Maybe you’re working with a small kitchen, or maybe you’re an avid cook whose storage is already bursting at the seams. Whatever your situation, you’re in need of some space-saving ideas.

Your kitchen is one of the most populated areas in your whole house. It’s the heart of your home, and that means there’s a lot going on in there!

Cluttered countertops and disorganized shelves mean chaos. That chaos means far less space for you to work with. To balance that equation, we need to save some space.

Enter: this list! I’ve put together a collection of twenty-nine genius space-saving kitchen hacks to help you maximize the space in your kitchen.

1. Over the Door Pantry Storage

Source: @bookgirlcreations

One of the least-utilized spots in the kitchen is hiding in your pantry. More specifically, on your pantry door! This is a vertical space-saving hack that gives you shelves and shelves of space to work with.

These over-the-door wire baskets are a great way to make use of this vertical space without doing any serious DIY.

2.Vertical Storage

Source: @thesavvyspace

One of the simplest ways to save space in your kitchen cupboards or drawers is to stack your pans vertically! Seriously, this is such an underrated choice, and makes such a difference.

The easiest way to do this is to use a rack or divider like this one to hold the pans up on their sides.

3. Pull Out Drawers

Source: @coffeepancakesdreams

Have you ever seen on-shelf drawers like this? They’re such a great way to create space while efficiently sorting your pantry items by category. You can pull the drawers out to reach the back without moving things.

4. Corner Cabinets

Source: @theneatandtidyspace

It’s so easy to lose space in corner cabinets. It’s almost impossible to reach into the dark back corners and find ingredients easily. Not to mention, it’s so frustrating when you forget important things back there!

Don’t worry, there’s an easy solution. Reclaim those forgotten spaces with a lazy Susan. I love this acrylic one because it’s so easy to clean. 

5. Kitchen Cart

Source: @itskatiedickens

One of my favorite ideas on this list is to invest in an affordable kitchen cart on casters! Since this is on wheels, it’s so easy to move to free spaces in your kitchen.

If you like, you can pick one up that has built-in counter space on top. This gives you even more surface area to work with.

6. Extra Wall Unit

Source: @renovating_no_39_liverpool

If you’re working with minimal storage space or a small kitchen, it’s time to find space on your walls. Vertical space on your walls is perfect, especially if you want to display some of your best dishware.

Installing an extra wall unit won’t take you more than a few hours. But it’s worth all the effort in the world, trust me.

7. Ladder Shelf Storage

Source: @interiors71

If you’re living in a rental or don’t feel like mounting a full shelf unit, there’s another way to make use of all that wall space: a ladder! Specifically, a ladder shelf like this one.

This is an unobtrusive, but decorative shelf that slots into kitchens of all sizes. Highly recommend. Check this one out!

8. Corner Shelf for Counter Top

Source: @homedecormagic

Countertops are a great source of space in kitchens. Most people just put their appliances on the counters, but with the right accessories, you can create some additional space for mugs or dishes.

For example, this adorable French-style wrought iron shelf is perfect for a cozy kitchen addition.

9. Floating Shelves

Source: @ourforevertnfarmhouse

The space around your stove and extractor is the perfect place to add some floating shelves!

Whether you want to add some decorative elements to your kitchen or simply stack some dishes, this is a great solution.

10. Hang Utensils

Source: @littlerenohouse

Lacking drawer or counter space, but need a spot for your cooking utensils? These are things that we pick up all the time, so it’s important to make them as accessible as possible.

That’s why I love this idea. All you need to do is attach some hooks to the bottom of some floating shelves, and you’re golden.

Key rails like these actually work beautifully for this!

11. Under Sink Door Pocket Storage

Source: @thekeyshome_

Much like the idea that started this whole list, this under-sink door pocket idea uses the extra space hiding on the inside of a door. In this case, it’s the door on your under-sink cupboard!

This is so simple and cost-effective, but makes such a difference. Organize your cleaning supplies with ease with a couple of hooks and some basic hooked baskets.

12. Lazy Susan

Source: @perfectpantriesproject

Lazy Susans are one of the most versatile storage solutions for any kitchen. Whether you’re putting it on your countertop or using it to get all the space out of a corner in your pantry, you can’t miss out on this.

I love using Lazy Susans to store oils and other liquids for easy access.

13. Hang Pots and Pans

Source: @no.seventeen___

Limited kitchen space can be rough, but one of the best ways to maximize your storage is to use your ceiling! I’m in love with kitchen rails because they make pots and pans so accessible.

You can hang pretty much anything you want on these hooks. Make sure you mount this as sturdily as possible!

14. Custom Pan Drawer

Source: @petesquared23

Looking for a way to store your pots and pans that doesn’t dominate three cupboards’ worth of space? Consider installing a custom pan drawer! This is a larger DIY, but it’s worth it for how much space you save.

You can plan the drawer to suit your unique cookware as well, which is a major benefit.

15. Drawer Dividers

Source: @thecheshirekitchenco

If you’re not ready to plan an entire new installation in your kitchen, a simpler way to get a similar effect could be to use drawer dividers. These create individual spaces for different kinds of cookware.

Not only does this make stacking your cookware easier, but it also means you’ll keep the different tools organized for longer! I call that a win-win. Try dividers like these for an easy Saturday DIY.

16. Narrow Drawer

Source: @imaginehomeorganization

Do you have one of those weird narrow drawers in your kitchen? They’re generally supposed to be used for breadboards and other narrow cookware… but that’s not all they’re good for.

With the right DIY installations, you can transform a narrow drawer into the perfect storage spot. For example, this idea uses ‘cupholders’ to make distinct spaces for cooking utensils. Genius!

17. Hidden Drawer

Source: @stacyssavings

What’s better than a drawer? A drawer within a drawer, of course! Keep your kitchen looking sleek and minimalistic while maximizing storage space with a hidden drawer like this one. 

Seriously, this takes about thirty minutes to put together as part of a remodel. Just add some runners, slot the drawer in, and get organizing.

18. Kitchen Island with Storage

Source: classyclutter.net

If you’re ready to jump into a full-on renovation, then you can’t go past a kitchen island! If you have the floor space to justify a kitchen island, it’s one of the best ways to save on storage and add surface area.

Not to mention, it adds a natural gathering area to the middle of the kitchen to make it extra homey.

19. Kitchen Island Side Rail

Source: @our_1930srenovation_story

Looking for a quick and easy solution to all those extra kitchen towels? Take twenty minutes out of your Sunday morning to install a side rail on your kitchen island or cabinet. Then you can hang those towels!

I love this style of kitchen rail because it’s super easy to install.

20. Door Spice Rack

Source: @thehomediary_

Working with limited pantry space or need a new spot for your spice rack? Make one on the inside of your pantry door! This takes no time at all and is super cost-effective.

All you need are some small acrylic shelves like these, your spice jars, and an hour or so to complete the project.

21. Floor to Ceiling Cupboards

Source: @shelley_cottage

One of the best ways to introduce more space into a small kitchen is to switch out low cupboards for a floor-to-ceiling installation. This is slightly more intense than some of the other ideas on this list.

However, it really delivers on space! All that vertical real estate is available for the taking.

22. Mug Holder

Source: @misstashas_home

Something as simple as including a metal mug holder like this on your kitchen counter can save you a lot of drawer space. Minimize your mug collection to just your favorites, then stack them near your coffee stuff.

The result is a decorative display of your favorite dishware, and a cleaned-out drawer you can use for something else.

23. Multi-Tiered Dish Rack

Source: @lloyd.kahn

Here’s a more rustic idea for anyone who loves the farmhouse aesthetic: a multi-tiered dish rack! This is a super practical addition to a small kitchen, especially one without a dishwasher.

All you have to do is pop your rinsed dishes on the shelves, let them dry, and store them exactly where you left them.

24. Kitchen Side Table

Source: @dileklifestyle

Many smaller modern apartments skimp on counter space in kitchens to save on cost. But that means you get to expand yours with ease! All you need is a kitchen side table.

Grab a table with built-in shelving underneath it to add more storage and surface space to your layout. If you can find a table with drawers, that’s even better.

25.  Under Sink Storage

Source: @cutenlittle

I’m a firm believer in a well-organized under sink space. There’s something so soothing about opening those doors to find pure uncluttered harmony waiting in what’s usually a chaotic space.

Luckily, it’s easy to create an under sink storage solution with some acrylic stackers like these.

26. Open Shelves – wall storage

Source: @mycradleofdreams

Looking for a way to highlight the best parts of your cozy kitchen while adding some storage space? Try adding some open shelves to any free walls. I love box shelves because they give you two levels for stacking.

You can pick up classic silhouettes from any thrift store and refurbish them for a super cozy vibe.

27. Wall Storage

Source: @minniemason

If the cozy vibe isn’t quite for you, this is a more minimal take that suits an industrial aesthetic. Metal rods with magnets and s-hooks are super affordable and look amazing when carefully installed.

Love the look of an industrial kitchen? Then this one is for you.

28. Rolling Kitchen Island

Source: jenwoodhouse.com

Kitchen islands are fantastic if you have the space, but not all kitchens have the room for a built-in island! But you can accomplish the same effect with a rolling kitchen island, casters and all.

If you want to build your own it won’t take more than a day to do for the experienced DIY-er. But you can also pick up ready-to-assemble versions like this one.

29. Pull Out Extension

Source: @ourslowhouse

Finally, here’s the ultimate small-kitchen hack: pull-out counter space! This looks like a drawer right below your standard counter, but it’s designed to slide away when you’re not using it.

IKEA is a great place to look for this kind of installation, but you can also find one here.