Almost every home could use some extra storage space. But when it comes to the kitchen, clutter can be particularly difficult to keep at bay. And for good reason. We tend to spend a lot of time in our kitchens making tea or coffee, cooking, or putting together a few snacks. It’s one, if not the busiest room in the house.
But a cluttered kitchen doesn’t have to be a sentence that you accept. With a little imagination and practical effort, you can create more space than you might think. And you can do it using sustainable materials and repurposed or upcycled goods.
Read on to find out which 12 kitchen storage spots you might have forgotten about but can definitely benefit from.
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Install a freestanding island
If the center of your kitchen stands empty, installing a freestanding island could be the solution to your storage problems. This box-like piece of furniture is easy to make from reclaimed wood and can house a wide number of objects, from food processors to pots and pans to juicers and jugs.
An added bonus of a freestanding island is that you can use its top surface for extra countertop space. Somewhere to organize all your kitchenware neatly and more chopping space? Yes, please!
Hanging pot rack from the ceiling
If your kitchen cupboards are overloaded with pots and pans, you might want to consider having a rack from the ceiling of your kitchen. Although they are often suspended above freestanding islands, you can hang one anywhere that suits the layout of your respective kitchen.
From a metal wire rack, you can hang pots, pans, woks, strainers, and any other kitchen object with a handle that doesn’t quite fit anywhere else. An old towel rail makes a great pot rack, and it’s easy to install too.
Open shelving on the wall
There’s something very charming about an open-faced kitchen shelf. Besides, it can be extremely useful for adding extra storage space to your food prep area. If you appreciate the rustic-chic appeal of open shelves, this one could provide the necessary spaciousness and style to your kitchen.
Pegboard on the wall
Julia Child was famous for her kitchen pegboard—and she was serious about food. A pegboard is a metal board filled with lots of little holes, which then get pegged with manually adjustable hooks. Those hooks can then be used to hang up utensils, pans, chopping boards, saucepans, and more. Simple!
Cookware racks in the cupboard
If your cookware cupboards are something out of kitchen nightmares, a simple rack could be extremely beneficial. With strong, differently-sized metal brackets, a cookware rack allows you to stack flat, long items such as sheet and muffin pans for more organized storage.
These racks are easy to find in hardware or refurbishment stores and can be positioned in just about any cupboard for a more streamlined stacking experience.
Hanging pot bar above the window
Kitchens with big windows look wonderful, but they can be useful too if you play your cards right. Hanging a pot and pan bar along the top of your window frame is another way to create more space. You can even repurpose a curtain rail to do the job.
What’s great about a bar is that you can use it to suspend a wide number of kitchen objects, not just pots and pans. You can also hang up potted flowers or herbs to add some freshness and keep edible plants closer to where you use them. It’s a multi-faceted solution!
Door rack handles
Another simple but highly effective way to free up space in your kitchen is to look at the cupboard doors. Door rack handles come in all shapes and sizes and fit quite neatly into any cupboard doors you think could use the extra space. Use them to store lids, bowls, paper towels, sandwich bags, and more.
Wall-mounted spice rack
Spices are great, but too many can leave your counters feeling cramped and overwhelmed. A wall-mounted spice rack made from reclaimed wood can solve this problem. It’ll allow you to keep your paprika, coriander, cumin and black pepper within easy reach without cluttering up your counters.
Under-shelf kitchen baskets
The space beneath most shelves is severely underutilized. But you can change that by installing an under-shelf (or several) kitchen baskets that contain any knick-knacks you want to hide.
Not only are kitchen baskets very useful, but they also have a homey, rustic appeal that makes them great for just about any kitchen. Plus, they are made from natural materials, not plastic and you can usually find them cheaply at second-hand stores. Ultra-flexible and lightweight, the underneath of your shelves can be sufficient storage spots once more.
Knife bar on the wall
Knives are a tricky kitchen item to store because they can be dangerous. You want them to be accessible, but not so accessible that small hands can reach them easily. A knife bar offers a unique solution because it lets you stick them to a wall, magnetic style.
Metal knife bars can be positioned on any wall you like, and used to attract more than just knives. You can use them for other metal utensils or objects too for a simple, easy, and safe approach to storage.
Under the kitchen sink cupboard
If you’re like most people, the underneath part of your kitchen sink has a few random cleaning products and an old bucket. But with some baskets or dividing panels and a little bit of elbow grease, the space under your kitchen sink becomes a great storage spot. You can keep all kinds of kitchen-related items here, from replacement water filters to clean dishtowels.
Ladder shelf on the wall
Ladder shelves are easy to find, build, and create a big difference when it comes to kitchen storage space. You can set them up against a wall or in the corner of your kitchen, open and ready to be stacked with all sorts of food-friendly items. They’re also a low-cost option and you can even repurpose or upcycle an old ladder to do the job.
Consider multipurpose drawers
Installing multipurpose drawers for kitchen storage is also a great way to maximize space and keep your kitchen organized. Find a style that’ll suit your current kitchen design and layout. If you can get your hands on old drawers that you can refurbish and reinstall, go for those. Just be sure to not overlook the importance of choosing the right drawer slides. There are different types to consider, each with its own unique features and benefits. Choose slides suitable for the weight and frequency of use of your drawers, and ensure they fit the size of your cabinet openings. Proper installation is also crucial for longevity and functionality, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. With these in mind, your kitchen drawers will be sturdy, smooth, and easy to open and close for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Creating more storage space in your kitchen is a great practice that everyone should try. But not everyone has the budget for installing an entirely new pantry or scullery—which is where these creative storage tips come in.
The more space you have to store food, appliances, and crockery, the easier it will be to cook, clean, and eat in your kitchen. With these 12 forgotten storage spots, anyone can find extra space in their kitchen and experience the joy of a well-organized, spacious, and comfortable kitchen environment.
