This clever idea from Berkeley-based musician Ayla Davila solves two common kitchen challenges: more counter space and cookbook storage/preservation. By repurposing a dictionary stand, Ayla keeps whatever cookbook she's using held open and supported at a good reading angle. This frees up precious counter space and saves the cookbook from spills and splatters. But it has another use as well. Can you guess what it is?
The slanted top also lies flat, creating an additional prep area when a chopping board is placed on top. While Alya's kitchen isn't small, this space-saving use still comes in handy when working on big cooking projects. Alya also appreciates that she can store all of her cookbooks on the shelves underneath, keeping them handy and in view. Her father reinforced the joints, so it's safe and sturdy enough to support her large collection.
Ayla purchased her dictionary stand on Craigslist one year ago for about $125. It's a Smithsonian reproduction of a Chippendale which unfortunately is no longer made. Still, it's not too hard to find the same concept out there. Keep an eye on Craigslist or search school or library supply websites.
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(Images: Dana Velden)
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That's a great use for all those spare Dictionary stands I have cluttering up my home!
You've GOT to be kidding me.
That's brilliant.
This is really cool except I've never seen a dictionary stand on craigslist or anywhere for sale. But, still, really cool idea. I love that it lies flat for extra counter.
I have a similar wire book stand that I got when I worked at a large bookstore chain that no longer exists. I keep all of our most-used cookbooks in it and it resides in the kitchen.
Check with your local bookstores, especially those that have usually have book promotions with special merchandising. A lot of times, they just throw out those stands when the promotion is over. They may be willing to give it to you if you ask.
So much sass, commenters! Yowza.
While no, you probably don't encounter many dictionary stands in every day life, I can't imagine that it would be all the difficult to find one in an antique store or flea market. The one in the photo is beautiful and if I had one like it, it would solve some counterspace and storage issues for me.
It's a great idea.
I actually *do* have some spare dictionary stands just hanging around. But then again, I'm a librarian so there is that. I love how the top lies flat--it would make a great island in a small kitchen. None of my old dictionary stands have that feature.
She's a genius, who would have thought to put a book in a bookstand.
I am absolutely in love with that stand! The wood carving is gorgeousness, not to mention the genius idea! This is my new obsession, thanks!
I like this idea. you can find dictionary stands very easily by Googling the web instead of searching Craigslist. also, levenger.com have some excellent ones that are pricey, but everything they do is of great quality.
I work in a church, so of course it occurs to me that an old pulpit or lectern will serve the same purpose. And since churches fold, join, and split, all the time, all those lecterns have to be getting sold somewhere! A few might turn up at university surplus auctions, too.
I am loving all the sass in the comments. Cracks me up!
On the stand - it's a great idea, just not sure where to find one. I've subscribed to a Craigslist RSS for "dictionary stand" and "book stand" to see what comes up.