Think about how often you will bend over to get a plate. (4 times for 4 people plus 4 more times to put each away. For each meal.) I had a 5' tall friend who had one in the pennisula, near the dishwasher. Even she got tired of bending over. Racks are a nice idea, but not comfortable if you have to bend -- or stretch up -- to reach.

Sounds pretty -- if it's strictly decorative.

But from a functional perspective, I'd see a lot of disadvantages. You'd probably nick your plates and countertops a zillion times getting plates out and putting them back. And to put them up one at a time instead of in a stack? A lot of extra work. Also not very space efficient.

If you need to store plates in that location, there are some great drawer storage options for plates, and they're very ergonomic and space efficient.

I have one and I love it. I have a small household and no dishwasher (by choice) and I hate putting things away. I told the kitchen designer that if it wasn't super-easy to put things away the dishes would just stay in the drying rack.

I have extra plates in drawers in the island, but the plate rack gives me what I need for every day use. I actually put most things away now.

Claire

Thanks for the input - a lot to think about. Claire, I love the look of your plate rack! Was it stock or a custom built? Do you ever find yourself bumping the edge of the plates? So unique and to me, it looks plenty handy.

The cabinets are KraftMaid - decent quality but not high end/custom. I believe the plate rack is one of their products.

The plates are set in a few inches so I've never bumped into the edges. Disclaimer: the cat food bowls are usually on the floor there so I don't step too close to the counter anyway (loud shrieks when that happens).

The plate dividers are simply dowels set loosely in holes in the frame, so you can remove some if you need a wider space. I did that on the right side to make room for the bowl.

I don't have to bend over to reach the plates - for me it's a lot easier than opening and closing the deep drawer.

Claire