Blair is Apartment Therapy’s Style Shopping Editor, where she covers the latest brand launches, need-to-buys, and anything related to her two unofficial beats — cane and rattan. Whenever she’s not perusing for the latest home finds (a rarity), you’ll probably find her reading, watching a horror film, or on the hunt for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
We saw, tested, and covered a lot of dish racks this year at AT. It seems like this is one product category that’s constantly evolving, with different brands churning out double-decker dish holders, racks with some unusual (but effective!) designs, and super slim plate caddies that can still hold a lot. Whether you have limited counter space or a big family that creates heaping sinkfuls of dishes after dinner, there’s something out there suited to your exact needs. One brand that always seems to know what we’re looking for is Umbra. Home to some of our favorite storage finds and space-saving home gadgets, they, too, have perfected the art of the perfect dish rack.
For more content like this follow
Today, we want to bring attention to their holster dish rack. Although it sports quite a normal size, this product can hold a ton, plus it’s got some other key features that’ll make you wish you had one next to your kitchen sink.
As far as actual plates go, this rack can hold 15. If you live in a smaller household, that’s more than enough storage for post-meal cleanups. But even homeowners with lots of kids or roommates can rest assured that they won’t have to towel-dry their first round of dirty platters in order to make room for the second load. Additionally, the rack has a circular caddy for utensils, as well as a floating side shelf for up to four stemmed glasses. Now you no longer have to worry about your wine glasses and champagne flutes falling over or bumping into other dishes! Finally, a long, oval-shaped caddy lies level with rack and serves as a good spot for peelers, larger utensils, and other tools. You could also place it underneath the glass holder to catch water droplets.
Although you might initially look at this dish rack and think it appears kind of large, Umbra customers swear it’s the perfect size, even for tiny kitchens. “I live in a fairly small home, and making the most of my counter space has always been an issue for me,” one reviewer writes. “This dish rack has totally changed the way my kitchen works for the better. It takes up minimal space on my counter but does so much in such a small space.”
Shoppers also love the rack’s long drainage spout, which, like all the other parts, can be placed on whichever side is most convenient. Basically, you can assemble all the pieces to custom-create a tray most conducive to your kitchen. These features, coupled with the holster rack’s sturdy, stainless-steel frame and easy-to-clean plastic surface, make this the dishwashing must-have of every homeowner’s dreams.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
When we look for organizers and storage upgrades to add to our homes, easy installation is always a big consideration. If something asks you to drill six holes in your wall, hammer in plastic screw anchors, and fasten it to a point where you don’t know if you can ever unfasten it, that device better really be worth it. We don’t want to do unnecessary damage to our (likely rented) walls before we’re sure whatever upgrade we’re installing will work, and we wouldn’t ask you to do that either.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
If you’ve been using hot hair tools for a while, it might feel convenient to keep them on your countertop so that they’re always within reach when you get ready in the morning. After all, hair dryers, curling irons, and other bulky devices are such a pain to store because of their long cords and unusual shapes. At AT, we’re fans of any solution to storage problems, whether it’s a sink cover that increases the surface area on your vanity, a compact coffee machine, or a sofa with a hidden trunk. Then you’d best believe that we also found the answer to the hair tool-induced chaos plaguing your bathroom. The HIIMIEI caddy might look like any other toiletry stand, but it’s actually designed just for your hair products and devices. It won’t be long after trying it that you realize that leaving your straightener strewn about is not the way to live.
For more content like this follow
This acrylic countertop caddy is great, in part, because you don’t have to assemble or drill it into anything like a lot of other storage solutions. No, you simply plop it on your countertop and line it with your most-used hair products. It comes in black, white, or clear. The front row is perfect for styling creams, heat protectant spray, and other cosmetics. The slightly elevated back row features three deep steel cups made for your hot tools. By storing your flat iron and similar items there, you keep your counter free of clutter and your hands safe from accidentally bumping into a scorching rod. The steel cups are heatproof, so you can keep the tools turned on or off while stored inside. If you just have one or two main tools you employ on the daily, you can use the leftover cups for brushes and combs.
What’s more, you can purchase a version with a slide-out drawer for even more room! The compartment is nice for storing hair ties, clips, and other small items. In addition to the caddy’s versatility, customers love its sleek appearance. “I’m not sure what I was expecting when I ordered this, but I was blown away (by) how great it looks and how sturdy and well-made it was,” one reviewer wrote. “This is one of my favorite organizing purchases in a long time!” We’re confident that if you gave this caddy a try, you’d agree. Choose your color now, and prepare yourself for all the extra vanity space you’re about to have!
Britt is a stargazer and sunrise-chaser with a collection of magic erasers, and a fascination with the fantastic. A storyteller at heart, she finds inspiration in all the small things, and can likely be found singing show tunes, catching up on K-dramas, or going on adventures to satiate her natural-born wanderlust. (Sometimes even all at the same time.)