If you've not given much thought to the small spaces beneath cabinets and sideboards, they can offer that little bit of extra storage for perfect home organization.
Whether you’re working with a compact kitchen or simply don't want to waste space, there are plenty of ways to transform these low-profile zones into practical assets.
Here, professional home organizers and designers share their best storage ideas for these unusual spots to make even the most neglected nook valuable.
How to make use of space under cabinets and sideboards
Forgetting about these hidden storage spots is one of the most common ways you are wasting space in your kitchen – and all over your home, for that matter. Here’s how to rectify this storage mistake.
1. Toe kick drawer
Toe kick drawers are great for lesser used item in a kitchen.
Whether you’re looking to increase the capacity of your kitchen storage ideas or organize a bathroom more efficiently, Alice Moszczynski, interior designer at Planner 5D, thinks utilizing this space is golden.
‘Under-cabinet and sideboard space is always overlooked but full of potential,' Alice says. 'One of my favorite solutions is installing toe kick drawers if you have the space and budget – they make great hidden compartments for flat items like baking sheets, pet bowls, or linens. I’d say this is a job for a custom millworker, though, so maybe not the most budget-friendly option for a home renovation.’
If you are looking to save money on home renovations, Shantae Duckworth, professional home organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space, adds, ‘That little strip of space under your kitchen cabinets? Gold. Use rolling bins [available from Wayfair] or baskets under sideboards and credenzas. I love a low rolling bin – it’s perfect for storing things like seasonal linens, extra paper goods, or even craft supplies. Bonus points if it fits perfectly under a sideboard and looks cute peeking out.’
These woven underbed storage baskets on wheels, from Wayfair, are a perfect choice for this. They come in four colors, too, to help match your decor perfectly.
2. Boot trays or feeding stations
When keeping a mudroom tidy or planning a utility room, consider using the space under cabinets for extra practical storage.
Anika Tarasiewicz, founder and CEO of CRAFT by Anika, suggests, ‘In mudrooms or laundry rooms, consider outfitting base cabinet drawers with hidden boot trays or slide-out pet feeding stations.
'They are easy to clean (bonus points considering their purpose), stay out of sight when not in use, and create a designated spot for things that usually end up scattered, like muddy shoes or pet bowls. It is a smart way to keep everyday messes contained without sacrificing function or flow.’
Be sure to clean these spots regularly, and avoid leaving pet food or mud in them for too long, lest they become one of the surprising things attracting pests to your home.
3. Storage baskets
Thin under bed baskets can go underneath cabinets instead.
Sideboards with no cabinets beneath them, Alice suggests, ‘Think about using some sturdy storage baskets that tuck beneath and can easily slide out to store items.’
A tiered rolling cart, from Walmart, makes a simple DIY storage idea you can create yourself.
Otherwise, this sturdy wooden shelving unit on wheels, from Wayfair, can be loaded with beautiful storage baskets, such as the water hyacinth baskets from Target, for customized aesthetic storage.
4. Baseboard vacuums
@thecountryreno 🧹 I will never sweep the old fashioned way - here’s why! I’ve recently had quite a few new followers (hello! 👋) and with it a lot of questions about my plinth vacuum. I actually first saw it in my local hairdressers and just thought - what a cool tool. So I googled and it wasn’t as expensive as I thought. They’re about £200 on eBay, which is less than some popular stand-up vacuums. The kitchen is our most used room and I’m forever trying to get rid of crumbs and mess from my busy family so this is a real game changer and perfect for those ‘argh Aunt Susan is pulling in to the drive and the floor is a state’ moments 😆 The main question I’ve been asked is where the crumbs go and how to empty it - I’m ashamed to say that I’ve had it since September and this is the first time it’s been emptied so those reusable bags can take a lot of dust and crumbs! Just slide off the plastic end, empty the bag and then push the vacuum back in. Home renovation | Kitchen reno | Garage to kitchen conversion | Kitchen must-haves | Cleaning Hacks
♬ original sound - TheCountryReno | UGC & content
You are not limited to hidden storage ideas to maximize space, you can also integrate appliances where budget allows.
Shantae suggests, ‘Install an under-cabinet vacuum [available at Amazon] or hidden trash drawer if you’re renovating. If you’re already doing some remodeling, this is a splurge that actually makes a big difference.
'A built-in vacuum or hideaway trash/recycling bin keeps your space looking clean and clutter-free. But if that’s not in the cards, a slim pull-out trash can or broom caddy inside a base cabinet works just as well, and doesn’t require any reno.’
5. Path lighting
Lighting along the floor is less harsh than overhead lighting, especially at night.
If you do not have the budget or time for a big renovation, skip the storage and consider adding smart lighting ideas to the space under cabinets or sideboards to make the existing space more functional.
Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design and Build, suggests, ‘Adding accent lighting under your cabinets is a great way to make your kitchen easier to navigate in the dark. It can also add a splash of color to your overall decoration scheme. Pair it with lighting under cabinets, above crown molding, or under countertops to create a multi-layered effect.’
The Philips Hue LED strips, available at Best Buy, can be cut to size and controlled from your phone or smart home assistants, making them a very practical choice for under-cabinet lighting. For a more affordable (albeit more basic) option, you can find motion-activated LED strips at Walmart.
What to shop
These baskets on wheels are a great alternative to custom kick drawers underneath cabinets. Simply remove the kickboards and slide them under.
Five meters
With 12 lighting settings, this LED strip is perfect for weaving along the bottom of cabinets for smart customizable home lighting.
This slimline under cabinet vacuum fits under most kitchen cabinets, and promises five times the suction power of most hand-held vacuums.
Meet the experts
Alice Moszczynski is an Interior Designer at Planner 5D, where she strives to create transformative spaces for her clients. Alice has worked under acclaimed architects and designers such as Groves & Co, Thom Filicia, and Sandra Nunnerley in New York. Alice holds a degree in Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design and is NCIDQ certified.
Anika Tarasiewicz is the founder and CEO of CRAFT by Anika, a full-service interior design firm based in New York City. She works with clients across Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Jersey, leading full-scale home renovations and boutique commercial projects.
Bar is a licensed general contractor and military veteran. He co-owns Better Place Design & Build with his brothers in San Diego.
Shantae has over five years of Home Organizing experience, specializing in decluttering services. She has also been a returning expert on Q13 Fox Seattle and has been published in Martha Stewart, Elle Decor, USA Today, and more.
Really want to maximize all the available space in your home? Try some of the best ways to make use of space above kitchen cabinets, too.
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