How To Maximize Storage In Your Small Kitchen With Window Shelving

Small kitchens have their benefits. Less room means less counter and floor space to clean. Without ample cabinet and pantry space, you may be less tempted to overspend on grocery items that will sit on a shelf and go to waste or kitchen appliances that are only used once every couple of years. Of course, as you may know, it's not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to small kitchens. Sometimes it's a struggle to find room for even the absolute must-haves. Not having a designated space for everything you need can lead to clutter, which can be both unsightly and stressful. There is a place in your kitchen that you may not have considered as a storage option — your kitchen window. That's right. The answer to your small kitchen storage problems may be the very thing currently illuminating all of your kitchen's clutter. Adding shelves to your windows takes advantage of the unused area and instantly increases your kitchen's storage space.

Whether wall-mounted or window sill-mounted, these shelves not only provide extra kitchen storage but also help keep frequently used items accessible. Though many people choose window shelves to display their houseplants, there is no reason they can't be used for other purposes. Coffee cups, small plates, bowls, spices, or even some pantry items can be kept on a window shelf. Since there are no rules in the window shelf game, you can customize your shelving system however you like.

There are several options for mounting your window shelves: above the window, along the window sill, or in front of it. The first thing you need to do for this project is measure your window and figure out where you can attach brackets. For windows with open wall space on both sides, you can attach your shelf to a set of brackets and then secure the brackets to the window studs. If you have cabinets surrounding your kitchen window or the window has one side against a wall, the mounting process is slightly different. For wall and cabinet mounting, you will secure one side of the shelf to the cabinet or the perpendicular wall. If your window is set back a few inches in its frame, you can also mount the shelf directly to the frame. 

There is no specific type of shelf bracket that you need to use for window shelves. They can be wooden or metal, and plain-looking or ornamental. It's essential, though, that you select the brackets and shelving material, taking into account what you plan to store on the shelf and how the shelf will be mounted. Heavier items may require a solid wood shelf and heavy-duty brackets. Another thing to consider is whether you are able to attach the brackets to a stud. If there's no stud available and you will use the shelf for heavy things, you may want to consider toggle bolts instead of screws.

Now that you know about window shelves and how to install them, it's time to learn how to customize them. To start, there is no need to hang a single window shelf and be done. You can design a whole shelving system over your window, from the window sill to the ceiling. Consider your storage needs and sunlight needs, and measure enough space on top of each shelf to accommodate them. To enhance the functionality of your shelf, you can attach pieces of trim to the sides and front to prevent items from sliding off. You can also use wood glue to add dividers, or even build cubbies on your shelf. 

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your window shelf, you can attach dowel halves to your shelf's sides and paint over the whole unit for a nice rounded look. While wood shelves certainly have more customization options, you don't have to go with wood. Glass window shelves are often a popular choice for plant displays, but they can be used for storage, as well. Glass shelves are aesthetically pleasing, and they don't block light.

When deciding how to style your new kitchen shelf, consider storing items you're not embarrassed about others seeing. Instead of plastic tumblers, clear out a little cabinet space by displaying some of your nicer glasses. If you're not concerned about aesthetics, you can simply use your new window shelf to keep regularly used items accessible.