10 Small-Kitchen Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space

In a small kitchen, storage can be a big challenge. A tight layout means you have limited space for cabinets, drawers, shelves, an island, or other storage features, so you have to make every inch count. To store more in your small kitchen, implement strategies that maximize all the available space and allow for efficient, easy-access organization. With the right storage solutions, you can turn a cramped, cluttered kitchen into a compact, efficient workspace.

However, it's important to remember that trying to store too much stuff in your tiny kitchen will make it feel even smaller, so decluttering is often a necessary first step. Pare down your collection of cookware, dishes, glassware, small appliances, utensils, and other items, keeping only those you actually need and use on a regular basis. Then apply these small kitchen storage ideas to make the most of the space you've got.

1. Install open shelving.

Boost storage beyond cabinetry by installing open shelves. This simple project can transform a blank stretch of wall into a stylish storage zone for dishware, cookbooks, pantry ingredients, and more. For extra organizing capacity, add hooks along the bottom of a shelf where you can hang mugs or utensils.

2. Incorporate pullout storage.

Pack more storage into kitchen cabinets with custom features designed to make life easier. Pullout shelves or drawers can make use of awkward cabinet space and help you easily reach items in the back. Use this small-kitchen storage idea to store bulky pots and pans near the range.

3. Utilize walls for knife storage.

For a better way to store knives, trade your bulky knife block for a wall-mounted magnetic strip. This small kitchen storage idea keeps your most-used knives easily accessible without taking up valuable counter space. Mount the knife holder near your prep space so you can easily grab the one you need for chopping and slicing ingredients.

4. Divide cabinet space.

Encourage organization in small kitchen with dividers that break up the space inside cabinets. Use either horizontal or vertical cabinet dividers to store baking sheets and narrow pans. You can simply slide each one out of its individual slot instead of having to sort through a haphazard stack.

5. Rethink spice storage.

Small containers of spices and herbs can easily become a jumbled mess inside a cabinet or pantry. To streamline access, dedicate a small drawer or sliver of cabinet space to spice storage. A drawer organizer that holds canisters in an upright position is an optimal storage solution for easy reading.

6. Use pegboards for multi-purpose kitchen storage.

A pegboard is a simple storage solution that can work wonders in a small kitchen. Affix a pegboard with repositionable hooks to a wall or the inside of a tall cabinet door to hang kitchen supplies. As your storage needs change, simply remove and rearrange the hooks to efficiently store cookware, utensils, cutting boards, and more.

7. Customize cookware storage.

Don't underestimate the power of a simple metal bar for boosting small-kitchen storage. A pot rack or a sturdy bar can provide handy storage for all types of cookware. Mount it on a wall next to the prep area or directly above the cooktop so pots and pans are easily within reach.

8. Design a small kitchen island.

Squeeze extra prep and storage space into a small kitchen with an innovative island that's just the right size and height for your needs. Add-ons such as hooks and bins will help a small island work even harder. If space is especially tight, go with an island on casters to get the look of a built-in without the bulk. During cleanup or while entertaining, just roll the workspace out of the way.

9. Select small kitchen appliances.

Small appliances are essential to the kitchen, especially when it comes to entertaining and preparing last-minute meals on busy weeknights. Undercounter microwaves make it easy to transfer hot food to the countertop and help eliminate spills. Small appliances that pull double-duty, such as a combination microwave and convection oven, will save even more kitchen space.

10. Disguise bulky countertop appliances.

Appliance garages are great for stowing countertop appliances out of sight. Choose side-to-side or up-and-down doors to conserve the most kitchen countertop space. Consider adding electrical outlets within the cabinets for extra convenience.