Best Small Kitchen Storage Ideas IKEA Makes Possible

Last Updated on July 15, 2026 by La Casa Almodovar

Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality, especially in the kitchen. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from our 64-square-foot kitchen, it’s that smart storage solutions can transform even the tiniest cooking space into something truly functional and beautiful. Fortunately, there are tons of small kitchen storage ideas IKEA makes possible that maximize every inch of available space without breaking the bank.

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En Nuestra Casa

At this point you know we are diehard IKEA and DIY fans. What we can’t DIY, we IKEA, and vice versa. Our kitchen has probably been the best example of this, where we have everything from professionally-installed ceramic tiles to DIY’ed pull-out cabinet drawers and IKEA organizer containers.

Honestly, one of my favorite areas to wander at IKEA is the kitchen section because they just have so many options and ideas to make a small kitchen feel big. Everything from a clever pull-out surface to smart ways to maximize space on the back of a cabinet door and great use of vertical space for an optimized functional kitchen. I hope this post inspires you to embrace your own small kitchen and start imagining the possibilities!

Why IKEA Is Perfect for Small Kitchen Storage Ideas

When it comes to making the most of limited kitchen space, IKEA has consistently proven itself as a go-to resource for affordable, practical, and stylish solutions. Their products are designed with small spaces in mind, making them perfect for urban apartments like ours. Even if you don’t have much space, there are tons of ways you can maximize tight corners and cupboard space with well-planned storage and simple design to make your kitchen feel bigger.

What makes IKEA’s small kitchen storage ideas particularly effective is their modular nature. You can mix and match different components to create a customized storage system that fits your specific needs. Additionally, many of their products serve multiple functions, which is essential when every square inch counts.

Maximizing Vertical Space with Wall-Mounted Solutions

One of the best ways to add storage without sacrificing precious floor space is to look up. Vertical storage is a game-changer in a tiny kitchen, and IKEA offers several wall-mounted options that make excellent use of otherwise wasted wall space.

Wall-Mounted Spice Racks: A Kitchen Essential in small kitchen storage ideas IKEA

We absolutely love the IKEA wall-mounted spice rack in our kitchen. These simple wooden racks are not only perfect for keeping spices within easy reach while cooking, but they’re also incredibly versatile. As you can see in our photos, we have two wooden spice racks mounted on our subway tile backsplash, each holding six uniform spice jars with labels. These racks take up no drawer or counter space while keeping our most-used seasonings perfectly organized and accessible.

Furthermore, these spice racks don’t have to be limited to spices. I’ve seen them used in various parts of a home to store everything from small plants to children’s books. At around $5 each, they’re an affordable small kitchen storage idea IKEA offers that can be used throughout your home.

White kitchen stove in front of a subway tiled wall with wall-mounted IKEA spice racks. — The IKEA spice racks were one of our first (and best!) small kitchen purchases.

Smart Uses for IKEA Picture Ledges

Another versatile wall-mounted solution is IKEA’s picture ledge. While designed for displaying art and photos, these narrow shelves work perfectly in the kitchen for storing small jars, cooking oils, or even cookbooks. The small lip prevents items from falling off, making them ideal for frequently used kitchen items you want visible and in easy reach.

Drawer Organizers: The Secret to Tidy Cabinets

Drawers can quickly become chaotic catch-all spaces, especially in a smaller kitchen where you’re trying to fit many items into limited drawer space. IKEA’s drawer organizers are essential for maintaining order and making the most of every inch.

Customizable Cutlery Trays

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, IKEA offers modular cutlery trays that can be customized to fit your specific drawer dimensions. This small kitchen storage idea IKEA pioneered allows you to create a perfect fit for your utensils while maximizing every bit of drawer space.

Smart Solutions for Deep Drawers

Deep drawers are great for storage capacity but can become problematic when smaller items get lost at the back. IKEA’s drawer dividers create sections within large drawers, keeping items separated and visible. In our kitchen, we’ve transformed what was once an abyss into a highly functional storage space by adding pull-out drawers within our cabinet. This solution has made it so much easier to access items that would otherwise be lost in the depths of a deep cabinet.

Clear Containers: Visibility Meets Organization with small kitchen storage ideas IKEA

One of the smartest small kitchen storage ideas IKEA offers is their extensive range of clear containers. Transparent storage isn’t just aesthetically pleasing—it’s also highly practical, allowing you to see exactly what you have at a glance. And to be honest, seeing everything you have tends to make you want to own less, which helps with the whole small space situation!

IKEA’s 365+ Food Storage Containers

We use IKEA’s clear glass air-tight jars for storing dry goods in our pull-out kitchen cabinet drawers. As you can see in our photos, these containers create a uniform, organized look while keeping staples like pasta, rice, and snacks visible and fresh.

When items are visible, you’re less likely to buy duplicates or forget about ingredients hiding at the back of a cabinet. This visibility actually helps reduce food waste—you can clearly see what needs to be used up before it expires.

Two wooden pull-out drawers display stacked plastic containers, jars, and small appliances, maximizing vertical storage space. — We use IKEA’s clear glass storage containers in our drawers for things like cocoa powder and semolina flour.

Open kitchen shelves showcasing clear storage containers with various ingredients and snacks inside. — We use IKEA’s clear glass storage containers in our drawers for things like cocoa powder and semolina flour.

Innovative Under-Sink Organization

The area under the kitchen sink is often an awkward, underutilized space. IKEA offers several products specifically designed to make the most of this challenging area.

Under-Sink Trash Solutions as small kitchen storage ideas IKEA

We used an under-the-sink trashcan from IKEA for a while as a compost bin, and it was a great way to free up floor space. These compact bins attach to cabinet doors, keeping trash hidden away while remaining easily accessible during the cooking process. This small kitchen storage idea IKEA offers is particularly valuable in tiny kitchens where every bit of floor space counts.

Two lidded trash bins on a pull-out track sit beneath a sink beside mesh organizers and spray bottles in a bright kitchen corner. — We used these in-cabinet bins for compost for a while, and now they hold aprons and cleaning supplies.

Adjustable Shelving Systems

IKEA’s Variera series includes shelf inserts and organizers specifically designed for the awkward space around plumbing beneath sinks. These adjustable solutions allow you to create usable storage in an area that might otherwise be wasted.

Practical Counter-Top Solutions (small kitchen storage ideas IKEA)

When counter space is in short supply, finding small kitchen storage ideas that don’t consume valuable work surfaces is crucial. IKEA offers several options that either minimize the footprint of necessary items or add storage without sacrificing prep space.

Space-Saving Dish Drying Options

We love the IKEA Kvot dish drying rack in our kitchen. This super simple rack doesn’t take up a lot of space visually in our small kitchen but provides ample room for drying dishes. Its minimalist design makes it less obtrusive than bulkier options, which is essential when countertop space is limited.

A compact dish drying rack holds a few clean plates and glasses, set neatly on a wooden countertop in a white tile kitchen. — I always thought I would hate this style of dish rack, but it turns out I’m a huge fan! The IKEA one is really spacious, and the minimal aesthetic gets an A+ from me.

Cork Trivets for Protection and Style

Pretty cork trivets from IKEA look great sitting out on the counter and function well to protect surfaces. These natural, simple accessories can be left out permanently without cluttering the look of your kitchen, serving as both décor and practical protection for your countertops during the cooking process.

Dark cork trivets tucked behind white plates on a white open kitchen shelf. — Sadly IKEA discontinued the large cork trivets years ago. We use them all the time, and they’ve held up great!

Creative Use of Unconventional Storage Products

Sometimes the best small kitchen storage ideas IKEA provides come from thinking outside the box and using products in ways they weren’t necessarily designed for.

Wire Mesh Magazine Holders for Produce (small kitchen storage ideas IKEA)

One of our favorite hacks is using IKEA’s wire mesh or metal magazine holders as potato and onion containers. This provides ventilation for these items while keeping them contained and visible. It’s a much more attractive and space-efficient solution than keeping produce in bags or bulky bowls.

Inside a cabinet, a DIY vertical storage insert holds trays and wraps, next to mesh bins and a compact trash bin under the sink. — These wire mesh magazine holders have worked really well for us to store onions, garlic, and potatoes.

Tea Towel Holders for Multiple Uses

IKEA’s simple rail systems designed for tea towels can also hold cooking utensils, pot lids, or even small pots and pans when fitted with hooks. These multi-functional rails make excellent use of wall space and keep frequently used items within easy reach.

IKEA Kitchen Islands and Carts: Extra Space on Wheels

For those who have a bit of floor space to spare, IKEA’s kitchen carts and small islands offer tremendous functionality. Even in a tiny kitchen, a narrow cart can provide valuable additional workspace and storage.

Mobile Storage and Workspace

The beauty of IKEA’s kitchen carts is their mobility. You can wheel them where needed during cooking, then tuck them away when not in use. Many also feature multiple levels, giving you extra storage space for kitchen essentials without permanently consuming floor area.

Alternative Uses for Kitchen Carts

Don’t limit kitchen carts to just the kitchen. These versatile pieces can serve as bar carts in the dining room when entertaining, or even as mobile storage for craft supplies or bathroom items. Their flexibility makes them one of the best ways to add versatile storage to a small home.

Open Shelving (IKEA Kitchen Storage Ideas for small spaces)

Open shelving has become increasingly popular in kitchen design, and for good reason. It makes small spaces feel larger while keeping frequently used items accessible. IKEA offers numerous options for creating functional and attractive open shelving systems.

Finding the Right Balance for your IKEA Kitchen Storage Ideas

As you can see from our kitchen photos, we’ve embraced open shelving with white brackets supporting white shelves against our subway tile backsplash. This creates a light, airy feel while providing ample storage for everyday dishes, glasses, and food staples in clear containers. The key is finding the right balance between open and closed storage to avoid visual clutter.

Styling Open Shelves with IKEA Accessories

IKEA provides many products that help make open shelving both functional and attractive. Their uniform glass jars, white serving pieces, and simple organizational tools create a cohesive look that prevents open shelving from appearing chaotic.

Open shelves in a white kitchen with dishes and clear food storage containers on display. Beneath the shelves is a magnetic knife strip on a white subway tile wall, a metal dish drying rack, and butcher block counter top. — I will almost always vote for open kitchen shelves. They really open up a space (when done well!) and make the room feel larger.

Cabinets (IKEA Kitchen Storage Ideas for small spaces)

If you have existing kitchen cabinets, IKEA offers numerous interior fittings that can transform their functionality without a full renovation.

Shelf Inserts for Extra Levels

Adding IKEA shelf inserts to existing cabinets instantly creates additional levels of storage. This is particularly useful in upper cabinets where vertical space often goes unused. By doubling the number of surfaces, you can store twice as many items in the same cabinet footprint.

Pull-Out Systems for Lower Cabinets

For base cabinets and lower cabinets, IKEA’s pull-out systems bring items from the back into easy reach. These smart solutions prevent the frustration of items getting lost in deep cabinets and make the entire depth of your storage accessible.

An under-sink cabinet with two wooden pull-out drawers reveals a tidy storage setup with food containers and kitchen appliances. — These DIY pull-out kitchen drawers have been so good to us!

The bottom pull-out drawer of a kitchen cabinet is extended, showcasing neatly arranged blenders, pots, and a crockpot. — These DIY pull-out kitchen drawers have been so good to us!

A bird’s eye view of an organized drawer reveals labeled jars, tea tins, plastic containers, and kitchen gadgets arranged efficiently. — The top holds all the random things a kitchen needs, while the bottom drawer houses the majority of our appliances.

A bottom kitchen drawer is packed with a crockpot, blender, measuring cups, and pans, organized for easy access. — The top holds all the random things a kitchen needs, while the bottom drawer houses the majority of our appliances.

The Pantry (IKEA Kitchen Storage Ideas for small spaces)

Not every small kitchen has a dedicated pantry cabinet, but IKEA offers creative ways to create pantry-like storage in even the tiniest spaces.

Creating a Pantry Drawer

Converting a bottom drawer or large drawer into a pantry drawer with dividers can efficiently store packaged foods and staples. Using clear containers within these drawers, as we’ve done in our pull-out cabinet drawers, makes it easy to see what you have at a glance.

Using Narrow Spaces Effectively

IKEA’s narrow pull-out pantry units can fit in surprisingly small spaces, even just a few inches wide. These make excellent use of those awkward gaps that often exist between appliances or cabinets in a small kitchen.

Talk about using a narrow space efficiently — have you seen our kitchen pantry??

IKEA Organization Beyond the Kitchen

The best small kitchen storage ideas IKEA offers sometimes involve thinking about how to store kitchen-related items outside the kitchen itself.

Dining Room Storage for Overflow

Consider using IKEA storage solutions in your dining room or adjacent spaces for items that don’t need to be in immediate reach. Serving pieces, special occasion dinnerware, or seldom-used appliances can live outside the kitchen, freeing up valuable space for everyday essentials.

Optimizing Nearby Closets

If you have a nearby closet, IKEA’s customizable storage systems can transform it into an extended pantry or appliance garage. This keeps less frequently used kitchen items accessible without consuming precious kitchen space.

A vertical divider cabinet holds cutting boards, baking sheets, and parchment paper neatly separated into slots. — Finding ways to make your space work for you and customizing as you go is the best way to maximize your small kitchen!

A baking sheet, cutting board, and trays are partially pulled from their vertical slots, illustrating accessible storage for flat items. — Finding ways to make your space work for you and customizing as you go is the best way to maximize your small kitchen!

Final Thoughts on IKEA Kitchen Storage Ideas for small spaces

Living with a small kitchen doesn’t have to mean constant frustration or lack of storage. With the right small kitchen storage ideas IKEA offers, even a tiny kitchen can function beautifully and efficiently. The key is to be intentional about how you use every inch of available space—vertically, horizontally, and even in unexpected places.

By combining wall-mounted solutions, drawer organizers, clear containers, and multipurpose products, you can create a kitchen that feels spacious and organized despite its small footprint. And the best part? IKEA makes these solutions affordable and accessible for everyone.

What are your favorite small kitchen storage ideas from IKEA? If you’re looking for more, check out my series of Instagram reels where I share things that are working for us in our small kitchen: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Have you discovered any clever hacks or unexpected uses for IKEA products in your kitchen? Share in the comments below!