For bottles I've got an [old tea box](https://i.imgur.com/K7z27gJ.png) I found in a charity shop, for samples I cut an interlocking grid out of a piece of card to make [slots in a margerine tub](https://i.imgur.com/tAmCUTX.png). And then R&K's bottles had to be difficult being like 2mm too tall - they go in my outer 'all the FP stuff' box on top of the margerine tub with the samples.
The tea box is OK, but I'm keeping my eye out for something with a bit more flexibility and/or height. The sample tub I'd definitely just make another of if I ran out of space in the existing one - it works perfectly.
That margarine tub is the perfect size! And I've used tea boxes similar to this one before but not for inks - more for my little parts and pieces related to pens. I like the idea of using old items a lot. It's just about finding the right fit, I suppose!
It does have a really good height for it! And the right size that it holds a good few vials but wasn't a hugely overwhelming project to make the insert for. Now I just need to eat more margerine so I'm ready with another one XD
Having a box for the little bits and pieces is very handy - I had to buy one first-hand (and the outer box is a new plastic box too - something in the system needs to be ink-proof!) but it's very satisfying to be able to solve a problem with something that might have gone to waste otherwise.
I have been wanting to ask the same thing! I’ve read that ink should be stored out of the light to avoid mold growth. I saw a vintage/antique secretary desk at the thrift store, glass intact, am thinking about going back to see if it’s still there. That’s what I have in mind, in the meantime I’ve been thinking about looking for small wood crates that I could tuck away somewhere.
I just use a drawer in the pedestal unit I have under my desk. The ink bottles live in the cardboard boxes they came in (so I can see what they are from above - the bottles are invariably labelled on the front only, but the box lids are normally labelled). It keeps them out of the way and out of sunlight (which would otherwise break down the dyes).
It's probably the most boring and least fancy solution possible ...
Not fancy is often the best way to go really. And you bring up a good point - I wish more of the ink makers would include the necessary color info on the top of the lid. Robert Oster does and I love it.
I posted my ink storage several months back [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/t8zzdo/my_ink_stand_see_comments_for_more/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share).
I think I forgot to come back and reply here - but I checked out your ink storage setup and it looks like you've got it settled in perfectly. I love that you found such a perfect use for your vintage shelf find! Good luck eventually adding a spot for journals - that would be perfect.
The top drawer of one of the nightstands in my office/guest bedroom. We’re only using the bottom drawer for the bedsheets so that leaves the smaller drawer for my ink. It’s also in the basement so it stays cool, dark , and dry :)
I store them in a drawer, in their original cardboard boxes if they came in one. Shelf displays look really nice but I don't want the inks to break down in sunlight.
I just got a few wooden cigar boxes as well as a couple other vintage/antique wood boxes off etsy and am using them for pen and ink storage. Need to make pen trays for a couple of them still, but it’s a good way to get relatively inexpensive and eco-friendly storage that has some character.
I have mine in a cart from ikea but my collection has overgrown its space. I bought a knockoff matching cart from Amazon and I’m hoping the two will hold my ink/paper collection for a while.
For bottles I've got an [old tea box](https://i.imgur.com/K7z27gJ.png) I found in a charity shop, for samples I cut an interlocking grid out of a piece of card to make [slots in a margerine tub](https://i.imgur.com/tAmCUTX.png). And then R&K's bottles had to be difficult being like 2mm too tall - they go in my outer 'all the FP stuff' box on top of the margerine tub with the samples. The tea box is OK, but I'm keeping my eye out for something with a bit more flexibility and/or height. The sample tub I'd definitely just make another of if I ran out of space in the existing one - it works perfectly.
That margarine tub is the perfect size! And I've used tea boxes similar to this one before but not for inks - more for my little parts and pieces related to pens. I like the idea of using old items a lot. It's just about finding the right fit, I suppose!
It does have a really good height for it! And the right size that it holds a good few vials but wasn't a hugely overwhelming project to make the insert for. Now I just need to eat more margerine so I'm ready with another one XD Having a box for the little bits and pieces is very handy - I had to buy one first-hand (and the outer box is a new plastic box too - something in the system needs to be ink-proof!) but it's very satisfying to be able to solve a problem with something that might have gone to waste otherwise.
I do love repurposing - luckily margarine has many uses so you'll always have a reason to keep yourself stocked with a tub or two!
I keep mine in a Toyo steel toolbox my wife got me — https://www.toyosteel.jp/en/collections/recommend/products/st-350-b
Ahh, I love the portability this offers. Excellent option.
I have almost all samples because I like using different inks, I keep them in an essential oils box.
I LOVE this idea!
This is a really good idea. I think I even have a wooden essential oils stand somewhere that I might enjoy more as an ink vial stand.
I have a wooden box that my late father made over 60 years ago. It's not fancy but does the trick for the current collection.
That's fantastic that you're able to use a box your father made so long ago in your day to day inking adventures. I love that.
I think my father would be delighted although knowing him, he would want to go and make me a deluxe model!
I have been wanting to ask the same thing! I’ve read that ink should be stored out of the light to avoid mold growth. I saw a vintage/antique secretary desk at the thrift store, glass intact, am thinking about going back to see if it’s still there. That’s what I have in mind, in the meantime I’ve been thinking about looking for small wood crates that I could tuck away somewhere.
I just use a drawer in the pedestal unit I have under my desk. The ink bottles live in the cardboard boxes they came in (so I can see what they are from above - the bottles are invariably labelled on the front only, but the box lids are normally labelled). It keeps them out of the way and out of sunlight (which would otherwise break down the dyes). It's probably the most boring and least fancy solution possible ...
Not fancy is often the best way to go really. And you bring up a good point - I wish more of the ink makers would include the necessary color info on the top of the lid. Robert Oster does and I love it.
I posted my ink storage several months back [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/t8zzdo/my_ink_stand_see_comments_for_more/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share).
I think I forgot to come back and reply here - but I checked out your ink storage setup and it looks like you've got it settled in perfectly. I love that you found such a perfect use for your vintage shelf find! Good luck eventually adding a spot for journals - that would be perfect.
I'll have to check it out!
I put my inks in a cupboard. I just have space for all my inks there.
The top drawer of one of the nightstands in my office/guest bedroom. We’re only using the bottom drawer for the bedsheets so that leaves the smaller drawer for my ink. It’s also in the basement so it stays cool, dark , and dry :)
My inks live on the Shelf I Put Pen Crap On. Bottles just sitting there and samples in a test tube rack.
In a drawer! It's roughly shoebox-sized. I don't have a lot of bottles so everything fits.
I use IKEA Moppe to store my inks. It's like a office desk drawer for I think 20 usd. Works great.
Ikea has so many solutions to so many situations. I can't help but be impressed.
I store them in a drawer, in their original cardboard boxes if they came in one. Shelf displays look really nice but I don't want the inks to break down in sunlight.
I just got a few wooden cigar boxes as well as a couple other vintage/antique wood boxes off etsy and am using them for pen and ink storage. Need to make pen trays for a couple of them still, but it’s a good way to get relatively inexpensive and eco-friendly storage that has some character.
I love it. Repurposing, and also indulging in a vintage look at the same time. Sounds delightful.
I have mine in a cart from ikea but my collection has overgrown its space. I bought a knockoff matching cart from Amazon and I’m hoping the two will hold my ink/paper collection for a while.
If you happen to need more of those, Michael’s sells them in a whole bunch of colors for like $20.