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A kitchen without cabinets? Is that even a thing? Oh yes it is. Dropping upper kitchen cabinets is a bit of a rage even, if some designers are to be believed. But a kitchen devoid of cabinets isn’t always a design choice. Maybe you have limited kitchen space to accommodate bulky cabinets. Or maybe your existing cabinets are too few and too exhausted. Whether you’re going for the new minimalist kitchen vibe or you’re looking to make the most of your small cabinet-free kitchen – I’ll share a few creative ways to organize a kitchen without cabinets.
Now, my kitchen did come with cabinets (hallelujah!). But even after fully optimizing my cabinets, I do run out of space. So I have had to think beyond – and hunt for solutions that can create more kitchen storage outside of cabinets. What I realized is that with a little ingenuity and the right storage solutions – you can actually create way more storage in your kitchen, even without cabinets.
Have enough cabinets but struggling with less drawer space? Here’s how you can organize your kitchen without drawers.
Use Open Shelving
Open shelving is the top way to go if you want to get storage without kitchen cabinets.
Open shelves keep your kitchen looking airy and open while adding tons of functional storage.
When opting for open shelving, these tips can help your kitchen look organized:
Categorize Items
Group like items together, such as plates, bowls, and glasses – and feel free to stack where you can.
This makes everything easy to find and access.
Use Uniform Containers
Matching glass jars or ceramic tumblers can help create a cohesive look.
Add Accent Pieces
Break the uniformity with a few decorative pieces like plants, cookbooks, or pretty crockery to add some pizzazz.
Add a Pegboard
Pegboards are really catching everyone’s fancy as far as storage solutions go – and for good reason. Hang one and you have a completely customizable, grab-and-go storage that takes up hardly any space. Just make sure you go for a heavy-duty pegboard like this one so it can hold up even your heavy pots and pans.
Here are some tips for setting up a pegboard in your kitchen:
Hang According to Frequency of Use
Hang frequently used items lower and within reach and place less-used items higher up.
Accessorize Smartly
Most good pegboards come with additional hooks, shelves, and baskets. You can also buy them separately. Use them right to maximize your space and create a custom storage system incorporating pots, pans, ladles, rolling pins – whatever you fancy!
Keep it Tidy
Maintain and rearrange the pegboard regularly to keep things organized.
Optimize Drawers
When you don’t have cabinets, the humble drawer is your best friend.
Get the most out of your kitchen drawers with these simple ideas:
Add Dividers
Drawer dividers and cutlery managers keep utensils, cutlery, and small kitchen gadgets organized and easily accessible.
Add Slotted Racks
Store baking sheets and cutting boards in drawers vertically using slotted racks to save space.
Use Deep Drawers For Cookware
Don’t shy away from using deeper drawers for storing pots, pans in stacks. You can even use these to store small appliances.
Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a great way to add storage without the bulkiness of cabinets. Fix them above countertops, around the stove, or in unused wall spaces.
When installing floating shelves:
Balance Form and Function
Make sure the shelves are sturdy enough to take the weight of your items as well as chic enough to make a statement
Play With the Heights
Vary shelf heights and placement to accommodate more stuff items and create visual interest.
Add Utility Kitchen Furniture
Multipurpose furniture pieces take up floor space but when used smartly, these can really help increase storage and amp up the look of your kitchen. There are a lot of interesting kitchen furniture options available today. Here are a few that can help with storage:
Mobile Kitchen Islands
Adding a floating kitchen island is a fantastic way to get tons of more storage space and even counter space to work with.
This one comes with an extendable breakfast bar and rolling wheels and a lot of cabinet space to store pots, pans, and utensils.
Slim Rolling Carts
Add a clever, super-slim mobile cart that can fit into even the tiny space between your counter and wall or your counter and refrigerator.
A great way to store spices and condiments while taking up very little space.
Standing Pantry or Crockery Closet
If you don’t have built-in cabinets you can always add a free-standing kitchen cupboard to use as a pantry, a coffee bar, or even to store crockery. You can pick a cabinet that actually adds to the personality of your kitchen like this rattan kitchen pantry cabinet or this fluted glass one.
Maximize Wall Space
When out of cabinets, use the wall. Simple.
Here’s how:
Add Magnetic strips
Magnetic strips are great for storing knives and metal ladles and even utensils so you can free up drawer space.
This one comes with a beautiful acacia wood finish.
Hanging Racks and Rods
Add Hooks
Hang everything from measuring spoons to oven mitts. Affordable and effective.
Use the Space Around Appliances
The area above and around your fridge, stove, or microwave is often overlooked but can really add to your storage if planned well.
Here’s how:
Add Magnetic Shelves to Your Fridge
This multifunctional magnetic fridge rack is great for storing spices and other kitchen items.
Add a Rack Around Your Microwave
You can add a rack that accommodates your microwave and creates additional storage.
This big microwave and baker’s rack has loads of shelves and hooks and has a cool industrial-chic vibe.
