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Clever kitchen storage ideas that work brilliantly in small spaces — and make larger kitchens feel calmer too
The traditional heart of the home, the kitchen has to house everything from fresh food and cleaning products to the kitchen sink (we’re talking literally here). So how can we make this multifunctional room perform at its best and keep clutter to a minimum? The key is to go for just the right storage: cupboards and drawers for tucking things away and open shelves for displaying favourite pieces, as demonstrated by these bespoke kitchen units from Higham Furniture.
Get some inspiration with these kitchen storage ideas below.
Open shelves can be a stylish solution for storing pots and jars as well as cookbooks and favourite pieces. Ikea has a good selection to choose from; alternatively, try upcycling and painting shelves to suit your scheme.
Harpley kitchen, Naked Kitchens
Adding hooks is another great way to boost storage space. Install a rail for hanging utensils near the hob so they’re always to hand, and make your shelves work harder by adding hooks underneath. In a small kitchen with lots of overhead space, think vertical. Fix a hanging rail for pots and pans (B&Q has some good options) to the ceiling (make sure it can take the weight). You may need to do a little more dusting but you’ll free up drawer space and will be able to grab just the right pan when you need it.
Laila hanging rail, Willow & Stone
‘Fitted furniture isn’t the only answer,’ says Al Bruce, founder of handmade kitchen company Olive & Barr, ‘but what you do want is storage that’s fit for purpose.’ Select solutions that work for you – whether it’s pull-out drawers for your spices, deep cupboards for casseroles or open shelves for crockery. Any kitchen supplier will offer a wide range of tailor-made storage.
Skinny Shaker kitchen, Olive & Barr
There are lots of ‘secret’ storage areas in the kitchen that come into their own when space is short. Organise your under-the-kitchen-sink area with clever solutions, such as handy containers that slot under existing shelves, or think about installing a drawer behind your cabinets’ kick plates. And don’t forget the back of the kitchen door – consider an over-door storage shelf that’s perfect for stashing jars, bottles or even vegetables.
CupboardStore film, foil and bag organiser, JosephJoseph
Discarded food, cardboard, general rubbish… These days, our kitchens need to be mini sorting centres, so it’s a good idea to invest in purpose-built containers that you can tuck away under the sink. But if there isn’t space to shut your all-purpose bin behind closed doors, choose a piece you can show off.
NewIcon pedal bin in Warm Gold, Brabantia
For an uncluttered look, use hideaway or retractable furniture that can be brought out when it’s needed but tucked away when not in use. Narrow spaces at the ends of units are great for storing bottles and jars, or you could add a slim pull-out drawer, which will save you from having to fumble around at the back of the cupboard.
GoodHome Pebre pull-out kitchen storage, B&Q
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