Side Kitchen Cabinet Shelving Solutions

Is your kitchen cabinet storage stretched to the max? Are you tired of constantly rearranging pots, pans and food items just to find what you need? Installing shelves on the sides of your existing kitchen cabinets can provide the extra space you've been craving, without the hassle and expense of a full remodel.

Read on to discover the brilliant ways side cabinet shelves can transform your kitchen's organization and storage capacity. We'll explore clever shelving ideas to maximize every inch, materials and hardware to suit your style, steps for planning and installing your new shelves, and DIY tips for a picture-perfect look.

Benefits of Adding Shelves to Kitchen Cabinet Sides

Shelves mounted on the sides of kitchen cabinets offer many advantages over standard cabinet storage alone:

• Increase storage and organization - Extra shelves give you more real estate to neatly arrange kitchen items. Keep like items together and designate shelves for specific purposes.
• Make better use of dead space - Take advantage of the vacant sides of cabinets that typically go unused. Even narrow shelves can hold spice jars, cans or condiments.
• Create more room for appliances and cookware - Free up prime cabinet space by moving bulky appliances and less-used items to new side shelves.
• Add visual interest to kitchen - The staggered look of side shelves breaks up plain cabinet fronts for a more dynamic, custom look.

When planned strategically, cabinet side shelves provide the additional storage and organization that make it easier to cook and find items when you need them. Visually, they lend a custom, built-in look that adds interest and dimension to your existing cabinetry.

Shelving Ideas for Different Cabinet Styles

There are many creative ways to incorporate shelves that perfectly suit your cabinet configuration and storage needs. Consider these options:

Full Height Cabinet Shelves

For full-height cabinets, install shelves from top to bottom for an ordered, almost built-in look. Opt for full-depth shelves to maximize storage or shallow shelves to hold smaller items while allowing access to the back. Include vertical dividers to neatly organize and contain items.

Tiered Shelves for Deep Cabinets

Deep cabinets, like those under kitchen sinks, can benefit from tiered shelves installed at varying depths. Position them to allow bottles, cleaners and other items to be easily accessed. Labeling helps identify contents in the back.

Pull-Out Shelves for Blind Corner Cabinets

Blind corner cabinets are notoriously challenging to access. Install pull-out shelves on rollers to effortlessly access the contents. Shelves that pivot also work well. For a budget option, add a sturdy tension rack with shelving.

Vertical Racks for Slim Spaces

Take advantage of the narrow space between cabinets and walls or appliances. Vertical racks with shelves sized to hold spices, foil, baking sheets and cutting boards are perfect for these slim gaps.

Evaluate the size and configuration of your existing cabinets to determine which shelves will maximize vertical storage while allowing easy access within the unique parameters of your kitchen layout.

Materials and Hardware for Cabinet Side Shelves

Kitchen cabinet side shelves come in an array of materials to match any decor. Consider which will best suit your functional needs and design aesthetics.

Wood Shelves

• Sturdy and classic
• Stain or paint to match existing cabinets

Metal Wire Shelves

• Lightweight and easy to adjust
• Open design provides airy, visible storage
• Available in chrome, black or white powder coated finishes

Glass Shelves

• Sleek, transparent look
• Easy to wipe clean
• Less durable than other materials

The right hardware allows you to securely mount shelves at your desired placement and height. Consider:

• Brackets - Sturdy metal or durable plastic shelf brackets attach to cabinet sides
• Tracks with adjustable brackets - Offer flexible shelf height options
• Pull-out shelf rails - Allow shelves to smoothly glide out for easy access to contents

Measuring and Planning Your Cabinet Shelves

Careful planning ensures your new shelves maximize your existing cabinet storage. Follow these steps:

1. Measure inside cabinet dimensions accurately, including depth, width and height.
2. Take note of existing interior racks or dividers that shelves will need to accommodate.
3. Make a scale drawing showing exact shelf placement and measurements.
4. Ensure shelves will allow ample room to fully open cabinet doors and drawers without obstruction.

Measure twice for accuracy and make adjustments as needed until your shelf plan is just right. Having an exact blueprint of where your shelves will be installed will make the process go smoothly.

Installation Guide for DIY Cabinet Shelves

Installing shelves on your kitchen cabinets is an achievable DIY project for many homeowners. Follow these steps for success:

1. Cut shelves to fit - Use a circular saw with a fine-tooth blade for wood shelves. A hacksaw works for cutting metal wire shelving.
2. Mark and drill bracket holes - Use a pencil to mark bracket locations, and a power drill to drill pilot holes.
3. Attach brackets securely - Use wall anchors in drywall or studs for strength. Follow manufacturer instructions.
4. Slide in shelves and test stability - Shelves should fit snugly without wobbling. Adjust as needed.
5. Add shelf edges - Apply adhesive shelf edge guards to prevent slipping and contain spills.

Take time to position brackets and shelves perfectly. Careful measurement, strong and stable brackets, and properly cut shelves will ensure your DIY kitchen cabinet shelves look built-in and professionally installed.

If your kitchen cabinets are stuffed while still lacking usable space, it's time to think outside the box - literally. Mounting shelves on the side walls of your existing cabinets is an easy DIY solution for increasing storage capacity exactly where you need it.

Read on as we explore the many benefits of cabinet side shelves, creative ideas to maximize your unique layout, materials and hardware to suit your style, steps for planning and installing shelves, and tips for getting it right the first time.

Reasons Shelves on Your Cabinet Sides are a Game-Changer

Standard kitchen cabinets only provide storage within their boxy confines. But look around - the empty sides of your cabinets present prime real estate for extra storage. There are many advantages to putting these overlooked areas to use:

• Multiply organizational options - Designate shelves for like items or special uses.
• Gain storage without remodeling - Just bolt on shelves to get more space now.
• Reduce cabinet clutter - Free up interior room by moving less used items to new shelves.
• Display treasured items - Show off dishware, collectibles or decor.
• Improve ergonomics - Place often-used items at your most comfortable reach.

With strategic planning, side shelves provide extra storage while being both decorative and functional. Saving time locating items and reducing mess in your cabinets makes meal prep a breeze.

Creative Shelf Styles to Complement Your Kitchen

There are many possibilities when it comes to incorporating side shelves into your existing kitchen layout. Consider these creative options:

For a built-in look, install shelves that span floor-to-ceiling beside full-height cabinets. Vary shelf depth or add vertical divisions for optimized organization.