Whether our kitchens are small or large, the one thing everyone wants is extra storage space. I mean can you ever have too much storage space in a kitchen? Here are some great storage solutions for small kitchens and how to make what you have work more efficiently.
Get Organized
The first thing you can do to create extra storage space in a small kitchen is to maximize the use of the space that you do have. Look for ideas and products that will help you get organized and use your space efficiently. For instance, a lot of kitchens have extra space between appliances and walls that could be put to good use.
On The Banks Of Squaw Creek built a brilliant role out canned food cabinet to fit in the space between their fridge and the wall. You can find the tutorial on their website.
Classy Clutter has a tutorial for a slightly different one.
This adjustable food storage container organizer holds multiple sizes of containers and lids and you can customize it to the size you need.
To help keep pots and pans, bowls, or small appliances easy to reach in deep cupboards this Rev-A-Shelf stainless steel pull-out organizer would be great and is easy to install.
Or if you’re not the handy type you can add ready-made shelving like this stackable under-sink organizer.
To add storage space inside cabinets this expandable and stackable kitchen cabinet and counter organizer will double the shelving space for things like dishes and mugs. It could also be used for canned goods or spices.
In my kitchen, the cutlery drawer is quite small so to maximize the space I do have I use this Rev-A-Shelf Rolling Cutlery Tray organizer. It allows me to store more while keeping keep both my cutlery and other kitchen utensils organized and easily accessible.
For keeping spices organized and easily accessible this vertical spice rack is brilliant. I love that its double height and the columns pull out for easy access.
Hang It
One way of creating extra storage space in small kitchens is to think vertically and hang things. If you have limited counter space why clutter it up with things like a knife block when you can hang a magnetic knife bar? This stainless steel one also stores larger cooking utensils.
Anita Far Above Rubies uses the ends of cabinetry to store her cutting boards & colander.
If the end of your fridge is exposed you can hang a shelving unit on it. This refrigerator-side storage shelf by Sunix is simple to install and would add extra storage space for things that you use every day.
If cupboard space is limited think about installing a pot rack. This one by Sorbus is attractive and comes in different colors and finishes and can be hung in a small space.
Or if you’re lucky enough to have a kitchen island this Elegant Designs Hanging Pot Rack would be very attractive hung over it.
Or even hang a DIY pegboard to store pots or utensils and keep them easily accessible. Find the tutorial here.
Or if you don’t want to bother with building anything, this Wall Control Kitchen Pegboard Storage Organizer comes in multiple colors so you can find one to suit your decor.
Microwaves can take up a lot of counter space. Why not hang it so it’s out of the way? Get the instructions for this microwave shelf from The Instructables.
Here’s another great way to hang measuring spoons along with an easy conversion chart from Infarrently Creative.
Go High
In a lot of kitchens, the cabinets do not go right to the ceiling leaving a lot of wasted space on top that could be used to store things that you don’t use every day. Using attractive baskets or bins to store things that aren’t attractive enough to display is a great way to make use of this space. I like that these ones are lined. They would be pretty in a country kitchen.
These ones have a lid which would help keep dust out.
Another space that could be put to good use to store things is the space above a window. Get the tutorial for this shelf from Sew Woodsy.
Or float shelves on the sides of cabinetry like The Chronicles of Home did.
Roll With It
If you have extra floor space you can add a rolling cart or small kitchen island for more storage. This one by Home Styles is attractive. It offers storage space inside and it has wheels so you can easily move it where you need it. It’s also slim so it wouldn’t take up much room and the top folds down when not needed. It also comes in white with a stainless steel top.
Or this Crosley Furniture Rolling Cart with a black granite top. This would be great to set up as a coffee bar. You could put your coffee maker on the top and store all your supplies and coffee cups inside and out of sight.
This Casual Home island with a hardwood top is also attractive and lets you store things for easy access.
If you’re handy I love this idea from Family Handyman. Building roll-out drawers in your toe-kicks is a great way to convert that unused space into extra storage.
Or if you like the look of open storage this Whitmor Supreme Baker’s Rack would be great in a kitchen.
So whether your kitchen is small or large there are always lots of ways to add extra storage space by either creating it yourself or with products that can help add that much-needed space or just help you maximize the space you already have.
What are your favorite ways to add extra storage space to small kitchens? I’d love to hear your tips!
Karen
If you’re looking for more storage ideas check out my post on maximizing storage space in small bathrooms.
Don’t limit yourself to the kitchen. You can place some items in cabinets in hallways, living room, etc., and even store rarely used appliances in the bedroom (e.g. under the bed).
Base cabinet shelves are a thing of the past. Having deep drawers instead makes retrieving appliances, etc. a breeze.
Themed dishes (such as Christmas platters, etc.) which you use only once a year is a waste of money and space. Instead, stick with classic designs that you can use all year round. Get rid of things you rarely use. Those things just take up valuable space.