back of the screws is invisible.
From the hook
On the inside, hooks for lids are attached to the side walls of the cabinets.
Drilling kitchen cabinets is not necessary. Installation with double-sided tape is suitable. Since with such an organization of space, the lids should not hang on the wall, but rest with their sides on the bottom shelf. In this case, the mount simply keeps the utensils from falling. To do this, each holder must be installed at an individual height.
It is worth considering that this method is only suitable for lids with a “side”; flat ones will not stay on the hooks.
Railings
The simplest solution for large-scale storage of dishes and cutlery on the wall. You can hang everything you need for cooking on the rails: items will always be at hand, and the worktop will remain free. It is worth considering that the surface underneath must be resistant to mechanical stress and easy to clean.
Life hack: small roof rails can be placed on the inside of the facades.
Pendants
Unlike holders, there are many pendants on sale. The most common forms:
- hanging racks for lids;
- staples;
- rails (they can be replaced with towel racks or long furniture handles);
- supports. Nails or self-tapping screws with curly heads are suitable for these purposes. With their help, you can attach the covers to the door, as shown in the photo below.
In addition, hooks are used, but only a few for each piece of utensil.
Place lid hangers on any available vertical surface:
- on the doors of kitchen cabinets (outside and inside);
- on the side walls of furniture;
- on the kitchen walls.
There are few disadvantages to pendants:
- when installed outside, dust and grease settle on the utensils;
- when placed on doors, they create additional load on the hinges. Inexpensive chipboard sets can quickly become unusable.
But with the right choice of location, using such devices is quite convenient.
Organizers
Factory organizers are designed to be installed on a countertop or inside a drawer. They divide the free space into several compartments, allowing you to conveniently arrange all the dishes.
The problem with organizers is that it is not always possible to choose the right size model. In this case, the space can be filled with several containers made of plastic or metal. In such a separate box you can fold the lids compactly. So that they do not fall and take up unnecessary space in the closet.
Another option for zoning space: non-standard use of lid stands from the mass market.
Usually these structures are collapsible. However, many manufacturers produce models with adjustable sizes. This stand can be transformed into a vertical partition for a drawer. This method is ideal for those who live in a rented apartment. After all, it does not require drilling walls or furniture.
In principle, you can make a partition yourself, for example, from wood or plywood. But in this case you will have to spend more effort and time.
IKEA drawers
Ikea storage systems allow you to compactly arrange a huge number of items in the kitchen. Cutlery, pots and pans will not take up much space. We recommend taking a closer look at the boxes and baskets.
Ikea also offers a huge number of different holders and dividers. The retractable organizer deserves special attention. It is a bar with hooks and a special mechanism. It moves forward, making it easy to get the desired item.
Storage for pot lids
This option is suitable for those who are at the renovation stage and are just planning to update their kitchen.
When ordering a kitchen set, you can initially take care of a separate storage compartment. The most common options:
- narrow drawer , which is usually located directly under the tabletop. Each such storage can accommodate 3–5 units (depending on the diameter). If necessary, this section can be repurposed at any time for cutlery or cutting boards;
- cargo - a similar narrow drawer, but vertical. They can fill the free space in the corner of the room or in “inconvenient” places: under the windowsill, near the radiator, etc. This option is also suitable for storing small jars, such as spices.
- wall shelf for lids . This solution is suitable for those who do not plan to change their kitchen set. This piece of furniture can be hung separately or as a continuation of wall cabinets.
You can also find ready-made shelves on sale; they are suitable for storing not only lids, but also baking trays, trays or cutting boards.
On the wall of the stairwell
The wall of the closed staircase is a useful area. You can hang a shelf. But space doesn’t always allow it. Therefore, single hooks, railings, and wooden slats are often attached.
An excellent storage method is a wooden lattice or hanging panel. In addition to frying pans, decor is placed on it - beautiful plates, interesting turks, serving trays with handles. The storage space turns into the highlight of the interior.
When using suspended structures, wall protection is required. It is good if it is painted with washable paint. Otherwise, we recommend sticking film or moisture-resistant wallpaper.
Non-standard devices
This section contains not types of stands and organizers, but life hacks for pot lids.
Trick #1
If it is impossible to make a separate storage or hanging on the door, you can use an interesting method of stacking dishes:
- Place the lid of a container of slightly smaller diameter on the bottom of the largest pan.
- Next, the pan is placed, from the previously laid lid, and then the process is repeated with the next utensil of a smaller diameter.
- The lid from the largest container is placed on the top of the “pyramid”. Then the finished structure is installed on the kitchen cabinet shelf.
Trick #2
The next life hack concerns the cooking process. In order not to place a dirty lid on the countertop or stove, you can build a special stand from a 5-7 liter plastic bottle. The container must be cut horizontally and vertical slits made in it, as shown in the photo below.
It is worth noting that not everyone likes this solution. But many people successfully use such holders as a budget alternative to analogues from the mass market.
Trick #3
Another clever trick is to reduce the number of lids. It is enough to buy one universal model that will fit pots and pans of different diameters.
The disadvantage of this method is that when preparing several dishes at the same time, there may not be enough lids for all the dishes.
How to store pots in a closet?
If the containers are difficult to fold into a nesting doll, then make additional shelves. To do this, you can purchase a shelf with legs or make them yourself. By installing the product in a table drawer, you can get an additional tier for storing pots and pans.
A corner cabinet is often reserved for storing pots. It is not very convenient for small items, but large dishes will feel great there.
By purchasing a carousel or rotating system and installing it in a corner cabinet, it will be much more convenient for the housewife to find the desired item.
On the tiered shelf you can put different pots, pans and lids for them. When turning, you can easily reach the dishes in the depths of the drawer.
