Glass racks

Measure the space before choosing a size. A 30 cm rack takes up little room and fits under most wall cabinets; a 40 cm rack holds more glasses but requires a shelf or ceiling that can support the weight. Hang the 30 by 30 cm square model centrally above an island or a bar where people work from both sides. Then count how many glasses you want to store: each rail holds approximately eight to ten wine glasses side by side, depending on the diameter of the foot. For the finish, the main consideration is what matches the rest. Chrome is neutral and blends in with stainless steel, brass adds warmth to a classic interior, and black disappears against a dark ceiling. Keep in mind that only stemmed glasses fit in it: tumbler glasses belong on the shelf.

Slide the glass stem into the rail and release it; the bowl will then hang freely without touching anything. Do not hang glasses too close together, as two bowls knocking against each other are the most common cause of breakage. Place the heaviest glasses on the side where the rail is attached and keep the end lighter. Above a bar, preferably keep the shapes you use most often within arm’s reach: wine glasses, coupes, and the bowl that a dry martini goes in. A negroni , on the other hand, goes in a low glass over ice, so that shape does not need to hang in the rack.

A rack above the bar catches steam and grease particles, so wipe it weekly with a slightly damp cloth and dry it afterwards. Chrome shows fingerprints but polishes clean without effort. Brass can darken over time; if you want to keep the shine, use a brass polish rather than an abrasive. Black is powder-coated and tolerates a neutral cleaner, but scratches if you go at it with steel wool. Check once a year that the screws are still tight.

Once the rack is hung, the main question is what goes in it: champagne flute glasses and cocktail glasses are the stemmed shapes that belong there. If you need to get stemless glasses off the worktop, then glass crates are more practical. And to remove residue from a goblet hanging just above the sink, use one of the glass brushes, whose long handles reach right down to the bottom of the goblet.