9 Ideas for Storing Pots and Pans in a Small Apartment

Pots and pans are, for the most part, bulky and come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. This is great for decoration purposes but can make storage somewhat challenging, even in a normal-sized kitchen.  

Fortunately, I have some creative ideas for storing pots and pans that should keep your kitchen clutter-free and your cookware orderly and accessible.    

Before delving into the world of pot and pan organization, I recommend you get rid of cookware you barely use. No, you’re not going to wake up one day and suddenly have the urge to make that complicated dish you’ve never had the urge to make. Without unnecessary clutter, kitchen planning becomes a a lot more manageable. 

Start by taking the time to examine your small kitchen. Then measure and identify any wall, floor, or cabinet space that might just be underutilized.  

Here are some suggestions to get you started. 

1. The space above your stove

When looking to store your pots and pans, why not find a spot that you can easily access or where you’d typically prepare your gastronomic family feasts? 

Consider mounting a pot rack if you have free wall space behind the stove. (Even better if you can find a rack with hooks for hanging pots and pans).

This elegant, sturdy, designed 30-Inch Kitchen Pot Rack by KES Store will free up your kitchen counter space by providing you with the shelves and hooks to hold your cookware. There’s a reason why this is one of the most much-loved racks on Amazon.

2. Cabinet and drawer organizers

You might also consider adding organizers to cabinets close by where you cook. If you have the space, this is a great option. 

If you’re lucky enough to have a large cabinet, adding a pot rack organizer such as this: G-TING 8 Tiers Pots and Pans Organizer for Kitchen Organization & Storage may transform your kitchen life. The G-TING’s organizer’s adjustable tiers make fitting any size pot and pan effortless and, better yet, is very easy to install.

This Pull Out Cabinet Drawer Organizer by HOLDN’ STORAGE Store comes in various sizes that can fit most kitchen cabinet sizes. A pull-out drawer makes your pots and pans much more accessible. 

If you have a free corner cabinet, you might want to instal a Lazy Susan to store your pots and pans. A Lazy Susan like a Rev-A-Shelf White Polymer Kidney Shaped 2-Shelf Lazy Susan will ensure your cookware is out of site and easy to access. 

3. Pegboard storage

I can’t keep track of the number of occasions I’ve suggested pegboards as a storage solution. Their usefulness is never-ending. 

What makes pegboards superb is that they’re easy to customize. Add hooks for your pots and pans and attach a file sorter for your lids (the options are endless). Try to choose a free wall near where you cook the most.  

There are so many pegboard options available online, but I personally like this Wall Control Kitchen Pegboard Organizer Pots and Pans Pegboard Pack by the Wall Control Store on Amazon. It comes with an assortment of pegs and accessories and is available in several fun colors.  

4. Ceiling pot and pan organizer

Some kitchens are so small that cabinet and wall space storage aren’t an option (especially when storing bulkier pots and pans).  

Consider adding a tasteful-looking overhead pot and pan rack to your kitchen ceiling. You can find rack options that come with chains attached, which allow for easier cookware access. If this isn’t your style (or is not an option), try to secure a beam before installing it, or keep a foldable stool handy. 

Ceiling pots and pan racks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Choose one that suits your style. Always remember to measure your ceiling height before purchasing. Kitchens with low ceilings are typically not suited to ceiling storage. 

5. Hanging rails

If your pots and pans are in good conditions and you don’t mind displaying them, adding a wall-mounted rail may be the answer. 

Add a single rail or fill a kitchen wall with multiple rails. Adding hooks to your rails will allow you to hang your pots and pans, or slide the lids behind the rail for extra storage. 

If you are very short of wall space, try to hang a rail on the wasted space above one of your kitchen windows. Just try not to block too much sunlight (after all, you need light in small kitchens too). 

There are many mounted rail racks, but these Greenco Pot and Pan Wall Mounted Rail Hanger Racks from Amazon tick all the boxes.

6. Store lids separately 

Storing your pot and pan lids separately makes perfect sense. Lids are usually the space-hogging culprits that make cookware storage a nightmare. 

Numerous lid organizers allow you to stack your lids upright in a drawer or cabinet. This YouCopia StoreMore Adjustable Rack Cabinet Organizer works exceptionally well for lids, and the adjustable dividers make storing any sized lid or pan a lot simpler. 

The Joseph Joseph CupboardStore Cabinet Door Pan Lid Organizer from Amazon is also worth checking out. This fantastic gadget is minimalist and suitable for most small to medium-sized lids. It’s great to attach to your cabinet or pantry doors or inside a deeper drawer. 

If you’d rather not purchase new gadgets, buy a couple of command hooks. Two command hooks per lid should do the trick.

As a last resort, stacking your lids one on top of the other in a drawer or cabinet can also work. But please don’t forget the protectors. You shouldn’t be damaging cookware during your storage process.

7. Island or rolling cart

If you’re lucky enough to have a kitchen island, attach hooks to the bottom to hang your cookware. Or you could invest in a rolling kitchen cart that you can roll around the kitchen and grab pots and pans as needed. 

You can tuck the cart out of sight when you no longer need it. If you have space, leave the cart in the kitchen, and use the additional counter space and storage.  

This Amazon Basics Kitchen Storage Microwave Rack Cart is relatively compact, with shelves for pots and hooks for hanging your pans. The wooden top also serves as additional kitchen counter space. 

8. Vertical pot rack display

Many small kitchens have unused corner space. Why not use this space by adding a vertical corner rack for storing your pots and pans? Look for one that takes up the least space and boasts multiple storage levels. 

9. Stovetop display

Do you have one or two attractive pots or pans that you use regularly and fancy the look of? Why not display them on your stovetop for everyone to see? 

Choose colorful pots that add character to your small kitchen space. Not only will stovetop displays free up cabinet and wall space, but your pots and pans are already there waiting for you when you decide to start cooking.