Pot racks help in increasing the functional space of a small kitchen. There is a wide choice in the size, shape, and finishing material of the pot racks, which enables one to select what is best suited for his or her kitchen.

The most widely purchased racks are the hanging pot racks. They are placed over the kitchen islands or peninsulas. At a convenient height, a hanging pot rack provides easy access to all the pots, pans, and long-handled utensils, and at the same time does not impede freedom of movement.

There are different types of the hanging pot racks: round, oval, rectangle or bar shaped, or racks designed according to the style preferences specified by the customer. Heavy, lighted pot racks that contribute greatly to the kitchen ambience can be hung from a fan brace fitted in the ceiling. While choosing the hanging pot racks, it is important to consider the following points: the dimensions of the rack, height of the ceiling, and the overall distance of the ceiling to the bottom of the vessels in the pot rack; the tallest persons head must clear the longest-handled pan while working or bending over the counter; the shortest person must reach the smallest pan; and countertop lighting should not be hampered by the racks.

Adequate support should be given at the point where the rack is hanging from the ceiling. Normally, joists or studs are provided to support the rack; if deemed necessary, a carpenter is called in to fashion suitably decorated joists. The weight on the rack is balanced to prevent it from swinging when accessed.

Whether it is a simple hanging beam or an elaborate pot rack that hangs from the ceiling, hanging pot racks are a great way to make use of wasted space to house the cooking tools comfortably.