If you’re wondering how to display cookbooks in your kitchen, these cookbook storage ideas are sure to inspire you! From built-in solutions to countertop baskets, you’ll find the right spot for your favorite recipes!
I’ve written about how to organize loose recipes, and how to create a digital cookbook, but even if you’ve already organized your favorite recipes I bet you still have a bunch of cookbooks in your kitchen.
Why do we keep cookbooks when there are so many recipes online? Here’s what I think:
- They have sentimental value. Your first cookbook as a newlywed, the old Julia Child tomes inherited from your grandma.
- They’re decorative, adding color and interest to your kitchen.
- You just haven’t had time to sort through them and read my recipe organization ideas (I get it – life’s busy!)
But if your collection is more cluttered than decorative, that’s when the cookbook storage ideas I’m sharing today come in handy.
First, let’s tackle the cookbook clutter before storing and organizing them.
Simple Ways to Declutter Cookbooks
First, decide where you’re going to keep your cookbooks. Once you define your space, it will be much easier to decide which cookbooks to keep.
Go through your cookbook collection and be honest with yourself. When was the last time you used each one? Do you have a few that contain your go-to recipes? Are some passed down from family members and remind you of delicious dinners past?
If you bought cookbooks just for a special diet that didn’t work, or if you thought you’d have time to make the elaborate meals in another one but definitely don’t, consider letting those go.
Give the books to friends who enjoy cooking, donate them to your local library or senior center, or sell them in a local Facebook yard sale group.
Once you’ve narrowed down which cookbooks to keep, it’s time to organize them.
9 Cookbook Storage Ideas For Your Kitchen
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1. Built-in Bookcase
When we designed our kitchen, I made sure to include a built-in bookcase to display cookbooks and other decorative objects. Now, our kitchen’s bookshelves are my favorite place to decorate for each season.
The bookcase is a great way to break up all of the cabinetry on that side of our kitchen.
2. Countertop Magazine Folder
Sturdy magazine folders are a great way to organize small cookbooks and cooking magazines on your kitchen counter. This pretty green magazine folder was part of the Magnolia Hearth & Hand collection at Target but it isn’t available anymore. However, they have some other pretty magazine file folders to choose from.
3. DIY Shelf Over the Sink
This cookbook shelf looks like an easy DIY to bridge the space over the kitchen sink between two cabinets. Although, it’s probably a better solution for tall people than for shorties like me! 🙂
4. Picture Ledges
One of my favorite cookbook storage ideas for small spaces, these picture ledges are a super-efficient way to display your favorite cookbooks. Since you can see the mouth-watering covers, maybe you’ll be more inspired to eat at home!
5. Spice Rack “Shelves”
IKEA spice racks are another great small-space solution for your cookbooks. I used the same ones in my daughter’s old nursery, and it was easy to paint them to match the trim. Try painting them to match your cabinets or kitchen island!
6. Wall-mounted Wire Baskets
Hang wire baskets to create a unique cookbook wall shelf. I love the texture that the baskets add to the kitchen – great if you love farmhouse or industrial style!
7. DIY Under-Cabinet Shelf
This cookbook storage idea is a DIY project that puts all of the homeowner’s favorite cookbooks right where she needs them – by the stove! It’s a great use of empty space.
8. Thrifted Free-Standing Bookcase
Check out your local thrift shop for a petite bookcase for your cookbooks, and be sure to check out my furniture painting tips to customize it to match your decor!
9. Cute Countertop Basket
This adorable canvas basket is perfect for storing cookbooks on your counter so they’re close by right when you need them.
How to Display Cookbooks with Style
No matter how much I love scrolling through Pinterest or my digital cookbook for a quick dinner recipe, I’ll always have my go-to cookbook (a big, out-of-print Betty Crocker edition) within arm’s reach. I hope these cookbook storage ideas inspire you to organize and display your favorites!
Free Printable Recipe Binder Pages!
Before you go, why not create your own cookbook? These free printable recipe binder pages will help you organize all those ripped-out magazine recipes in one tidy spot. Plus, when you subscribe (it’s free!) you’ll get access to my entire library of free printable resources, plus my weekly-ish newsletter with practical home tips.
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