Utilize Dead Space

Take advantage of any dead space around and above the island by installing floor-to-ceiling shelving and cabinets. This takes storage up rather than out, opening up floor space. Shelves can store less-used items like extra serving ware. Upper cabinets are great for housing appliances and taller pantry items.

Add a Pantry Cabinet

Dedicate one of the base cabinets or a freestanding pantry cabinet solely to pantry storage. Use it to store dried goods, canned items and spices so they are within easy reach while cooking. Install deep pull-out drawers to neatly organize and access all your food items.

Use Pull-Outs Effectively

Swapping out standard cabinets for pull-out cabinets lets you fully utilize every inch of space. Pull-outs with tiered shelves or segmented dividers keep everything visible and prevent things getting lost in the back. Use for pans, baking sheets, plastic containers, or cleaning supplies.

Hide the Garbage & Recycling

Keep garbage and recycling bins out of sight but still conveniently accessible by dedicating a base cabinet or full-height pull-out to conceal them. Choose cabinets with features like soft-close doors, child safety locks and ventilation to contain odors.

Think Vertical for Brooms & Mops

Store cleaning tools vertically to save floor space. Use a wall-mounted mop and broom holder or install a narrow broom cabinet. Hooks on the inside of cabinet doors are another option for keeping mops and brooms upright and organized.

Accommodate Small Appliances

The back-of-the-island often becomes the landing zone for small appliances like blenders, toasters and electric kettles. Make a home for them with open shelving, extra-deep counters or slide-out trays. This keeps cords and clutter under control.

Add Portable Storage

Supplement built-ins with portable storage like a rolling cart, utility cart or microwave cart with storage. These can be moved around as needed and provide extra space for organization. Use for additional pantry storage, serveware, cookbooks or kitchen tools.

The back-of-the-island area may be secondary storage space, but smart solutions can make it highly functional and organized. Take advantage of every inch, incorporate specialized storage fittings and accessories, and keep things you use most readily accessible. With a bit of creativity, you can get your back-of-the-island storage looking – and working – just right.

Frequently Asked Questions about Back-of-the-Island Storage Ideas

What are some good ways to use the space above the island?

You can install shelving or upper cabinets to utilize the often wasted space above islands. This is great for storing extra serveware, small appliances, or pantry items that you don’t need to access daily.

How deep should cabinets be for back-of-the-island storage?

Deeper cabinets around 24-27 inches are ideal and allow you to install storage accessories like pull-outs and maximize vertical storage. Standard 18-inch depth cabinets limit what you can store.

What are pull-out cabinets?

Pull-out cabinets utilize smooth sliding tracks to provide full access to cabinet interiors. This allows you to see and easily access everything stored, with no more rummaging in the back of cabinets.

Should I dedicate a pantry cabinet in my island?

Having a dedicated pantry cabinet in your island keeps cooking staples and dried goods within reach, saving trips back and forth to the main kitchen pantry. Just be sure to max out the storage with pull-outs.

What are some good ways to hide trash and recycling bins?

Dedicate a base cabinet fitted with a pull-out or install a full-height pull-out cabinet to neatly conceal unattractive bins. For safety, look for cabinets with ventilation, child safety locks, and soft-close doors or drawers.

How do I accommodate small appliances in my island?

Provide open shelving, extra-deep counters, or pull-out trays to neatly store and easily access frequently used small appliances. You can group items you use together to create mini appliance stations.

Are portable storage options useful for islands?

Yes, items like rolling carts and utility carts provide extra flexible storage. Use them to add more organization options and wheeled storage that you can move around as needed.

Conclusion

Getting your back-of-the-island storage in order makes a big difference in the functionality and workflow of your kitchen. Focus first on taking advantage of all available space, including going vertical with storage. Incorporate specialty fittings like pull-outs and pantry cabinets to maximize every inch. Room for small appliances, cleaning tools, garbage/recycling and portable storage also helps conquer the clutter. With smart planning and storage solutions, you can transform the back of your island into a space that is organized, accessible and optimized.