8 Space-saving Kitchen Storage Ideas
Amp up your existing set-up or design a whole new space to suit small proportions
Efficiency is the aim when trying to shoehorn suitable storage into a small space. After all, there’s no point having jam-packed cupboards that require a complete rejig every time you start to make a meal.
Take a turn around these perfectly planned kitchens to see if there’s a storage idea worth stealing for your compact cookspace.
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Take a turn around these perfectly planned kitchens to see if there’s a storage idea worth stealing for your compact cookspace.
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Oust awkward objects
Run your kitchen like a busy restaurant bar, with neat rows of glasses arranged on rails beneath a cabinet. This hanging method keeps delicate glassware dust-free and avoids dedicating a whole cupboard or drawer to these notorious space sappers.
Run your kitchen like a busy restaurant bar, with neat rows of glasses arranged on rails beneath a cabinet. This hanging method keeps delicate glassware dust-free and avoids dedicating a whole cupboard or drawer to these notorious space sappers.
Prize practicality
‘Simple but effective’ should be your mantra when choosing storage solutions for a compact kitchen. If you don’t have sufficient cupboards and drawers, it makes sense to utilise vertical space instead.
This easy-to-fit hanging rail is perfect for oft-needed utensils or those that take up more than their quota of the cutlery drawer.
‘Simple but effective’ should be your mantra when choosing storage solutions for a compact kitchen. If you don’t have sufficient cupboards and drawers, it makes sense to utilise vertical space instead.
This easy-to-fit hanging rail is perfect for oft-needed utensils or those that take up more than their quota of the cutlery drawer.
Squeeze in a sliding door
Although this isn’t a small kitchen, it does make clever use of a device that would work in one: the pull-down hatch.
Keeping frequently used appliances, such as the coffee machine and toaster, enclosed means you can squash them in together and store them alongside related items. When not in use, shut the hatch so the worktops remain clutter-free.
Although this isn’t a small kitchen, it does make clever use of a device that would work in one: the pull-down hatch.
Keeping frequently used appliances, such as the coffee machine and toaster, enclosed means you can squash them in together and store them alongside related items. When not in use, shut the hatch so the worktops remain clutter-free.
Push the boundaries
Take a tip from this dreamy dining room, which houses a large cabinet that’s a continuation of kitchen storage. You could use this bonus space as a pantry for any number of things: dry goods, crockery, tea towels, cleaning products – even a microwave.
And although in this scheme this handsome hero matches the kitchen, any nearby cupboard would do the same job.
Take a tip from this dreamy dining room, which houses a large cabinet that’s a continuation of kitchen storage. You could use this bonus space as a pantry for any number of things: dry goods, crockery, tea towels, cleaning products – even a microwave.
And although in this scheme this handsome hero matches the kitchen, any nearby cupboard would do the same job.
Tailor to fit
If you’re working with a trickily shaped cookspace, and have a bit of budget set aside, consider investing in bespoke joinery. By fitting custom cabinets, you’ll be able to choose from expanded options that aren’t possible with off-the-shelf orders.
This galley kitchen features wall cabinets and an extractor fan cover that have been carefully scribed into the sloping ceiling, providing additional storage and an alternative layout.
You can find a joiner or carpenter in your neighbourhood by searching the Houzz Professionals Directory.
If you’re working with a trickily shaped cookspace, and have a bit of budget set aside, consider investing in bespoke joinery. By fitting custom cabinets, you’ll be able to choose from expanded options that aren’t possible with off-the-shelf orders.
This galley kitchen features wall cabinets and an extractor fan cover that have been carefully scribed into the sloping ceiling, providing additional storage and an alternative layout.
You can find a joiner or carpenter in your neighbourhood by searching the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Stack ’em high
Soup up your cupboard capacity by using freestanding mini shelves, like the ones in the central sections on the left of the cupboard here, to layer jars and canned goods neatly on top of each other.
These affordable additions will ensure you can see the contents and should make it easier to access and rotate goods.
Soup up your cupboard capacity by using freestanding mini shelves, like the ones in the central sections on the left of the cupboard here, to layer jars and canned goods neatly on top of each other.
These affordable additions will ensure you can see the contents and should make it easier to access and rotate goods.
Know when to fold
Aside from effective storage, there are a few other simple ways to sneak extra inches out of a small kitchen. For a contemporary take on an old-fashioned idea, there’s nothing more space-savvy than a flip-down table. This pale pine version is at home in a cool Scandinavian kitchen.
More plans worth pinching from this image include a cooker hood extractor fan that’s hidden behind a cabinet front, and a half-size induction hob to maintain maximum worktop space.
Tell us…
Would you use any of these ideas in your own kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Aside from effective storage, there are a few other simple ways to sneak extra inches out of a small kitchen. For a contemporary take on an old-fashioned idea, there’s nothing more space-savvy than a flip-down table. This pale pine version is at home in a cool Scandinavian kitchen.
More plans worth pinching from this image include a cooker hood extractor fan that’s hidden behind a cabinet front, and a half-size induction hob to maintain maximum worktop space.
Tell us…
Would you use any of these ideas in your own kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
You don’t have to choose between practical wall cabinets and attractive open shelving just because your kitchen is on the small side. These long and lean cupboards hinge horizontally for easy access, with no cumbersome doors in the way of the galley.
Statement brackets beneath create a feature of pared-back plywood shelving and eke out a bit more stacking space. Continuity of materials avoids making the kitchen feel cramped.
Take a look at these small galley kitchens with big ideas.