Guest Post by Jakob Barry
Just because a tiny home has a small kitchen doesn’t mean there should be any less of an appetite for entertaining, as a little creativity can go a long way in finding space for all the necessary items.
To help pack in the cutlery, food making accessories, plates, bowls and more a ceiling rack is perfect for alleviating some of the spatial stress in cabinets and cupboards.
It won’t solve all your problems, but can make accessing frequently used cookware a little easier while adding some extra character to the kitchen. If you think a ceiling rack would be useful in your tiny home here are a few things to consider:
- Size/weight: Ask any remodeler and they will tell you to measure the designated space before going out and looking for a rack. That way you won’t purchase the wrong size and you’ll have a better idea which rack will best fit your needs. Also, you will need to consider not only the weight of the rack but the weight of the pots and pans it will hold when determining how to securely mount it to the ceiling.
- Placement: Even in a big kitchen there are limited places for a rack. For example, don’t hang one over the oven where reaching for a pot may cause injury or splatter from cooking may leave residue. Second, it’s preferable not to place a ceiling rack in front of a window because not only would hanging pots block the view and incoming light but dust and other organic matter coming through the screen will likely settle on pots and pans.
- Materials: Kitchen ceiling racks are made from many different materials such as metal, bronze, steal, wood, and more. In most cases going simple works well in small homes. At the same time making your own rack from fencing, bars, or other found objects can be a fun project. You’ll save on the purchasing costs and help the world by repurposing.
- Color/décor: Depending on your taste and sense of small home interior design kitchen ceiling racks can be enhanced creatively to better fit the room layout. Try painting or adding other décor to the rack that will help it blend in easier and don’t be afraid to express yourself with a little personal touch here and there.
- Accessories: There are a few accessories that sometimes come with ceiling racks or need to be purchased separately. One includes the hooks used to dangle pots and pans which need to be sturdy yet easy to release and return pots. A second is a light fixture, as sometimes the only place that a rack fits best is in the same spot as a kitchen ceiling light. For situations like this the fixture can become incorporated into the ceiling rack.
- Installation: Finally, kitchens have enough dangers that whatever decision is made proper rack installation is essential. That way it doesn’t become a worrisome part of the kitchen experience. Whether you have the know-how to do it yourself or plan to hire someone, make sure the rack is hung correctly so it functions well as a useful tool in your tiny home.
Jakob Barry is a home improvement journalist for Networx.com. He also blogs for pros across the U.S. like Nashville,
TN carpenters and Miami, FL
painters.
