Kitchen

Kitchen Storage - 23 Ways to Save Space

Kitchen Storage Systems

The kitchen is modest in size compared to other rooms. Exposed surfaces are often overflowing with food and kitchen items. In cramped kitchens, you also have to use the floor as a storage place. Navigating through it will be inconvenient. It is much more difficult to make a full-fledged cleaning in a poorly organized kitchen, and the cooking process takes longer. Modern kitchen furniture is more thoughtful and roomy, but it will not be possible to foresee all the nuances when buying it. The kitchen will most likely have to be redone many times. Buying various devices for organizing space can make the kitchen even more uncomfortable, so you can not make rash purchases and you need to rely only on your opinion. You should also not buy extra dishes. Before purchasing storage systems, it is recommended to take measurements.

Open storage systems

The kitchen holds many different containers, filled and empty jars, pans, pans. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what and where is located. Chaos disorganizes, so order in the kitchen is no less important than hygiene. The main role is played by the furniture facade and open surfaces. But in a small room with a significant amount of kitchen utensils, it is necessary to carefully plan the space, remodel something manually, implement non-standard solutions. Open structures - baskets, panels, shelves, niches, open racks, magnetic boards will help to place any objects in a useful, harmonious and beautiful way. It is recommended to select several zones. The sections are equipped for storing food, household appliances, various kitchen tools. Do not overload the dining table and floor.

Open storage systems in the kitchen

Do not equip the kitchen with an excessive amount of open storage systems - this can ruin the appearance.

Window wash Chandelier with candles in the interior Shelf in the form of a ladder against the wall Tanks under the countertop Rolling pin on the wall

Shelves

There are several modifications of kitchen shelves.They are ordinary - with a simple surface, specialized (for dishes and different containers), etc. Plates can be put on a shelf-dryer, pans are conveniently hung on a shelf with hooks. The dryers themselves can be trellised or have a closed bottom. Combined options are often found on sale, combining designs for all types of kitchen utensils. Shelves can be made by hand. Single is easier to create, but installation will take longer. Recently, hanging shelves that can rise and fall are popular. Shelves on chains are the most interesting subspecies of suspended surfaces. Shelves are usually placed in the upper half of the kitchen. A large horizontal surface under the ceiling is suitable for placing vessels, including bottles with alcoholic beverages.

Shelves in the kitchenMicrowave in the wall Brick tile apron Plates on the shelf Clock on the wall Tree in the interior

Niches

These are recesses in the wall. They are often used to place various items. Niches are a design technique with practical use. Extra space is mainly used for storing dishes. A large niche will fit for a dishwasher. The recesses in the walls can become an interior decoration - if you want to make them yourself, then the main part of the kitchen (near the dining table) should be the place of placement. The kitchen room is decorated with several arched niches. For arched recesses, classical and Arabic motifs will be relevant. In high niches, you can place a large magnetic board. Inside a high arched recess sometimes put a refrigerator or cupboard. The recesses are also used to “mask” household appliances. The lower part is suitable for organizer placement.

Niches in the kitchenWhite curtains on the window Laminate flooring Bar stools by the table Niche under the window Kettle on the stove

Open cabinets or racks

Racks are used for storage:

  • small household appliances;
  • cookbooks;
  • cutlery;
  • towels;
  • napkins;
  • fruits and vegetables.

Open cupboards in the kitchen

Some decorate them with objects with decorative meaning - several flowerpots or photo frames.There are straight and inclined models. Shelving can be done with your own hands, but this process will take a lot of time. In specialized stores there is a wide selection of kitchen storage systems at “affordable” prices for rooms of any size. A variety of racks includes designs in the form of an island table; with shelves of angular and linear configuration; in the form of curbstones; resembling a step ladder; mobile with wheels and clamps. Open cabinets can play the role of a buffet. They place food and utensils. By configuration, they are divided into ordinary and suspended. In the kitchen, the second option is more common. Cabinets and racks will become an important part of the design and will be able to take on the main functional load.

Mirror on the wall Shelving by the window Statuette on the floor Steel refrigerator in the interior Books on the shelf

Rails, hooks and tape

Reiling - a universal system for placing various kitchen items. It must have a secure fit. Its main disadvantage is a small functional load, so they only store items that are inconvenient to hold in other places. Reiling area - the space under the kitchen facade. Almost all railing systems are equipped with hooks for cooking spoons and shoulder blades, slotters, glasses, mugs and other kitchen utensils. Hooks can be installed independently, in any corner of the kitchen. Elements such as magnetic boards and tapes not only look stylish, but are also able to place many objects in a small area, with the most efficient use of space. One narrow magnetic tape is able to hold pans, all forks, spoons and knives.

Roof rails in the kitchen

Perforated wall panel

In terms of functional benefit, a panel with many holes could be compared to magnetic tape, but not all kitchen utensils are adapted to fit in this way. Holes come in different shapes, but are most often round and diamond-shaped.Perforated panels can be used to trim almost all the available space near the walls. Modern coatings are not “afraid of fat”: such panels are useful for wall cladding instead of tiles or whitewashing. Perforated partitions are also used for zoning: the kitchen is divided into parts, the dining area is separated from the living room. The free space on the panel is useful for installing decorative elements, flowers and climbing plants. The remaining area can be filled with fixtures from other rooms, which are usually not kept in the kitchen.

A large number of hooks can be added to the surface with holes; This will significantly increase its functionality.

Perforated wall panel in the kitchen

Baskets and Boxes

These small storages will help sort items. They can also be trellised. Cutlery, sometimes small kitchen appliances and all that can overload the surface are put in baskets. Baskets and boxes are placed in openings, on the surface under the kitchen facade, on the headset, on the refrigerator, under the table and in niches. Special boxes and baskets for a dining table are on sale: for salt shakers, pepperboxes, closed bread bins. Some baskets can be combined into one system, which will be convenient to carry. Hanging baskets will improve ergonomics and increase the utility of space. In the technical part of the kitchen, you can use a regular box as a garbage container. Baskets and boxes will organically fit into the Provence and loft style, as well as in the traditional kitchen interior.

Baskets in the kitchen

Baskets are a great place to store:

  • spices;
  • vegetables;
  • fruit
  • vessels.

Cabinet along the wall Vegetables in baskets Wooden furniture in the interior Baskets in the table Bottles in a basket

Mobile table

This is a table with drawers, equipped with wheels. It can be used as an impromptu table for meals; or in the role of a serving table and place under the usual dining room. Such furniture will allow you to store all the most necessary things for cooking and decorating the festive table.Mobile kitchen table is intended not only for the kitchen. It is used to transport ready-made dishes, set in other rooms as a festive table. Some table tables have an additional retractable section so that legs can be extended under it. In some furniture designs, one of the drawers can be pulled into a long table. This is the best option to save space. An ordinary mobile pedestal will also save space, because it can be moved from place to place in search of an optimal arrangement.

Mobile kitchen tableBeige walls in the interior Towel on a hanger Tiles in the kitchen Striped floor mat Picture on the wall

Closed storage systems

Do not load the surface with a lot of utensils. The bulk of the fixtures should be contained in the furniture set. Closed structures are equipped with various mechanisms to increase the usable volume. Manufacturers equip them with static and pull-out elements: tables, which can be an alternative to conventional ones, dryers that allow you to place wet dishes. Folding trays, corner systems that open with a “train”, internal compartments, special sections with molds, nested drawers, partitions, moving and mobile sections - all these devices must contain a universal kitchen set. Modern furniture is equipped with “thoughtful” shelves and cameras to avoid chaotic piles of utensils. In such conditions it is easier to clean up and maintain cleanliness.

Closed storage systems in the kitchenModular picture in the interior Granite floor Interior with red furniture Flower pot on the floor Table and chairs by the window

Corner Storage

In such systems, rotary mechanisms are commonly used. Shelves and trays can be rolled out individually or one after another. This is a great solution for a small kitchen. The corner system is driven by the opening of a door or drawer with an internal angle. A garbage bin is sometimes placed in the corner of a furniture set: this is not the most rational way to use such a design.Some corner devices are equipped with high cargo: they are narrow, but suitable for storing elongated objects, bottles. The interior of the corner structure may comprise a two-tier structure with round shelves. Bulky pots and pans are stored here. Lattice shelves are preferable to conventional ones. Corner systems are improved every year, there are rotating elements, devices for automatically raising the lid of the bin.

Corner storage system in the kitchen

Cupboards and lockers

These are traditional elements of a kitchen set for storing a large number of appliances, accessories and food. In the absence of another suitable place, they store containers with drinks, including wines, juices, water. Various utensils are kept in the lower drawers, cutlery and spices are placed a little higher, and in the upper zone they contain food products that could not find a place in the refrigerator. In kitchen cabinets there are special sections for different accessories. Some models do not have doors, and this has its advantages. Cabinets take up a lot of space, so when designing, you should think about the recesses for embedding furniture. Hanging cabinets are a traditional component of kitchen facades. Their main qualities should be spaciousness and convenient location.

Buffet in the kitchen

Functions that buffets perform:

  1. Placement of decorating elements.
  2. Food storage.
  3. Placing sets of dishes.

Indoor tree Decorative plates on the wall Fresco in the kitchen Pillow on the bench Arch in the interior

Drawers with dividers and extra compartments

In modern kitchen systems, drawers with dividers are increasingly found. They are designed to help in organizing the internal space, grouping accessories into categories. Sections are made different in height and area. Some drawers are equipped with additional compartments in the form of molds for storing cutlery: spoons, forks and knives. They are motionless and mobile.Some retractable surfaces are a grid for placing wet dishes. Extendable tables are another feature of the extendable sections. Boxes can have a horizontal or vertical configuration. In the second case, all compartments are high, the bottom is larger than the rest. In such a narrow space it is convenient to store bottles and other vessels. In some retractable structures, all sections are connected as a whole.

Drawers with dividers and extra compartments in the kitchen

Arrangement of a pantry in a kitchen niche

Kitchen recesses serve as a place for additional appliances and decorative ornaments. Large deep niches can actually be converted into a mini-pantry. And if the niche is a full-fledged room in the wall, then it’s worth storing all kinds of household appliances, as well as bottles, large kitchen appliances, various baskets, twists for the winter. The main furniture elements can be shelving and open cabinets, wall and hanging shelves. A large kitchen pantry is sometimes fenced with a curtain or a sliding door. Walls must be equipped with additional hooks and stands. A large railing system with wide functionality will not be superfluous. The pantry in the kitchen will help to organize the entire room, will make it possible to free the usual pantry in the corridor to increase the living space, etc.

Pantry in a niche in the kitchenMosaic apron Orchid on the table Electric stove in the kitchen Niche dishes Cabinet with built-in microwave in the interior

Storage hints and lifehacks

The first interesting life hack is a small cabinet on wheels for a small kitchen. It can be hidden under the dining table. Second tip: buy desktops with optional retractable worktops. Another interesting life hack is to set up a trash bin instead of a bucket. Its function will be performed by one of the lower desktop drawers. During food processing, you can open it with your foot and throw everything unnecessary directly from the table.You can also make a hole in the table with a lid, and place a trash can under it - another way to quickly remove garbage. Corner structures rolled out by a “train” are a great example of how to effectively use a corner of a room and facilitate access to distant places inside furniture. Another useful tip is to use greaseproof surfaces to finish your kitchen apron.

Other life hacks:

  1. Make a kitchen table in the form of a bar counter and place a large number of dishes, appliances and other accessories on the side and top.
  2. Attach large, wide-necked round containers to the walls.

Kitchen with a breakfast bar

Set up main storage areas in the work area

Directly under the stove can be a drawer for pots and pans. If it is not, then the most used ones are best kept in the oven. The dishes can be placed on shelves under the facade. Cereals, spices, pasta, graters, boards, as well as cooking appliances are placed in wall cabinets. Additional hinged baskets can hold the remaining accessories. If the dishes in the nightstands are placed randomly, then additional insert shelves will be needed. On the table of the working area, it is permissible to keep a small amount of dishes, various mugs. It is desirable to equip all boxes with a small backlight, if it is not provided by the manufacturer. On the lower surface of the facade you can install several magnetic elements on which jars with iron covers or other metal objects will be suspended.

A simple rule applies in the work area: the fewer objects on an open surface, the better.

Storage location in the working area of ​​the kitchen

Store items / products by category

Items for different purposes are constantly mixed together. The order may also be disturbed due to the beautiful appearance, requiring a “game" of shapes and colors. To organize effective work in the kitchen, boxes, containers, organizers, various containers, bags with zippers and vacuum bags will help. Food in the refrigerator also needs to be sorted, to select a place for them to quickly get the right products.Decide exactly how you want to group your kitchenware. It is recommended to divide them into main groups: dishes, containers for cooking, food, drinks, seasonings, household appliances, cleaning appliances. Each of these categories needs to be divided into several subgroups. You need to be guided by the shape, size, purpose, frequency of use.

Storage by Category

Use square shaped trays, containers, boxes, and dividers

A square is the most compact form of all parallelepiped shapes, so this method of storage will be the most economical. Cutlery is placed in the trays, but there are also special sections for bottles, pans, tools and products. Spices, salt are stored in small square boxes, various utensils, household appliances, tools in large ones. Square containers can contain raw cereals and legumes or cooked food: cereals, sandwiches, soups. Use containers everywhere: in all cupboards, cupboards, on tables, and in the refrigerator. Allow space for storing empty containers. Separators are another way to separate different categories of objects from each other. With their help, you can create makeshift compartments. The main advantage is the ability to change the resulting structure, if necessary.

Container

Vertical storage

It can be implemented through vertical storage systems, hanging shelves, vertical drives, etc. Small rooms “need” such an arrangement. Vertical systems are open or closed structures with several levels of shelves. For small kitchens, systems with narrow shelves and vertical placement of items: dishes, cookbooks, etc. are needed. Shelves on chains and vertical storage rings are another successful solution for small rooms, including from an aesthetic point of view.The contents of the systems must be placed depending on the frequency of use and mass. The heaviest items are placed below. Above place frequently used. On the upper tiers put those things that are used less often. At the very top is an ideal place for decorative elements, as well as wines and spins.

Vertical storage in the kitchen

Use non-standard storage locations.

You can additionally equip the space under the wall cabinets with open hanging shelves. Add a magnetic strip to the bottom surface of the furniture hinges to place metal objects. To the bottom of the cabinet, you can attach the jars with the lids up. The cabinet doors are an ideal place to create additional usable space. Equip them from the outside and inside with small shelves, and a lot of space will be freed up in the kitchen. The organization of the interior of the furniture requires a special approach. There are various organizers and drawers on sale. Something similar can be done independently. The ends of the furniture set are the best place to place vertical pull-out systems. You can install hooks on the outer walls of the furniture. Place a structure above the dining table to place wine glasses and other glass products. Some products can be stored in recesses in tables, such models are commercially available.

Non-standard storage locations in the kitchen

Integrate drawers into the base of the kitchen

If such an option is not provided by the manufacturer, then consider making boxes yourself. They can be purchased, and installation work done by yourself. Fill in the additional volume at your own discretion. It is not customary to put food containers in the basement drawers, the rest of the restrictions apply only to size and shape. This is an ideal place for large flat objects: baking sheets, boards, pans, cooking magazines. Some place there molds for feeding pets. Make a compartment for accessories in the base.Basement drawers are a great place for retractable systems. Decide whether the base will be converted into drawers, preferably before buying furniture. Too low a lower tier (less than 15 cm) can become an obstacle to such changes.

Kitchen with drawers in the base

Organize a space under the sink

You can’t place there that is “afraid” of water or dirt. Keep here all the household chemicals that are in the kitchen. Arrange retractable sections to neatly place all items. Keep spray guns, containers with detergents, etc. in them. The edges of the boxes should be laminated or sealed with electrical tape. The lower part is recommended to protect the pallet. If the pipe starts to leak, it will protect neighboring compartments from water. Also install towel racks. The trash can needs to be fixed on the sliding mechanism. Almost all modern furniture has such a device. Some retractable systems open the lid of the bin while opening the door. If there are no shelves on the doors, then attach at least one. It will come in handy when the section is full of containers. One of the doors is recommended to be kept open.

Storage space under the sink

Sink organizer

When using the washbasin, water falls on the surface on which the food is processed for subsequent cooking. If you attach a mobile organizer to the edge of the table, then work in this area will be more convenient and comfortable. Brushes, sponges and detergent should be placed in the organizer, and two towels can be hung on a special handle: for hands and a table. Designs are usually equipped with a special hook-holder for jewelry, rings, etc. To choose the right organizer, pay attention to such things as fastening, size, the presence of a special container with a dispenser. If the purchase is guided by the correct criteria, then the device will be securely attached to the table and immediately contain everything you need for washing dishes and cleaning surfaces.Some organizer models are mounted on a tap.

Sink organizer

Plug-in shelves and whatnots

If the dishes are stored randomly, and there are no additional sections in the furniture set, then insert shelves should play the role of organizer. Single shelves put up in several tiers. For storing bottles use tilted shelves with diamond-shaped sections. You can make a simple system with your own hands. Shelves can also benefit. Hanging models are placed in the corner. The functional purpose of such shelves is limited to removing a certain amount of objects from the tables. Varieties in the form of a small mobile table with baskets in several levels are worth buying. You can free up space under a mobile shelf at any time. In addition, it is designed to transport food; can play the role of an impromptu dining table. Spices, preserves and dressings are stored in baskets.

To create a simple system of insert shelves you will need:

  • screwdriver;
  • jigsaw;
  • boards;
  • screws;
  • paint.

Insert shelves

Use of space above cabinets

The upper part of the kitchen is useful for placing watches, decor items, photo frames, bottles, spins. The space above the cabinets and the refrigerator is hard to reach, so you should get a small folding ladder. The role of storage can be assigned to portable boxes. You can make something like mezzanines above the kitchen facade. The ability to make partitions and fasten the doors is enough. If there are no excess objects on the surface, then you can do decorative arrangement. The upper zone is decorated with flowerpots, figurines, photo frames and various boxes. Do not place objects close to the thermal zone (located above the stove). It is inappropriate to store things for personal use here. The upper tier should be well lit. Small original table lamps, as well as built-in spotlights, are suitable.

Storage space above the cabinet in the kitchenDoormat in the work area Dishes in the cabinet Bamboo window blinds Turquoise apron in a white interior Shelf paintings

Get furniture with built-in storage

Do not hesitate, multifunctional furniture is the best solution for the kitchen. Small-sized kitchens require rational use of space, large ones require competent organization. Buy tables with pedestals, but with enough free space below. In the small kitchen, buy a table with concave sides. The table in the food preparation area should have special storage places for shovels, pans, towels, kitchen potholders, dishes. Do not mix together all the kitchen utensils. Among floor-mounted headset elements, you only need a refrigerator; avoid bulky sideboards. There is no need to make hooks in the working apron if the facade above it is equipped with additional lower shelves. It is desirable that all furniture has specialized zones and sections, various forms, supports, shelves. Large size is acceptable only if the functionality is up to standard.

Kitchen furniture with built-in storage

Proper storage in the refrigerator

There are several basic and many additional rules regarding the storage of food in the refrigerator. Different types of products designed for storage in the freezer are usually kept separately. This applies to meat, fish, ice cream, semi-finished products. The drawers of the main chamber are filled with vegetables, herbs and eggs. Refills are placed in the door shelves. Pots and pans with prepared dishes are kept on the upper shelves. The lower ones are for the rest. They store milk, cheeses, yogurts, fruits, sausages, chocolate, mushrooms. Refrigerator manufacturers equip them with a large number of devices for storing different types of products: molds for eggs, bottles, bulk and flat mobile containers for sandwiches and ready-made dishes. In the refrigerator you need to clean up from time to time, wipe the surface.

Do not store such products in the refrigerator:

  • pastries;
  • legumes;
  • cereals.

Food in the refrigerator

Conclusion

In the kitchen, every meter of space plays an important role. However, do not throw away old dishes if they can still come in handy. One should also not avoid buying new appliances and equipment necessary for cooking. All that is required is to correctly organize the space. Despite the fact that when designing apartments for the kitchen, a minimal area is allotted, giving priority to other rooms, it can be made comfortable and roomy. Additional elements will be needed: open and closed storage systems, and if necessary, then home-made elements. Buying storage systems for the kitchen will cost a relatively small amount. The saved money can be spent on the purchase of household appliances for the kitchen. Do not forget about harmony in the interior. Both cold and warm color palettes are appropriate, the final selection depends on the taste of the owner.



Graduated from St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technology and Design. More than 100 completed design projects.


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