Hanging pot racks are a common fixture in many "gourmet" kitchens.  You see them in many style homes where they may not even belong.  They can make run of the mill kitchens look a little more upscale, adding contrast and interest to an otherwise boring space.

Hanging such a fixture must be thought out carefully as much for style as function.  The most common mistake made when hanging these is the location.  They will most often close in a kitchen with low ceilings and outdated lighting.  Another common error is hanging racks in spots that actually block overhead lighting and so low that heads hit the pots.

Placement should make sense, like over an island prep area or next to a cooking surface, again not blocking lighting or chopping up walking around space.  It's not fun hitting your head on a pot when walking around the room getting to things.

When hanging a rack, consider how it will be used and how often.  Some like hanging racks as decor, others like the function aspect.  When staging a home for sale that thought process will tell you if you should take it down.  In small homes, where kitchen storage is at a premium, it can be an attractive selling feature if presented neatly and in a location that makes sense. 

It must be totally spotless with the minimum number of clean, colorful items hanging from them. The items should appear functional and complement the kitchen and it's surroundings. No fake chili peppers or garlic bulbs please! 

It should look sturdy and stylish.  There is nothing uglier than a homemade rack that looks homemade. I have seen many that are barely hanging on by a thread.  It must be securely mounted or a nice smack in the head could be on the horizon. 

Probably the above left could be considered art, but what about below?                                                          

An exaggerated example? Yes but as a Stager, the most common problem I see is that many who have hanging pot racks use them as a catch all for everything that won't fit in cabinet or drawer storage.  They gather dust and grease if not cleaned on a regular basis and so do the items hanging from them. 

Nothing says yuk! better than greasy dusty pots hanging from the ceiling.  It most certainly gets potential buyers thinking there is not enough storage in the kitchen.

If you have a pot rack hanging in your kitchen, step back and really look hard.  If you use it and can't do without it, pare it down and spiff it up.  Many buyers like them.

If you are not sure about it, take it down.  You can always take it with you to the next place!

AccentPositives provides effective and economical consultations on site and online.  We service the Inland Empire area of Southern California.