Industrial Pot Rack - Creative "Pan-handling"

3 Materials
When the plan to hang pendant lights fell through we searched for a pot rack to no avail. Nothing worked, none of the ones in the store were the right size, color, shape or price. I suppose when you are a DIY'er if the most passionate sort, nothing but what you picture in your mind will work. So my DH made me one - not only did it fit the bill, but it surpassed my expectations (see pic below).
It is a good thing when your project derails and you end up with something you like even better than you imagined. DIY isn't just about saving money. The best part is getting something that fits just right and is different than what you normally see in other people's homes.


The picture below shows the only rack that even came close to what I wanted. Ugh. No way.
The ones in the store would not allow me to pop something up there when the lights didn't work out, even though my DH was kind enough to offer to help me find one (long story about the pendent lights on the blog if you're interested). It was a disaster! The rack was too low, didn't work with the light receptacle...and all the others were the same. Does everyone but me have high ceilings in their kitchen?
To DIY a pot rack meant my DH had to find a way to enter my mind's eye and create just the right rack to fit over my island. It had to sit high enough that I would be able to see my guests as we worked on the meal but low enough that I could reach the pots and be able to unhook them.


We stared by looking for the metal rack part that would hold the hooks for the pots and pans. We found them in the closet materials section.
He made a frame to hold the closet racks, and I spray painted the wood frame. We hung it with turnbuckles (I don't like chains), with hooks and eyes, and decorated the corners with angle clips to add to the industrial look.
It's a good thing when your DIY project turns out to be easy! I'm all about easy. Cheap helps too.
We found just the right light kit at Lowes - the lights give off a great amount of light which is perfect for over the island.
I didn't want to pay the long price for the typical hooks, so I used S hooks and cut curtain rings. If you get creative you can end up with a one-of-a-kind piece of decor and it will fit your needs (and wants).
Since several of my daughters cook in my kitchen quite often, it will be so convenient to have everything within reach. How do you handle your pans?
To hang pots and pans keeps them from being stacked, leading to scratches. Plus, they are pretty, so why not put them out?
To be able to walk into a room and smile because you are so pleased with how it looks and functions is priceless. Plus it doesn't hurt when someone else admires your project too. :)


To see more pictures and details on the project - and read the story of the failed pendant light plan, visit Love My DIY Home at the address below:
Suggested materials:
  • Painters Touch Spray Paint   (Walmart)
  • Closet Racks   (Menards)
Val Frania {Love My DIY Home}
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Andreacaa Andreacaa on Oct 15, 2022

    Looks nice, but do the pots and pans cast shadows, from the lighting on your work surface?

  • Debbie Cohn Debbie Cohn on Oct 17, 2022

    Love this look! I already have a pot rack, but I do have a question about your magnetic knife holder. What is the backsplash at your stove parentheses (brick, tile, etc.)? I hate to drill into my tile backsplash and was wondering how are you attached yours. Thanks so much.

  • Lori Ward-Laatsch Lori Ward-Laatsch on Oct 18, 2022

    Why did you chose the shower curtain hooks over the thick heavy duty S hooks you can by at hardware store? Depending on the pots you have I would think those hooks could bend out of shape but the S hooks never would. Have those hooks held up for you? I love the pot racks like you have but not possible in my kitchen. You guys did a great job on it.

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  • I've had a few of these in my life and love how they look; however, they are dust collectors and not easy to clean! You did a great job.

    • This one has been easy. The only part that may collect dust is any pot or pan I don't use much, which doesn't apply since I use them all quite regularly. The design is not much of a dust catcher since there's a removable grate inside a thin frame of wood.

  • Biffy Biffy on Oct 16, 2022

    My husband made me one of these pot rack’s year’s ago. I also added a lid holder to the top so my lid’s are organized on top. I’m short so instead of everyone else in our family banging their heads above our island. I also hang a folding grabber on an S-hook. I don’t have mine hanging above the stove so I don’t find the pots and pans getting dirty or greasy.

    Thanks for sharing your project, it’s very nice.

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