October 31st, 2010

Antique Pot Racks Can Class Up A Kitchen

Posted in by tbutcher80

Pot racks have been a fundamental part of the kitchen for centuries. For less affluent families, they were a way of maximizing storage space. For the wealthy, they were a way of organizing entire rooms full of cooking utensils. Examples of pot racks have been located dating back to the 15th century, although it wouldn’t be unexpected to find they were in use before this time.

Originally, pot racks might have simply been hooks hanging from the ceiling or wall. However, as time trickled by and it became possible to expend time decorating even the spaces used primarily by servants, like kitchens, pot racks became decorative and also functional pieces.

There are plenty of different styles of antique pot racks that fall into two broad categories: wall racks and hanging pot racks. Although the hanging pot rack is the style most traditionally thought of today, wall racks can create a unique statement.

Wall racks were commonly utilised in large homes which could devote entire rooms to cooking utensils. From this beginning, their use expanded to include kitchens of moderately sized houses that needed to way to not only store pots but to show them as well. The antique wall rack typically is a board, sometimes embellished, ad fitted with hooks. The board is affixed to the wall, and pots hang on display there. Some wall racks feature a metal board, but many are made of a wooden board affixed with metal hooks.

Hanging pot racks come in a wide variety of styles. Some were originally designed as pot racks and typically exhibit a sturdy metal or, occasionally, wood base from where hooks hang. Others are more eclectic in feel owing to the fact that, at a particular point throughout their storied existence, they were converted from chandeliers, fireplace grates, or other household furnishings. However, each makes a commanding statement when gleaming pots hang from it in the center of a kitchen.

Wall racks typically perform most optimally in kitchens designed to have a country or cottage feel. Because of their wood finishes, and simple embellishments, most wall racks embody a style most suited for kitchens with a rustic design. The exception to this are metal wall racks, which can work well in a modern kitchen design if they are made of metal that has not yet oxidized greatly.

By contrast, antique hanging pot racks can work with lots of kitchen styles. Pieces exhibiting oxidized metal and intricate detailing can create a statement in a modern, stainless steel kitchen or a country hearth. Converted pot racks made from chandeliers, fireplace grates, and other furnishings are a great way to make a statement in a monochromatic or otherwise simple space.

No matter the type, an antique pot rack can produce a bold statement in any kitchen and supply dinner guests with an exceptional conversation piece.

comments