It’s Unbelievable How Much Storage This $62 IKEA Item Can Add to a Tiny Kitchen

Freelance makeup artist Lakesha Charles; her husband, Matthew; and daughter, Samarah, have shared a 101-year-old New York City apartment for the past 10 years. Throughout that decade, it’s safe to say that the family has figured out how to maximize their living quarters to be super functional. One such space is the kitchen. Enter: IKEA’s ENHET shelving.  

When Lakesha and her family moved into the apartment, the entire right wall of the kitchen was empty, which was a serious waste of space (and storage opportunities!). While she’s toyed around with the layout throughout the years, Lakesha just installed IKEA’s ENHET open shelving. 

The unit has two shelves and comes in two sizes (18x12x30 or 24x12x30 inches) and two colors (anthracite and white). You can even customize the shelves further using IKEA’s planning tool. Because they’re crafted with powder-coated and galvanized steel, the website says they can withstand humidity, water, and splashes for years. 

Although Lakesha used the IKEA ENHET shelving in her kitchen, what makes this product so special is that it can be used in basically any room. It’s so customizable that you can add a swivel shelf attachment to it to make your frequently used products easier to grab, or you can add hooks to the side for towel storage in a bathroom. 

Unsurprisingly, the shelf has an almost five-star rating on IKEA’s website. “I have a studio apartment and needed more shelving,” Jeremy, an IKEA shopper, said in a review. “I got one of these in 6-inch width as well as 12. They are strong enough for dinnerware and were fairly easy to install. I love the open and airy look they have. Added a touch of modern to my place! Thanks, IKEA.” 

While scrolling through the reviews, I found it fascinating to see how people had utilized the shelves in their homes. From studio apartments and kids’ bedrooms, to laundry rooms and even garages, this item is so versatile. 

Lakesha stores kitchen appliances and dishware on her shelves, but what makes it special is that, because they’re open, you can still see the vibrant walls behind — they’re painted with Sherwin-Williams’ Rojo Dust (SW 9006). 

However, if you’re unable to snag the IKEA shelves for your home you can find a similar option at Wayfair. Unfortunately, these are a bit pricier and aren’t see-through, but they have three long shelves and come in black and white. They’re also made of wood and can be used in basically any space. 

Lakesha’s shelving storage solution is not just functional — it also actually looks great. If you’re looking for something similar, follow her lead and consider the IKEA ENHET shelving. 

Buy: IKEA ENHET Shelving, $62