Summary
Controversial methods of storing drinking glasses, rim up or rim down.
When organizing your kitchen, small details can have a big impact. How to store drinking glasses is a hot topic amongst professional organizers. Whether you place them face down or right side up might seem trivial, but each method has pros and cons worth considering. Let’s explore both approaches to help you decide which works best for your home.
Rim UP or rim DOWN?
Storing glasses face down (with the rim touching the shelf) is a common practice for several reasons:
- Dust Prevention
Keeping the open end of the glass down prevents dust and debris from settling inside. This is especially helpful in homes where glasses aren’t used daily or in open shelving setups.
- Space Efficiency
Glasses stored face down often take up less vertical space, making them ideal for smaller cabinets.
- Sanitary Considerations
If your cabinet shelves are clean, storing glasses rim-down keeps the inside free from potential airborne particles, such as pet dander or cooking grease.
There are two main drawbacks from storing glasses face down. The rim, the part you drink from, is in direct contact with the shelf, which may not always feel sanitary. If your cabinet shelves aren’t perfectly clean, glasses can pick up odors or residue.
Storing glasses upright (with the rim facing up) is another popular choice, especially for households that frequently use glasses:
- Protects the Rim
The rim is often the most fragile part of the glass. Storing glasses upright reduces the risk of chipping or cracking.
- Improved Ventilation
Glasses stored right side up allow any residual moisture to evaporate more easily, reducing the chance of trapped odors or mildew.
- Clean Contact Points
Since the base of the glass, not the rim, touches the shelf, you won’t worry about your drinking surface contacting potentially dusty surfaces.
There are two reasons one might re-consider rim up. Dust or debris can settle inside, particularly if glasses are stored for long periods. More vertical space is required when storing rim up, which could be a challenge in tightly packed cabinets.
How do you plan to store glasses? Let’s consider your kitchen and glasses to decide which is the best method.
- Cabinet Cleanliness
- If your shelves are regularly cleaned or lined with protective mats, face-down storage may feel more hygienic.
- For unlined or harder-to-clean surfaces, upright storage might be preferable.
- Glass Usage Frequency
- If you use your glasses daily, dust accumulation is less of an issue, making upright storage practical.
- For rarely used glasses, face-down storage offers added protection against dust.
- Glass Shape and Material
- Delicate stemware, such as wine glasses, is typically stored upright or hung to protect the rim.
- Everyday tumblers can withstand either storage method, depending on your preference.
- Kitchen Aesthetics
- If you have open shelves, consider what looks most visually appealing. Home and Gardens suggest aesthetically arranging glassware in open cabinets.
Our Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your priorities. Martha Stewart, our go-to for all things for the home, prefers the rim down method. She believes in this method for cleanliness. If dust and debris are your main concerns, face-down storage might be the way to go. However, if you prioritize protecting the rim and ensuring clean drinking surfaces, storing glasses upright could be the better option.
Overall, consider using shelf liners or storing glasses in a dedicated cabinet with doors. This keeps the inside of the glasses clean while minimizing contact with surfaces. The Home Edit suggests using risers in cabinets to increase storage options.
Both methods have their merits, and the “right” way to store your glasses comes down to your household’s needs. When The Organized Pack is unpacking or resetting our clients homes we choose the best method based on the glassware, cabinets, and aesthetics. By assessing your cabinet setup, lifestyle, and glassware type, you can create a system that works best for you. Whether face down or right side up, a little intentionality in storage can go a long way in keeping your kitchen organized and functional.
How do you store your glasses? Let us know!
