IKEA’s $5 Minimalist Dish Drying Mat Solved My Tiny Kitchen’s Biggest Problem – and Reclaimed My Counter Space
It's the smart solution for keeping counters calm
People often think I’m exaggerating when I say I have a tiny kitchen, but trust me – there’s barely enough room for two people to stand in it at the same time.
That’s why every inch of counter space counts, especially around the sink, since we don’t have a dishwasher. Leaving dishes out to air-dry quickly takes over the little workspace we have, and it doesn’t take much before the whole kitchen starts to feel cramped and cluttered.
That’s why the folding, non-toxic RINNIG dish drying mat from IKEA immediately stood out to me. It provides a practical drying space but folds away neatly afterwards, helping me to reclaim counter space in my small kitchen.
This foldable drying mat makes kitchen work easier and helps you keep the worktop neat and tidy. It's perfect for putting dishes on or for placing under a dish drainer to catch all the drips.
No matter if you have a small kitchen with no dishwasher, or you handwash the occasional delicate pan or dish, every kitchen needs space to dry dishes. However, large dish drying racks are the enemy of keeping counters clear.
If you love the streamlined look of having everything tucked away and want to reduce visual clutter in a kitchen, the folding RINNIG drying mat is ideal. The folding mat can be tucked into a cabinet or hung between uses, giving you extra workspace and making your kitchen feel less overwhelming.
In a small space, even small changes to clutter have a large impact. Being able to clear the sink area between uses makes the whole kitchen feel calmer and more intentional.
The mat can be hung neatly out of the way when not in use.
With its deep grooves and ridges, the mat encourages better air circulation, helping dishes dry more quickly while keeping items like glassware and porcelain securely in place.
Made from thermoplastic rubber, it’s also a non-toxic option, offering added peace of mind in a space that’s constantly in use for food prep and cleaning.
They aren't just good for dishes, either, as happy shoppers point out. One anonymous reviewer gave the mat five stars, adding, 'I bought three for different purposes on my countertop: A coffee station, a place to drain and stack mason jars for making yogurt, and a place to dry and store lids and trays. They blend beautifully into the countertop.'
Another, Jacqueline, adds, 'The mat is soft and flexible, and the ridges are just high enough to keep items above any collected water. Because it is flexible, it's super easy to clean or roll up and take with me. Great for using under dish racks, using outside when washing/drying items, great for camping or when traveling to rentals where you'd like to have the mat in the kitchen.'
What Else to Shop
If you do not want to visit an in-person IKEA store, you will need to make a $35 purchase to be eligible for delivery. I have selected some of my favorite kitchen accessories to help flesh out the order and revamp your kitchen on a budget.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Plates dry more quickly when stacked neatly to promote air flow. This standing rack can be easily tucked into a cabinet when not in use, and nests neatly on top of the drying mat to keep counters clean.
Extra storage space should never be sniffed at. This elevated storage shelf works perfectly on counters and in cabinets to make use of vertical height and double space for pantry goods.
Hanging storage is perfect around a sink, giving you space for your cloths, sponges, and mats to hang and air dry completely, preventing bacterial build up and musty odors.
I would not cook without these glass storage dishes on hand to store left overs. They are entirely non-toxic, fridge and freezer safe, and without the lids suitable for the oven and microwave, too. They are the most versatile yet affordable glass storage containers I have ever owned.
These stacked open bins are the perfect choice for pantries, offering easy grab-and-god storage for both produce and packaged snacks.
Measuring just 21 1/4x7 1/8x28 inches, this rolling cart is perfect for slotting beside cabinets or freestanding appliances to instantly create additional storage space for pantry goods or cleaning products.
A tiny space doesn't have to look drab. We have plenty of chic ways to make a small kitchen look more luxurious, even on a budget.
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