21 Very Small Kitchen Ideas to Copy

Creating a functional and stylish kitchen in a very small space can be a challenge, but with the right design ideas, you can make the most of every inch. These 21 very small kitchen ideas offer smart storage solutions, clever layouts, and creative design tips that will help you maximize your space without sacrificing style. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment kitchen or a tiny home, these ideas will inspire you to make the most of your very small kitchen.

1. Use Open Shelving

Open shelving is a great solution for very small kitchens, as it helps create a sense of openness and accessibility. By using open shelves, you can display your kitchen essentials like dishes, glasses, and spices, reducing the need for bulky cabinets. This design also adds an aesthetic element to your kitchen, making it feel more spacious and airy.
However, open shelving requires regular organization to avoid clutter. It’s perfect for those who enjoy showcasing their kitchenware, but it’s essential to keep items neatly arranged. Consider using decorative baskets or trays to store smaller items, keeping the shelves looking tidy while still maximizing space.

2. Opt for Compact Appliances

In a very small kitchen, choosing compact appliances is essential to make the most of your space. Mini fridges, smaller stoves, and under-counter microwaves are ideal for kitchens where every inch counts. These space-saving options allow you to keep the kitchen functional without overwhelming the space.
Opting for compact appliances also ensures that you have everything you need while maintaining a sleek, modern look. While these appliances are smaller in size, they offer the same efficiency as their larger counterparts, making them perfect for tiny kitchens.

3. Create a Multi-Functional Island

A multi-functional island is a fantastic addition to a very small kitchen. It can serve as both a preparation area and a storage solution, giving you extra counter space without taking up too much room. Many multi-functional islands also feature built-in drawers and shelves for additional storage, helping you keep kitchen essentials organized and easily accessible.
Additionally, a compact island can serve as a dining area for two, offering a cozy spot to enjoy meals. This versatile piece of furniture maximizes space while adding functionality to your kitchen, making it perfect for small spaces.

4. Install Wall-Mounted Hooks

Wall-mounted hooks are a simple yet effective way to save space in a very small kitchen. By hanging utensils, pots, and even towels on the walls, you free up valuable counter and cabinet space. This solution is especially useful for storing kitchen items that are frequently used, keeping them within easy reach.
Installing hooks also adds a decorative element to your kitchen. Use stylish hooks to create an organized, charming look that complements your kitchen’s decor. It’s an affordable and practical way to maximize vertical space while keeping your kitchen neat and functional.

5. Use Vertical Storage

In a very small kitchen, utilizing vertical storage is key to maximizing available space. Tall cabinets, hanging shelves, and high shelves can store kitchenware, pantry items, and even decorative pieces without taking up precious floor space. Vertical storage makes your kitchen feel more spacious by drawing the eye upward and creating an organized environment.
This storage method also prevents clutter from accumulating on countertops. With everything neatly stored on shelves or in cabinets, you can keep the work surfaces clear and functional, making it easier to cook and move around in your small kitchen.

6. Incorporate Glass Doors

Glass cabinet doors can help create an open, airy feel in a very small kitchen. By replacing solid cabinet doors with glass ones, you give the illusion of more space while still providing concealed storage. Glass doors allow you to display your kitchen essentials, adding an element of charm and sophistication to your design.
However, glass doors also require you to keep everything organized and tidy, as they make the contents visible. Consider using matching dishes or storage containers to create a cohesive look, enhancing the visual appeal of your kitchen while maintaining a clutter-free environment.

7. Opt for Light Colors

Light colors are perfect for very small kitchens, as they help create the illusion of more space. Soft shades of white, gray, or pastels reflect light, making the kitchen feel brighter and more expansive. Light-colored walls, cabinets, and countertops work together to create a cohesive, airy atmosphere, even in the smallest of spaces.
Using light colors also makes the kitchen feel clean and fresh. You can add pops of color through accessories like rugs, towels, or artwork, creating a balanced, visually appealing look without overwhelming the space.

8. Install Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are an excellent space-saving solution for very small kitchens. Instead of swinging open like traditional doors, sliding doors glide smoothly along a track, eliminating the need for additional clearance space. This is especially helpful when dealing with narrow kitchen areas where standard doors might take up too much room.
Sliding doors are also highly functional, providing easy access to cabinets or pantry spaces without the hassle of wide doors that may obstruct movement. They enhance the overall flow of the kitchen, allowing you to make the most of every inch.

9. Use Fold-Out Countertops

A fold-out countertop is a great way to add extra workspace to a very small kitchen. When not in use, the countertop folds away, allowing you to save space. But when you need it, it extends to provide a functional prep area for cooking or food preparation.
This flexible solution makes the most of limited counter space, ensuring that your kitchen remains both functional and compact. Fold-out countertops are particularly useful in small kitchens where you don’t have the luxury of a large island or ample counter space.

10. Maximize Cabinet Depth

Maximizing cabinet depth is a smart way to create more storage space in a very small kitchen. Deep cabinets can accommodate larger pots, pans, and kitchen essentials that might not fit in traditional shallow cabinets. By installing deeper cabinets or drawers, you can store more items and keep everything organized.
Deeper cabinets also help reduce clutter by providing space to neatly store larger items. With properly designed shelving or pull-out drawers, you can ensure that every inch of space is utilized efficiently, making your kitchen more organized and accessible.

11. Utilize the Space Above the Sink

In a very small kitchen, utilizing the space above the sink is an effective way to gain extra storage. Installing shelves or cabinets above the sink can help store dishes, drying racks, or other kitchen essentials. This space is often underused, making it a great area for additional storage in small kitchens.
By placing everyday items within easy reach, you can save time and reduce clutter on countertops. You can also incorporate decorative elements to enhance the look of your kitchen, keeping it functional while adding a personal touch to the design.

12. Integrate a Pull-Out Pantry

A pull-out pantry is a fantastic storage solution for very small kitchens. This feature allows you to store pantry essentials like canned goods, spices, and grains in a narrow, pull-out unit. The sliding mechanism makes it easy to access items stored at the back, helping you organize and retrieve your kitchen staples with ease.
Pull-out pantries maximize the use of narrow spaces that might otherwise be wasted. They provide vertical storage, allowing you to keep your kitchen neat and organized while ensuring that you have all your essential ingredients at your fingertips.

13. Add a Pull-Down Shelf

A pull-down shelf is an excellent addition to a very small kitchen, especially for maximizing vertical space. Mounted above the counter, it can store small appliances, extra dishes, or even pantry items that are used infrequently. When you need access to these items, simply pull down the shelf for easy access.
This space-saving solution helps keep the kitchen organized while ensuring that less frequently used items are stored safely out of the way. The pull-down design makes it easy to access these items without straining, providing added convenience.

14. Install Hidden Cabinets

Hidden cabinets are an innovative way to create additional storage in a very small kitchen. These cabinets are integrated into the walls, with doors that blend seamlessly into the surroundings. They provide a discreet storage solution for items that don’t need to be on display, such as cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, or extra dishware.
Hidden cabinets offer a minimalist look, helping your kitchen appear less cluttered while still providing ample storage space. By incorporating these clever designs, you can maintain a clean, sleek appearance in your small kitchen while keeping everything organized.

15. Use a Rolling Cart

A rolling cart is a versatile addition to any very small kitchen. It can serve as extra counter space, a storage unit, or even a mobile bar cart. When you need additional workspace or storage, simply roll the cart into place. It can be easily moved to suit your needs, making it an excellent solution for small spaces.
Rolling carts are ideal for kitchens with limited counter or storage space. They provide a flexible storage option that can hold anything from cooking utensils to pantry items, helping to organize your kitchen efficiently.

16. Maximize Corner Spaces

Maximizing corner spaces in a very small kitchen is a smart way to create additional storage. Corner cabinets can be outfitted with rotating shelves, pull-out trays, or lazy Susans to ensure easy access to items stored at the back. This solution makes it easy to store bulky appliances or kitchen tools that are used less frequently.
By utilizing corner spaces, you can make the most of every square inch in your kitchen. This approach helps eliminate wasted space and ensures that all your kitchen essentials are neatly organized and easily accessible.

17. Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are an excellent storage solution for very small kitchens. By installing shelves above counters, you can store items like dishes, mugs, or decorative pieces without taking up floor space. Floating shelves add a modern and airy look to your kitchen while making use of vertical space that would otherwise be wasted.
These shelves keep your kitchen organized by providing a place to store commonly used items within easy reach. They also serve as a great spot to display beautiful kitchenware, turning functional storage into a design feature.

18. Use Narrow Drawers

Narrow drawers are a great way to maximize storage in a very small kitchen. These drawers can be used to store utensils, kitchen gadgets, or even small towels and linens. By using narrow drawers, you can keep your kitchen tools organized and within reach without taking up much-needed space.
Narrow drawers can be installed in tight spaces between cabinets, under counters, or in any unused area. They help optimize space while keeping your kitchen essentials easily accessible and neatly stored.

19. Add a Tiny Sink

A tiny sink is perfect for very small kitchens where counter space is limited. This compact sink allows you to wash dishes, rinse produce, and perform other kitchen tasks without occupying too much room. Its small size maximizes counter space, leaving more room for meal prep and storage.
Despite its size, a tiny sink still provides all the functionality you need for everyday kitchen tasks. It’s a great option for those working with limited space but still want a fully functional kitchen.

20. Utilize the Space Above the Refrigerator

The space above the refrigerator is often overlooked but can be an excellent storage area in very small kitchens. By installing shelves or cabinets above the fridge, you can store pantry items, cookbooks, or kitchen appliances that aren’t used every day.
This area helps keep your kitchen organized by moving less frequently used items out of the way, while still keeping them easily accessible. Utilizing this space ensures that you’re making the most of every inch in your small kitchen.

21. Use Hidden Storage Compartments

Hidden storage compartments are a clever way to maximize space in very small kitchens. These compartments can be installed beneath countertops or inside cabinets, offering discreet storage for items that don’t need to be on display. Whether you’re storing cleaning supplies or extra utensils, hidden compartments help keep your kitchen neat and organized.
This solution helps maintain a minimalist aesthetic while offering additional storage space. Hidden storage ensures that your kitchen remains tidy and functional, even with limited room.

Conclusion:
Maximizing space in a very small kitchen requires smart storage solutions and creative design ideas. From multi-functional furniture to clever use of vertical space, these 21 very small kitchen ideas will help you create a kitchen that’s both practical and stylish. With a little ingenuity, you can make the most of your kitchen’s storage potential, even in the tightest of spaces.