Make the Most of a Compact Kitchen

A compact kitchen can be challenging, but with some clever design and organization, you can make the most of a small space. Here are tips and ideas to maximize usage, storage, and efficiency in a compact kitchen.

Choose Multifunctional and Space-Saving Appliances

Look for appliances designed for small kitchens that serve multiple purposes.

• A counter top oven can bake, broil, and toast, eliminating the need for a large stove/oven combo.
• An air fryer crisps foods with less oil than deep frying, and takes up minimal space.
• A multi-cooker like Instant Pot performs pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and more in one pot.
• A toaster oven can toast, bake, and broil. Select one with a small footprint.
• Immersion blenders puree foods in any container so you don’t need bulky blenders.
• Extension cords/power strips allow you to keep counters clear of multiple appliances. Plug in as needed.

When evaluating essential appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, be sure to measure your space and opt for apartment/compact sizes and models.

Take Advantage of Vertical Storage

Since compact kitchens lack ample floor space, utilize vertical space as much as possible.

• Wall-mounted cabinets provide storage up to the ceiling. Opt for cabinets with adjustable shelves to accommodate various heights.
• Shelving units, like utility shelves or baker’s racks, add storage along walls. Look for narrow units to tuck into tight spaces.
• Ceiling mounted pot racks free up cabinet space while keeping pots/pans accessible. Position above the stove or prep space.
• Spice racks mounted inside cabinet doors clear up drawer and shelf area. Consider vertical racks that store spices in a small footprint.
• Pan lids can be stored vertically on hooks, mounted on walls or the backs of cabinet doors. Get creative!
• Wall-mounted utensil racks above the stove top or work area keep essential cooking tools in reach.
• Suspended plate storage on the underside of wall cabinets adds space for plates and saucers.
• Multi-level fruit baskets double storage capacity in a slim basket. Hang underneath cabinets.
• Deep cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling provide ample vertical storage. Have adjustables shelves installed.

Optimize Drawers and Cabinets

Take full advantage of every drawer and cabinet with a few adjustments.

• Add custom inserts that organize silverware, utensils, pots and pan lids in divided plastic trays or wood organizers. Purchase or DIY your own to fit your drawers perfectly.
• Use shelf risers in cabinets to double the storage space by creating an upper and lower shelf. Risers screw into cabinets easily.
• Try pull-out drawers which maximize vertical depth and give you full access to contents in back. Upper shelves in cabinets can also have pull out functionality.
• Install pegboards inside cabinet doors to hang mugs, utensils or other items with hooks. Minimize drawer clutter.
• Organize with turntables that spin for easy access to items. Great for corner cabinets.
• Add roll-out trays in lower cabinets for pots, pans and baking sheets. They pull out so you can easily access everything.

Take measurements and get creative with ways to configure drawers and cabinets to work for your unique kitchen items.

Choose Space-Saving Furnishings

Select furnishings like tables, stools and carts suited for compact kitchens.

• Bistro tables with two stools are ideal for petite kitchens. Look for space-saving folding options.
• Banquette seating fits into kitchen corners, provides storage underneath, and saves floor space.
• Pub tables with stools can be pushed against walls when not in use. No chairs to push in.
• Opt for retractable or fold-down tables and chairs you can stash out of the way.
• Kitchen carts provide extra storage and work space. Opt for thin rolling carts that tuck against walls or in corners.
• Floating shelves mounted above work areas act as space for frequently-used items. Choose narrow shelves.
• Wall-mounted drop-down tables fold up and down when you need a temporary eating or prep area.

Measure carefully and select furnishings with compact footprints. Folding, retractable and wall-mounted options maximize space when not in use.

Take Advantage of Dead Space

Look for nooks and corners where you can squeeze in storage and organization solutions.

• Install narrow, floor to ceiling shelving units in dead wall space adjacent to refrigerators or stoves. Great for spices and bulk items.
• Place a narrow cart for organization in the space between the refrigerator and wall. It won’t block the door’s swing radius.
• Mount shallow shelving above sinks or stoves. Use for frequently accessed items like soaps and spices.
• Under-cabinet hooks allow you to hang utensils, mugs or towels beneath cabinets to utilize vertical dead space.
• Place a corner lazy susan in those hard-to-reach corner cabinets. Spin to access items easily.
• A tall and narrow pantry cabinet can sometimes squeeze into a tight corner. Use for brooms, dry goods, etc.
• Put a slim hutch on top of a kitchen wall cabinet. Great for displaying dishes or barware.
• Magnetic strips on the sides of refrigerators or pantries hold knives and small tools in dead spaces.

Measure and get creative about utilizing every bit of available space, no matter how small. Those dead areas can gain function.

Adjust Interior Cabinet Dimensions

Maximize existing interior cabinet space with easy DIY adjustments.

• Remove excess shelving/hardware to fit more items or larger appliances. Customize to your needs.
• Raise/lower shelves to accommodate taller items like stand mixers or large stock pots. Re-drill new holes.
• Remove cabinet doors and replace with fabric curtains. Allows you to utilize all depth and access contents easily.
• Remove interior cabinet frames to open shelves wall-to-wall and maximize space. Looks built-in.
• Cut a hole for appliances like instant pots or mixers to sit partially inside cabinets, saving space.
• Add extra shelves for more vertical storage. Use durable boards and shelf pins.
• Install slide-out trays that pull out so you can more easily access items towards the back. Purchase or DIY.

Don’t be afraid to take cabinet doors off, move shelves, and make minor adjustments to better fit your needs. Make use of every inch.

Maintain Counter Surface Space

Keep counters clear for food prep and cooking with these space-saving approaches.

• Store small appliances like coffee makers and toasters in cabinets, and take out only when in use.
• Opt for shelves above counters to stash items attractively. Install as many as space allows.
• Use wall-mounted rails or racks over counters to hang utensils, freeing up space.
• Consider mounting knife blocks or cutting board holders on walls to clear counters.
• Store bulk dry ingredients like flour, sugar and rice in clear canisters on shelves instead of on counters.
• Use hanging fruit baskets mounted under cabinets to eliminate the need for a counter top fruit bowl.
• Place frequently used items like oils, spices and condiments in wall mounted shelving near the stove.
• Have a designated space like a rolling cart or bakers rack for small appliances. Wheel it out when using them.
• Install an under-cabinet paper towel holder and knife strip near work areas to maximize space.

Decluttering counters makes food prep and clean up easier. Store items smartly.

Embrace Portable and Multi-Use Items

When space is tight, look for cookware and tools that serve multiple purposes.

• Use collapsible colanders and folding dish racks that minimize to just inches. Expand only when in use.
• Opt for stacking pots and nesting bowls that condense for storage. You can find space-saving sets.
• Purchase convertible cookware like skillet-fry pan combos and sauce pot lids that double as pans.
• Choose flat storage containers that slide neatly under stove-tops or in lower cabinets.
• Try multi-use tools like peelers with built-in zesters or chopper/scrapers. Fewer tools saves space.
• Use a hand-immersion blender which requires no bulky base, just a stick that stores in a drawer.
• Go for fold-down cutting boards that store vertically and hinge down for use. Great for small spaces.
• Try magnetic wall mounted knife holders with built-in knife sharpeners. Keeps knives handy but secure.
• Opt for dish cloths instead of bulky dish racks. Fold neatly in drawer when dry.

Look for cookware and tools with compact or collapsible designs suited for cramped kitchens.

Strategically Store Infrequently Used Items

Keep day-to-day kitchen essentials handy, while stashing rarely used items out of the way.

• Store infrequent use or special occasion dinnerware/serveware up high or in hard to reach spaces. Use step stools to access, when needed.
• Put bulky pots and pans like roasting pans or turkey pans in hard-to-access cabinets, pulling them down for holidays.
• Place items like salad spinners, panini presses, or waffle makers in basements, closets or bedrooms to get them out of prime kitchen real estate.
• Designate lower corner base cabinets for slow cookers, griddles or other appliances you rarely use. They’re easy to access from floor level when needed.
• Store extra kitchen supplies like vases, candles, or tablecloths in bedroom closets, bookshelves, etc. until required.
• Transfer some pantry items like back-up paper towels, extra oils and canned goods to a closet or basement pantry.
• Keep your best china, platters and glassware in the dining room if you have a china cabinet or hutch. Frees up kitchen cabinet space.

Decide how often you truly use various items and store accordingly. Keep daily essentials handy.

DIY Multi-use Furnishings

Get creative with DIY projects that add function to compact kitchens.

• Turn the back of cabinet doors into a memo/chalk board, spice rack, or pot lid organizer with basic supplies.
• Build a rolling island that provides a work surface on one side, and open shelving for cooking tools on the other. Add a butcher block top.
• Make a vertical wall-mounted utensil holder from a cutlery tray or simple wood slats. Keeps tools handy but off counters.
• Construct a basic maple shelf with pegboard backing as a place to hang mugs, utensils and towels by the stove top.
• Turn a bookcase into an open pantry by removing the shelves and adding pull out baskets. Great for narrow spaces.
• Build pull-out trays or drawers from wood to customize existing cabinets. Make dimensions fit your needs.
• Use reclaimed wood to create wall-mounted railings with S-hooks for hanging everything from pans to dishtowels.

Building your own furnishings allows you to customize things perfectly for your kitchen’s unique storage needs.

Pare Down to Basics

Edit your kitchen items to just the essentials needed on a daily basis. Store specialty items elsewhere.

• Avoid gadget clutter. Only keep appliances you know you’ll use regularly. Store others in closets or basements.
• Minimize pantry extras. Don’t keep duplicate back-up paper towels, cooking oils, spices, etc.
• Get rid of excess dishes, glassware and utensils that sit unused. Keep just basic daily use sets.
• Only store food items you’ll realistically cook and eat soon. Freeze or store excess elsewhere.
• Remove decorative items that serve no function. Vases, candles, knick-knacks just consume precious space.
• Don’t hoard serving pieces. Keep just essential basics like a medium/large platter, bowl, pitcher, etc.
• Only keep a basic set of pots and pans that meet your daily cooking needs. Store specialty pieces elsewhere.
• Limit small appliances and tools to basics like a skillet, chef’s knife, cutting board, grater, etc. Add others as truly needed.

Ruthlessly edit down your kitchen belongings to essential daily use items. Excess just consumes precious space.

Organize with Simple Storage Solutions

Look around your home and get creative about compact storage options.

• Utilize vertical wall space with pegboards, rails, hooks, and floating shelves.
• Repurpose dressers, bookshelves, cabinets or trunks from other rooms to hold kitchen belongings.
• Under-bed storage totes allow you to neatly organize bulky items like extra dishes and serving platters.
• Wall-mount a paper towel holder, knives, utensils, or mugs where you use them.
• Plastic storage containers help corral like items (i.e. baking pans and lids) in cabinets or on shelves.
• Wall racks provide vertical storage for cutting boards, pans, or other items. DIY or purchase floating racks.
• Clear plastic over-the-door shoe holders are perfect for storing canned goods, packets and condiments on cabinet doors.
• Repurposed crates or baskets are ideal for stashing fruits, vegetables and baking supplies. Use square cubes to optimize space.

Get innovative about utilizing all household storage spaces – walls, doors, bedrooms, closets, dressers, etc.

Keep It Neat

Clutter will quickly make a compact kitchen feel even more cramped. Stay on top of organization.

• Put items back in their designated storage spots after each use. Don’t let clutter accumulate.
• Store food in clear canisters or containers so you can see contents easily. First in, first out.
• Wipe up spills and crumbs promptly. Cluttered counters make the kitchen feel smaller.
• Do dishes and empty the sink frequently. Dirty dishes congest small sinks quickly.
• Take out the trash and recycling daily so they don’t overflow.
• Sweep the floor regularly and mop weekly to control dirt that makes spaces seem tighter.
• Return appliances to their storage spot after each use. They clutter counters.
• Do a weekly review of the fridge and pantry. Toss expired items and donate unneeded extras.
• Do a deep clean/declutter session monthly. Purge unused items and thoroughly organize.

Staying tidy is essential. Even small messes make a compact kitchen feel more cramped. Get (and stay) organized.

Make the Most of a Compact Kitchen – FAQs

What are some space-saving appliances for small kitchens?

Some great compact appliance options include counter top ovens, air fryers, instant pots, immersion blenders, toaster ovens, and smaller sized refrigerators and microwaves. Look for appliances specifically marketed for small kitchens.

How can I add more storage vertically in a compact kitchen?

Utilize wall space with tall narrow shelving units, wall-mounted cabinets, ceiling mounted pot racks, vertical in-cabinet spice racks, hanging pan lid racks, suspended plate racks under cabinets, and fruit baskets mounted below cabinets.

What are some smart ways to organize kitchen drawers and cabinets?

Add custom insert organizers, shelf risers, pull-out drawers, pegboards on cabinet doors, lazy susans in corner cabinets, roll-out trays, and turntables. Configure to best fit your kitchen items. Measure carefully.

What types of space-saving furniture works well in small kitchens?

Opt for bistro tables, banquette seating, pub tables, retractable/fold-down tables and chairs, thin rolling carts, floating shelves, and wall-mounted drop-leaf tables. Prioritize furniture with small footprints.

Where can I find extra storage nooks in a cramped kitchen?

Look for dead space adjacent to appliances or in corners to add narrow shelving units, a narrow cart, shallow wall-mounted shelves, under-cabinet hooks, a corner lazy susan or vertical pantry cabinet. Maximize every bit of available space.

How can I adjust existing cabinets to gain more storage?

Remove excess hardware, raise/lower shelves, replace doors with curtains, remove interior cabinet frames, cut holes for appliances, add extra shelves, and install slide-out trays. Customize to your needs.

What are some tips to keep counter space clear in a small kitchen?

Store small appliances in cabinets when not in use. Opt for wall-mounted shelving, rails and racks to get items off counters. Mount knife blocks and cutting boards to walls. Store dry goods in canisters on shelves. Use hanging fruit baskets. Put frequently used items in wall shelving near the stove. Have a designated storage area for appliances. Add under-cabinet storage for paper towels, utensils, etc.

What types of cookware and tools work best in compact kitchens?

Look for collapsible, nesting, stacking, folding, flat storage, and multi-use tools and appliances. Items with compact, portable or collapsible designs are ideal.

How should I organize my cabinets and pantry in a small kitchen?

Keep daily use items handy, while putting rarely used specialty pieces in hard to access areas. Also store excess back-up supplies or extras elsewhere like in a closet, basement, or alternate pantry. Edit down to just essentials needed daily.

Conclusion

Small kitchens can be fully functional and efficient with some creative approaches to organization, storage and furnishings. Use every inch of vertical and horizontal space available. Look for compact appliances and tools with small footprints. Take advantage of dead areas like corners. Customize existing cabinets and drawers to meet your needs. Keep only essentials items, stashing specialty pieces elsewhere. A few DIY projects customized to your space can maximize storage. Maintaining organization is essential. With a bit of planning,