Kitchen Furniture for Storage

Just about everyone can use a little extra storage space in the kitchen. Planned cabinets and pantries can go a long way toward helping to keep the kitchen area tidy and organized. It is also possible to select different pieces of kitchen furniture that add some additional storage to the space. If you are wondering how to work a little more storage into your kitchen without overcrowding it, here are some furniture ideas to consider.

One of the classic ways to create a little more storage space is to do away with chairs at the kitchen table and go with benches instead. Kitchen benches constructed with bins under the seat make it very easy to store more items without having to add another piece of furniture to the room. With most designs, lifting the seat makes it possible to access the bins underneath. Some designs allow the padded seat to completely come off, while others are hinged along the back of the seat. Both designs work very well for storing small appliances, plastics, and other lightweight items.

While benches of this type used to be associated more with kitchen nooks and were somewhat plain in appearance, that is not necessarily the case today. It is still possible to purchase the traditional wooden bench seats with storage underneath. However, manufactures also offer storage solutions of this type in several different designs, making it much easier to find something that blends in with various themes such as country or contemporary.

In some kitchens, the microwave oven rests on a simple table set off to one side. While this helps keep countertop space clear, the space occupied by the microwave and table can be put to better use. Choose a small set of stands with shelves instead. The shelves can be deep enough to support the microwave oven, while the shelving above and below provides storage for cookbooks, small appliances, and any other kitchen items you desire. Shelving units of this type can reach from floor to ceiling, thus maximizing the efficiently of the space. There are even some models that include sections enclosed with doors, making it possible to store away your microwave cookware in the same area.

People who know how hard it is to find the right kitchen utensil in a crowded drawer can also take advantage of vertical space by installing a wall grid near the main cooking area. Often, the grids are composed of metal covered with an easy to clean resin finish. The grid can be used to create an organized area for various ladles, spatulas, and other utensils that are used often. With the use of wire hooks, it is even possible to hand frying pans and small pots in the space, which saves a lot of time and effort in comparison to digging through storage space under a countertop.

Another common example of kitchen furniture that adds storage to the space is the mobile island. This piece of furniture, usually mounted on casters for easy movement around the kitchen, can provide another preparation surface that is ideal for chopping, dicing, and slicing. At the same time, the island provides more storage under the counter for everything from serving bowls to cookware. Because the island can be moved to any area of the kitchen where it is needed, the piece can float in the middle of the kitchen or be placed along a wall when not in use.

There are several styles for the islands that make it possible to accommodate just about any type of kitchen décor. For spaces that include beautiful wood cabinetry, it is possible to purchase a lightweight island with a wooden frame that will blend in nicely. For a more industrial look, go with an island that is composed of stainless steel and wire mesh coupled with a stainless steel countertop. Both designs are easy to maintain and should look new even after years of use.

Price is often a concern when attempting to expand the storage possibilities in a kitchen. Fortunately, many of these simple furniture items are relatively inexpensive, making it easy to buy them even when your budget is a little tight. When your choice of storage furniture mainly focuses on finding the highest quality for the lowest price, the result is usually storage that lasts for a number of years before replacement is necessary.

Choosing the right kitchen furniture for storage can take time. This is especially true for smaller kitchens, where it is often a good idea to look for pieces that make better use of vertical space rather than horizontal. Still, even a small galley kitchen can usually be made more efficient with the use of some type of additional storage.


Cynthia Andrews is a freelance writer who writes about home decorating, often focusing on specific items such as kitchen furniture.