Size:
A spice rack should be proportional to the door it will be mounted on. For example, if it's for a cupboard door that measures 20 inches tall, the door mount spice rack should measure no more than 15 inches tall. This gap is essential in preventing a crowded look. Of course, there are exceptions due to some cupboard doors being narrow and long rather than traditionally square. On the other hand, if you plan to put your spice rack on the back of a kitchen door, you're likely looking for something tall and slim. In terms of width, you'll need to ensure that you have enough room to properly close a door with a spice rack mounted on it. Otherwise, the cupboard door will always be slightly ajar and create a messy look.
Shape:
A door mount spice rack will usually be rectangular, as this shape allows for more spices in a small surface area. If you have a long narrow door, Nathan Turner recommends choosing a spice rack that has five tiers. This way, even if you can only fit three or four spices per shelf, you'll be able to fit your whole spice collection overall due to the many shelves. Some door mount spice racks come with shelves that leave a wider gap in between, usually located at the top or bottom. This will accommodate unusually shaped spices or jars that hold your own homemade mixes. In terms of customization, a spice rack that has adjustable shelves is also very useful for fitting irregularly shaped spice jars.
Material:
Rita Konig states that the best material for door mount spice racks is metal. Metal is understated, often relatively inexpensive to purchase, and will blend with most cupboard designs. When it comes to specific metals, many spice racks use aluminum. Aluminum is extremely durable and won't bend or warp under pressure unless it's exposed to extreme heat. Spice racks that have mesh shelves are also a great choice, as mesh is a breathable material that will prevent mold from forming on your spices. Ventilation is particularly important if your cupboard is small as items will be pushed further together, thus creating an environment for bacteria to grow. Though wood is used for spice racks too, we do not recommend a wooden spice rack. This is because wood is more difficult to keep clean and doesn't ventilate as well.
Design and Style:
As mentioned above, a metal door mount spice rack is the best material option. A black spice rack will look great in a modern kitchen and create an edgy look. Look to your existing kitchen décor for inspiration, too. If you have marble countertops, a marble effect spice rack will carry on the theme, so you won't feel like you must rush to shut the door and hide your spice rack away. Per Kelly Behun, you can never go wrong with a silver or white spice rack. Lighter colors like the above are chic and versatile, though make sure to clean them often. White can get grubby quickly, especially if you own a lot of darker spices, so regular maintenance is key to keeping your spice rack sparkling.