15+ Very Creative & Functional Small Kitchen Shelving Ideas You Need to Try Now!

This blog post is about creative and functional small kitchen shelving ideas. 

Finding enough storage in a small kitchen can be tricky, but shelving is one of the easiest ways to make a big difference. 

The right shelves can help you create extra space, keep everything organized, and even add a bit of charm to your kitchen.

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite ideas for adding functional and stylish shelving to small kitchens. (We’ll mainly discuss where and how we can add shelving into a small kitchen to increase storage while making the kitchen look beautiful.)

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Whether it’s floating shelves, corner solutions, or something totally unexpected, these tips will help you make the most of every inch of your space.

1- Open Floating Shelves

One of the most popular ways to decorate and make use of walls in a small kitchen is with open floating shelves. 

These shelves are not only functional but also a stylish way to display your kitchen essentials. 

You can use them to store plates, glasses, or spices, or even create a little functional décor with cookbooks and vintage kitchenware.

You can take it a step further by adding hooks underneath the shelves. 

This gives you even more space to store mugs, hang utensils, or add decorative touches like a small plant or a basket. 

(This one on Amazon have S-hooks underneath)

2- Corner Shelving

Next up, we have corner shelves—a super creative way to make use of space that’s often forgotten. 

Corners tend to get overlooked in small kitchens, but with the right shelves, they can become a key storage spot. 

Corner shelves hold two walls together, making the space feel more cohesive and even giving the kitchen a sense of extra width.

They’re perfect for storing everything from mugs and spices to decorative pieces, and they keep things easily accessible without taking up too much space. 

Plus, they can turn an underutilized area into a stylish and practical feature of your kitchen!

3- Wall-Mounted Racks

Wall-mounted racks are another great way to make use of spare walls in your kitchen. 

Shelves aren’t the only solution—racks can also be a beautiful and practical addition. 

By mounting a rack on the wall, you create extra storage for spices, bottles, or even hanging utensils.

You can also use these racks for a more decorative purpose, like displaying plants, small decorative items, or even a row of coffee mugs.

4- Under-Cabinet Shelving

Under-cabinet shelving is one of those hidden gems that can really transform your kitchen when you’re tight on space. 

Instead of letting that underutilized space go to waste, consider installing small shelves or racks under the cabinets that can hold everything from spices to dish soap.

What makes this idea so great is that it frees up your counter space while keeping essentials within reach. 

You can use it for everyday items like oils and spices or even get creative and hang small baskets for extra storage. 

For an even more functional touch, consider adding hooks underneath to hang mugs or utensils.

This under-cabinet shelving solution allows you to make the most of the space you already have without crowding your counters, giving your kitchen a neat, organized feel. 

It’s one of those small changes that make a big difference in a small kitchen.

5- Storage Baskets

Storage baskets may not be shelves, but they’re a clever way to add both storage and style to your kitchen. 

Hang them on the wall to store fruits, vegetables, or kitchen essentials. These baskets not only keep things organized but also add a rustic or eclectic touch to your space. 

6- Narrow Ladder Shelf

A narrow 5-tiered freestanding storage shelf is a real lifesaver for small kitchens. 

These shelves are perfect for tight spaces, fitting neatly into narrow gaps between appliances, counters, or walls. 

With five tiers of storage, you can easily organize everything from spices and canned goods to cleaning supplies and cookware.

What makes these shelves so great is their versatility. 

You can use them vertically without taking up precious floor space, and the open design makes it easy to access items. 

Plus, if you prefer a more streamlined look, you can find options with baskets or bins to keep things neat and tidy.

7- Pegboard Wall

A pegboard wall is a smart and creative shelving solution for small kitchens. 

You can add small shelves directly onto the pegboard, turning the wall into a versatile storage space. (You can get pegboard shelves on Amazon here.)

Use these shelves for spices, jars, or even small kitchen gadgets, and customize the layout to suit your needs.

But the beauty of a pegboard doesn’t stop there. 

You can hang other items, like utensils, cups, or even your favorite cooking tools, right on the wall. 

This flexible system lets you organize and access your kitchen essentials easily, all while keeping your counters clear and your kitchen looking neat and functional.

8- Reclaimed or Vintage Shelves

Reclaimed or vintage shelves are a great way to add character and charm to your small kitchen while staying eco-friendly. 

These shelves often come with unique designs and textures, making them perfect for displaying decorative pieces, plants, or everyday essentials.

Plus, using reclaimed materials helps reduce waste, and they can fit into almost any kitchen style, adding both storage and personality.

9- Shelves on Refrigerator Sides

Shelves on the sides of the refrigerator are an excellent way to maximize unused space. 

You can add slim, adhesive shelves or magnetic racks that easily attach to the fridge’s sides. These can hold spices, condiments, or even small kitchen tools. 

For a more custom solution, you can install vertical storage racks that slide over the refrigerator’s edge, providing extra space for pantry items or cleaning supplies.

10- Sliding Shelves in deep cabinet corners

Sliding shelves are a fantastic solution for tight spaces in small kitchens. 

These shelves allow you to easily pull out and access items that would typically be tucked away in deep cabinets or corners. 

Whether installed in cabinets, under counters or as part of pantry systems, sliding shelves help you maximize storage while keeping everything within reach.

11- Under-Sink Shelf

An under-sink shelf is a clever way to make the most of the often cluttered space beneath your kitchen sink. 

Instead of letting this area become a mess of cleaning supplies and random items, you can install a shelf to organize everything neatly. 

It’s perfect for storing cleaning products, trash bags, or even extra dish soap. 

With a little organization, this hidden spot becomes a functional storage area that keeps your kitchen looking tidy without taking up any extra space.

12- Hanging Shelf from Ceiling

Shelves aren’t just for walls—they can also be installed on the ceiling! 

In a small kitchen where space is limited, hanging shelves from the ceiling offer a smart way to maximize storage. 

These shelves allow you to store items like pots, pans, or decorative pieces without overcrowding the countertops or walls. 

They provide additional storage and a stylish, unique look that helps keep the kitchen feeling spacious and organized, even when square footage is tight.

13- Cupboard Inserts 

Cupboard inserts are simple additions that help you create extra shelves or compartments within your existing cabinets. 

They’re designed to fit inside your cupboards, turning unused space into functional storage. 

You can use them to add pull-out drawers, spice racks, or dividers, making it easier to organize your kitchen items and access them without any hassle.

14- Pull-out Shelves

Pull-out shelves are a game changer for kitchen cabinets. 

These shelves can be installed within your cabinets, allowing you to pull them out when needed. 

This feature makes it much easier to access items that would typically get pushed to the back, where they’re hard to reach. 

Whether it’s spices, pots, or pantry items, pull-out shelves bring everything to the front, making your kitchen more organized and efficient without wasting space.

15- Countertop Shelves

Countertop shelves are a simple yet effective way to maximize your kitchen space. 

These shelves sit on your countertops and provide extra storage for items you use frequently, like utensils, cookbooks, or spices. 

They can help keep your kitchen organized while keeping your counters clutter-free.

16- Baker’s Rack

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A baker’s rack is a multi-functional shelving unit designed for kitchens, often with open shelves and sometimes drawers or a built-in countertop. 

It’s especially helpful in small kitchens where space is limited. 

A baker’s rack offers additional shelving to store kitchen essentials like baking supplies, dishes, or cookware, and it’s an easy way to add both storage and style. 

With its compact yet spacious design, it makes organizing your kitchen simple and convenient while keeping everything you need within reach.

Conclusion:

We’ve covered a variety of shelving ideas that can help make a small kitchen feel more functional. 

From floating shelves to baker’s racks, there are plenty of ways to use shelving to organize your kitchen and save space. 

Each option brings its own unique benefits, whether it’s maximizing unused corners, keeping essentials easily accessible, or adding a touch of style. 

Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to make the most of the space in your kitchen!