20+ Beautiful & Space-Saving Small Kitchen Cabinet Ideas You’ll Regret Not Using!

This blog post is about small kitchen cabinet design, color, and organization ideas.

Feeling overwhelmed by your small kitchen? 

Trust me, you’re not the only one. When space is tight, every inch counts, and your cabinets are the key to making it all work. 

They’re not just there to look good (though that helps!)—they’re the backbone of your kitchen’s storage. 

Smart, space-saving cabinet ideas can turn your cramped kitchen into a functional, clutter-free zone. 

Whether it’s clever storage hacks or stylish designs, we’ve got over 20 small kitchen cabinet ideas that’ll help you make the most of your space.

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Space-Saving Cabinet Designs

When every inch matters, these space-saving small kitchen cabinet designs are here to help you maximize storage.

Tall, floor-to-ceiling cabinets

If you’re looking to squeeze every bit of storage out of your small kitchen, take that awkward corner or empty wall and transform it with floor-to-ceiling cabinets. 

You can stash rarely used items like holiday dishes up top, while keeping everyday essentials within easy reach below.

The more area you cover with floor-to-ceiling cabinets, the taller and more spacious your kitchen will feel. 

It’s all about creating a seamless, vertical flow that draws the eye upward, making the kitchen appear larger than it is. 

Plus, you’ll gain tons of extra storage without eating into your precious floor space.

Narrow cabinets for tight spaces

Don’t let those awkward, narrow spaces go to waste—especially the ones near your refrigerator or tucked into a corner. 

Adding slim pull-out cabinets is a genius way to turn dead space into functional storage. 

These tall, narrow units are perfect for storing spices, baking sheets, cutting boards, or even cleaning supplies. 

The pull-out design makes it easy to see and access everything, so you’re not stuck digging through a cluttered corner.

Corner cabinets with rotating shelves

Corner cabinets often go to waste, but with the right storage solutions, you can turn them into some of the most functional spaces in your kitchen!

Instead of letting that deep, hard-to-reach space collect dust, install a Lazy Susan—a rotating shelf that makes grabbing items effortless. No more digging around in the dark for that one missing spice jar!

Another game-changing idea? Pull-out trays or sliding shelves. These allow you to easily access pots, pans, and pantry staples without straining to reach the back.

If you prefer a more seamless look, diagonal corner cabinets can offer better accessibility while maintaining a stylish design.

By optimizing your corner cabinets, you’ll free up space, reduce clutter, and make your kitchen way more functional!

Adding cabinet on the countertop corner

The countertop corner is often a clutter magnet, collecting random items like mail, keys, or that one appliance you barely use. 

But instead of letting it become a messy drop zone, turn it into a stylish and functional space with a cabinet extension!

A corner cabinet extension blends seamlessly with your existing kitchen design, giving you extra storage without taking up more space.

Use it to store everyday essentials like spices, mugs, or even small appliances, keeping them out of sight but within easy reach.

You can also add open shelving or glass-front cabinets to create a stylish display for decorative items while maintaining a neat look.

Cabinet on top of the counter

The space under your cabinets is a great spot for extra storage! 

Instead of leaving it empty, you can build small cabinets there to keep things out of sight while still leaving plenty of counter space for meal prep.

These cabinets help keep your kitchen neat and give it a modern, stylish look. You can store things like cutting boards, utensils, or even small appliances so your counters stay clear.

You can design them with doors that open up when you need extra prep space and close when you’re done.

In my blog post, “How to Make a Small Kitchen Look Big,” I talked about keeping the counters clutter-free to make your kitchen feel more open. 

These under-cabinet storage solutions do exactly that!

Cabinet over cabinet

Using the space above your kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to maximize storage. 

Building small cabinets above the kitchen cabinets can act as functional decor pieces. 

You can paint them to match the lower cabinets for a seamless look or choose an accent color to draw the eyes upward. 

These upper cabinets are perfect for storing items that aren’t used often, keeping them out of sight but still accessible. 

Cabinets over the appliances

Adding cabinets over appliances like the refrigerator is another smart way to utilize wasted space. 

This often-overlooked area can be turned into valuable storage by building cabinets above it. 

By incorporating cabinets over appliances, you make the most of every inch of space in your kitchen.

Cabinet Colors and Finishes

Now that we’ve covered some creative small kitchen cabinet ideas, let’s dive into the best colors, layouts, and finishes to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of your kitchen.

Light-colored cabinets

One effective idea is to choose light colors for your cabinets, which not only reflect light to make your kitchen feel brighter and more spacious but are also easier to clean and maintain. 

Soft whites, light grays, pale blues, or muted greens are excellent options that create an airy, fresh look while being practical for everyday use.

Glossy finishes 

Another great idea is to opt for glossy finishes, which help reflect light, making the kitchen feel brighter and more airy. 

This finish not only enhances the light in the space but also gives the illusion of a larger, more open kitchen, creating a modern and sleek look.

Two-tone cabinets

Two-toned cabinets are a trending design choice that adds visual interest and depth to your kitchen. 

Painting the lower cabinets a darker shade and the upper cabinets a lighter shade creates a beautiful contrast while making the space feel more dynamic. 

Darker lower cabinets are also practical since they are often harder to keep clean, and a darker color can hide dirt and stains more effectively. 

This design approach balances both style and functionality.

Glass cabinet doors for adding depth

Adding lighting within your cabinets is a brilliant way to enhance your kitchen’s appeal and brighten up the space. 

Under-cabinet lighting or interior cabinet lights create a warm, inviting glow that not only highlights your storage but also adds a stylish, modern touch. 

It makes your kitchen feel brighter and more open, while also providing functional lighting to help you find items more easily.

Cabinet Layouts for Small Kitchens

Now, let’s explore cabinet layout ideas tailored to different kitchen shapes. 

Galley kitchen layouts with cabinets on both sides.

In a small galley kitchen, the cabinet layout typically involves cabinets placed on both sides of the space, directly opposite each other.

This layout works well for maximizing storage in narrow spaces, as it uses the available wall area efficiently.

To make the most of the layout, focus on keeping the flow between the cabinets open and uncluttered, allowing for ease of movement and accessibility.

Position frequently-used items in the most accessible areas to reduce the need for reaching across the narrow space.

To avoid overcrowding, use symmetrical cabinet arrangements that help create a balanced and functional design while maintaining a streamlined look.

L-shaped or U-shaped layouts with corner cabinets.

For L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen layouts, corner cabinets can often be tricky but highly valuable when used efficiently.

In these layouts, utilizing corner cabinets maximizes storage by making use of otherwise wasted space.

For an L-shaped kitchen, consider placing cabinets on both arms of the “L”, and use corner pull-out drawers or lazy Susans to optimize access to the farthest corners.

In a U-shaped layout, the corner cabinets are perfect for storing bulkier items or things you don’t use daily, keeping them neatly tucked away but still accessible.

Keep the flow of movement open by ensuring corner cabinets aren’t too deep, allowing easy access to items stored inside without hindering your kitchen’s functionality.

Peninsula or island cabinets

In a small kitchen, adding peninsula or island cabinets can provide extra storage and workspace, helping to maximize the available area.

A peninsula layout, which extends from one wall, offers additional counter space and can create a natural division between the kitchen and living area.

Island cabinets are perfect for creating an efficient workspace in the center of the kitchen, providing ample storage underneath for pots, pans, or utensils.

Both options also allow for adding extra seating, turning your kitchen into a more social, functional space without sacrificing storage.

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Small Kitchen Cabinet Organization and Storage Solutions

Now, let’s explore smart organization and storage solutions for small kitchen cabinets. These tips will help you make the most of your limited space while keeping your kitchen neat, functional, and easy to navigate.

Pull-out drawers or baskets for easy access. 

Pull-out drawers or baskets are a great solution for small kitchen cabinets, as they help make the most of the deep areas that are often difficult to reach.

These drawers or baskets are installed on tracks inside the cabinet, allowing them to slide out when needed, making it easy to access items at the back.

They are highly adjustable to fit different cabinet sizes, so you can store everything from pantry items to cookware in an organized way.

Tiered shelves or dividers

Tiered shelves or dividers are perfect for organizing small kitchen cabinets by using the vertical space effectively.

You can install these inside the cabinet to create levels that keep everything neat and easy to find.

They help you group and separate items so you don’t have to dig through a jumbled mess.

By adjusting the height of each tier or divider, you can fit different sized items comfortably, ensuring you make the most of your cabinet space.

Hooks or racks inside cabinet doors

Hooks or racks inside cabinet doors are a simple yet effective way to maximize storage in small kitchen cabinets.

These can be installed on the inside of cabinet doors to hold items like measuring spoons, towels, or pot lids.

They keep frequently used tools easily accessible while saving valuable shelf space for larger items.

Pan and lid organizers

If you’re dealing with small kitchen cabinets, pan and lid organizers can make a huge difference.

These organizers separate your pans and lids, making it easy to find and grab what you need quickly.

Instead of stacking everything on top of each other, you can arrange them vertically or in their own sections.

This keeps your cabinets neat and organized, with each item easy to access and freeing up space for other kitchen essentials.

Shelf risers

When you place items in your cabinet, the space between them and the upper shelf often goes to waste.

Shelf risers help solve this problem by creating additional levels, allowing you to stack items vertically.

By adding risers, you can make better use of the available space and keep everything organized without cramming items together.

Under cabinet baskets

Not only can the space inside your cabinet be optimized, but the area under the cabinet is also a valuable storage opportunity.

Under-cabinet baskets can be installed to hang beneath your cabinets, offering extra space to store cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, or pantry items.

These baskets make use of otherwise unused space, keeping things organized and easy to access without cluttering the rest of the kitchen.

Lazy susans

Last but not least, Lazy Susans are a fantastic way to maximize storage in small kitchen cabinets.

These rotating trays allow you to store items in the back of your cabinet and easily spin them into reach when needed.

Perfect for corner cabinets or deep spaces, Lazy Susans make it easy to access condiments, spices, or small kitchen tools without digging through everything.

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Optimizing every inch of your kitchen space is key to maintaining an organized and functional area, especially in small kitchens. By implementing these smart storage solutions, you can make the most of your cabinets and keep everything easily accessible.

If you’re looking for more creative ways to maximize your kitchen, be sure to check out our other small kitchen ideas to transform your space into something truly efficient and stylish!