Where Should Glasses Be Stored? Your Kitchen Glassware Storage Questions Answered

When it comes to kitchen design, storage is one of the most important factors to consider, yet kitchen glassware storage often becomes an afterthought. From wine glasses to everyday tumblers, Stacey Cobley, one of our kitchen designers explores how to make the most of your kitchen space while keeping your glassware accessible and stylishly stored.

Where Should Glasses be Stored in a Kitchen?

The way that glasses should be stored depends on the capabilities of your kitchen. This said, there are generally four main ways to store glasses – these are:

Hang

Wine and cocktail glasses can be stored upside down by their slender stems to create an elegant display. This storage technique stops dust and dirt from collecting inside, as well as stopping glasses knocking together and breaking.  

Display

Make a statement by displaying glasses on open shelves in your kitchen. This is ideal for frequently used glasses, as they can be accessed quickly and easily. Depending on your kitchen aesthetic, beautifully coloured glasses can catch the light and grab attention. Browse some of our elegant options: Open Shelving (opens in a new tab) 

Divide

Increase your cupboard space by installing a shelf within a shelf for your smaller glasses. This method allows you to store items both beneath and above the divider, effectively doubling your storage potential and keeping everything organised. This technique could be useful in solutions like dressers, which can keep glasses neatly stacked. Learn more about our dressers: Dressers (opens in a new tab)

Stack

Often glasses can be bought as a set, in which case the same glasses can fit on top of each other. This practical technique can maximise space in your kitchen cupboards, whilst keeping items easily accessible.

How Do You Store Wine Glasses Specifically in the Kitchen? 

Storing wine glasses requires special attention due to their delicate stems. Hanging racks can be an ideal solution for these, holding glasses upside down to keep them secure and free from dust.  

Alternatively, if you prefer to store wine glasses in a cabinet ensure that there is enough space to prevent clinking. Don’t forget to pair these with a dedicated wine storage area for your bottles! Take a look at our wine storage options to browse some of our solutions: Wine Storage (opens in a new tab) 

Can You Put Glasses in Kitchen Drawers?

Yes, glasses can be stored in kitchen drawers. However, these must be organised correctly. By using specially designed drawer inserts, you can ensure that your glasses remain stable and protected. Harvey Jones offers bespoke drawer solutions, allowing you to maximise every inch of your kitchen space. Feel inspired by some of our custom drawer inserts: Drawer Inserts (opens in a new tab) 

Should You Store Glasses Upright or Upside Down? 

We would generally recommend storing glasses upside down to keep them free from dust. However, the debate over whether to store glasses upright or upside down often comes down to personal preference. If you prefer to store glasses upright, ensure that the shelf or drawer is clean beforehand to prevent contamination.

What Glasses Should You Have in a Kitchen? 

A well-equipped kitchen should include a variety of glassware types to suit different occasions. Below, we’ve listed some of our essentials.

Wine Glasses 

Keeping a supply of red and white wine glasses can be essential for occasions where you will be entertaining. You may want to keep a selection of different sizes – larger bowls for red wines to allow for aeration, and narrower ones to maintain the cooler temperatures of whites.

Champagne Flutes 

Champagne flutes are ideal for celebrations, as they preserve the fizz of sparkling wines and champagne. These glasses are generally much more fragile than other types of glasses, so ensure that they are carefully stored.

Tumblers 

These versatile glasses are typically for everyday use, accommodating drinks like water and juice. These are often stackable, so are ideal for saving space in your cabinets.

Highball Glasses 

Highballs are taller than tumblers, ideal for mixed drinks. Their sleek design adds a touch of elegance to your glass collection.

Specialty Glasses 

You may also have a range of speciality glasses, such as whisky tumblers and martini glasses. These should be stored in areas that aren’t frequently accessed, such as a pantry larder. Browse our pantry larder case studies: Pantry Larder (opens in a new tab)

How Many Glasses Do You Need in a Kitchen?

A general rule of thumb is to have at least eight of each type of glass, but this can vary depending on how much space you have in your kitchen. If you entertain often, consider increasing this number. To ensure your kitchen has room to store glasses whilst remaining clutter-free, read our blog: How to Organise Kitchen Cupboards (opens in a new tab).

Storing Glassware to Suit Your Lifestyle 

From hanging racks for wine glasses to custom drawer inserts, there are various ways to keep your kitchen stylish and functional. For more bespoke kitchen storage solutions, view our options: Storage Options (opens in a new tab) 

Ready to create your dream kitchen? (opens in a new tab)Book an appointment (opens in a new tab) with one of our designers today or request a brochure (opens in a new tab) to explore our custom storage options.