Hidden Storage Opportunities in Your Kitchen
Look around for often-missed places to put wine, cookbooks, brooms and more
Using all the available space in your kitchen will reduce clutter and improve organization. So whether your kitchen is large or small, these space-saving storage ideas will work wonders. It’s just a matter of standing still and looking closely at what’s in front of you.
Narrow nook. A nook may initially seem like a difficult space to use because it’s commonly narrow and, if deep, difficult to access. Many of these spaces, with a little thinking outside the box, can be storage treasures.
The cabinetry around this doorway creates a lovely transition between the kitchen and the adjoining room while creating a place for cookbooks and prized dishware.
The cabinetry around this doorway creates a lovely transition between the kitchen and the adjoining room while creating a place for cookbooks and prized dishware.
The bookcase and wine rack are decorative features in this small kitchen. They add storage and remove clutter too.
Corner. Turning an awkward blind corner into a bookcase gives extra detailing and easy access to cookbooks and other reference materials.
This corner nook was given considerable thought before being turned into wine storage — a great idea for any kitchen, butler’s pantry or small home bar. Corners can be hard to work with, but all this space is usable and functional.
Discover 13 ideas for creative corners
Discover 13 ideas for creative corners
Refrigerator gap. If you’ve ever bought a home with a fridge space that doesn’t match your fridge, you probably ended up with a wide gap. Sometimes that gap is large enough to become a good “space opportunity.”
Most people will squeeze in a broom and possibly an ironing board, but if you want something more permanent and, dare I say, more visually appealing (or concealed), utilizing it for wine storage may be a terrific option.
Most people will squeeze in a broom and possibly an ironing board, but if you want something more permanent and, dare I say, more visually appealing (or concealed), utilizing it for wine storage may be a terrific option.
Gaps that are 4 inches wide or less are perfectly suited to wine storage, which requires minimal space. If you want something that is a little more versatile, adjustable shelves can give you good storage for books, platters and other items.
Keep in mind that these solutions don’t use all the available depth. Refrigerator gaps are generally 20 to 24 inches deep, so a pullout system may prove to be a better use of space.
Keep in mind that these solutions don’t use all the available depth. Refrigerator gaps are generally 20 to 24 inches deep, so a pullout system may prove to be a better use of space.
There are several pullout options for these gaps. If you want to transform an existing kitchen for better access and functionality, some of these solutions can be retrofitted.
The narrowest pullout pantry can suit a cabinet that is only 5½ inches wide (interior measurement). The more common types suit spaces that are about 10 inches wide. They allow all contents to be easily accessed. These systems are best professionally installed and can be expensive.
See how to amp up uour storage with pullouts
The narrowest pullout pantry can suit a cabinet that is only 5½ inches wide (interior measurement). The more common types suit spaces that are about 10 inches wide. They allow all contents to be easily accessed. These systems are best professionally installed and can be expensive.
See how to amp up uour storage with pullouts
Narrow space. Some of these mechanisms can go behind a hinged door as well as in existing cabinetry. They’re great if you’re DIY inclined or have an existing space that needs better access: They are flexible and give you maximum access to tight spaces.
Tip: Bottom-mounted slides enable you to install pullouts in really tight spaces. Side-mounted slides in narrow spaces require holes to be screwed before the cabinet is assembled.
Tip: Bottom-mounted slides enable you to install pullouts in really tight spaces. Side-mounted slides in narrow spaces require holes to be screwed before the cabinet is assembled.
Interior drawers also can be used in narrow spaces. The width options are highly flexible because they are custom made. Do your homework on the side-wall thickness because some drawer systems may leave you with limited storage space, especially if the cabinet interior is less than 5 inches wide.
Clear wall. It’s always a trade-off between a wider hallway and additional storage. I love what the designer has done here: The room is still open, but the slim cabinets on the right provide nice visual balance and terrific storage.
The cabinets may be shallow, but they offer plenty of space perfect for glasses, mugs, cups, chopping boards and more.
The cabinets may be shallow, but they offer plenty of space perfect for glasses, mugs, cups, chopping boards and more.
Empty floor space. Whether they’re freestanding or on casters, small kitchen islands can be useful in a wide range of spaces. They can move around and serve several functions: an additional food prep area, a bar or serving station when entertaining, or a casual dining table.
Being able to integrate storage into these islands further adds to their value. Just consider the workflow of the space to make sure you can get around when the dishwasher or drawers are open.
Browse kitchen islands and carts
Being able to integrate storage into these islands further adds to their value. Just consider the workflow of the space to make sure you can get around when the dishwasher or drawers are open.
Browse kitchen islands and carts
Cabinet end. Inexpensive and readily available hooks can hold all kinds of odds and ends. You also can use racks (such as space racks) inside these cabinets to maximize storage where there are empty sections.
Deep void. If a cabinet end doesn’t work into your design but you have a deep, narrow space that could be put to good use, this pullout broom and mop holder is a good option. Its specially designed racks fit around the broom or mop, allowing for the whole space to be used efficiently. It’s ideal for kitchens, laundries and cabinets located beneath stairs.
Check out 9 space-saving broom closets
Check out 9 space-saving broom closets
Shallow void. A shallow space can provide a great place to store narrow items like brooms, mops and dustpans. These commonly used tools hide within this cabinetry design, so they blend in yet provide maximum functionality.
Tell us: Have you used any of these storage-enhancing ideas in your kitchen? Share your tips in the Comments.
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Tell us: Have you used any of these storage-enhancing ideas in your kitchen? Share your tips in the Comments.
More
Get other tips on kitchen storage
Find a kitchen designer
Browse kitchen storage and organizing products