Introduction
Having a small kitchen can present some challenges when it comes to storage and organization. With a bit of creativity and strategic thinking, there are many excellent solutions to maximize storage potential – even in the tiniest kitchens. Proper storage can make your small kitchen feel more spacious, less cluttered, and easier to navigate.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore numerous clever small kitchen storage ideas to help you get organized. We will cover creative storage hacks, space-saving solutions, and optimized layouts to help you utilize every inch of your compact kitchen efficiently. With some thoughtful planning and clever DIY projects, you can transform your small kitchen into a highly functional and clutter-free space.
Make Use of Wall Space with Floating Shelves
One of the best ways to maximize storage in a small kitchen without sacrificing floor space is to utilize vertical wall space. Floating shelves are an excellent option to increase storage on walls while maintaining an open, uncluttered look.
Floating shelves come in a variety of materials like natural wood, metal, or tempered glass. Go for deeper shelves at least 8 to 10 inches deep to hold items like spices, canned goods, plates, mugs, and decorative items. Shallower shelves around 3 to 5 inches deep are great for displaying cookbooks, small plants, or other kitchen accents.
Make sure to anchor the floating shelves properly into wall studs for maximum strength and stability. Stagger the shelves at different heights for visual interest and to accommodate a variety of differently sized items. Leave at least 12 to 15 inches of space between shelves for accessibility.
Floating shelves are relatively affordable and easy to install. They are a simple but highly effective small kitchen storage solution.
Use Wall-Mounted Pot Racks for Efficient Cookware Storage
Wall-mounted pot racks or pan racks are a superb storage solution for small kitchens lacking cabinet space. Mounted near the stove top on an open wall, they provide vertical storage for pans, pots, lids, and other cookware. This frees up cabinet space for other items and reduces kitchen clutter.
Look for pot racks with multiple tiers of hangars at varying heights to accommodate different sized pots and pans. Choose sturdy metal racks with hooks that can bear heavy cookware. Opt for wide, ventilated racks that allow airflow and access.
Before installation, check that the pot rack dimensions will fit the wall space appropriately. Measure carefully to position it above the stove top at a proper height. Follow all safety guidelines and ensure it is securely mounted into wall studs.
Pot racks instantly provide vertical storage for bulky cookware while adding modern, industrial style. This small kitchen storage hack is an excellent alternative to crammed cabinets.
Optimize Space Under Kitchen Sink with Slide-Out Racks
The space under the kitchen sink is prime real estate for storage. However, the cabinet is often cluttered with cleaners, sponges, pipes, and other items. Installing slide-out racks with a tiered design will instantly optimize this space.
Look for sturdy racks on smooth-gliding tracks that fully extend to provide easy access. Choose plastic, aluminum or stainless steel racks that can handle moisture and won’t rust. Measure carefully so the racks fit precisely within the plumbing – both width and depth.
The slide-out racks should have multiple shelves to categorize items and maximize vertical storage. Consider installing pull-out spice racks, towel bars, or basket organizers. Take advantage of all corners with angled racks.
Cleaning and accessing items under the sink becomes much easier. The contents stay organized instead of piled on top of each other. Slide-out racks are inexpensive and one of the best small kitchen storage upgrades.
Use Over-Cabinet Racks for Extra Storage
While wall cabinets provide plenty of storage space, the space above the cabinets is often underutilized. Installing over-cabinet racks takes advantage of this wasted area. Racks mounted on the wall above the cabinets create the perfect spot to store overflow pantry items, small appliances, or cookware.
When selecting over-cabinet racks, look for sturdy metal wire models with adjustable shelving. Measure the cabinet height and available vertical space beforehand to choose the right size. Install the rack several inches above the cabinet tops leaving room to open the doors and drawers underneath.
Before mounting, make sure there is adequate clearance from ceiling lights or vents. Over-cabinet racks with lighting are excellent choices to enhance visibility and ambiance. Wire racks keep the space open while neatly organizing items.
With this extra storage space, you can declutter cabinets and keep everyday essentials within reach. Over-cabinet racks prevent wasted space and are ideal for small kitchens.
Maximize Corner Cabinets with Lazy Susans
The space in corner cabinets is often difficult to access and underutilized in small kitchens. Installing lazy susans or turntables provides easy, full access to these tricky corner spots.
Lazy susans rotate a full 360 degrees so no item gets lost in the back corners. Look for sturdy circular trays sized to precisely fit the cabinet dimensions. Models with variable height or removable trays allow customization of the space.
When installing, ensure the lazy susan tray aligns properly and rotates smoothly without rubbing or bumping the cabinet sides. Keep items evenly distributed for optimal weight distribution. Lazy susans are great for corner cabinets storing food, dishes, or small appliances.
By making the entire corner cabinet accessible, lazy susans optimize organization and storage capacity. This cheap, straightforward upgrade is an excellent small kitchen storage hack.
Use Drawer Dividers for Efficient Utensil Storage
Kitchen drawers crammed with tangled utensils are messy and difficult to sift through. Adding drawer dividers is an easy, affordable way to organize utensils and optimize drawer storage.
Look for dividers with multiple compartments sized to neatly arrange utensils – forks, knives, spoons, spatulas, bottle openers, etc. Choose plastic or bamboo models that are moisture-resistant and fit the drawer dimensions. Dividers with non-slip lining prevent sliding around.
When installing, measure precisely and organize utensils from largest to smallest items for ideal fit. Consider designating one drawer for utensils, another for towels, one for food storage containers, etc. Proper categorization makes items easy to locate.
With utensils neatly organized instead of haphazardly thrown in a drawer, cooking becomes more efficient. Drawer dividers also work wonders for organizing office, craft, and garage supplies. This is a quick small kitchen storage solution for only a few dollars.
Install Pull-Out Spice Drawer Organizers
Arranging a jumbled spice cabinet is a common headache in small kitchens. Installing pull-out spice drawer organizers provides neat, orderly access to all your spices and dry goods.
Quality pull-out spice organizers have tiered compartments sized and labeled specifically for spices, dry herbs, and other items like packets and honey. Full extension drawers provide visibility and access to items in the back. Look for solid wood organizers with smooth gliding tracks.
Measure your drawer space carefully before choosing an organizer to guarantee a custom fit. Installation is simple – just mount the tracks and slide in the tiered organizer. Keeping spices visible and organized reduces buying duplicates and saves precious cabinet space.
With a pull-out spice organizer, you can locate spices quickly without rummaging through a crowded cabinet. This affordable upgrade reduces clutter and maximizes storage in small kitchens.
Free Up Shelf Space with Under-Cabinet Stemware Racks
Wine glasses and other stemware take up a good deal of shelf space. Installing under-cabinet stemware racks frees up this space for other items. The sturdy racks hang inverted glasses securely by the bowl or base, keeping them neatly stored and out of the way.
Look for racks with a low profile that will fit under standard cabinets. Choose rack sizes, materials, and installation style based on your cabinetry, d??cor, and number of glasses. Properly secured, under-cabinet racks can safely hold up to 18-30 glasses without taking up valuable shelf space.
Measure carefully before installing to avoid interfering with doors and drawers. Leave enough overhead space for comfortable access. Mount racks at least 18 inches from the cooktop for safety. For ambiance, opt for racks with attached lighting.
Stemware racks are an excellent small kitchen storage hack for freeing up a surprising amount of cabinet space. Glasses can be neatly stored or elegantly displayed.
Take Advantage of Magnetic Knife Strips
Toolbars or magnetic knife strips provide safe, space-saving storage for knives and other cutlery. Mounted properly on the wall, they keep sharp utensils secure but easily accessible. This eliminates the need for bulky knife blocks occupying precious counter space.
Select high-quality magnetic strips designed specifically for holding knives securely. Stainless steel or wood materials complement most d??cor. Position the strip safely out of reach of children at least 16 inches above the counter.
Carefully measure to center the strip near your prep area – not too close to edges or other appliances. Pre-drill holes in wall studs for secure anchoring. Arrange knives by size for optimal weight distribution. Match blade length to strip size.
Magnetic knife strips reduce kitchen clutter and keep essential cutlery within easy reach. This wall-mounted solution is ideal for safely maximizing storage space in compact kitchens.
Design Multi-Purpose Cabinets for Consolidated Storage
With some DIY carpentry skills, you can build customized cabinetry in small kitchens to consolidate items and functions. Design creative cabinets for multi-purpose storage and maximize every inch.
Consider characteristics needed and how to combine them – drawers for utensils, doors for pantry items, pull-outs for spices, etc. Build vertically to take advantage of high wall space. Include sliding shelves, internal organizers and smart inner layouts.
Look for ways to accommodate everything needed, like kitchen appliances. Get creative with unique floor plans, drawer dividers, and hidden storage nooks. Optimize lighting, ventilation, and ergonomics.
Multi-purpose cabinets require careful planning, precision carpentry and excellent use of available space. With customized functionality, you can reduce small kitchen clutter while keeping essentials easily accessible.
Install Space-Saving Pull-Down Shelving
Pull-down shelving transforms wasted vertical space into functional storage area in small kitchens. Sturdy shelves flip down from beneath wall cabinets to provide temporary workspace as needed.
Look for concealed bracket systems with adjustable, retractable metal shelves sized to match cabinet widths. Make sure the shelf is high enough to avoid hitting your head. Select a shelf length that allows full access to the base cabinets below when deployed.
Properly installed, the heavy-duty shelf should be able to fully support small appliances, cookbooks, food prep items and more. Just flip it up when finished for concealed storage. Consider pairing with outlets, lighting or hooks for utilities.
With easy-access, pull-down shelves, you can maximize storage space without permanently sacrificing headroom. This unique solution is perfect for small kitchens with limited space.
Use Appliance Garages to Conceal Small Appliances
Counter space is limited in small kitchens, making appliance garages a valuable storage solution. These cabinet inserts allow you to completely conceal blenders, mixers, and other small appliances when not in use.
Quality appliance garages have lift-up doors that smoothly retract inside the cabinet frame. Their narrow profile allows adjacent doors and drawers to open fully. Look for models appropriately sized for your appliances.
During installation, carefully measure the cabinet opening and interior depth. Allow room for outlets, plumbing or ventilation inside. Keep the garage interior clutter-free for easy access and optimal functionality.
With appliances hidden away, the counters remain free of clutter, creating a safer, cleaner environment. Appliance garages optimize storage capacity in small kitchens.
Maximize Cupboard Space with Tiered Shelving
Standard cupboards with fixed shelves often waste vertical storage space. Installing adjustable, tiered shelving allows you to customize spaces to fit your unique needs.
Look for sturdy shelf systems with slotted sides to adjust the shelves every inch or so. Quality materials like powder-coated steel provide durability and moisture resistance. Measure carefully to choose shelf lengths and widths that best fit your cupboards.
Tiered shelving transforms single-level cupboards into smart, multi-level storage with customizable space for taller or oddly shaped items. Organize using small containers to prevent wasted gaps. Labeling helps identify contents.
This inexpensive shelving solution allows you to maximize cupboard storage capacity. Tiered shelves also work well in pantries, closets, laundry rooms, and more.
Hang Pots and Pans for Uncluttered Drawers
Pots, pans, and lids crammed into cabinets are difficult to organize and access. Hanging them from ceiling hooks frees up drawer and cabinet space for other items.
Choose sturdy ceiling pot racks with adjustable hooks to match your cookware sizes and quantities. Ensure hooks have ample strength and weight capacity for heavy stockpots. Install properly into ceiling joists or blocking above your stove or prep area.
Arrange pots and pans by size and frequency of use. Keep smaller items in nearby upper cabinets for convenience. Only hang lightweight pans that you use often to reduce strain on the hooks.
Hanging bulky pots and pans helps declutter crowded cabinets in small kitchens. The vertical storage also provides quick access to essential cookware while cooking.
Organize Pantry Shelves with Modular Storage Bins
Cluttered, disorganized pantries lead to food getting lost and expiring. Modular storage bins optimize vertical shelf space and keep your pantry neatly arranged.
Choose durable, lightweight bins made from materials like canvas, aluminum, or plastic. Uniform stackable bins allow customization of shelf space. Look for bins with attached labels for easy identification.
When organizing, group like items – pastas, canned goods, snacks, etc. Arrange bins on shelves categorically. Keep frequently used items at eye level. Stack smaller bins in back and larger ones up front. This optimized organization reduces waste and saves money.
Modular bins provide customizable, tidy storage for pantries, freezers, utility closets, and more. Affordable and versatile, they maximize the usability of existing shelves.
Incorporate Hidden Storage Nooks
Taking advantage of unutilized nooks provides sneaky extra storage in small kitchens. Great hidden spaces for stuffing items include above the fridge, in corners, and at the backs of cabinets.
Identify dead space that goes unused. Measure carefully and look for ways to add functional storage, like cabinetry, brackets or slide-out trays. Install sturdy shelving or racks to hold small appliances, cooking utensils, and food staples.
Optimize accessibility while maximizing every cubic inch of available space. Conceal the storage nooks with removable panels or cabinet fronts for aesthetic appeal. Thoughtfully designed, built-in hidden storage results in a decluttered look.
Hidden nooks throughout the kitchen provide supplemental storage and reduce clutter. Take advantage of every available inch, no matter how small.
Hang Common Tools on Wall-Mounted Boards
Often used kitchen tools clutter up drawers that could be better utilized. Hanging tools from wall-mounted boards or strips keeps them handy but out of the way.
Magnetic tool bars allow you to securely arrange metal spatulas, whisks, graters and more. For non-magnetic tools, utilize rail and hook tool mounts. Size the boards based on your tool quantities.
Position the tool boards conveniently above prep areas but out of cooking splatter range. Arrange tools from largest to smallest for optimal space efficiency. Group tools categorically – cooking, baking, cleaning, etc.
With tools organized neatly on the wall, drawers are freed up for other items. The tools also become part of the kitchen d??cor. Wall-mounted boards maximize storage and accessibility.
Organize Cutting Boards in Sliding Drawers
Stacks of bulky cutting boards crammed in cabinets make a mess and are hard to sort through. Store cutting boards in designated sliding drawers to protect and organize them.
Look for wide, smooth-gliding drawers with heights that can accommodate boards vertically. Felt or foam drawer liners grip the boards to prevent sliding around. Organize by grouping like-sized boards.
Prevent cross-contamination by designating separate drawers for produce, raw meat, cooked foods, etc. Avoid overcrowding drawers to prevent damaging the boards. Sliding drawers protect and neatly store essential prep tools.
Cutting boards neatly organized in designated drawers are easily accessible when cooking and protected from damage when stored. This is a smart storage solution for compact kitchens.
Suspend Cookbooks Above Prep Areas
Cookbooks occupy a good deal of shelf space but are infrequently used in the digital age. Store cookbooks vertically in suspended wall racks above prep areas to save shelf space.
Sturdy metal racks with tilt-out pockets allow quick perusal of book titles and pages. Install them at a height with ample headroom. Position above a prep surface for convenient use when following recipes during cooking.
Organize the books categorically – cuisine type, diet, cooking method, etc. This keeps related books together for easy recipe browsing. Only store the cookbooks you use often to avoid overloading the rack.
Suspended vertical racks maximize cookbook storage while keeping them easily accessible. This frees up shelf space for items used more regularly.
Optimize Base Cabinet Storage with Roll-Outs
The storage space in the back of base cabinets goes unused due to poor accessibility. Roll-out shelves fully extend to provide complete access to the entire cabinet interior.
Quality roll-outs have smooth ball bearing glides for effortless opening. Look for sturdy models that fit precisely into your cabinet space. Install securely with provided hardware and standards.
Roll-outs can be installed on single shelves or multiple stacked shelves depending on your needs. Optimize organization with dividers and interior bins. Roll-out shelves enable you to efficiently utilize all available base cabinet storage.
Hard-to-reach spaces in the back of cabinets become readily accessible with roll-outs. This simple upgrade makes an excellent use of awkward areas.
Create DIY Spice Storage With Picture Frames
An inexpensive way to neatly store and display a small collection of spices is with decorated picture frames. Arrange spice containers inside the frame, then label accordingly.
Choose shallow shadowbox-style frames with paned glass – one pane per spice bottle. Print labels on cardstock sized to slide into the frame behind each spice. Affix very thin
