Kitchen storage ideas – 30 genius ways to store groceries and kitchen utensils

The secret to a calm and productive kitchen is smart kitchen storage ideas. The engine room of the home needs to work efficiently and you can only maintain order and organisation if you know where everything is and worktops are not littered with utensils, condiments and cooking ingredients.

Kitchens in the modern home are more than just spaces for cooking: they now often double up as open-plan living rooms for socialising and dining, and are where the family will often gather at the end of the day. To make these spaces conducive to relaxation, they need to be clutter-free as there is nothing more frustrating when you are trying to unwind than seeing mess everywhere. 

The solution is a well-designed kitchen where you utilise every nook and cranny and optimise even the most modest corners and spaces with clever kitchen storage ideas such as these.

Kitchen storage ideas

Vicky Silverthorn, professional organiser at You Need A Vicky, advises: 'Start by pulling everything out of your kitchen cupboards, getting right to the back and uncovering tins and jars that probably haven’t seen the light of day for years! It’s going to take some time, but really look at the contents of your drawers and cupboards like you’ve never done before, thinking about location, positioning and shelf heights as you go. Always have the word ‘practicality’ in your head, it’s not just about making your kitchen look pristine, but it has to work, too.'

With a plethora of things all jostling for a place, the kitchen requires particularly careful consideration and a big part is knowing how to organise kitchen cabinets – but you still need the storage space in the first place. Luckily, modern kitchen designers have upped the ante with space-saving, super-strong drawers that can bear the weight of stacks of china or heavy pans – just some of the kitchen storage trends. Pull-out larders, magic corners and adjustable baskets also ensure space is utilised down to the very last inch.

A handy cupboard organiser or drawer organiser can make all the difference when it comes to maximising the kitchen storage space, creating more storage for food and cookware, while kitchen shelving fitted at precise heights can make everyday items easily accessible.

From counter-top storage and built-in cabinets to freestanding dressers and open shelving, there are plenty of smart kitchen storage ideas for small kitchens and open-plan kitchens alike. 

1. Handy undersink drawer

Trade your traditional undersink cupboard for a more accessible drawer. Rather than having to root around the back of the cupboard for your lesser-used cleaning products, the pull-out drawer design in this kitchen from Krantz Design ensures that everything is within easy reach.

2. Include a pull-out larder

When space is tight, creative kitchen design is vital. Perfect for maximising narrow, awkward spaces – perhaps next to a fridge or at the end of a run of cabinetry – pull-out larders are a versatile kitchen storage solution. Small but mighty, they are ideal for housing items such as herbs and spices or tea and coffee, which would otherwise demand valuable cupboard space. 

3. Repurpose vintage finds

Repurposing vintage finds into kitchen storage ideas is a great way to inject personality into this sometimes soulless space. Here, old pigeonhole wall units have been repainted and used to create a decorative yet practical display for china and glassware as a vintage kitchen idea.

4. Use all dead space

In this kitchen by Tom Howley, the otherwise dead space in the wall of the chimney breast has been adapted to create small storage areas beside the range cooker, perfect for keeping oils, herbs and seasoning close to hand when cooking. This is an easy kitchen storage idea to replicate and ensures that no space is wasted. This is just one of many kitchen shelving ideas you could incorporate in your design.

5. Plate up a plate rack

'When used on a big scale, a plate rack can really add something special to a kitchen,’ says Helen Parker, creative director at Devol.

‘Paint the rack the same colour as your kitchen cupboards and it will become an integral part of the room – it will also be much more interesting and useful than a shelf. A sombre yet strong shade is a good colour choice,’ Hele adds.

6. Be flexible with a kitchen trolley

While you may not have the space for a permanent kitchen island, a petite movable design is among the clever kitchen storage ideas for small kitchens. A portable kitchen island is a great idea if you lack counter space, while a rustic trolley maximises storage space. 

This slim design from Dunelm offers three deep shelves at various heights, perfect for storing larger jars and smaller essentials; plus, at only 50cm wide, it can be easily tucked away when not in use.

7. Add a kitchen island

If your kitchen has space for it, a kitchen island could be the perfect solution to adding in some extra storage, as well as creating more prep space. Free up the cupboard and drawer space that pots and pans were taking up and store these within the island, pop everyday essentials on top within reach.

Clever designs can see it quickly become a hub of productivity. In this space designed by Life Kitchens, the final few inches of the island have been utilised for slim shelving for cookbooks.

8. Hang a shelf from the ceiling

Take advantage of high ceilings in your kitchen and hang a shelf above your worktop to keep cookbooks and other kitchen essentials. It could just be a simple length of wood hung from a chain, or something more glam like marble, just ensure its not at eye level but a bit higher!

9. Utilise baskets in the kitchen

Baskets are fantastic are curbing the clutter and can be just as handy in the kitchen as elsewhere in the house too. Use to keep kitchen textiles such as tea towels, aprons or oven gloves, or have on hand to quickly sweep the kids homework or after-school doodles away once it's time to eat.

10. Opt for a utensils rail

To save on precious drawer space, hang a rail along the top of your splashback for utensils to live. A simple length of copper piping would serve perfectly for this, so attach to the wall and then use S hooks to hang each utensil. Even boards, jugs and mugs could be hung here, so anything with a handle, get it hung up!

11. Make your storage a stylish display

Rather than try and hide things away in cupboards, embrace all your bits and bobs and make a display of keeping them out on shelves. Cook books, chopping boards, mugs, teapots- they can all be left out on display, especially if they match your colour scheme. 

Incorporating a rail with open wooden shelves, just doubles up on the display possibilities.

12. Try a clever hack

This wall rack is actually a set of webbing-mounted bed slats hung from a couple of wall hooks. Just add S-hooks for hanging bits and bobs. It could also be handy in a bathroom, kids room, utility, office...

13. Kit out cupboards with storage solutions

Dedicate a kitchen cupboard to store all your household cleaning chore essentials out of sight. Utilise every inch in a tall kitchen cabinet or an under-stairs cupboard by kitting out the interior with hooks and racks so you can stash bulky items securely. Slide-out interior storage like this example at IKEA will give easy access to cleaning essentials, within the existing layout of your kitchen.

14. Create a multi-tasking kitchen hub

Make family life run more smoothly with a strategically placed storage unit at the hub of your kitchen. Use Billy bookcases (£45 each, Ikea) arranged in a configuration that suits your space. Allocate different compartments for stowing kitchenware, paperwork, school kit and other daily essentials and then add a chalkboard panel on one side as a family memo board. Use chalkboard paint or buy self-adhesive panels.

15. Run a shelf above your splash back

Gain extra storage and display space in a kitchen by fixing up a length or two of shelving above the worktop. Paint shelves to match the wall colour for a sleek look and to give a contrast backdrop for displays of crockery and kitchenware. Add a row of cup hooks underneath shelves to hang tools and utensils.

16. Showcase everyday essentials

While there’s a lot to be said for hiding clutter away behind closed doors, having favourite things on show gives heart to a home. Tableware looks good displayed en masse - whether its all-white china, decorative glass or rustic earthenware - and behind glass will keep it safe and dust-free. 

Arrange collections artfully so that shelves don't look overly cluttered. Stack plates, dishes and bowls together and cluster glasses, jugs and pitchers in groups with the tallest items at the back so that everything is easily accessible.

17. Slot in a slimline larder

Make use of an empty alcove or recess in a kitchen by creating a built-in larder cupboard. Shallow shelves are great for storing jars and packets, just add a couple of crates or baskets at the bottom for storing loose items.

18. Build in shallow cabinets

If your tableware collection is a combination of hand-me-downs, charity shop finds and new buys, it might look a little messy out on display. Instead, store it in a tall cupboard with solid-fronted doors. Dedicate a shelf to each style to ensure order.

You can also make the most of a kitchen island by including bigger cupboards behind stools. You won't need to access them all the time which makes it perfect for small appliance storage.

19. Make a display of jars

Free up cupboard space at the same time as making a stylish countertop display by popping dried food into glass storage jars. Arrange in height and size order. Create fun labels that say which pasta is your kids favourite or your family nickname for each shape.

20. Choose a multi-functional freestanding unit

Here's a neat kitchen storage idea - turn a kitchen trolley into a moveable work bench or cooking aid. Whether it's used to house glasses, bottles and decanters for cocktails or herb planters, oils, spices and a pestle and mortar, this is a great way to store special kit that you use a lot in your kitchen space.

21. Opt for open-shelving

In a shabby chic kitchen, storage doubles as a design feature. White painted open shelving - which mimics the look of traditional country dressers - suits the relaxed style of this kitchen, while providing a neutral home for the mix-and-match china and storage jars that add character to this room. Below the worktop and butler sink, panelled cabinets hide away bulkier kitchen items so that the space still feels tidy.

22. Hang pans from a rail

If your built-in kitchen storage is limited, free up space in cabinets by hanging colourful or patterned mugs and tea cups on a wall-fixed rustic wooden rack. Not only is this a practical way to utilise space – and always have a mug on hand for a cuppa - but it also makes an interesting decorative feature in a neutral kitchen space.

23. Consider a pantry or larder

A pantry or larder should be close to your fridge and freezer for instance, making it quick and easy to unload groceries. Likewise, in a dream kitchen scenario, china and cutlery should be stored near the dishwasher. 

It is usually a good idea to keep storage for glasses and frequently accessed items away from the main cooking area so as not to interrupt the cook while they're creating a culinary masterpiece!

24. Mix freestanding with fixed storage

Use more glass fronted cabinets or open-shelving in non-cooking areas to create a distinction between spaces and prevent the whole room looking like one giant kitchen. Mixing up freestanding and fitted furniture will also help define roles. Stick to one colour palette for a considered look.

25. Use a room divider as storage

The right storage system can double up as a room divider in an open-plan space. Solid, freestanding shelves, that reach almost to the ceiling and are open on both sides can be used to house pots and pans and more attractive serving ware plus dining table essentials.

26. Build storage into your furniture

Use your kitchen cabinetry to introduce a smart alternative storage solution. In this open-plan kitchen idea the back of the kitchen cabinet provides the perfect shell for open shelving, to offer the living room area display shelves.

27. Add in slide down storage

Getting to things at the back of the cupboard always runs the risk of the flour and oil clattering to the floor in a big mess. Make the most of your cupboard space by adding in secret storage such as this motorised shelving unit from Cabinet Plus, Magnet. All you do is touch a button and the unit will reveal itself, saving your rummaging in the cupboard for the balsamic vinegar or sugar.

28. Hide a charging station away in a drawer

A busy family kitchen design can quickly become a clutter of chargers, phones and iPads. Keep all electrical safe and out the was with a built in USB charging tray like this one from Magnet. It fits neatly inside a drawer, so come dinner time you have a perfect excuse to make sure all the family have put there phones away (to charge of course).

29. Add storage to your splashback

‘The biggest trend at the minute is people wanting storage integrated into a splashback’, says Mark Dyson of Enclosure Architects. ‘This idea comes from the fabulous b3 kitchen by Bulthaup. You only have to add about 15cm to the back of the worktop to make space for spice racks, chopping boards and cleaning materials.

'If there’s space in a partition wall use it to create a place for your toaster or radio. Conceal behind stainless-steel sliding doors for a really smart finish.’

30. Under-cupboard drawers

Eke out another few inches from your kitchen with under-cupboard drawers. Perfect for tea towels, trays, trivets or those utensils you only use once a year, these shallow drawers fit under the units where there is usually a plinth, making use of this otherwise redundant space. Try Ikea for clever devices like Exceptionell push to open drawers.

FAQs

How do I maximise my kitchen storage space?

To maximise your kitchen storage space, think about what you actually need to store in your kitchen and try to relocate the items you rarely use to somewhere else (or get rid of them entirely!)

Vicky Silverthorn, professional organiser at You Need A Vicky, says: 'It’s incredible how many gadgets and unnecessary items we own but can most definitely live without. An apple corer or an egg slicer’s job can be done with a knife. Is the avocado storer used? The lemon squeezer a necessity? Does the popcorn maker get used more than once a year? Think hard about space versus how much you use these items and make some decisions. Don’t forget many electrical items can be recycled or donated via certain charity shops and schemes so it doesn’t need to go straight to the tip!'

You could also look at investing in free-standing storage such as a dresser for plates and serveware, or a kitchen island to keep prep essentials in. Also, think about what could be kept 'on display' and doesn't need to be kept inside drawers and cupboards, such as pans hung on a rail or utensils kept in a jar on the worktop.

How do I add storage to my open kitchen?

To add storage to an open kitchen, it's all about making smarter choices when it comes to storing your food and crockery.

Vicky advises: 'Look at adding extra shelving to the insides of cupboards, spice racks to the insides of doors and opting for stackable Tupperware and pans that fit perfectly into each other. Plate shelves (in cupboards) are a great top tip and wire racks on walls have saved me lots of cupboard space too!'

Using a lazy susan-style rotating tray will help you store tins and jars that you can then actually see easily and not forget about at the back of the cupboard.

How do I layout my kitchen storage?

‘It’s all about convenience’, says designer Dominic Ash. ‘Think hard about exactly where to create storage to make your kitchen user-friendly. For example, pans should be near the cooker, and crockery near the dishwasher so you can unload straight into the cupboard.’ Be aware of the kitchen storage mistakes to avoid.

Keeping everything neatly behind closed doors is much easier if the interiors are designed with specific contents in mind. Smaller items will benefit from a shallow drawer with numerous compartments to keep items separated and easy to locate. Consider whether any cupboards will benefit from integral electric sockets, allowing you to charge gadgets out of view.

Many kitchen furniture ranges are now designed to morph into dining and living room furniture, enabling full coordination throughout.