Everyone Owned It In The 80s — Now It's The Space-Saving Kitchen Storage We Want In Our Homes
Tons of past trends are making a comeback, and we're predicting that this cute kitchen accessory will become the next big thing. As the "unfitted" kitchen takes over modern interiors, exposed storage elements like 80s-inspired wooden spice racks are primed to reappear. Not only are wooden spice racks functional, but they can add an organic touch to your cooking space. Designers and homeowners are shifting away from spaces that feel too perfect in favor of homes that look cozy and lived in. A 1980s wooden spice rack can help achieve this aesthetic, and wall-mounted variations are a genius way to store spices without cluttering up your kitchen countertop.
Lately, people are searching for the ultimate cozy alternative to kitchen cabinets. Instead of keeping everything tucked away, you shouldn't be afraid to display items like ingredients, accessories, and utensils in plain view. Wooden spice racks are a fun and functional piece to source secondhand. There are a few qualities that make 1980s spice racks special in particular. They're often wall-mounted and feature a cottage-core-inspired style, with wooden spindles, tiered shelves, and sometimes even cute cut-out details. You can find them priced on Etsy for consistently around $50.00-$60.00.
How a 1980s spice rack can help the aesthetic of your cooking space
As Old World kitchens come back in style, it's important to consider the major differences between an American and European kitchen. It all comes down to being unafraid of imperfection. Long gone are the days of modern farmhouse kitchens that had identical jars with matching labels against gray cabinets and curated countertops. A real rustic, undone kitchen has products of different kinds on display. This gives you the freedom to fill your spice rack with unmatching jars, colorful spice containers, and other small kitchen essentials without worrying about everything coordinating perfectly.
There are plenty of different 80s-style spice racks to choose from. If you want to bring in some color, look for a hand-painted rack with floral motifs or other whimsical designs. You can also find racks with different numbers of tiers, making it easy to choose one based on how much spice storage you need. For a kitschier look, keep an eye out for charming details like heart-shaped cutouts, spindles, or decorative text at the top. The wood itself can range from light and natural to rich, dark finishes, giving you plenty of options whether you want your spice rack to blend in or become a statement piece.