If you have a small kitchen, you know that all the space in the world won’t make your cooking area any more efficient or comfortable. In fact, it can actually make things worse if you don’t know how to use what little space you have wisely. If this sounds like your situation—and let’s face it, most of us who live in smaller spaces can relate—we’re here to help! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips for creating an organized and efficient workspace in even the tiniest kitchens.
Use open storage.
Open storage is more efficient than closed, because it makes it easier to see what you have. It also makes use of your space more wisely, since you can fit higher items on open shelving. Open storage will help make your kitchen feel bigger, too!
Add extra height to your cabinets.
Add extra height to your cabinets.
To reach high cabinets, use a step stool or small ladder. Another option is to use baskets to store items you use often and then place these baskets on top of taller cabinets that can’t fit inside the cupboards. This will give you more space in your kitchen without having to buy larger cupboards or remodel your kitchen. There are also pull-out shelves that can be installed on top of existing cabinets if you have the space for them but don’t want any major renovations done yet. You could also add a second set of cabinets above existing ones—this way, you’ll get twice as much storage space from one set!
Look up.
You don’t have to live in a mansion to have a fancy pot rack. In fact, there are many ways you can add one or two hanging racks to your kitchen without spending a ton of money. If you’re lucky enough to have an empty wall in your kitchen that would allow for this kind of project and are handy around the house, consider building one yourself using inexpensive materials like rope and dowels.
If that doesn’t sound like something you’d want to tackle on your own (or if it’s just not possible), there are plenty of affordable options at home improvement stores—we’ve seen them for as little as $30 online! Just be sure you buy one with sufficient space between the hooks so no pots will hit each other when hanging from them. Another option is getting creative by adding hooks directly into existing walls by drilling holes into studs or joists (if there aren’t any) before screwing in some heavy duty hardware cloth above those locations where pots will go; then simply drill holes through this material into wood framing below when placing hooks within reach of supporting beams underneath so everything stays sturdy throughout use time periods spent cooking delicious meals every single day with family members who love coming over every chance they get because they know exactly how delicious their hostess’ cooking tastes due partly due because she has such an organized kitchen).
Make use of the backs of doors.
If you have a door, use it! The back of doors are great for hanging hooks to hold your utensils or pots and pans. Use them to keep your grocery list up-to-date, or install a magnetic knife strip to store knives safely. You can even make use of the backs of doors with a magnetic spice rack or knife holder!
Prioritize your drawer space.
If you don’t have a lot of space, make the most of what you do have. Prioritize your drawer space and designate deep drawers for large utensils and baking pans, while shallow drawers are best for spices, condiments, and smaller appliances. If you’re feeling extra organized (and have an extra deep drawer), use dividers to separate flatware from other utensils or baking sheets from baking pans.
Invest in stackable storage containers.
The best part about stackable containers is that they take up little space and are easy to move around. They’re also a great space saver for those with limited countertop or cabinet space. Stackable storage containers make it easier to store leftovers, dry goods and even takeout meals. You can choose from many different sizes of containers with snap on lids or tight fitting screw tops; they’re also dishwasher safe and microwave safe so you don’t have to worry about transferring your contents when you need them later!
Hang pots from a rack.
A pot rack is a great way to organize pots and pans. It’s easy to use, and it can be an attractive addition to your kitchen as well. If you don’t have the space for a pot rack, consider hanging them on a pegboard or magnetic knife strip instead.
Another option is mounting a magnetic knife holder above your stovetop so that each piece of cutlery is within reach when chopping vegetables or preparing dinner. A magnetic spice rack can also be positioned in this manner, making spices easily accessible while cooking.
Find room for a dining table or island.
The kitchen island is a great place for all your cookbooks, dishes and utensils. It can also be used as a breakfast bar or dining table, depending on its size. A butcher block top makes it easy to clean up spills and messes while adding another surface area to prepare meals on.
A dining table in the kitchen is an excellent way to make use of space in smaller spaces. There are many options available including tables that can fold down into a bench seat when needed or ones that become leaves when additional seating is required. Fruit baskets placed on top of wine racks also add useful storage space above the countertop where there would otherwise be nothing but air!
Create an eat-in kitchen with a banquette.
When you’re designing your kitchen, get as creative as you can with the space. A banquette is a great way to maximize your room. You can add a table (or two) to the back of the banquette, or even if it’s just a bench seat, that’ll still help provide additional seating in an area where it might be difficult to add chairs and tables without making everything feel crowded.
If you want even more versatility with your kitchen design, consider adding an island in place of or next to your banquette. It will give you not only more room for food preparation but also plenty of workspace for snacks and meals during parties when guests spill over from living areas into kitchens!
Add lighting to brighten up dark corners.
To brighten up dark corners, you can use lamps and light fixtures. Consider adding a dimmer switch to your lights so that they are not too bright during the day but still have enough light at night. Track lighting is another great way to add more light to your kitchen. Under counter lighting is also a great way to brighten up dark corners in the kitchen.
If you don’t want anything above or under your cabinets, consider using mirrors as reflectors for natural sunlight that comes into your kitchen through windows or skylights. Another option is using table lamps near entrances where there isn’t much lighting and wall sconces where there is already some other form of artificial light installed in the room (such as track lighting). Chandeliers can also be used if you want something fancy!
Your small kitchen doesn’t have to feel like a dungeon with these tips to make it feel more spacious and organized!
- Organize your cabinets.
A cluttered kitchen has the potential to make even the most spacious room feel like a dungeon, but it doesn’t have to be that way! You can use baskets and dividers to organize your cabinets and create more space for storing items you use often. If you want to go all out, try installing pull-out drawers or adding lazy Susans so everything is within reach when needed.
- Organize your pantry.
You may not have a lot of room in your small kitchen, but don’t let that stop you from stocking up on tasty treats! Keep all of those tasty treats organized with bins and baskets so they’re easy to reach when needed—and easier still not to eat right away because they’re so accessible!
Conclusion
With these kitchen organization ideas and tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your small space. You can save on a lot of money by doing simple things like hanging pots from a rack instead of buying expensive cabinets. You can also create an eat-in area with seating for friends or family members who come over regularly! You don’t have to feel like you’re living in a dungeon when there are so many ways out there that can help make your home feel less cramped while still looking stylish.
