Open Up Storage Real Estate Above Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets seem to be bursting at the seams no matter how much you organize, you're not alone. The struggle for storage space is real for most homeowners. But before you go knocking down walls or renovating your kitchen, try glancing up. There's prime real estate hovering right above those upper cabinets that often gets ignored. Let's explore how to transform that unused void into valuable storage territory that can seriously maximize your kitchen's storage potential.
Clearing out and utilizing the space above your cabinets provides a surprising amount of new storage square footage. Even small kitchens can benefit. Opening up overhead storage allows you to relocate bulky, misfit items from jam-packed base cabinets and drawers to open up room below. Removing rarely used gadgets and serving ware from your prime storage spots also increases efficiency in everyday meal prep. Read on for plenty of savvy tips that go way beyond simply stashing an old mixing bowl or two up top.
What to Store Above Kitchen Cabinets
Before shuffling everything up to the overhead void, do an inventory of what you realistically need easy access to on a daily basis. Reserve your most convenient spots at eye level and in base cabinets for everyday dishware, pans, prep tools, and ingredients. Then consider the pick lists below for ideas on specific items suited to stash up high.
Everyday Use Items
While it's best not to overload your top cabinet space with regularly used gear, you can free up lower storage by relocating these oft-used items up top:
- Food storage containers and lids
- Cutting boards and baking sheets
- Stand mixers, blenders, waffle irons and other bulky appliances
Infrequent Use
This prime real estate comes in extra handy when those menus featuring your fine china or elaborate baking gear make rare appearances. Stash them up high in between more formal dinner parties and special bake days:
- Holiday dish sets
- Serving platters and trays
- Rarely used extra dishware
- Picnic supplies like baskets, coolers and travel carriers
- Seasonal cooking gear like canning pots, roasting pans or ice cream makers
Non-Kitchen Items
Add adjoining spaces like pantries, laundry and craft rooms to your storage equation by stashing these types of items above the kitchen cabinets:
- Art, vases, houseplants or other decor
- Craft supplies
- Kids' games and toys
- Gift wrapping gear
- Cleaning products
Accessing Overhead Storage Safely
Simply shoving things overhead defeats the purpose if you struggle to safely access items on a regular basis. Choose from specialized cabinets, shelving systems and ladders to avoid toppling stools and straining to reach.
Stepladders and Step Stools
For casual access, keep a sturdy, properly sized step stool or compact ladder handy. Choose ladders with flat steps rather than rungs for safely holding items as you climb. Position ladders securely before climbing and never overreach.
Pull Down Shelving
Install custom cabinets with shelves that easily pull down to waist height for safe, convenient access. Or opt for an adjustable rail system with removable shelves and bins that slide out. Use heavy hooks and durable rails for heavyweight loads.
Sliding Shelving
Sliding shelves offer another option for easy access. While convenient, they do require some end clearance for shelves to slide freely. And contents can shift around if they're not secured in bins.
Designing an Organized & Stylish Space
A jumbled mess of overflowing plastic bins and mismatched containers overhead screams dysfunction rather than displays enviable organization. Use these tips to create curated, Pollyanna-worthy storage instead.
Storage Containers
Uniform boxes, baskets and bins keep items tidy and concealed. Label everything clearly so you know exactly what's what. Consistent cube shapes stack neatly to maximize space. But for lightweight items like napkins and placemats, woven baskets add style. Keep decor items visible in clear bins or displays.
Decorative Touches
A random jumble of stuff overhead looks cluttered. Create mini vignettes to display items attractively. Spotlight decorative dishware like cake stands or punch bowls. Intersperse empty baskets, ceramic canisters and pretty boxes as staging props. Add height with stacked oblong bins and pillar candle holders. Infuse life with trailing plants or a mini herb garden.
Avoiding Clutter
Clutter eliminates any good storage design. Make it a habit to regularly purge unused items from your overhead stash. Containing everything in matching storage bins conceals inevitable clutter that still sneaks up top. And sticking with a neutral color scheme overhead helps the space visually recede into the background.
Creative Storage Solutions
Once you clear out and claim the existing space hovering above your cabinets, even more specialized storage options await. These creative extras allow you to fully utilize all that out-of-reach square footage.
Utilize Floating Shelves
If your cabinets don't go all the way to the ceiling, consider installing floating shelves to provide additional storage space. This allows for larger items like cookbooks, baskets, and small appliances to be easily accessible and displayed.
Consider Tiered Shelf Systems
Tiered shelf systems can maximize vertical space and provide multiple levels of storage. This is especially helpful for storing items that come in various sizes, like mixing bowls, cutting boards, and cake stands.
Pull-out shelving can be a game-changer for accessibility and organization. These shelves allow for items to be easily retrieved without having to climb onto a step stool or reach up high. Additionally, pull-out shelving can help prevent items from getting lost or misplaced in the back of deep cabinets.
What are your thoughts on utilizing the space above your kitchen cabinets? Have you discovered any clever storage solutions or ideas in your own kitchen?
While it takes a bit of effort to initially clear out and organize overhead storage space, the resulting surplus of storage capacity makes the endeavor well worthwhile. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how much can fit above your cabinets once creatively organized. Reclaiming this often wasted vertical space provides the storage boost many kitchens need, no major renovation required.