19 Small Kitchen Ideas that Make the Most Out of Your Space

Most homeowners dream of having a nice big kitchen, but not everyone has the square footage or the budget to knock down a wall and make that wish come true. That doesn’t mean you can’t make the most out of a small space and still cook or enjoy a meal in a fully functioning room. Want proof? Here are 19 small kitchen ideas that we think you’ll love.

One-Wall Kitchen

When space is limited, installing a kitchen along a single wall will take up very little space, but you’ll still be able to use this space efficiently.


Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets

When space is limited, installing cabinets from the floor to the ceiling and creating a pantry wall will give you plenty of storage space, even if the highest cabinets are used to store less-frequently used items like entertaining platters and vases.

Galley Kitchen

A galley-style kitchen can ensure you get all the cabinets and appliances you need when working with a small space without losing any of the counterspace

L-Shaped Kitchen

Use every space you can with an L-shaped kitchen. Not only is this traditional layout ultra-functional, but the addition of a corner can give you loads of extra storage.

U-Shaped Kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen opens up a world of opportunity to add all your appliances, the sink, and floor-to-ceiling cabinets in a work triangle, which creates the optimal workstation.

Double-Duty Island

You don’t need a ton of square footage to add an island in your kitchen. Make it double-duty by retrofitting the stove or sink, which will free up counter or storage space along the wall and adding cabinets on both sides of the island.


Portable Island

When space is limited, a portable island gives you the work surface you need that you can tuck into a corner when you don’t need it.

Breakfast Bar

A small kitchen often means there is little or no space for a dining table and chairs. The addition of a breakfast bar and some stools gives you a dedicated dining area.

9. Collapsible Table

The best dining table in a small kitchen is a drop-leaf piece or one you can collapse against the wall when you’re not using it.

Pot and Pan Rack

When cabinet space is lacking, hanging pots and pans over the island keeps them within reach but out of the way.

Open Shelving

Have a blank wall to fill? Open shelving in a corner gives you extra spaces for bowls, recipe books, and more while adding a decorative element to your kitchen and making your space feel larger.

Hanging Utensil Storage

If your storage space is limited, keep often-used utensils within reach on custom-designed hooks or rods by the stove. This also eliminates the need for multiple drawers.

Glassware Racks

Wine glasses take up a lot of space in a kitchen cabinet, but they don’t need to if you use the space tucked underneath the upper cabinets to hang a glassware rack, restaurant style.

Pull-Out Pantry

No matter what size kitchen you have, a pull-out pantry gives you ample storage, keeps all your dried goods organizers, and helps ensure you don’t forget about what’s hiding in the back of your shelves.

Built-In Bottle Storage

No room for a wine fridge or cellar? Add a few compartments built into the cabinet or island of your kitchen for your favorite bottles of Pinot Noir or Merlot.

Minimal Hardware

When working in a tiny kitchen, large or pointy handles can cause injury if you’re constantly brushing past them. Instead, opt for minimal hardware or none at all.



Breakfast Nook

No room for a full dining table? Adding a small built-in breakfast nook at the end of your kitchen gives you a nice dining area without the need for bulky furniture or room to walk around standalone chairs.

Lots of Baskets

Hang baskets along the walls of a small kitchen. You’ll be surprised at how much you can store in these.

19. A Light Color Palette

Even a small kitchen can look bigger when it’s nice and bright. Windows and lighting are a must. A light color palette will also keep things open and airy.

Don’t let a small space deter you from creating a fabulous kitchen. After all, good things come in small packages.