6 Kitchen Space-Saving Ideas

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Regardless of how much time you spend in your kitchen, if it’s on the smaller side, kitchen space-saving ideas would be beneficial.

Even a larger kitchen can feel less functional if the amount of space is not optimized.

Ideally, it would be great to make the most of the space you have.  And, get away from the crowded look and feel.

So, whether you’re cooking a gourmet meal or heating a frozen dinner, it’s all good. You want to feel like you’ve got some elbow room. 

So how do you create the space in the kitchen you always wanted but have not yet managed to make? 

Keep reading for 6 kitchen space-saving ideas for a more functional kitchen.

1. Over-the-cabinet door organizer

Perhaps you tend to over-pack your cabinets.  Or maybe your cabinets are on the smaller side and your storage options seem limited. Regardless, using over-the-cabinet door organizers will create some additional space.

The back of the cabinet door is ideal for creating space and organizing your kitchen.

Here are some suggestions on what can be stored in over-the-cabinet door organizers:

• Cutting boards 

Cutting boards can take up a fair amount of space whether they’re stored on top of the counter or inside the cupboard.  Placing your cutting boards in over-the-cabinet door organizers will immediately free up some space in the area in which they were previously stored.  

• Cleaning solutions

This is an ideal spot to keep your cleaning sprays and bottles – accessible, yet out of sight.

• Wax paper and aluminum foil

Instead of using your cupboard drawers, place these items in over-the-cabinet door organizers and they will be at arm’s reach at a moment’s notice.

• Plastic bags

Contain plastic bags in one spot so you know where they are.

• Tupperware

A good solution for storing small to medium-sized Tupperware containers.

2. Pullout shelves

Another kitchen space-saving idea is the pullout shelf. If your husband is handy, ask him to install a few in your cabinets. Hopefully, he won’t mind this being added to the honey-do list!

Now, there is the possibility that your spouse is not that handy or is not going to give it the priority that you would like. Or perhaps you’ve been looking for your next DIY project.  I found this video on YouTube demonstrating that these shelves can be installed with relative ease.  Check it out.

Sliding shelves are the ultimate cabinet organizer, allowing for better access to space in the hard-to-reach corner cabinets.

They are not expensive, and they are easy to install. Your mission is to liberate just enough kitchen space for a few more of your kitchen gadgets and supplies. 

Also, talk about the convenience of no longer rummaging through the back of your cabinets looking for your Bundt tin.

3. Hanging Rack

Hanging racks can be useful to store pots, pans.  Pots and pans, in particular, are often inconvenient to store because they tend to be heavy and bulky.

A hanging pot rack will give you more cabinet storage.  Also, with the variety of options available, they will be able to complement the style of your kitchen.

Using a hanging rack is also useful for larger utensils since hanging them can free up drawer and/or counter space.

Now, if you’d prefer to DIY this, here are a few suggestions:

• Use a pegboard 

Hang a pegboard over your counter and hung all your pots, pans, and big lids. They will give your kitchen a nice facelift, plus you will have the most used items in your kitchen within arm’s reach. 

• Peel-and-stick hooks

Another simple, easy and affordable hanging solution is to use peel-and-stick hooks.  You can stick hooks anywhere you have wasted space and create storage.  These are good for hanging kitchen utensils, colanders, strainers, and other lighter items. Get creative and add your personal touch.  Just be mindful that many peel- and-stick hooks might not be able to handle the weight of most pots and pans. 

• Towel rack & hooks

Next time you go shopping for bathroom supplies, add a few more extra towel racks in your shopping basket. Attach them on the sides of your cabinets, and hang your big pots, pans, and lids using strong hooks. There you have it, another space turned into storage.

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4. Floating shelves

Floating shelves always look stylish and are strong enough to hold many items.  

Add these to your kitchen to save space, enjoy a clean counter, and organized cabinets.

Here are a few ideas on what you can display on your kitchen floating shelves:

• Everyday dishes
• Cookbooks
• Salt & pepper shakers
• Cutting boards
• Kitchen utensils
• Kitchen towels

5. Shelf risers  

Most cupboards come with one or two shelves.

Often, you stack your small plates on top of your larger plates.  So, in order to get a larger plate, you need to move the stack of small plates.

Now with shelving risers you can place the large plates on the bottom and the small plates on top of the shelf riser, allowing you to access the large plates without moving the small ones.

Look at that, you’ve automatically got more storage on both the top and bottom shelves.

Shelf risers are removable so, no installation required. Just extra usable space right away.

Again, with this kitchen space-saving idea, you can now access your items quickly and easily without having to remove things to get what you want.

6. Baker’s rack  

Adding a baker’s rack to your kitchen is a good option for increasing the amount of storage space. Because it is an open shelving area it won’t have the same feel as closed, if you were to use the same amount of space for traditional cabinets.

While they were traditionally made of wrought iron and used for cooling pies and other baked goods, they can now be purchased in a variety of styles and serve multiple purposes in your kitchen.

The open shelves of a baker’s rack make it ideal for storing small kitchen appliances such as rice cookers, Instant Pots, blenders, etc.  This will remove clutter from the counter and provide easier access if they were stored in the cupboards.

Here are some other items you can store on a baker’s rack:

• Cookbooks
• Hanging pots and pans
• Hanging cooking utensils
• Basket of placemats or rolled up napkins
• Storage jars for cereals, pasta, etc.
• An apron hanging on the side.

There are many options to choose from, whether you prefer a sleek modern look, a country vibe, etc.  Keep in mind the baker’s rack is open so avoid overcrowding it.

You can also get creative and change things around seasonally.

Recap

Just to recap, here are 6 kitchen space-saving ideas: 

1. Over-the-cabinet door organizer
2. Pullout shelves
3. Hanging racks
4. Floating shelves
5. Shelf risers
6. Baker’s rack

With these ideas and a little bit of creativity, you will not only be able to create some more space in your kitchen but also make it more functional. 

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