The 9 Best Places to Store Cookbooks (Plus How to Organize Them!)

Cookbooks are more than just a repertoire of recipes; they serve as sources of meal inspiration, connection to the past, and sometimes simply as decorative pieces. Whether you’re the designated chef of the house, the family archivist, or love the look of classic cookbooks, keeping them organized and accessible is essential for maintaining an efficient, clutter-free kitchen.

You don’t have to ditch physical cookbooks in favor of digital recipes in order to stay organized. From small to large kitchens and everything in between, we’ve compiled a list of creative and practical ways to store and organize your collection of beloved cookbooks.

Where to Store Cookbooks

While most of your books are likely kept in another part of the house, it makes sense to house cookbooks where you use them: the kitchen! These are our best cookbook storage ideas that utilize kitchen storage space.

1. Use Existing Kitchen Space

If you have the room for it (or can make space for it), delegating a shelf for cookbooks is perhaps the most straightforward way to store them. If you have an extensive collection, consider storing the ones you refer to frequently in the kitchen and placing the rest with your other books.

If your kitchen is too cramped for cookbooks, get creative. If you whip out the cookbooks more than the crockpot, they should have dibs on kitchen real estate. Organize an overflow space with lesser-used kitchen appliances and servingware, such as those only used around the holidays. This can be in a hutch in the dining room, the closet under the stairs, or even in the basement. 

For the cookbooks staying in the kitchen, try one of the following ideas for storage:

• Open shelves away from the stove: Use an open shelf to keep cookbooks lined up and ready to be flipped through. Remember that you want to keep the books away from direct heat or steam to preserve their condition, so a shelf that isn’t near the stove is ideal.
• Cabinet shelf: Alternatively, try clearing out some shelf space in a cabinet for cookbooks. For the ones you don’t flip through frequently, a high shelf with a glass door would make a nice decorative touch (and keep your books dust-free).
• Drawers: Deep drawers can be difficult to keep organized. If you have one that you rarely use, try adding dividers to the button and then slide books in upright.

2. Find Sneaky Storage

Even after moving rarely used kitchen items off-site, finding space for books can still be challenging. Again, this is where ingenuity comes in and pays off. Look to these clever spots as a place to keep your cookbook collection:

• Inside a banquette with storage: If you have a breakfast nook with seating, use the storage space under the benches to store cookbooks. Add labeled bins or baskets to keep them organized.
• Above upper cabinets: The empty space above kitchen cabinets is perfect for storing books you don’t reach for daily but still want to keep close. However, keep in mind that dust will build up quickly on them, so you might want to skip this method if you’re worried about damage or the need to get on a ladder and dust often.
• On a pantry shelf: A walk-in pantry is a prime place to stow away your cookbooks. Line them on an upper shelf, and while you’re in there, choosing a recipe, grab the pantry ingredients needed for it.

3. Create Kitchen Storage

If you’re still left scratching your head, trying to find space in the kitchen for cookbooks, try making room for them with one of these suggestions.

• Installing a floating shelf: If wall space permits, add a floating shelf for cookbooks so they’re always within arm’s reach.
• Add a freestanding cart: Or, if floor space allows, try adding a kitchen cart. It can be a full-sized island with built-in storage or a simple rolling unit with shelves. 
• Invest in a cookbook stand: These dual-purpose products not only prop a cookbook open so you can refer to a recipe while your hands are busy, but they also look oh-so chic on the countertop. Try this technique if you have a tried-and-true cookbook that you primarily use. Remember to keep it away from heat or steam, especially when the book is open, to protect the pages.

How to Organize Cookbooks

Where you store cookbooks might depend on the space you have (or create), but how you organize them is almost entirely up to you! Depending on personal preference, you can sort them in several ways.

• Alphabetically: This can be by title or author.
• By author: If you’re a fan of particular chefs, group their books together so they stand out.
• By meal. Separate books by breakfast, dinner, dessert, and so on.
• By cuisine: Arrange cookbooks based on the type of cuisine so if the mood strikes for Italian food, you’ll know exactly where to look.
• By season. Whether you’re looking for hearty and comforting winter meals, light and refreshing summer ones, or holiday favorites, keeping seasonal cookbooks together minimizes the need to sift through them.
• By color. If you’re a fan of the color-coding organizing method, or perhaps use it for your other books already, this is a great way to add subtle styling to your kitchen’s cookbooks.