Brilliant Small Kitchen Storage Ideas
We're here to help!
Cleanliness and organization are essential to keeping a small kitchen stocked and fully functional. However, many small kitchens suffer from a lack of built-in storage space. If your small kitchen could benefit from some space-saving storage and organization solutions, this is the guide for you. Learn how to make the most of your small kitchen's limited space – from countertops to cabinets – with the help of our 15 small kitchen storage ideas.
1. Use Reusable Food Storage Containers
If you like to stock your pantry with foods that won't spoil easily (pasta, rice, grains, nuts, and dried beans) or large amounts of food that get consumed quickly (cereal, snacks, and oatmeal), we recommend storing them in reusable food storage containers. These containers can consolidate and replace bulky food packaging. This small kitchen storage idea can also improve your sustainability – some supermarkets allow you to fill your own receptacles with certain products, eliminating wasteful, single-use containers. Plus with glass containers, you'll always be able to see how much of each product you have left – they can save you the disappointment of reaching into a cereal box only to find it nearly empty!
Rummaging through your kitchen cabinets for pots and pans can be a loud, backbreaking ordeal. On top of that, because cabinet space is so valuable, storing your pots and pans there can leave your kitchen with less food storage capacity. The solution? Hang your pots and pans on pot racks. This small kitchen storage idea can also double as decor, especially if you have fancy pots and pans to hang up to display your elegant cookware. Wall-mounted pot racks allow you to rest your cookware neatly against your walls. Hanging pot racks, mounted above a kitchen island, can have your kitchen looking and functioning like a professional restaurant.
The back of your pantry door is perfect for subtle food storage that won't clutter your kitchen. Look for door-mounted pantry organizers to store all your extra spices, tea boxes, condiments, and more. Before you buy, make sure your pantry has enough space to fit the organizer when the door is closed. Don’t have a pantry? Opt for over-the-the-door storage that fits your cabinets. The hooks keep the storage basket secure, allowing you to stash items like baking sheets, cutting boards, cleaning supplies, spare kitchen towels, and more.
In a kitchen with few or no wall-mounted cabinets, this small kitchen storage idea will be a lifesaver. Instead of installing bulky, expensive cabinets, think about installing sleek wall-mounted shelves that can hold just as many of your kitchen essentials. Even when stacked with cookware and dishes, shelves will have your kitchen looking and feeling larger than it would with cabinets in their place.
Tip!
Read this guide for tips on installing floating shelves How to Install Floating Shelves: A Must-Read.
5. Keep Knives on a Magnetic Knife Strip
Free up a bit of counter space by replacing your traditional knife block with a wall-mounted magnetic knife strip. These magnetic strips hold knives by their metal blades, keeping them dry and on display when they're not in use. We'll let you in on another secret about this small kitchen storage idea – these magnetic strips can store most metal cooking utensils, not just knives!
Every kitchen can benefit from having a well-stocked arsenal of fragrant spices, but the little jars can be a nightmare to store and sort through. If you’re running low on your small kitchen storage, save yourself the stress and the cabinet space by installing a fun yet functional wall-mounted spice rack that will keep all your spice jars in order and on display.
In cabinets or pantries with limited shelves, additional shelving racks can be indispensable. With the help of one of these light, easy-to-install racks, the same small space can go from holding one precarious stack of plates to holding a few separate stacks of dishes. This small kitchen storage idea will help you maximize the capacity of your kitchen's existing storage components.
Hanging under-shelf baskets will have the same effect as adding shelf racks to your cabinets – it will increase your cabinets' and shelves' storage capabilities. These sturdy baskets slide neatly onto existing shelves to double their capacity without causing clutter.
Some items may be too heavy for under-shelf baskets. Consider storing large, heavy pieces of cookware on pullout shelves that install directly into your cabinets. These sliding shelf units are sturdy and will save you the strain of bending down and reaching into your cabinets to lift out your bulky slow cooker or hefty Dutch oven.
Almost all underused space in your kitchen can become invaluable storage space with the help of additional shelving units – even the space under your sink. This space is particularly useful for storing kitchen items you don't use often or supplies and cleaning products that shouldn't be stored with items that come in contact with food.
Instead of drying your dishes on a dish rack beside your sink, consider drying them on a rack that sits right above it. Not only will this rack save you counter space, but it can accommodate many more dishes and accessories than the traditional countertop drying rack can.
Install stemware racks that are specially designed to hold your stemware securely upside down to the underside of your shelves or cabinets. Not only will this small kitchen storage idea look elegant in any kitchen, but it will free up valuable cabinet space. A stemware rack can also serve as a drying rack, so you'll no longer need to spread wet stemware out on your counter to dry.
Small kitchens can lack storage space, so a freestanding pantry can be a quick fix. Whether you’re renting or simply want a budget-friendly solution, these cabinets provide ample flexibility and storage space for food, dinnerware, or small appliances. Best of all, you can reposition the pantry or take it with you in the next move.
Pot rails aren’t just for pots. Adding one beneath a set of cabinets or shelving – or attached to the wall – offers endless options. Use the S-shaped hooked to hang frequently used utensils, cutting boards, kitchen towels, or even your mug collection. Much like open shelving, pot rails can elevate your space with equal parts style and practicality.
Don’t neglect the sides of your refrigerator. With storage racks that adhere to the side of your appliance (either by magnets or hooks) can optimize your limited kitchen space. The slim profile and easy-to-access design make it easy to keep any essentials on hand. Keep essential spices, oils, and condiments near your prep station, or stash paper towels and other kitchen-cleaning must-haves in a convenient spot.
