Repurpose A Casserole Holder Into A Spice Rack That Adds Vintage Charm

TL;DR

Prime Big Deal Days · Oct 6–7Offer from Amazon

Get home appliances delivered free — and shop member deals

• Fast, free delivery on millions of items
• Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
• Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included

Start your free Prime trial →Free trial for eligible customers · Cancel anytime

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.Hide

Hunker reports that a vintage rectangular casserole holder can be repurposed as a wall-mounted spice rack by fitting a wooden shelf inside its metal frame. The project calls for cleaning the holder, securing the shelf, and mounting the finished rack; its suitability depends on the frame, shelf layout, and wall attachment.

Hunker has reported a kitchen DIY idea that turns a rectangular vintage casserole holder into a wall-mounted spice rack. The proposed project adds a wooden shelf across the holder’s metal frame, reusing a piece originally designed to carry heavy dishes while displaying its silver or brass finish.

The approach is demonstrated by blogger Mod Vintage Life, according to Hunker. A maker measures the inside of the holder, cuts a plank to fit across its center, and attaches it to the frame. The article says the holder can be mounted horizontally or vertically; depending on its size and orientation, a vertical arrangement may leave room for additional shelves. Spice-container height should be considered before fixing the layout.

Hunker recommends choosing a rectangular rather than circular holder, since a flat side of the frame becomes the rack’s bottom when mounted. The report also advises cleaning the vintage piece before construction and says silver holders may be polished. Decorative trim can be added to the shelf edge and fixed with wood glue; brad nails are another option, though the article cautions that they could split the materials.

For the shelf-to-frame connection, the report suggests using small screws and pre-drilling holes where needed. For hanging, it describes picture wire with wall anchors and screws, or direct hanging from nails. Those are suggestions rather than specifications for every holder or wall: the source does not provide a load rating, hardware requirements for particular wall types, or a tested maximum spice weight.

A Second Use for Vintage Kitchenware

The idea offers a way to reuse an existing kitchen object instead of leaving it unused in a cupboard or replacing it with a purpose-made rack. It may also appeal to people who want visible storage that contributes to a room’s decor: the metal frame remains on display, while the added shelf holds spice containers.

Hunker presents the look as a possible fit for cottagecore, farmhouse, and French country kitchens. That is a style assessment, not a guarantee that every holder will work as a rack. The practical result will depend on the holder’s dimensions and condition, the shelf construction, the jars selected, and whether the wall mounting can support the finished weight.

From Dish Carrier to Wall Storage

A casserole holder’s original purpose is to support and carry a heavy dish. In this project, its open metal frame becomes the visible structure of a wall organizer, while a cut-to-size wooden plank creates a surface for spice containers. Hunker says silver or brass finishes can add a vintage appearance, and suggests metallic paint or Rub ’n Buff as ways to make the shelf better match the frame.

The report says similar pieces may be found in household cupboards, thrift shops, estate sales, and online resale listings such as eBay and Etsy. It does not establish how frequently they are available or provide prices. Its central design constraint is shape: a flat-sided rectangular frame can form a stable-looking base when mounted, whereas a circular holder does not provide the same flat bottom.

““For the purposes of making a spice rack, you’re going to want a rectangular casserole holder, as opposed to a circular one.””

— Hunker

Fit, Weight and Mounting Limits

The source does not report a tested version with stated dimensions, load capacity, or long-term performance. It is unclear how much weight a particular holder, added shelf, and chosen wall fasteners can safely support. The report’s hardware suggestions are general and do not specify the holder’s metal thickness, the wall material, or the weight of the jars.

It also does not give a standard shelf size or a fixed number of shelves. Those details vary with the holder and the height of the spice containers. Readers should check the frame for damage and select mounting hardware appropriate to both the wall and the completed rack rather than assuming picture wire or nails will suit every installation.

Measure Before Building

The next steps for anyone trying the project are practical rather than tied to a scheduled product release: find a rectangular holder in sound condition, clean it, and measure its interior. Before cutting wood, arrange the intended spice containers to check shelf height and spacing. Then attach the shelf, choose fasteners suited to the frame, and secure the rack to the wall using hardware appropriate for the installation.

After mounting, Hunker advises placing spices away from the stove and open windows to reduce heat and sunlight exposure. The report provides no follow-up testing or confirmation of a particular finished rack, so the final fit and stability will depend on the materials and workmanship of each project.

Key Questions

What kind of casserole holder works for this project?

Hunker recommends a rectangular holder rather than a circular one, because a flat side can become the rack’s bottom when mounted.

How is the spice rack made?

Clean the holder, measure its interior, and fit a wooden shelf across the frame. The report suggests small screws, with pre-drilling where needed, to attach the shelf; trim and a matching finish are optional.

Can the holder be mounted vertically?

Yes. Hunker says it can be hung horizontally or vertically. A vertical orientation may allow more shelves, depending on the holder’s size, but the layout should account for the height of the spice containers.

How should the finished rack be attached to the wall?

The report mentions picture wire with wall anchors and screws, or hanging directly from nails. It gives no load rating or wall-specific instructions, so mounting hardware should be selected for the wall and the weight of the completed rack.

Where should spices be stored after the rack is installed?

Hunker advises keeping spices away from the stove and open windows, since heat and sunlight can affect them.

Source: rss