11 Creative Ways to Keep Cookbooks Close at Hand
Keep cookbooks where you need them, while also protecting them from the steam and splashes of kitchen life, with these simple storage ideas
From well-thumbed tomes that you turn to again and again, to glossy, aspirational editions full of delicious photography, we all have favourite recipe books that we just couldn’t do without in the kitchen. However, humidity, running water, grease and even the naked flames all combine to create an atmosphere that isn’t particularly conducive to a book’s welfare, so you need to plan in some safe spots for your culinary library. Whether you opt for bespoke joinery or some crafty customising, these creative solutions are sure to whet your design appetite.
2. Populate your island
A kitchen island is a perfect home for a recipe library – simply plan in open shelving along the sides or at the end. This island has its shelves on the opposite side from the cooking and washing-up areas, so the books are less likely to get splashed, and they provide a colourful view as you look into the kitchen.
A kitchen island is a perfect home for a recipe library – simply plan in open shelving along the sides or at the end. This island has its shelves on the opposite side from the cooking and washing-up areas, so the books are less likely to get splashed, and they provide a colourful view as you look into the kitchen.
3. Slot under a seat
Window seats and custom-made benches are lovely items to fit into a kitchen, and the space underneath is crying out to be used as storage. With cookery books tucked neatly below, you can grab a cuppa, sit back and devise your meal plans for the week.
Window seats and custom-made benches are lovely items to fit into a kitchen, and the space underneath is crying out to be used as storage. With cookery books tucked neatly below, you can grab a cuppa, sit back and devise your meal plans for the week.
4. Install some open shelving
Perhaps the easiest way to keep your books in the kitchen is on shelves above the benchtop. Open shelves are also great for displaying other decorative items, such as quirky bottles, houseplants and ornaments. Just be aware that anything on display will need frequent dusting – and grease in the atmosphere won’t make that job any easier.
Perhaps the easiest way to keep your books in the kitchen is on shelves above the benchtop. Open shelves are also great for displaying other decorative items, such as quirky bottles, houseplants and ornaments. Just be aware that anything on display will need frequent dusting – and grease in the atmosphere won’t make that job any easier.
5. Create a shop display
Why not invest in a smart display carousel for the ultimate in accessible storage? This welcoming kitchen feels like a cosy coffee shop, and the revolving bookstand has space for countless meal ideas.
Why not invest in a smart display carousel for the ultimate in accessible storage? This welcoming kitchen feels like a cosy coffee shop, and the revolving bookstand has space for countless meal ideas.
6. Place shelves next to seating
If you have a few bar stools by your kitchen island, pair them up with a shelf of books. In this sleek space, the books are lined up below the golden stretch of benchtop, with the stools in perfect position to peruse as you perch.
If you have a few bar stools by your kitchen island, pair them up with a shelf of books. In this sleek space, the books are lined up below the golden stretch of benchtop, with the stools in perfect position to peruse as you perch.
7. Fashion a book nook
As every kitchen designer knows, most rooms don’t come in handy sizes that fit with the furniture; there are often a few gaps to fill and unusual wall shapes to contend with. These complicated corners are ideal spots for installing bookshelves.
Here, the small space beside the fridge has been fitted with a series of slim shelves, to squeeze in a bit of extra storage. This would be too tiny a space for most items, but books fit just fine.
10 of the best kids’ book nooks
As every kitchen designer knows, most rooms don’t come in handy sizes that fit with the furniture; there are often a few gaps to fill and unusual wall shapes to contend with. These complicated corners are ideal spots for installing bookshelves.
Here, the small space beside the fridge has been fitted with a series of slim shelves, to squeeze in a bit of extra storage. This would be too tiny a space for most items, but books fit just fine.
10 of the best kids’ book nooks
8. Arrange a rainbow colour spot
If your kitchen units and walls are in neutral shades, you can create an exciting splash of colour with book spines. Brightly coloured recipe books offer the opportunity for all sorts of imaginative arrangements.
If your kitchen units and walls are in neutral shades, you can create an exciting splash of colour with book spines. Brightly coloured recipe books offer the opportunity for all sorts of imaginative arrangements.
9. Shine a light on treasured volumes
Kitchens are great places to incorporate some feature lighting, either in recessed shelving or under cabinetry. The spotlights in these shelves make an attractive series of display alcoves to house both books and pots. Use LED bulbs, which don’t get too hot and can be tucked behind or set into the framework.
Kitchens are great places to incorporate some feature lighting, either in recessed shelving or under cabinetry. The spotlights in these shelves make an attractive series of display alcoves to house both books and pots. Use LED bulbs, which don’t get too hot and can be tucked behind or set into the framework.
10. Store behind closed doors
Books don’t have to be on display. This beautiful dresser unit features bi-fold doors, which open to reveal a recipe library within. Bulky kitchen appliances are also stashed here and are easily accessed when needed. This clever unit is practical when open, and instantly tidy when shut.
See more sneaky storage for small appliances
Books don’t have to be on display. This beautiful dresser unit features bi-fold doors, which open to reveal a recipe library within. Bulky kitchen appliances are also stashed here and are easily accessed when needed. This clever unit is practical when open, and instantly tidy when shut.
See more sneaky storage for small appliances
11. Embrace the electronic age
Even a die-hard bookworm has to acknowledge that we don’t always find meal inspiration on the printed page any more. With a seemingly infinite supply of recipes online, most of us now use search engines, and kitchen designers have picked up on that. This kitchen features a handy drop-down tablet holder for your e-cookbook, so you can safely suspend your device away from any chopping action.
TELL US
Where do you keep your cookbooks? Share your ideas in the Comments.
MORE
See more ideas for book storage
Even a die-hard bookworm has to acknowledge that we don’t always find meal inspiration on the printed page any more. With a seemingly infinite supply of recipes online, most of us now use search engines, and kitchen designers have picked up on that. This kitchen features a handy drop-down tablet holder for your e-cookbook, so you can safely suspend your device away from any chopping action.
TELL US
Where do you keep your cookbooks? Share your ideas in the Comments.
MORE
See more ideas for book storage
Recessed shelving is a bonus for shrewd storage seekers. Here, the two walls surrounding the doorway provide matching columns for books and wine storage. Cavity wall space like this isn’t difficult to incorporate into a building project – just make sure you plan for it at the design stage.
Browse more wonderful wine storage ideas