15 Super Clever Small Kitchen Storage Ideas to Use Every Corner of Your Tiny Kitchen

Small kitchen storage ideas to make use of every inch

Do you struggle with finding enough space in your small kitchen?

Cooking and organizing can feel overwhelming when counters are cluttered, cabinets are full, and there’s nowhere to store daily essentials.

The good news is that small kitchens can hold more than you think—you just need to make smart use of the available space.

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Small kitchen storage ideas to use every corner efficiently.

The goal of this blog post is to talk about all the available spaces in a small kitchen that can used efficiently to maximize storage!

Let’s start!

Ceiling storage

Ceiling-mounted storage is a game-changer for small kitchens, helping you free up precious floor and counter space.

By utilizing the ceiling, you can store items effectively while keeping your kitchen organized and functional.

Ceiling-Mounted Shelves are a great solution for storing large pots, pans, and other items you use occasionally.

These shelves attach directly to the ceiling, keeping bulky cookware out of the way. When needed, a step ladder or foldable stool makes accessing these items quick and safe.

For everyday essentials, ceiling-mounted racks are ideal.

These racks hang slightly lower, making it easy to hang frequently used pots, pans, and utensils.

They keep your cookware within reach while adding a stylish, professional touch to your kitchen.

With the right setup, ceiling-mounted storage can transform even the smallest kitchen into an organized, clutter-free space.

Above the sink storage

The area above the sink is often overlooked in small kitchens, but it’s a great spot to add extra storage. By utilizing this space, you can keep your kitchen organized and free up counter space.

One practical solution is a 2-tier dish drying rack, which you can easily find on Amazon. 

Placing this rack above the sink allows you to store utensils, dishes, and dish-cleaning supplies like sponges and soap. 

The two tiers provide ample room for drying and organizing, making it easier to access items while keeping them out of the way.

Alternatively, you can use floating shelves or wall-mounted racks to store other kitchen essentials. 

These options help you make the most of vertical space, keeping your counter clear and your kitchen efficient.

Above the cabinet storage

The space above your cabinets is often left unused, but it’s a great place to store items you don’t need to access every day. 

This area is perfect for storing unused pantry items, pots and pans, or small appliances that aren’t used regularly.

To make this storage solution both functional and stylish, use decorative baskets or bins to organize these items. 

Beautiful baskets not only keep everything tidy, but they also add a touch of charm to your kitchen.

Consider labeling the baskets for easy identification, so you can easily grab what you need without creating clutter. 

Above the refrigerator storage

The space above the refrigerator is often overlooked, but it’s perfect for storing seasonal items like holiday cookware, serving trays, or special plates. 

This keeps them out of the way while freeing up cabinet space.

Use this area for pantry overflow, such as extra canned goods or bulk items like flour and pasta. 

Storing small appliances you don’t use daily, like toasters or blenders, is another great way to keep counters clear.

You can also store cookbooks, recipe binders, or baking supplies above the fridge to save space. 

Lastly, consider placing decorative items or plants here to add style without cluttering the counters.

Above the microwave storage

Microwave top organizers, available in one- or two-tier designs, help you make the most of this vertical space. 

You can store small appliances like blenders, toasters, or coffee makers on top, keeping them easily accessible but off the counters.

Additionally, the sides of these organizers can be used to hang utensils, dish towels, or dusters, helping to keep everything within reach while reducing clutter. 

Wall storage

In small kitchens, walls can be a great storage solution if you have any unused or bare wall space. 

Instead of leaving walls empty, you can transform them into functional storage areas that keep your kitchen organized and efficient. 

By utilizing vertical space, you free up valuable counter and cabinet space, making your kitchen feel more spacious and clutter-free. 

Here are some ideas for making the most of your kitchen walls:

1. Floating Shelves: Perfect for storing spices, plates, or decorative items while keeping counters clear.
   
   
2. Hanging Baskets: Ideal for fruits, vegetables, or other small essentials you need easy access to.
   
   
3. Wall-Mounted Racks: Use these to hang pots, pans, and utensils, keeping them organized and within reach.
   
   
4. Pegboards: Organize kitchen tools like spatulas, measuring spoons, and small appliances in an easily accessible way.
   
   
5. Wall Hooks: Hang dish towels, mugs, or utensils to save space in drawers and cabinets.
   
   
6. Wire Baskets: Store snacks, canned goods, or condiments on the wall to keep them organized and out of the way.
   
   
7. Spice Racks: Install spice racks to store jars and keep them easily accessible while cooking.

Backsplash storage

The backsplash area is an excellent spot to free up counter space and keep your kitchen organized. 

By utilizing this vertical space, you can store frequently used items within easy reach while creating a clean and clutter-free counter.

Here are some practical items you can use to turn your backsplash into a storage hub:

• Hooks: Install hooks to hang utensils, mugs, or even small pots and pans.
• Railing Systems: Add a rail with S-hooks for hanging ladles, spatulas, or towels.
• Magnetic Knife Strips: Store knives safely and conveniently without using up drawer space.
• Shelves: Small floating shelves can hold spice jars, condiments, or decorative items.
• Basket Attachments: Use hanging baskets for fruits, vegetables, or kitchen essentials.
• Towel Bars: Great for hanging dish towels or cleaning cloths.

Backsplash storage is a simple yet effective way to organize your kitchen, maximize space, and keep everything you need within arm’s reach!

Over-the-door storage

The back of your kitchen door can double as a convenient storage area. 

Over-the-door storage racks or hooks are perfect for making use of this often-wasted space.

You can hang pantry organizers to store spices, snacks, or condiments. Hooks can hold aprons, dish towels, or oven mitts. 

Some over-the-door racks even come with multiple tiers, ideal for storing lightweight pots, lids, or cleaning supplies.

Behind the stove storage

Transform the space behind your stove with a stainless steel backsplash that comes with built-in hooks and shelves. 

This clever design not only offers extra storage for your kitchen essentials but also makes cleaning a breeze—no more scrubbing greasy backsplash tiles!

Use the built-in hooks to hang wooden utensils or ladles for quick access while cooking. 

The shelf is perfect for storing frequently used spices, oils, or small containers. 

This setup keeps your workspace organized and your cooking essentials close at hand.

But, avoid placing metal items too close to the stove, as they can get warm during cooking. Opt for lightweight wooden or heat-resistant utensils for this area.

Inside the cabinet door storage

Maximize your cabinet space by using the inside of the doors for storage. 

Add slim racks for cutting boards or plastic wraps, or attach hooks for small utensils and oven mitts. 

You can even use baskets for sponges or cleaning supplies.

This simple solution keeps items organized and your countertops clutter-free!

Sides of the fridge storage

The sides of your fridge are perfect for adding extra storage. 

Use magnetic racks to hold spice jars, paper towels, or condiments. 

Magnetic hooks are great for hanging oven mitts, aprons, or small utensils.

You can also attach tiered organizers to store lightweight pantry items or snacks, keeping everything easily accessible without taking up counter or cabinet space. 

This is a clever way to use every inch of your kitchen!

Countertop storage

Make the most of your countertops with smart storage tools. 

A 3-tier lazy Susan is perfect for organizing spices, oils, or condiments, keeping them accessible without taking up too much space.

Shelf risers double your storage area by allowing you to stack items like mugs or plates efficiently. 

For smaller items, tiered trays are a stylish way to store fruits, snacks, or coffee supplies while keeping the counter tidy.

Under the cabinet storage

The space under your cabinets can be a great place for added storage. 

Install hanging racks for mugs, wine glasses, or small utensils. Under-cabinet hooks are also perfect for hanging dish towels or pot holders.

For extra organization, try magnetic strips to hold knives or metal spice jars. 

You can even mount a paper towel holder or small baskets to store frequently used items like napkins or condiments. 

Under-the-cabinet shelves can also be installed to hold plates, mugs, or jars, keeping everything neatly tucked away and easily accessible.

Under the sink storage

Under the sink is often forgotten as a storage area, but it can be a goldmine for organizing your kitchen. 

Start by adding stackable bins or storage baskets to keep cleaning supplies, sponges, and dish soap organized.

Installing a pull-out drawer or sliding shelf can help you access items more easily, especially in deep cabinets. 

Island Storage

If you have a kitchen island, make the most of it by using it for extra storage!

You can add drawers or cabinets underneath to store utensils, cutting boards, or extra kitchen gadgets. Open shelves are another great option, perfect for keeping cookbooks, baskets, or decorative trays within easy reach.

No island? No problem! 

You can also get a portable, compact kitchen island with lots of built-in storage. 

These are perfect for adding more workspace and giving you a spot to store spices, utensils, or even small appliances.

Whether built-in or portable, an island is a versatile and functional storage solution that helps keep your kitchen organized and makes meal prep easier.

In front of the window

The space in front of a window often goes underutilized, but it can be a great storage spot! 

Consider hanging baskets from the ceiling or along the wall to store lightweight items like fruits, herbs, or kitchen towels.

If you have a wide windowsill, use it as a ledge to display plants, small jars, or even as extra counter space for organizing spices or utensils.

For a more creative touch, try floating shelves just below the window to keep cookbooks, mugs, or other kitchen essentials easily accessible but out of the way.

Conclusion

By taking a closer look at each area of your small kitchen, you can discover tons of storage potential! 

Whether it’s utilizing ceiling space, maximizing wall storage, or adding clever solutions like behind-the-stove hooks or under-cabinet shelves, every inch counts. 

When you strategically use these often-overlooked spaces, you’ll create a more organized, functional kitchen without sacrificing style. 

It’s all about thinking outside the box and making the most of what you’ve got!