The kitchen island is one of the most sought-after features in the kitchen, so I’m a firm believer in treating it kindly with well-thought-out storage that makes it work at its best.
Located in the center of the room, it’s easy to see how an island becomes a dumping ground for unfortunates who have no other real home, so cleverly kitchen island storage ideas are key to the more intensive work of space. Forget cabinets – while useful for storing small appliances and pots and pans, they often lead to a “throw it in and hope for the best” mentality, creating yet another cluttered cabinet that’s hard to access.
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1. Storage basket
(Image credit: Magnet)
Drawers are a staple idea for island storage, but they don’t necessarily look the way you’d expect. Choice of storage basket or closet style drawers specifically for vegetables will make your island work harder as it has specific uses while leaning on a homey look.
“Kitchen islands are often designed with fixed storage areas like drawers and cabinets, but incorporating baskets into open shelving offers a more flexible alternative,” says Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director of Made mustard.
“They’re perfect for storing linens, baking essentials or fresh fruit, while keeping everything easily accessible. As the baskets can be lifted and moved around the kitchen as needed, they work particularly well in busy homes. Choosing different colors or textures is also an easy way to visually organize what’s stored inside.”
2. Shallow drawers
(Image: Harvey Jones)
Deep drawers are a popular choice for kitchen islands because they create useful storage space for pots and pans, but don’t forget the importance of shallow drawers, especially if your island has a stove.
“The kitchen island should be somewhere people naturally congregate, but it should also work hard as a prep area. Making the most of the storage underneath is key,” explains Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. “Shallow upper drawers are perfect for everyday essentials – things like a spice drawer insert or an integrated knife block that keep everything within easy reach. Deeper drawers below can neatly hold dishes, and board inserts help keep stacks organized so everything stays tidy and easy to find.”
3. Storage hooks
(Image: Future / Caroline Mardon)
Not only is the storage space on the inside of your kitchen island important, but also on the outside. A pot rack is usually placed above the counter for extra storage, but it actually works just as well at the end of an island.
“Small details like hooks or a rail on the side of the island designed for tea towels or bedding also help keep everyday essentials close at hand without cluttering the desktop,” adds Al.
As well as convenient, easily accessible storage, it adds interest to the side of the island that often remains plain, especially if it can be seen from a residential area.
Shop kitchen island storage ideas
M&S
Set of 3 wooden stackable boxes
These wooden boxes are a great addition to open shelving to keep things neatly tucked away.
Brass hanging rails look undeniably elegant and high-end – they’re such a better alternative to a rod on a plastic hook.
Dom Argos
Argos Home Organizer with 6 drawers – transparent
The different shapes and sizes of these clear organizers will give you so many options to organize your drawer however you see fit.
When planning kitchen island storage, consider exactly how you will use the space. If you’re a family that tends to create piles of stuff on surfaces, an integrated storage drawer can help combat this and keep work surfaces clean – I know I’m guilty of it!
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