Here’s how to best use your kitchen island to get the most storage space possible.
Tomaximize your kitchen islandstorage, consider what the storage solutions need to do.
Open shelves underneath make it easy to access serving pieces for casual meals.
Credit: Stacey Brandford
Open Kitchen Island Storage
Create a lighter look with an open island.
Wire baskets hold similar items while keeping the look bright and airy.
Incorporated Appliances
Save counter space with abuilt-in microwaveor dishwasher within the island.
Credit: Jean Allsopp
The island will need to be outfitted with the proper electrical and plumbing components, so plan accordingly.
Kitchen Island Drawers
Think beyond cabinets for kitchen island storage.
Deep, wide drawerswork well for storing dishes, linens, and pots and pans.
Credit: Werner Straube
Kitchen Island Display Shelves
Use your island for both storage and display.
Pair that with closed storage, such as drawers, for more utilitarian items, like flatware.
Extra-deep drawers below the cart on this kitchen island accommodate dry goods, cookware, and other baking essentials.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Kitchen Island Storage Additions
Even prefab kitchen island storage can be upgraded with the right solutions.
Look for add-ons likewine racks, baskets, and trays to organize drawers and cabinets.
Hooks are an inexpensive DIY solution for hanging baking supplies, pots, or pans.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Kitchen Island Spice Rack
Utilize pullout shelves and cabinets to increase visibility in kitchen island cabinets.
Utilize an adjustable wire pantry rack to keep sheet trays upright and handy.
They’re perfect for plugging in a mixer.
Credit: Nathan Schroder
Hidden Kitchen Island Storage
Create seamless kitchen island storage with door fronts that look likedecorative panels.
The panel on the left conceals a deeper nook that houses an icemaker.
Kitchen Island Wine Storage
Organize your wine collection with storage designed for bottles.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Open shelves provide a home for frequently used cookbooks and a basket for small-appliance product manuals.
Utilize deep cabinets for infrequently used dishes,kitchen gadgets, and items reserved for entertaining.
Custom Plate Racks
Turn the front of your island into a focal point with acustom plate rack.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Beaded boardpainted a contrasting colorprovides an eye-catching backdrop, while wood dowels keep serving dishes in place.
When planning kitchen island storage, always measure your items to check that you have clearance.
Give them what they need by storing them out of the way in a pulloutwire basketbeneath standard drawers.
Credit: Adam Albright
The side where the barstools are stationed houses roomy cabinets.
Classic columns on the corners of the island emphasize its furniture-style design.
Overhead Organization
Take island storage to new heights by includingstorage above the counter.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
In this kitchen, wood columns extending from the countertop add architectural interest while creatingstorage for wine glasses.
Overhead storage is ideal for daily items like spices or coffee mugs.
A microwave, warming drawer, built-intrash receptacles, and cookware storage are below.
Credit: Jean Allsopp
Shelving on one end provides a convenient space todisplay and store dishes.
The working side of the island forms a prep station opposite the sink.
On the other side, the raised banquette takes full advantage of the woodsy view and provides ample seating.
Credit: Brie Williams
Meanwhile, the back of the bench houses aglass-door cabinetfacing the dining room.
A drawer under the benchfurthers the kitchen island storage capacity.
Integrated Column Storage
Column-style corners on this kitchen island are more than just decorative.
Credit: Paul Dyer
Opening the recessed panel with a push latch reveals hidden cookbook storage.
Pullout Storage
Keep frequently used pots and pans on hand with pullout shelves.
The durable material makes it easy to wipe away cooking spills and splatters.
Credit: Laura Moss
Kitchen Storage Solutions for Every Space
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Credit: Werner Straube
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