From floating shelves to corner units, there are so many ways to add both style and functionality to your small kitchen. Inspired by popular trends on Pinterest and Instagram, these 17 small kitchen shelving ideas will help you transform your space into a functional and stylish haven. Whether you’re looking to display your favorite mugs or need extra room for pantry items, these ideas will inspire you to make the most of your kitchen, no matter how small.
1. Floating Shelves Above the Sink
Dark wood floating shelves mounted above the kitchen sink hold glass jars filled with pasta, rice, and spices, with small potted herbs adding a touch of green against a white tiled backsplash. They keep essentials within reach while making the kitchen feel open and stylish.
Practical Tips: Choose shelves that match your kitchen’s aesthetic for a cohesive look. Use uniform glass jars for a polished appearance, and ensure secure mounting to support the weight of jars and plants.
Story: When I added similar shelves to my kitchen, it felt like I’d doubled my storage space overnight! Pin this idea for your next kitchen makeover!
2. Corner Shelving Unit
A white-painted corner shelf unit fits snugly into the kitchen’s corner, with four tiers holding a microwave, cookbooks, decorative plates, and a vintage teapot, matching the soft green cabinets for a cohesive look.
Practical Tips: Measure your corner space carefully before purchasing or building. Ensure there’s enough depth and height for items like a microwave. Painting the shelves to match your cabinetry creates a unified appearance.
Story: My friend’s small kitchen felt so much bigger after she installed this corner unit—it’s now her go-to spot for cookbooks and decor. Pin this idea for later!
3. Open Shelving on the Range Wall
Open shelving on the range wall creates a focal point, displaying beautiful dishware or decor. In a small kitchen, keep it minimal to avoid clutter, with neatly arranged ceramics or spices.
Practical Tips: Use this space for daily essentials like spices or oils, and display only the most attractive pieces to maintain a clean look.
Story: I love how open shelving above my stove makes my kitchen feel more open and inviting. Pin this idea for inspiration!
4. Under-Cabinet Shelves
Shelves under upper cabinets store cutting boards, baking sheets, or small appliances, freeing up counter space in a compact kitchen.
Practical Tips: Ensure shelves are securely mounted and don’t interfere with cabinet doors. Opt for slim designs to maximize space.
Story: These under-cabinet shelves have been a game-changer for keeping my counters clear in my tiny kitchen. Pin this idea for your kitchen!
5. Wall-Mounted Spice Rack
Pull-out shelves in cabinets maximize deep storage spaces, perfect for pantry items like canned goods or snacks, blending seamlessly with white cabinetry.
Practical Tips: Look for adjustable shelves to accommodate different jar sizes. Ensure smooth gliding mechanisms for easy access.
Story: Pull-out shelves have transformed my pantry storage—I can see everything at a glance now. Pin this idea for your pantry!
6. Pull-Out Pantry Shelves
Over-the-door organizers on cabinet doors store baking sheets, cutting boards, or foil, utilizing often-overlooked space in small kitchens.
Practical Tips: Measure your cabinet doors to ensure a proper fit. Choose organizers with adjustable shelves for flexibility.
Story: I never thought about using the back of my cabinet doors until I saw this idea—it’s such a simple way to add storage! Pin this idea for your kitchen!
7. Over-the-Door Shelves
A magnetic strip mounted on the wall holds knives, freeing up drawer space and adding a modern touch to the kitchen.
Practical Tips: Ensure the strip is securely mounted and can hold the weight of your knives. Place it near your prep area for convenience.
Story: My magnetic knife strip not only looks cool but also keeps my knives sharp and accessible. Pin this idea for later!
8. Magnetic Knife Stripall Kitchen Selves
9. Corner Lazy Susan
A lazy Susan in a corner cabinet makes it easy to access items stored in the back, like spices or small jars, maximizing awkward spaces.
Practical Tips: Choose a multi-tiered lazy Susan that fits your cabinet size. Ensure it rotates smoothly for easy access.
Story: I used to forget about items in the back of my corner cabinet until I installed a lazy Susan—now everything is within reach. Pin this idea for your kitchen!
10. Floating Shelves with Hooks
Walnut-stained floating shelves with integrated hooks display mugs and hang utensils, complementing a navy blue backsplash for a cozy, modern look.
Practical Tips: Ensure shelves are sturdy enough for hooked items. Choose hooks that match your kitchen’s style for a cohesive design.
Story: These shelves with hooks are perfect for my small kitchen—I can store my mugs and hang my towels all in one place. Pin this idea for inspiration!
11. Built-in Nooks Selves
Custom-built nooks integrated into the kitchen layout provide seamless storage for cookbooks, jars, or decor, ideal for remodels.
Practical Tips: Work with a designer to ensure nooks fit your kitchen’s dimensions and style. Use them for both storage and display.
**StoryWHEN we remodeled our kitchen, we added built-in nooks that have become our favorite feature—they’re so functional and beautiful. Pin this idea for your next remodel!
12. Mobile Shelving Units
A metal rolling cart with wooden shelves holds pantry items and small appliances, offering flexible storage that can be moved as needed.
Practical Tips: Choose a cart with locking wheels for stability. Use it for pantry items, spices, or as a mobile prep station.
Story: My rolling cart has been a lifesaver in my small kitchen—I can move it wherever I need extra space. Pin this idea for your kitchen!
13. Ceiling-Mounted Shelves
For kitchens with high ceilings, ceiling-mounted shelves add storage for rarely used items without taking up floor space.
Practical Tips: Ensure shelves are securely mounted and accessible with a step stool. Use for seasonal items or extra cookware.
Story: I was hesitant about ceiling-mounted shelves, but they’ve been great for storing seasonal items and keeping my main storage areas clear. Pin this idea for later!
14. Hanging Pots and Pans
A ceiling or wall-mounted rack for pots and pans frees up cabinet space and adds a rustic, farmhouse touch to the kitchen.
Practical Tips: Ensure the rack is sturdy and can hold the weight of your cookware. Place it above the stove or island for easy access.
Story: Hanging my pots and pans has not only saved cabinet space but also added a charming, farmhouse feel to my kitchen. Pin this idea for inspiration!
15. Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets showcase beautiful dishware while keeping the kitchen light and airy, perfect for displaying fine china or colorful glassware.
Practical Tips: Use for items you want to showcase. Keep shelves organized and dust-free for a polished look.
Story: I love how my glass-front cabinets make my kitchen feel more open and let me show off my favorite pieces. Pin this idea for your kitchen!
16. Recessed Shelves in Backsplash Pots and Pans
Small recessed shelves in the backsplash store oils, vinegars, or small plants, adding both function and style to the kitchen.
Practical Tips: Ensure shelves are deep enough to hold items and easy to clean. Consider adding LED lighting for a modern touch.
Story: These recessed shelves in my backsplash are perfect for my olive oil and balsamic vinegar—they’re always within reach when I’m cooking. Pin this idea for later!
17. Rustic Ladder Shelf
A rustic ladder shelf leaning against the wall holds baskets, cookbooks, or decorative items, adding farmhouse charm to a small kitchen.
Practical Tips: Ensure it’s stable and secure against the wall. Use for lightweight items to maintain safety.
Story: I found this ladder shelf at a flea market, and it’s become the focal point of my kitchen—it’s both functional and full of character