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Kitchen Storage Ideas Buying Guide

Even in the smallest of kitchens, the right storage can make it simple to cook meals, socialise, and spend time with your family.

Considering the size of your kitchen

The size of your kitchen is of paramount importance when planning your kitchen storage. Even large kitchens benefit from smart solutions, but you need to get creative when searching for kitchen storage for small kitchens. Make the most of every nook and cranny to ensure your kitchen is working as hard as possible for your storage needs. Try to avoid placing too much emphasis on your countertops, as this can cause your space to feel cluttered.

Instead, try to plan smart kitchen storage ideas into your design. For example, do you need tall kitchen storage for brooms and mops? Or can you integrate kitchen storage on wheels for a moveable solution that functions in multiple ways?

Larger kitchens also benefit from smart storage ideas. However, they do have the flexibility to use solutions that take up more space. For example, do you want to include wine storage solutions into your kitchen design? Or if you have a handleless kitchen, do you want to continue the seamless look with all appliances and items stored away?

It’s useful to use a design tool, like our innovative online kitchen planner, which can help you to visualise your space and test out different options until you find your perfect match.

Your kitchen layout

As well as size, your kitchen layout will have a significant impact on the type of kitchen storage you choose. Think about how to maximise kitchen storage while retaining your aesthetics and an uncluttered feel. Try not to compromise on necessities whenever you can, although you may need to make adjustments to make sure your kitchen works for you.

I Shape

I shaped kitchens are the perfect solution for small spaces as they make sure you have all the kitchen essentials you need. However, as the smallest of the kitchen layouts, they can be tricky for storage. We suggest including both under-worktop cabinets and wall kitchen storage units to maximise space. If you can, move appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to other areas in your home to give you extra space in the kitchen. You may also want to invest in hanging kitchen storage beneath your wall cabinets for items like mugs, regularly used utensils or pots and pans. Slide-out kitchen storage and similar innovative options are more excellent choices, giving you plenty of flexible space to store your items.

U Shape

U shaped kitchens are an excellent layout choice for those wondering how to maximise kitchen storage space. While there are often plenty of cabinets in U shaped kitchens, it’s still worth getting creative. Kitchen corner pull-out storage makes the most of tricky shapes, while kitchen storage furniture (like islands or carts) give you more preparation and storage space.

L shape

L-shaped kitchens are ideal for open plan living and smaller spaces. With this layout, you might need to invest in some creative storage solutions to make sure you have all the space you need. Slimline kitchen storage next to your oven and hob could be a useful option for trays and chopping boards. Or, you could use kitchen corner pull-out storage to make the most of awkward joins.

Galley

Galley kitchens are common in homes across the world, and it’s easy to see why. With plenty of cabinet storage and counter space, it is possible to create a beautiful and functional kitchen with this layout. You may want to invest in smart storage solutions, particularly if your galley kitchen is limited in space. We suggest installing kitchen storage shelves in place of wall units in some areas to encourage a feeling of space. You may also want to think about kitchen storage on wheels for extra preparation and storage space (this unit could be moved into a corner when not in use).

Types of kitchen storage

There’s a range of storage options available for all kitchen layouts. Use an online planner tool to try all the different options available to suit the size, shape and style of your space.
Opened drawer with oak inserts for cutlery, jars of spices and knives.

Drawer Storage

Drawer storage is the second most crucial factor to consider when designing your new kitchen. Be sure to include plenty of drawers for your crockery, utensils and other items. You may want to think about including dividers to keep your items efficiently stored. It is also a good idea to include drawers of varying depths for extra flexibility.
Dunham kitchen by Magnet. Smooth matt finish traditional or modern style available in over 20 colours.

In-cabinet storage

As well as your cupboards and drawers, you may want to look for in-cabinet storage solutions to make your space even more efficient. Items like shelf inserts, dividers, pot organisers, spice racks, carousels, and more can make your kitchen more comfortable to use. These can help when you are looking for ideas on how to organise kitchen storage. You can also find in-cabinet options for your kitchen appliance storage. Iron racks, coffee maker storage, and foldable worktops that fit over your hob are all useful choices.
150 mm wide pull-out shelfes, storage solution

Cupboard storage

Cupboard storage is essential in every kitchen space. It is a good idea to invest in different sizes to suit your requirements. For example, larger cupboards to provide kitchen storage for brooms and mops is useful. It may be beneficial to invest in slimline kitchen storage too, like narrow cupboards for trays, spices and pantry items or chopping boards.

Smart cabinet storage

At Magnet, we pride ourselves on our smart cabinet storage options. Our solutions enhance the storage of your space while delivering a seamless design. From pull-out larders and overhead storage to concealed drop-down storage and mechanised options, there are plenty of ways to get creative. We have a range of accessories too, like USB charging trays and integrated sound systems, making it simple to keep your space airy and uncluttered.

Storable workspace

If you are looking for kitchen storage for small spaces, storable workspaces are your go-to. These offer you extra functionality in your kitchen while keeping the look and feel uncluttered and spacious. For example, folding worktops or retractable counters can offer you valuable preparation space when cooking, which could even double as a dining space or breakfast bar. You could also invest in kitchen storage on wheels, like an island or preparation cart, which could be stored away in a corner or cupboard when not in use.

Clever storage solutions

Whether you’re searching for kitchen storage for small apartments, or you want something innovative to improve the functionality of a larger space, smart storage solutions make spending time in the kitchen a joy.

Kitchen utensil storage

Kitchen utensils can be tricky to store, especially larger items like spatulas or ladles. Think about investing in kitchen storage racks or exposed poles to hang your regularly-used utensils. In-drawer trays or pots can be another great idea.

Kitchen pan storage

Pots and pans can be challenging to store too. These bulky items often get tangled up, making accessibility an issue. We suggest investing in kitchen pan storage that makes access easy. You can purchase specially-designed pan storage solutions, or you could hang these on a rail above your hob.

Kitchen bin storage

While a necessity, kitchen bins can be an unsightly feature in your kitchen. To improve the overall aesthetics of your kitchen, consider investing in a concealed kitchen bin storage unit. You can often find solutions that have different waste compartments too, making recycling simple.
Opened drawer containing a storage solutions of large crockery organized by a peg board in the bottom of the drawer, with oak pegs holding them in place.

Crockery storage

If you’re looking for kitchen plate storage ideas, it is useful to think about inserts that fit into your cabinets. These can help to make your storage more efficient while keeping your crockery easy to access. Exposed overhead shelving is another option, particularly if you have beautifully designed plates and bowls you want to put on display. Another option is to store your dinnerware in deep drawers, with inserts to divide the space up into sections.

Pantry storage

Pantry items are an essential part of your kitchen storage, as there’s usually a large number of products you need to access regularly. A slimline pull-out design could work well, or you could add drawer inserts (like spice holders or dividers) to help keep things organised. You may also want to consider putting as much as you can into containers. Glassware and ceramic storage pots add a polished finish to your kitchen and help to ensure the packaging does not detract from your overall design. You could even display these on shelves or your countertops to save cupboard space.

Kitchen island storage

Kitchen islands can make a real difference to your overall functionality. As well as additional preparation space, you can incorporate drawers or cupboards into your island too. If you have a small kitchen, it could be worth choosing a movable unit so that you can transport your island to where it’s needed most (and store it away when not in use).

Choosing your kitchen storage from Magnet

At Magnet, we know that kitchens need to function efficiently to meet your individual needs. That’s why all our kitchens can feature innovative storage that simply works.

Ready to begin your project? Get a guide price for your dream kitchen and let our design experts bring your idea to life. Or, if you need more inspiration, browse our buying guides to find ideas and tips for creating the perfect space.

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