15 Brilliant Ways to Use Up Awkward Space in Your Kitchen
Whether you realize it or not, it’s easy to unknowingly waste a lot of space in the kitchen. That space above your upper cabinets? The little sliver of space next to your fridge? That neglected corner? Those inches add up and could be put to better use.
With a little bit of creativity (and, okay, maybe a few smart purchases), you can easily boost your storage space. Sounds awesome, right? Here are 15 simple-but-brilliant ideas for making the best use of every awkward space in your kitchen.
1. Add an island.
Some kitchens are much wider than they are long, making decorating a little challenging. If you’re wondering how to fill an awkwardly wide kitchen, let us help. Add a kitchen island! Not only will it create a focal point, it’ll also help organize your space and add extra storage. Just be sure to measure before purchasing. You want to leave ample room for walking, cooking, opening cabinet doors, etc. On the flip side, you don’t want to choose one that’s too small, either. (Then, your kitchen will look even more awkward, which you obviously don’t want!).
2. Carve in a slot for cutting boards.
Make use of unused space and carve a little slot just a few inches wide for your cutting boards, sheet pans, serving trays — whatever’s slim and will fit! It’ll free up space in your cabinets and keep those items tidy.
3. Create a space for everyday items.
Normally toss your keys on the kitchen counter or wherever’s convenient when you first come in the door? Use the blank space on the side of your cabinets to create a center for everyday items. It doesn’t need to be super deep and won’t be an eyesore, either. You’ll never waste time rummaging around for those essentials again!
4. Add a hutch.
No pantry? No problem! If you’ve got a little corner, dead wall space, or somewhere in your kitchen that has the room and isn’t being utilized, a designated hutch is perfect for items that can’t fit in your cabinets. Plus, it can be a statement decor piece, too!
5. Add a slim bookcase.
Bookcases don’t just have to be for books — place a slim one in an awkward corner and fill it with baskets for any kitchen items or tools that don’t have a home. Or, you could treat it like a mini pantry and fill it with spices, snacks, and other kitchen staples.
6. Hang baskets.
Never seem to have enough produce storage space? Hang some baskets on the wall, and your problem’s solved! While they’re great for produce, you can stash anything you’d like in them to keep mess at bay. An easy an inexpensive DIY project, simply pick up some Command hooks and baskets from Dollar Tree and you’re set.
7. Put baskets on top of your cabinets.
If you have upper cabinets that don’t go all the way up to the ceiling, use that space above them. Don’t just stash stuff up there all willy-nilly, though, as that can make things look cluttered. Instead, add baskets to hold and hide your items. You can also consider using that space for cute canisters or to display serving pieces you love to look at but don’t use regularly.
8. Use the top of your refrigerator.
While up-high spots aren’t necessarily ideal for stuff you’ll need to reach for frequently, try using the top of your fridge for storing cookbooks, containers of extra snacks, baskets of overflow ingredients, or even small appliances (just make sure you have a safe way to get them down when you do need them!).
9. Get a roll-out shelf for next to your fridge.
We love this tall, narrow sliding shelf for storing canned goods and all sorts of shelf-stable items. Just know that your fridge could give off some heat, so it might not be the best place to store oils or spices that are temperature-sensitive.
10. Add shelves to any available wall space.
A shelf doesn’t have to be giant in order to be useful. Just look at this little guy! If you have a little bit of free wall space, consider adding a shelf — even if it’s teeny tiny. (Whatever you can store on it is stuff you don’t have to store on a counter or in a pantry!). We also strongly recommend adding hooks where you can.
11. Turn deep shelves into drawers.
It can be very hard to see (and access) the stuff that gets pushed deep into the back of a cabinet. And then that cabinet becomes, well, incredibly not useful. If you can’t add hardware to your kitchen cabinets (maybe you’re a renter, not super handy, or on a budget), consider baskets, which can be found for the cheap, and configured specifically for your needs.
12. Rethink your corner cabinet situation.
Corner cabinets are probably the most awkward spaces in any given kitchen. If they’re not working for you as-is, feel free to change them up. We’ve rounded up the best organizers for corner cabinets here, like adding a lazy Susan so you can access whatever you need without pulling everything out.
13. Turn your windowsill into storage.
As long as your windowsills aren’t too drafty or leaky, they can be a great home for plants, herbs, cookbooks, decor, and more. Just be sure to use a window that’s high up or one you don’t open often to avoid any unnecessary spills or annoyances.
14. Add bookcases to your breakfast bar.
Do you have an awkward breakfast bar that goes relatively unused? Slide some bookcases under the counter for bonus storage. Plus, it adds a nice focal point to the space.
15. Rehome your trash can.
Your trash can doesn’t need to be front and center in your kitchen. In fact, it’s probably best if it isn’t! Tuck it into an awkward, unused corner and call it a day.
Which one of these ideas are you most excited to try in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below!