Top Under Cabinet Shelves For Kitchens
Looking to add extra storage space to your kitchen without a full remodel? Under cabinet shelving offers a budget-friendly solution for stashing kitchen tools and dry goods close at hand. Mounted right inside existing cabinets, these clever storage spots tuck dishes, spices, bakeware, and more out of sight but still conveniently within reach.
Read on to discover the versatility of under cabinet shelves for amplifying your kitchen's storage potential. We'll explore the pros and cons of various materials, easy DIY installation tips, and creative ways to organize the bonus space.
Benefits of Under Cabinet Shelving
Integrating shelves inside kitchen cabinetry comes with many advantages over freestanding storage units. Not only do they maximize vertical real estate in the kitchen, but built-in shelves also promote better organization without compromising style or taking up floor space.
Increases Storage Space
Extra shelving inside existing cupboards adds storage capacity without expanding the footprint of your kitchen. You can stash bulk dry goods, small appliances, cookbooks, and other items to help eliminate clutter on countertops.
Enhances Efficiency
Keep frequently used items right at your fingertips! Mounted near prep and cook zones, under cabinet shelves improve kitchen workflow by reducing time spent searching for ingredients and tools.
Saves Money
Compared to a full kitchen remodel just for more storage, adding shelves inside existing cabinetry is an affordable upgrade. DIY kits cost well under $100, with prefab shelves from $25 to $200 plus installation.
Types of Under Cabinet Shelves
Kitchens come in all sizes and layouts, so you'll want to consider which style works best for your existing cabinetry. Basic materials like wood, wire, or glass can all help you organize the bonus space while complementing your decor.
Wooden Shelving
Sturdy wooden shelves offer charming farmhouse appeal. Opt for a natural wood stained shelf or paint it a crisp white. Custom cut the depth and width to fit perfectly inside your cupboard space. Use wooden shelves for displaying ceramic cookware or stashing small appliances.
Wire Shelving
Featuring crisscrossed metal mesh, wire shelving maximizes airflow and visibility inside cabinets. Great for pantries, the openness keeps ingredients from getting lost while promoting better turnover of goods. Wire shelves also make a great frame for lining cookbooks along the back splash.
Glass Shelving
Glass shelves lend a sleek, modern look for stowing barware and tableware. The transparency allows you to easily see everything stored on them. Securing them properly is crucial to prevent cracking. For safety, avoid placing heavy cookware on glass under cabinet shelves.
Maximizing Vertical Storage Space
Kitchens big and small can benefit from under cabinet storage solutions. You don't need giant pantries and expansive cabinetry to add functional space for stashing kitchen goods and small appliances.
Extra Storage Solutions
Take advantage of the wasted void behind cabinet doors by installing shelves to effectively use all available space. THIScreative storage Hack provides fast access to items you use regularly without having to dig.
Organizing Small Spaces
Maxed out on upper and lower cabinet space? Dish out more room for meal prep and cooking essentials by integrating storage nooks between existing shelves. This helps avoid a cluttered countertop when working in a compact kitchen.
Installation Considerations
While under cabinet shelves often slip right into place, a proper installation ensures durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
Measuring Cabinet Dimensions
Always measure the exact interior width and depth of your cabinet space first. Under cabinet shelves come in standard sizes, but custom cutting boards guarantees a precise fit. This helps prevent sagging shelves and wasted space.
Securing Shelves Properly
Reinforce under cabinet shelving with sturdy side and back supports. Anchor them directly to cabinet walls securely using screws. This keeps shelves from buckling or pulling away from the cabinet interior when loaded with containers and cookware.
Creative Storage Ideas for Shelves
An organized kitchen promotes efficiency for all your cooking and baking projects. Under cabinet shelves open up a world of possibilities for neatly stashing kitchen items and small appliances.
Storing Spices and Condiments
Designate a shelf near the cooking zone for spice jars, oils and vinegars. Keeping these ingredients in arm's reach prevents dashing back and forth from the pantry.
Displaying Decor Items
Show off your fine ceramic dishware, classic cookbooks or whimsical kitchen signs on open shelving. Curating decorative objects makes the space more personality.
Organizing Appliances and Cookware
That awkward space between the fridge and cabinets? Perfect for stashing small appliances to keep countertops free. Hang a pot rack underneath to store lids within easy access.
Pros and Cons of Different Materials
Choosing the best shelf material depends on your storage needs, style preference and budget. Evaluate the positives and negatives when deciding between common options.
Wood vs Wire vs Glass
Wood offers a classic look but requires seasoning and staining. Wire lets light through but items can slip between the mesh. Glass appears sleek yet needs frequent cleaning and has low weight limits.
Custom vs Prefabricated
Custom shelves guarantee a flawless fit yet take more effort to install. Prefab shelves quickly slide into place but may leave gaps that allow small items to slip behind.
Just because they tuck inside cabinets doesn't mean under shelves can't also look pretty. Use them to infuse personality into your kitchen or coordinate with your style.
- Play up traditional appeal with beadboard shelving and ceramic canisters
- Try handle-free cabinet fronts and brushed brass hardware for a contemporary look
- Introduce rustic charm using a live-edge wood shelf with black pipe brackets
- Build industrial flair with iron wire shelves holding glass storage jars
- Go boho with woven baskets lining floating shelves under open cabinets
Renovate your kitchen storage with handy shelves mounted cleverly under cabinets and soffits. They maximize usable space in pantries, maximize vertical storage capacity, and help keep high-traffic work zones clutter-free. With some simple measuring and cutting, you can create custom built-ins specifically sized to fit your existing cabinetry.
Creative under cabinet shelving solutions help you organize cookware, small appliances, barware and everyday food essentials. Keep everything you need within arm's reach, so baking and cooking feels more streamlined. Achieve a tidier, more functional kitchen without the headaches or expense of a full remodel.