Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
A small kitchen doesn’t have to mean small storage. When space is tight, every inch counts, and the right strategies can turn a cramped area into an efficient, well-organized cooking space. I’ve worked with countless homeowners who thought they’d never have enough room for all their kitchen essentials—until we got creative with storage solutions.
Instead of stuffing every cabinet to the brim (and playing Jenga with your cookware), let’s talk about practical, space-saving ideas that actually work. Below, I’ll cover some of my favorite small kitchen storage hacks that make a real difference.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
How to use walls, cabinets, and drawers more efficiently
Simple solutions to keep countertops clutter-free
Smart ways to store kitchen tools, cookware, and spices
The best furniture and appliances for a small kitchen
1. Open Shelving: Functional & Stylish
Cabinets can feel bulky in a small kitchen, making the space look even tighter. That’s where open shelving comes in. Installing a few floating shelves can transform an empty wall into a practical and stylish storage zone.
I like using open shelves for dishware, cookbooks, or even neatly labeled jars of dry goods. Bonus tip: Add hooks underneath to hang mugs or utensils. Not only does this save cabinet space, but it also makes everything easily accessible—no more digging through cluttered cupboards!
Pro Tip: Worried about dust? Store frequently used items on open shelves so they stay clean with regular use.
2. Pullout Storage: Maximize Every Inch
Deep cabinets are notorious for wasting space. The solution? Pullout shelves and drawers.
Ever reached into the back of a cabinet and discovered a forgotten can of soup from five years ago? Yeah, me too. Pullout storage eliminates that issue by bringing everything into view with a simple slide. These work great for:
Pots and pans
Pantry items
Cleaning supplies under the sink
I’ve installed these in so many homes, and homeowners always tell me they wish they’d done it sooner.
Thinking about a full kitchen remodel? Here are some modern remodeling ideas to consider.
3. Magnetic Knife Strips: Ditch the Bulky Block
Knife blocks take up precious counter space, and honestly, they’re not the best for knife longevity. A wall-mounted magnetic strip keeps knives easily accessible while freeing up space.
I always recommend mounting it near your prep area. That way, you can grab what you need without fumbling through drawers.
Bonus Hack: You can use these strips for other metal kitchen tools—scissors, bottle openers, and even spice tins!
4. Vertical Dividers: No More Stacking Pans
Stacking baking sheets, cutting boards, and lids on top of each other is a recipe for frustration. (Ever tried pulling out a sheet pan from the bottom of a pile? Not fun.)
Adding vertical dividers inside cabinets lets you store items upright, making them easy to grab. A simple tension rod or a rack can do the trick.
No more avalanche of pans
No more scratches on your cookware
5. Spice Storage That Actually Works
I’ve seen enough messy spice cabinets to know that they quickly turn into chaos. The best solutions?
A dedicated spice drawer: Laying spice jars flat with labels facing up makes it easy to find what you need.
A tiered shelf: If you prefer keeping spices in a cabinet, a tiered organizer ensures everything stays visible.
A magnetic spice rack: Attach small jars to the side of the fridge or a metal sheet inside a cabinet door.
Looking to upgrade your kitchen? Here are cost-saving renovation tips you might find useful.
6. Pegboards: The Julia Child Method
Julia Child knew what she was doing when she used pegboards for kitchen storage. I love this trick because:
It’s completely customizable
You can move hooks around as your needs change
It keeps tools visible and easy to grab
Install a pegboard on an empty wall or even inside a pantry door. Hang pots, utensils, and cutting boards in a way that makes sense for your cooking habits.
7. Hanging Storage: Use Every Surface
Got an empty wall? Hang a sturdy metal bar with hooks to store:
Pots and pans
Cooking utensils
Towels
I’ve also installed ceiling-mounted pot racks in several homes, especially when counter and cabinet space is tight. It’s an underrated game-changer.
8. Multi-Functional Furniture
When space is limited, furniture needs to work double duty.
Rolling kitchen carts: Great for extra prep space and storage. Bonus: You can move them out of the way when needed.
Folding tables & nesting stools: Perfect for small spaces, offering flexibility without taking up room permanently.
Built-in seating with hidden storage: A bench with lift-up seating doubles as storage—perfect for extra pantry items or cookware.
If you’re thinking about bigger changes, check out this guide on hiring the right contractor.
9. Appliance Garages: Hide the Clutter
Toasters, blenders, coffee makers—small appliances take up valuable counter space. Appliance garages are cabinets with roll-up or lift-up doors designed to hide these bulky items when not in use.
For extra convenience, install an outlet inside the cabinet so you don’t have to move the appliances when using them.
10. Declutter & Keep Only What You Need
Before implementing any storage solution, ask yourself: Do I actually need all this stuff?
I always tell homeowners to start by decluttering before adding new storage features. A minimalist approach keeps your kitchen functional, not overwhelming.
Get rid of duplicate items (how many spatulas do you really need?)
Donate or toss unused cookware and appliances
Store seasonal or rarely used items elsewhere
Wondering if it’s time for a full kitchen revamp? Here are signs you might need a renovation.
Final Thoughts
Small kitchens can be just as functional and beautiful as larger ones—it just takes some smart planning. Whether you add open shelving, install pullout drawers, or embrace hanging storage, the right solutions will transform your space.Which of these ideas do you plan to try first? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re considering a larger remodel, check out my other guides for expert advice on making the process smooth and stress-free.
