20 Ideas for Cabinets in a Small Kitchen: Maximizing Space and Functionality

Small kitchens can be challenging to remodel, but with the right ideas and design strategies, you can maximize the space and create a functional and stylish kitchen. Whether you’re looking to update your current kitchen or start from scratch, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a small kitchen.

1.  Corner Drawer with Lazy Susans

Lazy Susans transform corner cabinets into accessible storage spaces. These rotating shelves come in various sizes and styles, making them perfect for any kitchen.

2. Pull-Out Pantry Shelves for Easy Access

Pull-out pantry shelves are a game-changer for small kitchens. They maximize vertical space and simplify accessing your food, eliminating the need to dig or rummage.

3. Under-Cabinet Lighting to Brighten Workspaces

Under-cabinet lighting can dramatically improve a small kitchen’s appearance and functionality. It provides ample illumination for meal prep, adds a touch of elegance, and can make the space feel more open and inviting.

4. Glass-Front Cabinet Doors to Create Depth

Glass-front cabinet doors are a great way to make a small kitchen feel more extensive and more inviting. They let light in and show off your favorite dishes and decorative items, creating a sense of openness and personality. Consider adding interior lighting for an even more dramatic effect.

5. Embed Appliances and Accessories to Save Counter Space

Hiding appliances in cabinets can be a great way to maximize space in a small kitchen. This makes your kitchen look neater and frees up counter space for other uses. Plus, it can improve your cooking experience by making appliances more accessible. 

6. Select Slim Cabinets for Narrow Areas

Navigating small kitchens can be challenging. To maximize space, consider using slim cabinets. These cabinets fit in narrow areas and offer flexible storage solutions for various items, from spices to coffee supplies.

7. Create a Pull-Out Spice Rack Beside the Stove

Spices are essential for flavor but can clutter small kitchens. A pull-out spice rack is a stylish solution, keeping them organized and accessible near your stove. This space-saving design offers various styles, from shelf layers to custom compartments, making finding the perfect spice for your dish easy.

8. Deep Drawers for Pots and Pans

Maximize storage efficiency in your compact kitchen by incorporating deep, full-extension drawers designed to house pots, pans, and lids. This eliminates the frustration of rummaging through cramped cabinets. These smartly engineered drawers streamline your cooking preparation and free up valuable wall space that would otherwise be occupied by hanging pot racks, allowing for a cleaner, more open feel in your newly remodeled culinary workspace. 

9. Design a Mobile Island with Storage

A kitchen island can be a game-changer, but size can be a hurdle. A mobile island offers the benefits of a traditional island without the commitment to space. Its portability and storage options make it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

10. Lift-up Doors for Easy Access

Lift-up doors are a great alternative to traditional cabinet doors, especially in modern kitchens. They offer better accessibility and a cleaner look and are perfect for upper cabinets.

11. Magnetic Knife Rack on a Cabinet Side

A magnetic knife rack is a smart way to save space and keep your knives easily accessible in your kitchen. This storage solution frees up drawer space and adds a style touch to your kitchen. Choose a modern or rustic rack to match your design preference and enjoy its convenience and visual appeal.

12. Use the Inside of Cabinet Doors for Storage

Using the inside of your cabinet doors for storage is a great way to maximize space in a small kitchen. You can add hooks, racks, or shelves to hold various items, from measuring spoons to cleaning supplies. This simple trick can significantly affect how efficiently you use your kitchen space.

13. Add a Retractable Cabinet Shelf

Maximize the functionality of your compact kitchen with a brilliant space-saving solution: a retractable cabinet shelf. This ingenious addition transforms underutilized vertical space into an accessible storage haven, perfect for stashing away small appliances or rarely-used kitchenware. By seamlessly blending form and function, this retractable shelf enhances organization and adds a touch of modern sophistication to your culinary haven.

14. Implement a Custom Drawer Organizer for Utensils

A messy utensil drawer is a shared kitchen problem. Custom drawer organizers can solve this issue by providing a neat storage solution. With specific compartments for different utensils, these organizers make it easy to find and store items, creating a more organized and peaceful kitchen.

 15. Overhead Cabinet

Elevate your small kitchen’s storage capacity by extending sleek, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that capitalizes on often-overlooked vertical space, creating a seamless and visually elongating effect. Opt for a mix of closed cabinets and open shelving in the upper reaches, allowing you to conceal everyday items while showcasing curated dishware or decorative pieces, thus striking a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal in your compact culinary haven.

 16. Corner Table

Install a space-saving corner table with built-in banquette seating to transform an underutilized corner of your compact kitchen into a charming and functional dining nook. This clever addition maximizes floor space and creates an intimate gathering spot, perfect for casual meals or morning coffee. At the same time, the under-seat storage compartments offer an ingenious solution for stowing away rarely used items, epitomizing the art of multifunctional design in small spaces.

17. Coffee Corner

Carve out a dedicated coffee corner in your compact kitchen to elevate your daily ritual and streamline your morning routine, incorporating a sleek built-in coffee machine or a stylish pour-over station. Maximize this nook’s potential with floating shelves above to display your favorite mugs and canisters. At the same time, a pull-out drawer beneath can house all your coffee accouterments, creating a functional and visually appealing focal point that turns a simple beverage station into a luxurious feature of your newly remodeled space.

18. Spices Corner

Enhance your culinary experience and add a pop of color to your compact kitchen by designing a dedicated spice corner featuring a custom-built rack or a series of floating shelves that showcase your aromatic collection. Opt for uniform containers with clear labels to create a visually appealing and highly organized display, transforming your spices into a functional art installation that saves valuable cabinet space and inspires creativity in your cooking endeavors.

 19. Mortar and Pestle Corner

Set up a dedicated mortar and pestle station to bring a touch of culinary authenticity to your compact kitchen. Displaying these timeless tools on a small, wall-mounted shelf or a corner of your countertop, this thoughtful addition will provide a practical workspace for grinding fresh spices and herbs. It introduces an artisanal element to your kitchen design, celebrating the tactile pleasures of cooking while adding visual interest through the natural textures of stone or wood.

 20. Pull-Out Table and Seating

Maximize functionality in your compact kitchen by incorporating a clever pull-out table that seamlessly tucks away when not in use, instantly transforming from a slim profile to a generous dining surface. Complement this ingenious feature with fold-down chairs or nesting stools that can be effortlessly stowed, creating a flexible dining area that adapts to your needs without compromising precious floor space in your newly remodeled culinary haven.