An island is often the hardest-working storage in the kitchen, sitting right in the middle of the room within a step of the stove, sink and fridge. But without a plan, its cabinets turn into a jumble of mismatched pans and its drawers into junk drawers. Here are kitchen island storage ideas, what to keep in an island, and how to organize every drawer, cabinet and shelf.
Start With What You Do at the Island
Store things where you use them. If you prep at the island, keep knives, cutting boards and mixing bowls there. If it's where the family eats, store placemats and napkins. If it's the coffee station, keep mugs and beans close.
| Island zone | What to store there |
|---|---|
| Top drawers | Utensils, knives (in a drawer insert), measuring cups, wraps and foil |
| Deep drawers | Pots, pans, lids, mixing bowls, small appliances |
| Cabinets | Large cookware, baking dishes, serving platters, stand mixer |
| Open shelves | Cookbooks, baskets, everyday dishes, decor |
| Seating side | Placemats, napkins, kids' snacks, homework supplies |
| End or back | Wine, glassware, a trash or recycling bin, cleaning supplies |
10 Kitchen Island Storage Ideas
1. Deep drawers for pots and pans
Drawers are easier to reach than low cabinets: you pull the contents out to you instead of kneeling to dig. Use pegboard-style dividers to keep pots and lids in place.
2. Shelf risers and adjustable shelves in cabinets
Adjustable shelves and stacking risers use the full height of a cabinet. The Modern Double-Sided Kitchen Island has adjustable shelves behind its doors and two drawers on top.
3. Vertical dividers for baking sheets and boards
Store sheet pans, cutting boards and trays on their edges so you can pull one out without lifting the stack.
4. Pull-out baskets or bins
Add pull-out wire baskets or lidded bins inside cabinets for snacks, onions and potatoes, or cleaning supplies.
5. An appliance zone
Keep the stand mixer, blender or air fryer in a lower cabinet near an outlet. Islands with built-in outlets, like the Dual-Level Island with Power Outlet, let you use small appliances right at the island. See kitchen islands with outlets.
6. Open shelves for cookbooks
An open end or side shelf keeps cookbooks within reach and adds a decorative touch.
7. A trash or recycling pull-out
A bin near the prep side makes cleanup faster. NKBA guidelines recommend at least two waste receptacles in a kitchen, one for trash and one for recycling. A pull-out bin kit fits most standard cabinets.
8. Wine and glassware storage
Store wine on its side in a rack or cubbies, away from heat sources. The Grand Framed Glass Kitchen Island has wine storage on the back and lit, glass-front cabinets for glassware.
9. Storage under the seating
A bench with drawers turns seating into storage. The Kitchen Island with Built-In Bench Storage has a 63 in cushioned bench with three drawers underneath, plus six drawers and four cabinets on the prep side.
10. Hidden charging and command center
A drawer with a power strip, or an island with built-in USB ports, keeps phones, tablets and chargers off the counter.
How to Organize Kitchen Island Cabinets and Drawers
- Empty and edit. Remove everything, and donate duplicates and gadgets you don't use.
- Group by task: baking, prep, serving, everyday dishes.
- Heavy items low, and everyday items in easy reach. Accessibility guidelines suggest keeping frequently used items between about 15 and 48 in off the floor.
- Use drawer inserts for utensils, knives and spices.
- Use clear or labeled bins in deep cabinets so nothing gets lost at the back.
- Leave some empty space for new items and quick tidy-ups.
Double-Sided Island Storage
On a double-sided island, use the kitchen side for cooking tools and the dining or seating side for things you use at the table. Long islands, like the 110.2 in Orbis Contour Form Island with six cabinets, can hold an entire set of everyday dinnerware and serving pieces.
Styling the Island Top
- Keep the top mostly clear for prep.
- Group daily essentials on a tray: oil, salt, pepper.
- Add a bowl of fruit or a small plant.
- Store the rest inside, out of sight.
Planning a new island? See freestanding kitchen islands and our kitchen island dimensions guide.
FAQ
What should be stored in a kitchen island?
Whatever you use at the island: prep tools and cookware near the prep side, dishes and linens near the seating side, and wine or glassware at the ends.
Are drawers or cabinets better in a kitchen island?
Drawers are easier to reach and organize; cabinets fit tall and bulky items. A mix of both works best.
How do I keep my island from getting cluttered?
Give everything a home inside, keep only daily essentials on top, and use a tray to corral them.
Shop kitchen islands.