Small kitchen storage ideas

Small kitchen? No problem! If you’re looking for clever storage ideas that actually enhance the practicality factor in your space, look no further. From handy pull-out drawers to multi-functional sinks, we’ve got everything covered. Plus, we’ve put together a shopping edit right at the end to help you keep your worktops clear of clutter.

But first, it’s confession time: I have a love-hate relationship with my kitchen storage. Why? Well, the kitchen in my flat is big enough for two people at any one time – maybe we can squeeze three but only if we socialise like penguins and that’s not always the mood… So, I had to go on a quest to find the best small kitchen cupboard storage solutions and clever ideas to help keep your space *and mine* spick and span.

Trying to fit bundles of plates, collections of mugs (I know this doesn’t help my situation, but nothing gets between a girl and her coffee), utensils, cookware, small appliances, and the list goes on, in a crammed space is possibly one of the trickiest yet satisfying admin tasks, right?

But even with the best storage strategies and jigsaw puzzle skills, somehow, each thing forgets its proper place and the cupboard (if you know, you know) gets overfilled yet again. Well, I say no more!

Here are ten small kitchen storage ideas to help you sort your space, from clever in-drawer systems and wall racks, to hooks and containers…

Small kitchen storage ideas

Wish you could have a pantry, but you’re stuck on space? With help from a small open shelving unit, which you can place next to your cooking zone, you can achieve a similar look. Decant your most used ingredients in pretty jars and keep them on hand for easy meal prepping or baking.
Open shelving units made from wire with storage jars for preparing meals in a dark kitchen
Anyday Wire clip top jars, from £4; Cotton shopping bag, £6; Airtight storage jar with acacia lid, £12.50; Cotton net veg bags So3, £5.50; Anyday Mango wood round handled boards, from £12; The Home Edit all-purpose deep bin, £22; Restoration shelving unit, £100, all John Lewis
Keep the space under the sink organised (goodbye dumping ground!) and utilise it to store your cleaning products. A low-level pull-out drawer is a great small kitchen cupboard storage solution to help you make better use of that awkward space. Plus, because it glides out, it will also ensure everything is easily visible and accessible.
Wooden kitchen with butler sink, brass tap and marbled worktop plus a  pull-out drawer
Krantz Designs kitchens start from £75,000. Photography: Paul Craig.
Don’t waste your wall space – every inch matters in a compact kitchen. Instead, install a rack to keep your worktops clutter-free. This type of handy solution can hold anything from spices and cookbooks to tea towels and utensils – yes, please!
Industrial-style small kitchen cupboard storage solutions
Hanging cookbook holder in matt black £7; Hanging utensil holder in matt black, £5; and Smart industrial tea towels 3pk, £8, all Dunelm

Planning an evening event? Party and dine in style with trendy translucent tableware

Pocket doors are another amazing small kitchen cupboard storage idea – great for achieving the open shelving look without compromising on space. What’s more, pocket doors can help you create a home bar when entertaining – bonus. Inside, if you opt for a practical unit like the one below, you can even gain extra worktop space, shelves and drawers for storing spices, cutlery and miscellaneous must-haves.
Green kitchen unit with pocket doors, shelves, drawers and worktop space
Italian brand CopatLife 3.1 pocket-door kitchen cupboard solution made of equipped walls, shelving and technical columns. CopatLife kitchens start from £30,000 – available from The Myers Touch.
Are you a keen chef? Then placing a hanging rail above your hob is the right way to organise your most used utensils and pans. It doesn’t hurt that it gives your kitchen that pro-style look too, right? So, why not pick a metallic finish to make it seamlessly blend within your scheme and match it to your appliances?
Blue kitchen with a stainless steel range cooker and a hanging rail above the hob
Bespoke kitchen by The Main Company start from £25,000. Photography: Chris Snook.
It’s time to retire the cupboard (also known as the place where unaesthetic containers, misplaced utensils, and anything in between hide). With help from the latest innovation from Hettich, LightTower, you can now get your kitchen storage back on track. LightTower is a new concept comprised of five spacious drawers, which can be easily installed within any tall kitchen cabinet (new or existing). And guess what: they also instantly light up when you open them – bonus!
LightTower drawer system for an organised kitchen
The new LightTower larder concept from Hettich is available from March.
Next on the list of small kitchen cupboard storage ideas we have Franke’s Box Centre. It is designed to cleverly transform into a multi-functional workstation. Intrigued? The handy compartment includes a range of accessories, from chef-quality knives, a chopping board and a knife holder to a stainless-steel strainer bowl, a food preparation platter, and a wire rack, which can be stored away neatly, leaving the area clutter-free.
modern kitchen with multi-functional sink which includes a compartment for prepping food
Box Centre BWX 220 54-27 inset sink, £1623, Franke
If you’re into all things storage, you’re going to love this – take your cupboards to the next level with smart in-drawer systems. Ensure you have a place for everything, from cleaning supplies to extra tea towels and bin bags with perfectly organised compartments. You can even use a clever in-drawer system to keep your bins out of sight.
In-drawer organiser for bin bags, cleaning supplies and kitchen essentials
This smart in-drawer unit not only has a generous 72 litres waste capacity, it also holds 44 litres of additional storage, with compartments for spare bin bags and cleaning products. VelaBin in Portland Oak, from £362, Masterclass Kitchens
Hands up – is your oven door covered in tea towels? No worries, it’s a judge-free zone here. But it does ruin your aesthetic, right? So, say goodbye to damp kitchen textiles and cloths and tuck them away with help from an in-built towel rack. Sorted!
Wooden kitchen with towel rack
Henley 190 single towel rack base cabinet in oak, from £440, Neptune.  
Banquette seating has been a popular feature among the renovators for a while now and what’s now to love? You get extra seating spots for when guests come round for dinner, a focal feature in your kitchen, and some much-needed storage space underneath. You can opt for a pared-back design in neutral shades to not take away from your scheme or go grand with a big design dressed in bold prints.
Banquette seating for grand dining with extra storage underneath and neutral cushions
Cambridge stone grey kitchen with banquette seating, Benchmarx.

Shop kitchen accessories

It’s often those small but key details that make a big difference in the way you use your worktop space and maximise every inch of your kitchen.

So, I’ve curated a selection of pretty and practical accessories, from jars and baskets to cutlery organisers and towel rails, to help you sort your storage.

Happy shopping!

Shopping edit of small kitchen cupboard storage
1. Lilac gingham wooden tray, £25, Talking Tables. 2. Sophie Conran Medium storage jar in white, £32.50, Portmeirion. 3. Jenny glass jar in Clear, £8, Sazy. 4. Orchard biscuit barrel, £19.95, Annabel James. 5. Wild Flowers mini storage tins set, £6.95, The Northern Line. 6. Set of five airtight storage containers, £17.99, Vonhaus. 7. Weave baskets, from £90 each, Grace Sisters. 8. Utensil rail kit in Antique Copper 60cm, £36.35, Rothley. 9. Amber glass storage jar with black lid, £14 each, Rockett St George. 10. Sass & Belle Rattan serving tray, £22.95, The Northern Line. 11. Extendable cutlery storage tray, £19, Procook. 12. Pampas organic jute basket, £47.50, Braided Rug Company.

While this article contains affiliate links, by which we earn a commission, we make sure to only pick products that we love.

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