If you are stressed out trying to find storage space for all your cooking essentials – here are 27 genius storage ideas for a small kitchen.

I have found innovative homeowners and designers who use hanging racks, vertical stands, carts with wheels, DIY kitchen islands, and other great ideas to easily and cost-effectively create space.

Let’s take a closer look and have fun sorting out the problem!

1. Magnetic Storage

Source: thediymommy.com

My first genius idea is sure to stick! Magnetic storage is easy to install, versatile, very cost-effective, and makes use of the wasted space on the side of your fridge.

Get started with a fabulous 4 pack magnetic spice rack like this. You can also add magnetic bottle holders, magnetic hooks for utensils, and even magnetic soft storage pockets.

2. Pegboard

Source: @mimiminacozinha

Are you short on cabinet space? Look to your walls!

A pegboard is a fantastic way to turn an empty wall into a versatile storage area, giving you easy access to all your kitchen essentials while keeping everything neat and tidy.

3. Rail to Hang Mugs

Source: @lottaaliving

Mugs take up loads of valuable cabinet space, and you don’t have any to waste in a small kitchen.

Hang your mugs on a wall using a 12 hook mug rail like this. Your designer mugs will make an attractive display and are easy to access when you need a quick cup of coffee.

4. Wall Cabinet

Source: @imma_galiana

As I said before, walls offer unlimited space for storage!

I love this cottage-style wooden wall cabinet – It makes the kitchen feel so cozy and offers loads of shelf space.

The wall cabinet can be used for functional storage and the glass panels allow you to display your treasured ornaments or collectibles.

You must see these kitchen cabinet storage ideas!

5. Pull Out Spice Rack Drawer

Source: @lozi_designs

This is such a cool storage idea for a small kitchen. The narrow pull out spice rack slots neatly into a small vertical space that would otherwise be wasted.

All your spices can now be taken off the countertops, giving you more space to cook up a delicious MasterChef-style meal.

6. Add Floating Shelves

Source: @minimalniee

Floating shelves are easy to install and instantly give you storage space, accessibility, and create an attractive focal point on a wall.

The natural wood texture of these floating shelves blends in so well with a rustic, farmhouse, barnyard, or cottage-style décor theme.

7. Pegboard

Source: @robyns__nest_

Here is another great pegboard idea with a difference – this one is a stunning dark color that really makes the colored mugs pop. Very artistic!

Pegboards are easy to mount and instantly offer loads of hanging space. Use them for mugs, utensils, cheese boards, breadboards, colanders, wine glasses, strainers, alarm clocks …..

8. All Across the Wall Cabinets

Source: @mansremonts

The key to maximizing space in a small kitchen is to use every inch! This very sophisticated design features all across the wall cabinets creating the illusion of extending the kitchen.

The homeowner has loads of storage space both above and below her worktop. I am absolutely captivated by this elegant design!

9. Kitchen Cart

Source: @_peace_corners_

A kitchen cart on wheels is the ultimate storage idea for a small kitchen.

I love carts because they can be wheeled around and placed where I need them – next to the stove or my island, in a corner, or even rolled out to the dinner table.

Visit IKEA for a great selection of carts or take a look at this well-priced 3-tier rolling cart from Amazon.

10. Fold Out Table

Source: bhg.com

Here is a great DIY project for the family to build on a rainy weekend. Small kitchens don’t allow the luxury of a table, so let’s make a fold out one!

Not only is this a table, but it is also a cabinet offering space for linens, cookbooks, dishes, or collectibles.

And, by painting the underside with chalk paint, you have a writing board in your kitchen for a to-do list, an inspirational quote, or a short message.

11. Kitchen Island Storage

Source: @charleeneshouses

Take a look underneath your kitchen island – do you see open space? Maximize it by installing sleek cabinets, convenient drawers, and handy pull out shelves to create storage and enhance your style.

Head off to the dollar store for a bargain, take a look at modular IKEA cabinet units, or embark on a DIY project with the family to create kitchen island storage.

12. Under the Kitchen Sink

Source: @the.organizedhome

Under the kitchen sink is not usually a place you want to visit! But, with these innovative ideas, you can turn it into a valuable storage area.

Choose clear plastic bins like these, add some easy-to-read labels, and you have a neatly organized space under the kitchen sink.

You need to see these other ways to organize under the kitchen sink!

13. Make the most of your Kitchen Drawers

Source: @theorganized.de

My kitchen drawers were chaotic until I discovered this great storage idea for a small kitchen!

Get a matching set of storage canisters like these and fill them with your cereals, snacks, biscuits, spices, nuts, raisins, candies, and more. Add labels and you will make the most of your kitchen drawers.

14. Magnetic Knife Rack

Source: 17apart.com

How often have you been cut trying to get sharp knives out of a drawer? Many times – I say!

This fun DIY project displays your knives in style and keeps your hands safe. The innovative designer has used an old pallet board, a Forstner drill bit, and some inexpensive magnets to create a very stylish rustic magnetic knife rack.

Give it a try!

15. Maximize Pantry Storage

Source: @our_sjdhome

When your pantry is disorganized, you are wasting loads of space – so let’s tidy up and make use of every inch.

To keep dry goods neat and accessible the owner has chosen to use versatile and attractive air-tight storage containers like these.

I love the revolving Lazy Susan for the oils and vinegars and the broken slate that she uses as base for her utensil holder. Very creative!

16. Hang Everything Above

Source: @lagune_blanche

Look up for storage inspiration! If you have a small kitchen, this is a fabulous idea.

Mount a hanging rail above your countertops or kitchen island. If you choose a heavy-duty rail, it will be strong enough to hold pots, pans, colanders, sieves, and larger utensils.

Luvin’ the vintage copper pots!

17. DIY Rolling Kitchen Island

Source: realitydaydream.com

Earlier I mentioned rolling kitchen carts, but this idea takes rolling to the next level!

This amazing DIY project builds a rolling kitchen island complete with countertop space, a pull out cabinet, storage shelves, and a dedicated shelf for a microwave. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

Finish the look with woven baskets like these from Amazon.

18. Over the door pantry storage

Source: @bookgirlcreations

This is a fast and easy idea to create storage without installation, drilling, or building. Simply mount over the door pantry storage …. over your door!

A sturdy door organizer like this offers adjustable baskets that can hold a variety of pantry items, freeing up shelf space and giving your pantry a well-organized look and feel.

Check out these other ways to increase storage on doors.

19. Shelf Risers

Source: @sophisticatedorganization

Here is another genius storage idea – shelf risers! Why be limited to one surface when you can create additional levels?

Shelf risers like these are budget-friendly and hassle-free. Position them to suit your space and you will instantly have more surfaces for storing your pantry essentials.

20. Corner Space Shelves

Source: @by_anitarussell

In a small kitchen, a corner offers a valuable opportunity to create storage space. Look at how neat and functional these corner shelves are.

I love how the homeowner has mounted more than one, creating a focal point with height and depth.

21. Use Vertical Space to Hang Mugs

Source: @lifeat_rosecottage

Mugs take up loads of space in a cabinet and are not items you can stack easily! (I have tried it and the whole lot toppled onto the floor – not very smart).

A vertical mug holder makes great use of a small space. Choose a stylish free-standing mug holder tree unit like this or mount a mug holder on a wall.

22. Use Above Fridge and Cabinet Space

Source: @fedesfotos

Don’t let the space above your fridge or cabinets become a home for dust.

These empty spaces can be used to store or display kitchen essentials. If you can’t reach high up (like me!), use a small set of steps to help you get to the items.

23. Add IKEA Ivar Shelving Unit

Source: @hillo.hajar

I can’t talk about organizing without mentioning IKEA. The IVAR System of wooden shelves from IKEA can be mixed and matched to suit your needs.

This homeowner has used the classic shelf as is – simple, easy, functional, and really pleasing to look at!

Check out these other smart IKEA kitchen hacks!

24. Extra Shelf Above the Sink

Source: @withmaiki

Still looking for more storage space in a small kitchen? How about installing an extra shelf above the sink?

So few kitchens have this design and it just makes sense. Mount a small shelf to hold spices, canned goods, mugs, tea cups, or some lovely vintage glass canisters like these filled with treats.

25. Window Sill Space

Source: @tobyshome

Another often overlooked storage space in a small kitchen is the window sill.

Window sills are perfect for storing larger items and displaying luscious potted plants. Just make sure the full sunlight won’t harm whatever you choose to place there.

26. Rail to Hang Appliances

Source: @by_anitarussell

Appliances are bulky and take up space. Get them off your countertop and onto a rail. A sturdy wall-mounted rail can hold pots, pans, utensils, wooden cutting boards, and more.

This homeowner has used a small side wall that would otherwise have been wasted space.

27. Use Floor to Ceiling space

Source: @bobbincottage

For a total small kitchen makeover, you need to use floor to ceiling space. I am enchanted by this bright, pretty, and sunny kitchen!

The floor to ceiling wall unit offers open shelves, pull out drawers, closed cabinets, and a countertop for working. How lovely are the cute cut-out hearts at the top?