22 Kitchen Counter Organization Ideas from the Pros
Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
The following kitchen counter organization ideas come straight from our Taste of Home stylists. Rest assured that they're the cleverest—and most beautiful—picks on the market.
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Two-Tiered Lazy Susan
Take it from the pros, lazy Susan turntables are one of the best kitchen counter organization ideas. “I love the bare wood look on this space-saving lazy Susan,” says Stacey Genaw, one of Taste of Home‘s set stylists. Its clean design blends in with most kitchen aesthetics, and its two-tiered design effectively doubles its usefulness.
Spice Organization Tray
If it seems like there’s never enough drawer space to contain your spices, consider installing this mounted organization tray beneath your cabinets. Simply lower it down when you need to access its contents, then lift and latch to hide it away again. Talk about a genius spice storage idea!
Macrame Produce Hammock
Sometimes the best fruit baskets don’t live on the counter at all. “I personally have one of these and love it,” says senior set stylist, Missy Franco. “Countertop space is a minimum at our house and this does a great job freeing up much-needed space! And it’s so cute with its neutral design!” After all, why use a produce bowl when a macrame produce hammock is so much cooler? By the way, this KitchenAid mixer attachment organizer frees up counter space, too.
Tower Bread Box
Among our favorite kitchen storage ideas is to use multifunctional products. This bread box allows for storage inside and on top, making it a smart choice for small spaces. We like the idea of assembling a cute coffee bar station or tea setup on top for both style and function.
Wood Stove Shelf
The area over the stove boasts valuable storage space. Free up the kitchen counter with this over-the-stove shelf riser. We love the elevated look and that it fits stoves of all kinds. It keeps cute canisters and frequently used spices on display rather than hidden in a corner. You can’t go wrong with a magnetic stove shelf, either.
Glass Canisters with Labels
Because the kitchen counter is on display, it’s important to make sure that what is stored on top is chic yet functional. That’s where a set of uniform pantry storage containers, like these chic glass canisters, come in handy. Keep with the rule of thirds and store three everyday essentials inside the jars (think coffee beans or grounds or oats for morning oatmeal). Bonus: They come with a waterproof pantry label.
Bamboo Shelf Riser
Say it with us: “Adding vertical storage is one the best kitchen counter organization ideas.” These bamboo shelf risers are the solution. Stack ’em or set ’em side by side, they add valuable space whichever way you place them.
16-Cube Bamboo Spice Rack
There’s nothing less appealing than an assortment of mismatched, disorganized spices. This streamlined kitchen counter organization spice rack allows you to clearly organize and display your favorite herbs. The timeless bamboo frame and collapsible iron stand set this rack apart from the crowd.
Bamboozle Composter
By now, we should all start composting at home—but many tabletop composters are ugly, smelly or some combination of the two. This sleek compost bin gets our stylists’ stamp of approval for its modern design and its carbon filter, which keeps odors locked in. It also gets bonus points for being made of renewable, biodegradable bamboo fiber and cornstarch.
Dock and Utensil Crock
Modern chefs will instantly fall in love with this genius dock and utensil crock. It’s a multi-tasking kitchen counter organization tool that keeps your phone clearly displayed when scrolling through a recipe, while also providing a place to dock your most-used utensils. It makes a clever gift for cooks and bakers of all kinds.
Magnetic Knife Strip
Save crucial drawer or countertop storage by sticking your knives to the wall. This knife strip uses magnets to hold your tools in place, but its acacia wood exterior is a more stylish choice than your typical metal strip.
Iron Rail
Not only is this iron rail a sleek way to display pretty kitchen accessories, but it also keeps the utensils within easy reach when cooking. It does require some assembly, but it won’t be going out of style anytime soon.
Soap and Lotion Caddy
Upgrade your kitchen soap situation with this blacksmith-inspired soap and lotion caddy. We like that you can fill the two bottles with the liquids of your choice and easily refill as needed.
Chateau Wood Mug Tree
Continuing with the theme of utilizing vertical space, a mug tree is an excellent option when you’re low on cabinet storage. This one is made of chateau wood and comes in either a black or brown finish, so you can choose the one that matches your kitchen best.
Magnetic Kitchen Cloth Holder
“I like this for a different way to hang your dishrag instead of over the neck of your faucet,” says set stylist Stacey Genaw. The magnetic kitchen cloth holder comes in either stainless steel or black bio-steel composite, and both are attractive kitchen counter organization ideas.
Tiered Iron Baskets
When kitchen counter organization space is limited, think vertically. This two-tiered basket increases storage space with the same footprint. And since they boast an open design, they offer proper airflow and keep food fresh for longer.
Expandable Countertop Shelf Rack
We dare you to find a more clever—or customizable—kitchen counter organization idea than this one. This countertop shelf rack expands to your desired length, includes five storage hooks and provides an additional level of real estate for all your essentials.
Rustic Memo Board
No more keeping your grocery pad on the countertop to get stained with spills. This memo board provides a space to organize your thoughts, and it’s an easy way to add farmhouse style to your kitchen.
Jute Hanging Basket
These jute baskets are “great hanging storage with a rustic feel,” says senior set stylist, Missy Franco. “I love the texture and shape of these baskets. They can be used for produce or even things like pens or message center-type items.” Use them to hold potatoes, onions, garlic, avocados—you name it.
Desktop Organizer
Why does it seem like the kitchen is always the place where all your bills, outgoing mail, coupons and notepads converge? This desktop organizer provides a home for it all, with a slim footprint that lays neatly against the wall.
Wall Mug Rack
If you can’t resist buying a cute mug when you see one, you’re not alone—and now you can finally feel justified in your purchase. This wall mug rack turns all your cute coffee mugs into displayable works of art. The best part? It holds up to 27 (yes, 27!) mugs at once.
Wood-Handled Dish Rack
This isn’t your average dish rack. Sure, it’s just as functional as traditional versions, but it’s a whole lot more upscale. The wood-handled dish rack contains organization for plates, and its silverware caddy can be moved wherever it’s most useful at the moment. Speaking of silverware, you have to see this expandable cutlery tray. It’s the best way to organize utensils!
Originally Published: February 04, 2022
