Should you store your glasses facing up or down? Experts share their thoughts

If your glasses cabinet is prone to getting disorganized and dusty, you might be wondering whether you should be storing your glasses facing up or down.

It’s an important step to organizing a kitchen, and, while there is no right or wrong way, there are benefits to both, and circumstances where certain glasses benefit from different storage styles. For example, when exploring how to store glassware, glasses facing up are recommended for any wine, bourbon, or champagne glasses, but regular tumblers, particularly if they’re stackable, will benefit from being stored upside down.

Therefore, when organizing glassware, it is best to use a mix of both methods to ensure you are protecting your glasses from breakages, damage and dust – so they’re always ready for use.

Should you store your glasses facing up or down?

We've spoken to the experts to find out more details on when you should store your glasses facing up and (you've guessed it) when you should store your glasses facing down.

1. Focus on frequency of use

The first step to glass storage is focusing on frequency of use, so your favourite ones are always ready and easy to grab.

'Everyday glasses should ultimately be stored with the easiest access,’ says Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing. ‘We want every glass to go in easily and out easily. Most people collect glasses over the years and just shove them in the cabinet, but they never think about the next step which is that we want to use them again. Maybe some are keepsakes or from work conferences and can be donated,’ so consider decluttering any that you don’t regularly reach for.

‘We usually store everyday glasses upright to keep the rims clean and prevent moisture buildup,’ says Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and owner of Diisorganized. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your usual glass on hand and stored upright, as it is unlikely to get dusty with regular use and washing.

2. Special occasion glasses

When it comes to special occasion and dinner party glasses, wine glasses tend to be more delicate, and often more expensive, so storing them upright protects against chips and damage. ‘These glasses often have weaker and thinner rims that can lead to damage or cracks much more easily than a traditional glass used for soda, iced tea or water,’ warns Chris Willat, founder of Alpine Maids.

‘For expensive wine glasses, face up to avoid breaking, or if hanging upside down using a rack,’ says Soreff. While this may mean they get dusty more quickly, regular cleaning will help prevent this from building up and becoming a problem. You can also rinse them out before use, to ensure they’re dust-free.

On the other hand, Ter Avest recommends storing your other special occasion glasses, like coupes and cocktail glasses, which you probably reach for less often than your wine glasses, facing downwards.

‘If the glasses are just used on special occasions, storing them upside down may be more practical,’ she says.

Audra George, owner and pro-organizer at Pretty Neat, also recommends storing your collection of special glasses facing down to protect them against breakages.

‘The opening of the glass is usually the largest part, and they are more stable in the cabinet upside down, which prevents tipping,’ she says.

3. Consider your cabinets

When organizing kitchen cabinets, whether you store your glasses in a window cabinet may change the way you choose to store them.

‘A closed cabinet versus a window cabinet can affect the display choice,’ says Soreff. This is a personal choice on what you consider looks better, but may also depend on the type of glasses you are storing, and whether they are stackable.

The size of your cabinet may also affect the glasses that you buy and keep, and therefore what the best way to store them is.

‘Storing glasses upside down can allow nesting glasses, if needed, which is great for efficiency in storing them’ says George, particularly if you have a large collection of glasses.

4. Deal with dust and moisture

Dust is undoubtedly a big contributor when it comes to how to clean kitchen cabinets, and deciding which glass storage is right for you and your home, particularly if you store your glasses on shelves or if your displaying glasses as part of your bar cart ideas.

‘If dust is a significant factor, store your glasses upside down,’ says Ter Avest, to protect the inside of the glass from becoming dirty. ‘This keeps the glasses cleaner as dust and other particles cannot settle on the glass,’ adds George.

Ter Avest also recommends ensuring that your glasses are thoroughly dry before putting them away in your cabinet, to prevent moisture buildup and mildew, particularly if you are stacking them face down.

‘Regularly cleaning the shelves will minimize the risk of dust and debris,’ she adds. ‘Additionally, using shelf liners that are easy to clean can provide a clean surface for the glasses.’

Audra George favors storing glasses face down, to ensure improved drying time. ‘If they are still a little damp from washing, this will allow water to drain better,’ she says.

FAQs

Can you put glasses in a drawer?

If you have the storage space, keeping your glasses in a drawer is a great way to prevent them from getting dusty and protect against damages,

It is best to place them upside down, so they don't tip over when you pull the drawer out, and use a nonslip rubber drawer liner to keep them in place. Keep the ones you use regularly towards the front for easy access.

Ultimately, the way you store your glasses comes down to personal preference, so choose a method that best fits your kitchen and needs, and, importantly, works in harmony with the rest of your kitchen storage ideas.

'As always, if you keep your cabinets clean, wiping them down at least once a month to remove dust and any debris from the inside of your cabinets, you will be fine,' says Willat. 'Just know that your glassware that is being used constantly throughout the day isn't a big deal. Your barware and wine glasses need extra attention as they are more delicate so store them properly.'