Cleverly planning and optimising storage space in the kitchen is the key to greater functionality and tidiness.
With strategic ideas and creative solutions, you can transform even small kitchens into real space wonders. Discover how you can use cupboards, shelves and multifunctional furniture effectively to create maximum storage space and at the same time create an appealing kitchen atmosphere.
Kitchen storage space is created through the optimised use of cabinets, drawers and their interiors. If you think about corners, wall surfaces and niches from the outset when planning your kitchen, you will benefit from clear workflows and short distances later on.
For example, organise the five kitchen zones - stocking, storage, washing up, preparation and cooking - logically. Replace fixed shelves in the cupboards with convenient pull-outs to fully utilise the storage space right down to the depth. Utilise the room height with ceiling-high cupboards and close any remaining niches with precisely fitting full-extension drawers. Ideally, the preparation zone should be located between the sink and hob - this allows you to work smoothly and avoid unnecessary distances.
| Zone | Typical contents |
|---|---|
| Storage | Food in labelled or transparent containers |
| Storage | Crockery, glasses, cutlery |
| Preparation | Knives, boards, bowls and frequently used spices and oils |
| Cooking | Pots, pots, pans, baking tray |
| Dishwashing | Dishwashing liquid, sponges, waste separation, cleaning products |
Find out more about the ideal layout in your kitchen and how to make optimum use of storage space in the guide Helpful tips - kitchen planning made easy.
In compact rooms, every centimetre counts. Narrow pull-outs hold spices or oils, corner solutions bring out hidden storage space and pull-out worktops create additional space when it is needed. Combination appliances such as the BORA X BO steam oven save space and combine several appliances in one. Cooktops with integrated extractor open up new design possibilities for shelves or wall units.
Light colours, smooth fronts and good lighting create visual space in the smallest of rooms. Clear lines without visible handles also reinforce the calm appearance. This makes even a small kitchen look open and organised. Sophisticated lighting in the kitchen makes working easier and creates a cosy atmosphere.
Storage space tips at a glance:
Open-plan rooms require a calm, uncluttered design. Closed fronts create clarity, open shelves set specific cosy accents. A kitchen island with pull-outs on both sides divides the cooking and dining areas, offers storage space and provides structure. An integrated BORA cooktop extractor system keeps sightlines clear and makes the kitchen part of the living space.
| Cabinet type | Benefit | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Wide base unit 80-100 cm | Large volume for cookware | Fully extendable, non-slip mats |
| Apothecary cupboard | Clear access to supplies | Place next to the preparation/cooking zone |
| Equipment conversion | Additional storage space under appliances | Space for baking tray or tray pull-outs |
| Niche shelf 15-30 cm | Closes off remaining space | Suitable for spices and oil bottles |
If you opt for a uniform colour scheme, make rooms appear larger. Natural materials such as wood or stone harmonise with clear shapes and emphasise the quality of the kitchen. More ideas on how to keep your kitchen tidy can be found in the guide Successful kitchen organisation - tips for more order.
Good interior organisation is crucial for efficient use of storage space. Separation systems, boxes and stackable storage containers keep things organised and provide a clear overview.
Railing systems secure knives and kitchen utensils, while illuminated pull-outs structure deep storage space and make searching easier.
Variable inserts that can be adapted to changing requirements are particularly practical. This keeps your kitchen flexible and organised in the long term. Valuable storage space can also be gained in the sink base unit with well thought-out waste bins and recycling modules.
The amount of storage space depends on cooking behaviour and household size. As a guide, you can plan around 50 per cent of the storage space for crockery and cookware, 30 per cent for provisions and 20 per cent for appliances or cleaning materials. One- to two-person households usually manage with eight to ten well-organised drawers, while larger families also benefit from tall cupboards or larder units.
Planning tip: Store everyday items at handle height and less frequently used items higher up. This keeps the worktop clear and the kitchen looking tidy.
With the BORA Classic 2.0 modular cooktop extractor system, innovative technology meets high-quality design. The result: More space, clean lines and a modern look in your kitchen.
A kitchen island creates storage space and structures the open kitchen. Tall cabinets up to the ceiling make use of the wall space, while carousel cabinets in the corners create space even in areas that are difficult to access.
Tall cabinets reaching up to the ceiling make full use of the wall space, while corner pull-outs and narrow niche modules increase storage space. Compact appliances save space on the worktop. Light-coloured surfaces and directional lighting enhance the visual spaciousness.
Store frequently used kitchen utensils within easy reach. Boxes and dividers prevent chaos in the cupboard and provide a better overview of supplies.
Plan clear kitchen zones, combine base cabinets with full extension pull-outs and use elements for the internal organisation of drawers and cabinets.
