Every square centimetre counts
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From floor to ceiling: Optimal storage space in small kitchens
Organizing small kitchens often resembles a complex puzzle in which every pot, every pan, and every spice jar should find its right place. Yet, with the right strategy, even the smallest kitchen can be transformed into a masterpiece of efficiency and design. Discover here how, with clever solutions and innovative ideas, you can optimally utilize every centimeter of your kitchen.
The right furniture design for more storage space in small kitchens
The key to an optimally utilized small kitchen lies primarily in how and where kitchen accessories are stored. With the right furniture design, you create order and an aesthetic wow-effect. In the following, we will show you the various possibilities for more storage space in your small kitchen.
Vertical storage solutions in small kitchens
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Perhaps when thinking of storage solutions in small kitchens, your first thought is a functional kitchenette with matching wall cabinets? Then you are overlooking a major factor: ceiling height. This is precisely where great potential is hidden. So why use only the floor as storage space when walls and ceiling offer so much unused space?
A useful tip:Choose small shelves and wall rails for kitchen splashbacks and niches. Store everyday kitchen items here, so you don't have to search long for them.
1. The Classic: Apothekerschränke
Apothekerschränke have been popular for many years – and rightfully so. In addition to their practical height, their narrow width makes them fit perfectly into slim niches. The extendable interior is usable throughout its entire depth and makes sorting items easier. Thanks to functional access from both sides, you can spot your kitchen utensils at a glance.
2. Ceiling-high kitchen cabinets for your small kitchen
Instead of an Apothekerschrank, you can also use ceiling-high kitchen cabinets and wall shelves as pantry cabinets in small kitchens. There is even room for your coffee machine or microwave. A helpful tip: Choose closed fronts! Ceiling-high kitchen cabinets skillfully conceal storage space, making small kitchens appear neat in no time.
3. Install wall units up to the ceiling
For efficient workflows, store rarely used kitchen utensils in the upper compartments and everyday items in the lower ones. It is also worthwhile to invest in a step stool for this.
4. Choose high base units
Base units with a height of 90 cm offer you 20 % more storage space in your small kitchen and allow for one additional drawer in the cabinet.
5. Use free wall space
In small kitchens, open wall areas are suitable for tall shelves. Use these as practical pantry cabinets to store food and dishes within easy reach.
Horizontal storage solutions in small kitchens
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But continue thinking broadly.
Meaning: How can you optimally use kitchen units and base cabinets and simplify workflows? With our tips, you will create maximum storage space in small kitchens.
- Choose practical corner cabinets
Kitchen corners are unpopular areas, but they hide unused storage space. Corner cabinets precisely utilize the room depth, and become even more practical with swivel shelves. This way, you can reach even the farthest cabinet corners, and kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, and groceries are immediately accessible. - Use deep built-in cabinets
You can gain extra storage space by choosing kitchen cabinets with a depth of 75 cm. With just 15 cm more wall space required, you thereby gain 32% more storage room in small kitchens. - Make use of pull-out work surfaces
The space below countertops also offers potential: Pull-out shelves remain invisibly hidden to save space and only appear when needed. If there is no space there, alternatively install pull-out work surfaces in base cabinets.
- Use the kitchen plinth as storage space
In small kitchens the rule is: every centimeter must be used! With a plinth drawer, you can plan for additional storage space and neatly store large, flat kitchen items such as baking trays and serving platters. - Attach railing systems in niches
With a railing system in niches, you can store kitchen utensils such as cooking spoons and kitchen rolls in a space-saving manner, while countertops and cabinets are not unnecessarily cluttered.
The interior organisation of cabinets in small kitchens
Just ask yourself how often you've already searched for a particular spice or cooking spoon. Very often, right? Discover here how you can save time with a well-planned interior organisation of cabinets in small kitchens.
- Differently sized shelves for kitchen utensils
Shelves and cabinets with removable shelves are a practical solution in small kitchens. With different shelf heights and surfaces, you can individually arrange cabinets, and both bulky dishes and small storage containers will find a suitable place. - Plan for different cabinet pull-outs
Inside cabinets and drawers, you can expand storage space with additional pull-outs and inner drawers. Easily store differently sized appliances and kitchen utensils on multiple levels. While cooking, the contents are also accessible from three sides.
- Use cabinet shelves and drawer systems
Wall and base cabinets may sometimes be impractical as storage space if shelves are not adjustable or missing entirely. The solution: additional shelf inserts! For example, you can store cups or cleaning supplies on two or more levels.
Or are you looking for a solution for untidy drawers? Then choose functional drawer systems for cutlery, spices, and even pots. - Incorporate cabinet doors
Cabinet doors also offer storage space. For example, use narrow shelves, hooks, or magnets to neatly store spice containers, towels, and dishcloths.
Storage solutions for small kitchens
The advantages of a well-organised small kitchen are obvious: it promotes smooth workflows, prevents unnecessary searching and simultaneously offers an appealing design. To assist you, we provide a checklist with the most important tips for storage space in small kitchens.
Tips at a glance
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- Install pull-out cabinets, kitchen cabinets and wall units up to the ceiling. This way you utilize the room height and create plenty of storage space.
- Place tall and small wall shelves on available walls and store supplies and kitchen utensils there. Optimally adapt shelf height and surface with adjustable shelves.
- Corner cabinets with swivel shelves are suitable for impractical kitchen corners and perfectly utilize the depth of the room.
- Use pull-out shelves and plinth drawers for your Küchenzeile and thus take advantage of even the smallest available space.
- Design the inside of cabinets and drawers individually for additional storage space. Select pull-outs, inserts, drawer systems and small shelves for kitchen accessories.
Further Information
In our brochure „Small Places – Big Ideas“ we show how clever planning ensures maximum comfort, style and storage space even in small apartments.
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