Small kitchens can be challenging when it comes to storage and organization. However, with some clever solutions, you can maximize every inch of space. Here are 10 big space-saving ideas to help make the most of your small kitchen.
Utilize Wall Space
Wall space is prime real estate in a small kitchen. Install shelving on walls for extra storage. Floating shelves are great for displaying cookbooks, spices, decorative items and other kitchen essentials while saving on counter space. You can also mount a paper towel holder, knives block and utensil rack on the wall.
Opt for Pull-Out Shelving
Install pull-out shelves in lower cabinets to fully utilize the space inside. They allow you easy access to items pushed to the back. Pull-out shelves also maximize vertical storage so you can make the most of the height of your cabinets. Consider ones with tiered designs to store a variety of items.
Add Extra Storage with a Slide-Out Pantry
A slide-out pantry instantly provides you with more room for dry goods and canned items. Look for narrow spaces like between the refrigerator and wall to install a pantry. Opt for roll-out trays, shelves and baskets to corral all your pantry items. This will keep everything organized and accessible.
Incorporate a Mix of Open and Closed Storage
A combination of open shelving and closed cabinets works well in small kitchens. Use open shelving to display pretty cookware and eclectic dishes you want to show off. Then utilize upper cabinets to hide small appliances, plates and other items you only use occasionally. Having items visible helps you access ingredients and cooking tools faster.
Buy a Kitchen Trolley
A kitchen trolley on wheels can provide extra countertop prep space or storage when needed. When not in use, simply roll it out of the way. Search for trolleys with multiple shelves, drawers and racks to hold spices, utensils and more. Having one with locking wheels helps keep it securely in place when prepping meals.
Repurpose Dinnerware for Display
Instead of storing all your dishes and glasses in cupboards, showcase some in your kitchen. Place decorative plates or mugs on floating shelves as artistic displays. Hang utensil racks and tempered glass racks from the ceiling to store items in plain sight. Use lid racks inside a cabinet to upright stack plates. This frees up drawer space for other kitchen tools.
Take Advantage of Counter Gap Space
Make use of the narrow strips of space between your counters and appliances. Here you can install extra shelving for cookbooks, trays and baskets. Some other smart items for this spot include a paper towel holder, knife block and narrow pull-out spice racks. This vertical space typically gets overlooked, so take advantage of it.
Add a Kitchen Island with Storage
While a kitchen island may take up floor space, it also provides much needed countertop area and storage. Look for one with wheels so you can move it out of the way as needed. Features like shelves, drawers, racks and a butcher block top maximize its functionality. When not in use, an island can serve as a breakfast bar with bar stools.
Install Clever Organizers in Cabinets
Taking full advantage of cabinet space helps maximize your small kitchen’s storage potential. Install organizing systems like lazy susans, pull-out spice racks, tiered shelves and under-cabinet utensil holders. Other smart finds are expandable shelves, hanging racks and cutlery dividers. These solutions keep items accessible and make the most of every inch.
Optimize Drawer Space
Maximize kitchen drawers with a few easy upgrades. Use cutlery organizers and trays to corral items like silverware, cooking utensils and gadgets. Look for ones that are customizable and expandable to handle different drawer sizes. Risers are another smart add-on to raise the height in shallow drawers. You can even find inserts with tiered levels to double your vertical storage.
With some smart storage solutions and inventive ideas, you can conquer the storage challenges of a small kitchen. Utilizing all the available space with specialized organizers helps you accommodate everything needed to cook meals and neatly store extras as well. Be sure to assess your unique kitchen layout and needs when selecting the storage options that will work best. Taking the time to maximize vertical storage along walls, as well as making the most of base cabinets and drawers, can work wonders in your petite kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens
How can I add more storage to my small kitchen?
Some great ways to add storage in a small kitchen include using wall space for floating shelves, installing pull-out shelving in cabinets, adding a slide-out pantry, incorporating open shelving, buying a kitchen trolley, and taking advantage of counter gap space.
What types of organizers should I use in my small kitchen cabinets?
Lazy susans, pull-out spice racks, tiered shelves, under-cabinet utensil holders, expandable shelves, hanging racks and cutlery dividers are all great options for maximizing cabinet storage in a small kitchen.
How can I better utilize my existing drawers?
Use cutlery organizers, trays, and expandable inserts to make the most of drawers. Risers can help utilize vertical space in shallow drawers. Customizable dividers also help optimize drawer organization.
Should I get an island for my small kitchen?
A kitchen island on wheels provides extra countertop prep space and storage when needed. Just be sure to measure the room to ensure it doesn’t cramp the space. Islands with storage features like shelves, drawers and racks maximize functionality.
What open shelving ideas work well in small kitchens?
Floating shelves are great for displaying cookbooks, spices, and decorative items. Wall-mounted utensil racks and tempered glass racks allow you to store frequently used tools in plain sight. Lid racks inside cabinets can creatively store plates to free up drawer space.
How can I take advantage of counter gaps in my small kitchen?
Counter gap space is great for narrow pull-out spice racks, paper towel holders, knife blocks and extra shelving. This vertical space often gets overlooked, so be sure to utilize it by installing storage solutions.
What kitchen items can I display instead of storing out of sight?
Creative ways to display kitchen items include placing decorative plates or mugs on floating shelves, hanging utensil racks from the ceiling, and stacking plates in lid racks inside cabinets. This allows you to access items faster while adding visual appeal.
Should I have more open or closed storage in a small kitchen?
Finding the right balance of open and closed storage works best. Use open shelving to display pretty dishes and items you use often for quick access. Then utilize upper cabinets to hide appliances, overflow dishes and extras used less often.
Where are some unconventional places I can add storage in my kitchen?
Take advantage of counter gaps, the space between the fridge and wall for a slide-out pantry, the wall for extra shelving, and the area above cabinets for hanging racks. Also look for furniture like kitchen trolleys and islands that can double as storage.
