No Cabinet Space? Unconventional Storage for Pots, Pans and Bakeware

Is your kitchen cabinet space maxed out, yet your collection of pots, pans, and bakeware continues to grow? Are you unsure where to put the latest additions to your cookware arsenal? If you're struggling to find room for all your cooking tools, it may be time to think beyond the traditional kitchen cabinets.

Getting creative with storage is essential when kitchen space is limited. The good news is there are plenty of unconventional spots perfect for stashing extra pots, pans, and baking dishes. With a little ingenuity, you can uncover hidden real estate and make the most of the space you already have. Read on for ideas to organize your cookware creatively when cabinets are full.

Clever Spots Beyond the Kitchen

Before resorting to cluttering up your countertops, consider venturing beyond the kitchen for cookware storage solutions. You may be surprised by how many household spaces can secretly accommodate pots and pans.

Inside Ovens and Microwaves

The cavity of an oven or microwave offers prime storage real estate. Place pots and pans inside when not in use. This prevents them from hogging cabinet space and keeps them conveniently nearby when cooking. Just be sure to remove them before turning on the appliance!

Hooks or Racks on Walls, Ceilings or Doors

Make use of vertical storage by hanging pots, pans, and lids from hooks, racks, or rods installed on walls, ceilings or backs of doors. Get them up and out of the way. Try placing in pantries, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and garages.

Freestanding Racks

Freestanding racks are ideal for storing cookware in dining rooms, pantries, laundry rooms, or other spaces near the kitchen. Baking sheets and cooling racks can stand vertically in wire shelving units. Opt for slim profile racks to tuck into tight areas.

Under Sinks or Vanities

Install racks or shelving under bathroom sinks or vanities to utilize wasted space. Use them to hold lesser-used extra bakeware and serving platters.

Bookcases, Hutches and Sideboards

Repurpose bookcases, hutches, and sideboards throughout the home to store stacks of pots and pans. Place linens inside glass-front cabinets to hide pans attractively.

Optimize Existing Cabinet Space

Before looking elsewhere, maximize the storage potential of your existing kitchen cabinetry. A few adjustments can make room for more pans and bakeware.

Add Pull-Out Shelves or Drawers

Install pull-out shelves or drawers to optimize awkward cabinet spaces. Customize them to fit pans and lids of various sizes. Keep cookware easily accessible.

Install Extra Shelves or Dividers

Add adjustable shelves or dividers to your cabinets to double the storage space. Designate shelves just for pans to keep things organized.

Use Vertical Space on Doors

Take advantage of the vertical space on the inside of cabinet doors by attaching mesh racks or hanging racks to hold pan lids of different sizes.

Organize Lids Separately

Designate a drawer or cabinet just for pan lids. This prevents them from taking up space inside pans and makes lids easier to find.

Space-Maximizing Inserts and Racks

Inserts and racks maximize existing cabinet space. Opt for expandable or customizable configurations to perfectly fit your cookware.

Utilize Hidden Real Estate

Look in concealed nooks and crannies around the kitchen for creative cookware storage spots. You may uncover some hidden gems.

Under Appliances

Install pull out shelves or drawers underneath kitchen appliances like ovens and refrigerators. Slide pans and baking sheets out of sight.

Inside Cabinet Frames

Make use of the empty space inside the frames of kitchen cabinets by attaching racks or mesh holders. They'll be hidden when cabinets are closed.

Around the Sink

Mount racks or shelving inside sink base cabinets or around plumbing to take advantage of wasted space.

Inside Soffits and Bulkheads

Stash extra pans inside kitchen soffits or bulkheads. Attach hooks or small racks on the underside or back walls.

Get Creative with Household Items

Repurposing household objects provides crafty storage solutions for pots and pans on a budget.

Ladder Bookshelves

A leaning ladder bookshelf becomes a vertical pot rack. Lean it against a wall or counter to display pans attractively.

Pegboards and Magnetic Strips

Cover a wall or side of a cabinet with a pegboard or magnetic strip to hang pans and utensils. Keep essentials within arm's reach.

Wall-Mounted Rods or Poles

Screw rods or closet dowels into the wall to hang pans from. Place in the kitchen or an adjacent space like a pantry.

Spice Racks or Wine Racks

Repurpose hanging spice racks or wall-mounted wine racks as vertical cookware holders. They lend a charming, rustic aesthetic.

Crates, Buckets or Baskets

Stash pots, pans and lids inside vintage crates, buckets or baskets. Use as rustic open shelving or hidden storage inside cabinets.

Buy Specialty Storage Solutions

When repurposing household items falls short, turn to specialty cookware storage designed with small spaces in mind.

Hanging Pot Racks

Hanging pot racks free up cabinet space by suspending pots and pans from the ceiling. Opt for ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted racks.

Tiered Shelves

Stack pans vertically on tiered shelves or step-down organizers. Opt for standing or wall-mounted designs to save floor space.

Pull-Out Cabinet Inserts

Specially designed pull-out inserts organize inside cabinets. Baskets or solid shelves hold pans securely in place.

Drawer Organizers

Customizable drawer inserts with padded dividers protect pots and pans. Keep them from shifting when opening and closing drawers.

Wall-Mounted Rail Systems

Wall-mounted rail systems with S-hooks allow you to hang pots and pans along a wall or inside a cabinet. Rails can be sized to fit.

Maximize Vertical Space

Optimize vertical storage space to get pans up and out of the way. You can double or triple your storage capacity.

Ceiling-Mounted Racks

Hang pots and pans from ceiling hooks or a ceiling-mounted rack for vertical storage. Lower them to access or raise out of the way.

Wall-Mounted Holders

Wall-mounted racks with ledges or bars allow you to store cookware vertically. Place inside cabinets or mount to walls in any room.

Multi-Level Organizers

Make the most of vertical space with multi-tiered wall-mounted pot racks or stackable shelves. Store more pans in less floor space.

Built-In Shelving Units

Maximize vertical storage with custom built-in shelving. Opt for floor-to-ceiling shelving with depths that accommodate large cookware.

Considerations When Purchasing Storage

Keep the following factors in mind when selecting storage solutions for your pot and pan collection:

Size of Cookware

Measure pans to ensure shelving depths and rack sizes accommodate everything from small saucepans to giant stockpots.

Weight Capacity

Check weight capacities if hanging pots overhead. Ceiling anchors must support heavy cast iron or loaded pans.

Frequency of Use

Place everyday pans in easily accessible areas. Reserve hard-to-reach spots for special occasion cookware used less often.

Visibility vs. Hidden

Decide whether you want to display your polished pots prominently or tuck them out of sight. This dictates storage style.

Kitchen Aesthetic

Select storage solutions that match your kitchen's decor style. Opt for rustic ladder racks or sleek chrome shelving.

DIY Storage Solutions

If you're willing to get your hands dirty, cook up some creative DIY pot and pan storage projects.

Repurposed Household Items

Upcycle ladder bookshelves, wooden crates, pegboards or wire storage cubes. Customize them to hold pans.

Build Your Own

Construct vertical racks or shelves using materials like plumbing pipes, lumber, metal pipe, or PVC plastic pipes. Install rods or ledges to hold pans.

Hanging Rails

Mount iron pipes, closet rods, or metal rails vertically to hang pans from. Affix to walls, ceilings, or inside cabinets.

Pegboards and Magnetic Strips

Paint pegboards fun colors or use magnetic strips for a DIY way to hang pans. Outline pans for a custom look.

Ikea Hacks

Repurpose Ikea shelving units like the Bieful, Grundtal, or Fintorp. Customize with hooks, rods, or extra shelves.

When kitchen cabinet space is limited, unconventional storage spots can accommodate overflowing pots, pans and bakeware. Get creative by looking beyond standard cabinets. Optimize existing storage with dividers or racks. Repurpose household items or build customized shelving. With a little innovation, you can uncover valuable hidden space for your cookware--no cabinet required.