Hidden No More! Under Cabinet Shelving Opens Up Unused Space
Most kitchens have a surprising amount of wasted vertical space tucked underneath the cabinets. This out-of-sight area above the base cabinets but below the bottom of the upper cabinets often gets overlooked as potential storage space. But with the right under cabinet shelving and organizational solutions, this hidden zone can be opened up and transformed into prime real estate that makes items easily accessible while clearing clutter off your countertops.
You'll discover creative ways to customize and maximize the storage potential of this unused niche in your kitchen. We've got your guide to choosing, installing and organizing the perfect under cabinet storage options to meet your needs and fit your unique space.
Benefits of Under Cabinet Shelving
Installing shelving under your wall cabinets and upper cabinets opens up a world of advantages:
- More Space - Take advantage of valuable vertical space that usually just collects dust.
- Convenience - Keep everyday items stored at hand level for quick and easy access.
- Organization - Reduce kitchen clutter with designated homes for cooking gadgets, dishes and food items.
- Flexibility - Adjustable shelves and modular systems adapt to changing storage needs.
- Affordability - Inexpensive way to add storage without the cost of major remodeling.
Types of Under Cabinet Shelves
There are several under cabinet shelving options to consider for your kitchen:
Fixed Shelves
Fixed shelves offer a simple and budget-friendly way to add space under your cabinets. Choices include:
- Wire shelving units - Sturdy, open metal wire construction.
- Solid fixed shelves - Made of wood, metal or plastic. Closed storage.
Fixed shelves have a lower cost, but you lose the flexibility of being able to adjust shelf position and height.
Adjustable Shelving
Systems with adjustable shelves provide more flexibility to customize your storage solution. Types include:
- Bracket and rail systems - Shelves rest on adjustable brackets along wall-mounted rails.
- Slide out shelves - Pull shelves extend to bring items to you.
- Tiered pull out baskets - Multiple slide-out basket units double your space.
Adjustable options cost more than fixed shelves but allow you to reposition shelves to fit different heights and change storage configuration when needed.
Specialty Organizers
Specialized under cabinet organizers target specific storage needs:
- Corner cabinet solutions - Spice organizers, diagonal shelves, lazy susans.
- Sink base organizers - Sliding trays, tip-out bins.
- Appliance garages - Pull-out shelves under a lift-up door.
- Pots and pan organizers - Vertical holders keep pans accessible but out of the way.
- Cutlery organizers - Drawers or inserts to neatly store utensils.
Choosing the Right Under Cabinet Storage
How do you select the best under cabinet storage options for your kitchen? Follow these tips:
- Carefully measure the area under cabinets to find shelves guaranteed to fit.
- Check weight capacities and choose shelves that can handle everyday items.
- Match the type of shelving to your particular storage needs.
- Account for proper leg room - don't install shelves too low.
Installing Under Cabinet Organizers
Installing under cabinet shelving is a relatively easy DIY project. Follow this process:
- Carefully measure and mark mounting locations.
- Secure brackets to bottom of cabinet first, then attach shelves.
- Use provided hardware or adhesive strips if needed.
- Load shelves starting with heavier items on lower levels.
Getting shelves level and evenly spaced takes patience. But the end result is worth it - you've just gained new storage space!
Maximizing Vertical Space
Some other ideas for making the most of the vertical dimension in your kitchen:
- Install floor to ceiling shelving units in pantry areas or corners.
- Add open shelving above wall cabinets to display cookware.
- Try two-tier pull out shelving in deep pantry cabinets.
Organizing Under Cabinet Spaces
Now that you've added under cabinet storage, make sure you organize it for maximum efficiency:
- Use bins and baskets to subdivide shelves.
- Label bins and shelves so items have assigned homes.
- Install "lazy susans" in corner cabinets for easy access.
A few simple organizational habits will help keep your new shelves clutter-free and easy to use.
If the area under your kitchen cabinets is currently an overlooked and underutilized space, it's time to change that. Installing specialized under cabinet shelving is an affordable way to gain extra storage without remodeling your entire kitchen.
With smart shelving and organizational products, you can customize unused vertical space to store kitchen items conveniently within arm's reach. Your countertops will be clearer and less cluttered. You'll wonder why you waited so long to unlock the potential hidden right over your base cabinets.
Follow the guidance in this article to select the right mix of fixed, adjustable and specialty under cabinet organizers for your needs. Take time to properly install shelves and keep them neatly organized. Soon this often ignored niche will be one of the most accessible and functional areas in your kitchen.