10 Simple Ways to Create Extra Kitchen Counter Space — Without a Renovation
Lack of counter space is up there on the list of tiny-kitchen frustrations. Even if you’ve decluttered your kitchen and tucked all your usual space-hogging suspects away, it’s possible you’ll still come up short. And you can’t exactly create extra kitchen counter space out of thin air — or so you’d think.
It’s actually pretty easy to increase your work surface area, as long as you’re willing to get a little creative. Here are 10 ingenious (yet easy!) solutions for adding extra counter space to your kitchen — without a renovation — you’ll want to try ASAP.
1. Add some shelf risers.
You wouldn’t guess that the first tip on this list would be to ADD something to your counters, and yet, here we are. We’re not talking anything huge — just a shelf riser (or two or three). You can use them to create more storage space, getting things up and out of the way, while also still in reach. (Pssst — here’s our favorite one from Yamazaki Home.)
2. And a cake stand.
Yes, another thing to add. A cake stand (more specifically, a cake stand by the sink or oven with your most-used stuff) will do a few things. For starters, it will make your items look a lot more purposeful. And it will still leave room for you to put some larger platters or trays on the counter while you work.
3. Optimize your drawers.
If your kitchen is large enough to have drawers (lucky you!), make sure you’re making the most of them. Utilize drawer organizers to fit as much as you can in beneath the counters so you don’t have to store them on top.
4. Add storage above — and below — your cabinets.
If there’s space between your upper cabinets and the ceiling, use it. Place bigger, bulkier items, or grab some bins and store the things you don’t use as frequently up there. You can also install an under-cabinet organizer for your cabinet shelves to utilize the otherwise wasted space there.
5. Use your windowsill for storage.
This home offers a beautiful example of using a windowsill well as storage, but you don’t have to limit yourself to an herb garden. If you’re lucky enough to have a deep kitchen windowsill, use it to hold carafes, kitchen canisters, your favorite cookbooks, and all those other things that so often clutter our counters.
6. Turn your stovetop into a workspace.
Don’t let your oven and stove completely go to waste — turn it into a work surface! Follow this easy DIY burn cover tutorial to (safely) make your own custom covers for very little money.
7. And your sink.
An even easier trick? Find a large cutting board that’s slightly longer than your sink and rest it on top when you need more room to work. (Better yet, invest in a work station sink with a built-in work surface!).
8. Add a cart.
You may not have room for a full-blown kitchen island, but you can probably find space for a smaller kitchen cart (which will add counter space and storage space instantly). Plus, it’s a great way to take up extra floor space if you have it.
9. Put your backsplash to work.
Instead of cluttering up your counter with crocks and baskets, consider installing a rail along your backsplash to hang utensils and gadgets. For inspo, here’s how to install an IKEA GRUNDTAL rail on a tiled backsplash.
10. Get a space-optimizing dish drying rack.
Even if you have a dishwasher in your tiny kitchen, you’re still going to have to hand-wash some things. Instead of leaving a drying rack out all the time to eat up your workspace, get one that’s folds up and can be put away while you’re cooking and pulled out when you’re cleaning. (Here are some of our editors’ favorite options.)
Have a small kitchen? How have you created counter space? Let us know in the comments below!