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Trendey • Ideas by Room • Kitchens • 19 Small Kitchen Storage and Organization Ideas

19 Small Kitchen Storage and Organization Ideas

19 Small Kitchen Storage and Organization Ideas

  • by — Kari Apted
  • Published on November 9, 2021

  • Updated on April 14, 2024

“If you can organize your kitchen, you can organize your life.” – Louis Parrish

Kitchen organization can be a problem in homes of all sizes. No matter big their kitchen, most people feel like there’s never enough kitchen storage space or counter space.

If you’re in need of new small kitchen storage ideas, you’re in the right place. Enjoy our collection of the best tips and tricks to help you master the art of small kitchen organization.

burger smallContents

1. Install Open End Shelves for Extra Storage

Maximize your kitchen’s storage capacity by adding open end shelves to existing cabinets. This not only provides easy access to frequently used items but also creates a visually appealing display for decorative kitchenware.

Open end shelves to kitchen cabinets
Source: @mp_decoinspiration via Instagram

2. Organize with a Standing Pot Lid Holder

A standing pot lid holder is an excellent solution for small kitchens, efficiently organizing your pot lids in one place. This freestanding accessory can be placed in a cabinet or on a countertop, allowing for quick access while cooking and keeping lids neatly stacked and out of the way.

Standing pot lid holder

3. Add a Kitchen Ladder Shelf for Vertical Storage

A kitchen ladder shelf offers a stylish and space-efficient way to store various kitchen items. Its vertical design is ideal for small kitchens, allowing you to store things like pots, plants, and cookbooks without consuming valuable counter space.

Kitchen ladder shelf

4. Sort Pantry Items in Labeled Bins

Organize your pantry efficiently with labeled bins. This method helps you quickly find what you need and keeps your pantry items neat. Transparent bins are particularly useful for identifying contents at a glance.

Pantry bins with labels
Source: @bloomfieldhouse via Instagram

5. Maximize the Under-shelf Storage

Utilize the space beneath your shelves with under-shelf baskets or hooks. This is an excellent solution for storing mugs, kitchen towels, or even small pots, making the most of unused space.

Under shelf storage
Small kitchen with monochromatic palette
Source: @fitzgeraldsinteriors via Instagram

6. Utilize Cube Storage for Flexibility

Implement cube storage in your kitchen to create a modular and flexible organization system. It’s perfect for storing everything from dishes to small appliances and can be customized to fit any kitchen layout.

Cube kitchen storage

7. Streamline Cabinets with Tiered Organizers

A tiered cabinet organizer can transform your cabinets into more functional storage areas. By providing multiple levels, it allows you to store more items in the same space and keeps everything visible and accessible.

Tiered cabinet organizer
Source: @organisedviews via Instagram

8. Design a Recessed Coffee Corner

Create a dedicated coffee corner by recessing a small area in your kitchen. This space-saving solution can house your coffee maker and supplies, keeping them out of the way but always ready for use.

Recessed coffee corner
Source: @project_ivel via Instagram

9. Save Counter Space with a Mounted Microwave

Free up counter space by mounting your microwave on the wall or beneath a cabinet. This placement is not only space-efficient but also makes the microwave more accessible.

Mounted microwave
Source: @jessberdecodesigns via Instagram

10. Expand Storage with Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a minimalist and practical solution for adding extra storage to your kitchen. They are ideal for holding spices, small plants, or daily-use items, adding both functionality and a modern touch to your space.

Floating shelves
Source: @threedimpleddarlings via Instagram
L-shaped kitchen countertop
Source: @peonymoondrops via Instagram
L-shaped kitchen countertop
Source: @peonyandprose via Instagram
Floating shelves
Source: @_travelinsoldier_ via Instagram
Floating shelves
Source: @devolkitchens via Instagram
Floating shelves
Source: @noraejan via Instagram
Floating shelves
Source: @nest_no.17 via Instagram
Floating shelves
Source: @dwra.lazaridou via Instagram
Floating shelves
Source: @lizziegreen.co via Instagram
Floating shelves
Source: @reclaimwithnatalia via Instagram
Floating shelves
Source: @l_a_s_h_a via Instagram

11. Create a Customizable Pegboard Wall

A pegboard provides versatile and accessible storage for a variety of kitchen tools. It can be customized with hooks and shelves to hold utensils, pots, and pans, keeping them handy and your countertops clutter-free.

Pegboard storage
Source: @lasjama via Instagram

12. Convert Cabinets to Open Shelving

Transform your cabinets into open shelving for an airy, spacious feel in your kitchen. This encourages you to keep only essential items and makes them easily reachable.

Cabinets to open shelving
Source: @kaitlincuccinelli via Instagram

13. U-Shaped Countertop for More Storage

A U-shaped countertop not only provides ample workspace but also allows for more storage underneath. It’s an efficient layout for small kitchens, offering maximum storage and surface area.

U-shaped countertop
Source: @kettlecokitchens via Instagram
U-shaped countertop
Source: @fayes_home_edit via Instagram
U-shaped countertop
Source: @decor_design_tileliquidators via Instagram

14. Enhance Kitchen Island with Drawers

Add drawers to your kitchen island for additional, easily accessible storage. These can be used for utensils, small appliances, or pantry items, keeping them close at hand but out of sight.

Kitchen island glass and mug drawers
Source: @cloppenbourne_kitchens via Instagram
Kitchen island glass and mug drawers
Source: @completekitchens1380 via Instagram
Kitchen island glass and mug drawers
Source: @happyplacetx via Instagram

15. Use Drawer Dividers

Drawer dividers help in maintaining an organized kitchen. By compartmentalizing your drawers, you can easily separate utensils, cutlery, and other small items, making them easier to find.

kitchen drawer divider
Drawer dividers
Source: @the.mama.journey via Instagram

16. Access Easily with a Pull-Out Pantry

A pull-out pantry is a space-saving solution that offers great visibility and access to your food items. It slides out easily, allowing you to view and reach everything without the need to dig through deep shelves.

Pull out pantry
Source: @roomsetting via Instagram
Pull-out pantry
Source: @goodorderdc via Instagram
Pull out pantry
Source: @task_giant via Instagram

17. Preserve Freshness with Airtight Containers

Storing food in airtight containers not only keeps it fresh longer but also helps in organizing your pantry. These containers can be stacked, saving space and reducing clutter.

Airtight container
Source: @elauren_h via Instagram
Airtight container
Source: @home_by_danni27 via Instagram
Airtight container
Source: @manthahomes via Instagram

18. Simplify Access with a Rotating Storage Rack

A rotating storage rack, or lazy Susan, can be used in cabinets or on countertops for easy access to spices, condiments, and small jars. This solution utilizes corner spaces efficiently and keeps items within easy reach.

Rotating storage rack
Source: @flippingmyforever via Instagram

19. Make Use of Corners with a Pantry Shelf

Make the most of corner space in your kitchen with a corner pantry shelf or corner cabinet. This shelving unit fits snugly into corners, offering additional storage space for pantry items or appliances.

Corner pantry shelf
Source: @moultonkitchens via Instagram

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Small Kitchen Storage FAQs

How do you organize your kitchen when you don’t have a pantry?

Many small kitchens lack a pantry, but you have other storage idea options. Select a cabinet or two for food storage and use a drawer for storing spices. Use an old bookcase or freestanding cupboard as a pantry, or repurpose a seldom-used coat closet into a working pantry.

How should pots and pans be stored in a small kitchen?

Look up for great small kitchen storage ideas for your cookware. Screw hooks into the wall above your stove and hang pots and pans there, or install a ceiling pot rack. You can also stash cookware in the drawer at the bottom of your range, or even inside the oven. Just don’t forget to remove them before preheating. 

Kari Apted

Writer

Kari Apted is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has been educating and entertaining readers for over 15 years.

Kari Apted is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has been educating and entertaining readers for over 15 years.

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