“I just have too much counter space,” said no one ever. Counter space is the most prime real estate in your home. It works as an area to cook and also acts as storage for tools, utensils, ingredients and every other odd and end you accidentally dump on your way in and out of the kitchen. If you’re going a little crazy trying to organize your countertops, these 16 small-space kitchen hacks offer ways to squeeze a little extra storage out of the tiniest kitchen, while still looking super stylish.
1. Above and Below: Who needs counter space when you’ve got storage options above and below your cabinets? The area below your cabinets is perfect for hanging a pot rail and baskets for smaller objects. And don’t be afraid to put the space above your cabinets to good use — there’s often more space up there than you realize. (via IKEA Hackers)
2. Magnetic Knife Storage: While that wooden knife block is gorgeous and makes you feel like a true chef, it’s also taking up LOTS of counter space. Take your knives to the wall so they’re still easy to grab, but also aren’t in the way. (via The Everygirl)
3. Suspended Copper Towel Rack: Work some trendy metallic accents into your kitchen with this copper pipe paper towel rack. This easy DIY keeps towels conveniently close but up and off the counter. (via Squirrelly Minds)
4. DIY Utensil Organizer: Small living often means everything is out on display due to very few storage options. You might as well make it pretty storage and free up an extra drawer in your kitchen by putting all the silverware in a DIY basket. You can leave the basket on the table for the easiest table setting ever. (via A Beautiful Mess)
5. Magnetic Tin Organizers: If you don’t have room in your kitchen for a miscellaneous drawer, it’s all too easy to have things start piling up on the counter. Switch up your backsplash with a magnet board or even use your fridge to make these mini tin storage pockets for pens, notes and random bits that get collected in a kitchen. (via eHow)
6. Wire Basket Towel Rack: If you have a tiny kitchen or even a little bathroom, take advantage of a skinny wall with this storage basket/towel rack. We are loving the mixed metals here, and especially that shiny copper pipe. (via A Joyful Riot)
7. Basket Storage: The space above the cabinets can be a great option for storage, but it can also be impossible to get to, let alone organize. If you’re afraid of losing things to the top of the cabinets, store stuff like wine bottles or other semi-attractive — but not often used — things in baskets so you can easily haul them down when you need them. (via A Beautiful Mess)
8. Glass Jar Storage: Get rid of the unsightly clutter of boxes and bags and start putting all your bulk foods in pretty glass jars that tuck up underneath the cabinets. The colors and textures of pasta and grains here actually add a super fun decor element. (via HGTV)
9. Choose Pretty Organization: Just because you don’t have much counter space doesn’t mean you can’t store anything in sight. Keep a few things in colorful containers, store similar things together (like a stack of wooden cutting boards) or group a bunch of little objects together on a tray to keep them organized. (via Miss Mustard Seed)
10. Use a Cake Stand: Don’t you just love it when organization is absolutely adorable? A cake stand can be surprisingly useful, especially by the sink as a cute place to store soap, sponges and dishrags. (via Liz Marie Blog)
11. Creative Basket Storage: We’ve talked about using baskets below and above your cabinets, but what about along the side? Unless it hinders you getting into the kitchen, the side cabinet is a great spot to sneak in some more storage that would otherwise be ignored. (via Golden Boys and Me)
12. Hide the Appliances: Microwaves, mixers and toasters are all necessary appliances, but they also take up mega chunks of counter space and aren’t that pretty to look at. Instead of housing them all on your countertop, store the bulkiest of them elsewhere, like a closet-turned-pantry or even on top of the cabinets to give yourself more room. (via The Kitchn)
13. Consider the Corners: Put the little unused nooks of the kitchen to good use with a corner shelf. Freestanding, corner-specific shelves give you a clever, efficient way to use that often-neglected space. A tray of utensil jars is a pretty and fun way to use the space, dontcha think? (via House of Jade)
14. Fill in the Gaps: Rental kitchens are infamous for being poorly laid out, with huge gaps between cabinets, stoves and fridges. If you can’t, or don’t, want to remodel the whole kitchen layout, DIY some trendy butcher block additions to connect your kitchen and add way more countertop to all that wasted space. (via Door Sixteen)
15. Get Creative With Prep Areas: When you’re not using the sink, why not use the space as extra prep area by covering with an extra large cutting board? You could use the stove in the same way as long as you’re not damaging the surface. (via The Kitchn)
16. Organize Your Drawers: When counter space is limited, it’s time to show your drawers some TLC and give them an organizational makeover. Truly organizing that junk drawer is a clever storage solution to keep things off the counter. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
What are your sneaky hacks to get a little extra countertop space? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
