Storage on Top of Kitchen Cabinets | 9 Best Storage Solutions for 2026

storage on top of kitchen cabinets

Our editorial team individually chooses every product for kitchen storage that is suggested on neatcupkit. We might get paid if you buy something after clicking on any of these links.

When you look around your kitchen, do you feel like you’re running out of space? We’ve all been there. The pantry is overflowing, the countertops are cluttered, and the cupboards are stuffed to the brim. But look up—what do you see?

If there’s a gap between your upper cupboards and the ceiling, you might be ignoring prime real estate. That dusty, empty void is actually a goldmine for kitchen organization. Utilizing storage on top of kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to maximize vertical space, especially in smaller homes or apartments where every inch counts.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best solutions to reclaim that space. We aren’t just talking about shoving random boxes up there. We’re talking about decorative storage solutions, space-saving containers, and clever ideas that turn an awkward gap into a functional display.

Let’s dive into the best products and ideas to transform your kitchen overhead cabinet design.

Our Top Picks

Magnetic Connected Expandable 13 Slots Silverware Drawer Organizer

Magnetic Connected Expandable 13 Slots Silverware Drawer Organizer:

Expandable to accommodate the majority of common kitchen drawersIf you want to save space, our silverware storage gadget is a great option. This drawer can be expanded from 11 to 13 by simply pushing it out from both sides, increasing the width and stability of the broader drawer. It expands from 21.4 "x17" to 37.4 "x17." Standard silverware can be stored in various-sized compartments. This magnetic tableware organizer is appropriate for a variety of families due to its flexible design.

Silverware Organizer Large

Silverware Organizer Large:

DIMENSIONS: adjustable width from 18.5" to 33" (or any width in between), 17.4" deep (front to back) x 2.7" tall. Before placing your order, please measure your space! Note: For a correct fit, the inner depth of the drawer must be at least 17.5" from front to back.

Pipishell Bamboo Expandable Silverware Drawer Organizer

Pipishell Bamboo Expandable Silverware Drawer Organizer:

Multipurpose Use: In addition to silverware, this utensil drawer organizer is ideal for keeping a variety of other objects. Cutlery, stationery, jewelry, tools, and even office supplies can all be stored neatly in it. This cutlery drawer organizer is ideal for use in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, workplace, and utility room. It provides flexible storage for numerous objects in a variety of situations.

KitchenEdge Premium Silverware

KitchenEdge Premium Silverware:

DIMENSIONS: adjustable width from 18.5" to 33" (or any width in between), 17.4" deep (front to back) x 2.7" tall. Before placing your order, please measure your space! Note: For a correct fit, the inner depth of the drawer must be at least 17.5" from front to back.

NIUXX Bamboo In-Drawer Knife Block Set for 16 Knives(Not Included)

NIUXX Bamboo In-Drawer Knife Block Set for 16 Knives(Not Included):

Standard Size: 16 knives and a knife sharpener can be stored in the bamboo kitchen knife organizer's 16 slots. Before making a purchase, please measure your kitchen drawer. The height of the knife handle is not included in the height of the knife block; please take this into account when calculating the measurement data.

Umilife Large Expandable Kitchen Silverware Utensils Drawer Organizer

Umilife Large Expandable Kitchen Silverware Utensils Drawer Organizer:

Adaptable Dimensions The dimensions of this huge utensils drawer organizer may be adjusted from 17"D x (12.6"–22")W x 2"H, and it can accommodate three to five divisions. It gives your knives, silverware, and other cutlery more room.

Purawood Bamboo Drawer Organizer

Purawood Bamboo Drawer Organizer:

The Purawood Kitchen Drawer Organizers are huge and made to fit in drawers that are at least 18" x 20". Please measure the drawer size before ordering. The organizer is 2" deep and 17.5" long. When using seven of the compartments, the breadth is 13.25", and when using all nine, it can expand to 19.75".

ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Luxury Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Organizer

ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Luxury Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Organizer:

KEEP YOUR KITCHEN DRAWERS ORGANIZED: Bid farewell to having several disorganised junk drawers and constantly having to search far for any necessary kitchenware. With the use of our kitchen flatware organizer, you can keep everything neat and orderly and give each item a permanent home for convenient locating, eliminating the need to search through a mountain of cutlery and other odds and ends for your one corkscrew.

9 Best Storage on Top of Kitchen Cabinets - Complete Review

Finding the right items for above cabinet storage depends on your style and what you need to store. Are you looking for hidden kitchen storage for seasonal items, or open baskets to display your cookbooks? Here are our top picks for optimizing that tricky space.

1. Housolution 14 Dividers Expandable 12"-23" Review: The Ultimate Kitchen Organizer?

Silverware Organizer Large, Magnetic Connected Expandable 13 Slots Silverware Drawer Organizer
PHOTO: Amazon

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

What makes this specific model stand out in a crowded market of drawer dividers and expandable separators? Here is a breakdown of the features that caught my eye.

1. Fully Expandable Design

The standout feature is in the name: Housolution 14 dividers expandable 12 23 inch. The base can retract to a compact 12 inches or extend fully to 23 inches. This flexibility is massive. It means you can fit it into a narrow cabinet or stretch it across a wide countertop or deep pantry shelf. You aren’t locked into a single size, making it a versatile piece of home organization gear.

2. Customizable Compartments

This unit comes with 14 U-shaped dividers. Unlike fixed racks, you can slot these dividers in wherever you need them. Have a thick wooden cutting board? Give it a wide berth. Storing thin cookie sheets? Place the dividers close together. This creates a partition system that is tailored specifically to your stuff.

3. Heavy-Duty Construction

We aren’t talking about cheap plastic here. This organizer is made from durable iron with a powder-coated finish. It is built to hold heavy items like cast iron skillets without bending or warping. The stainless steel and iron construction ensures longevity, meaning you won’t be replacing it in six months.

4. Special “Storage on Top” Design

One unique aspect is the handle slot design on the dividers. This allows for storage on top of the rack itself if you are tight on space, or it simply makes grabbing pot lids by the handle much easier. It maximizes vertical space, which is often wasted in standard cabinetry.

2. Stop the Clatter: Organize Your Kitchen with the MUDEELA Expandable Rack

Silverware Organizer Large, Magnetic Connected Expandable 13 Slots Silverware Drawer Organizer
PHOTO: Amazon

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

The market is full of flimsy organizers that buckle under the weight of a heavy cast iron skillet. The MUDEELA 10 dividers expandable 11.8 22.9 inch rack stands out because it is built for real kitchens with real cooking needs. Here is what makes it special.

Expandable Design for Any Space

The standout feature is in the name. It expands from 11.8 inches up to 22.9 inches. This means it offers flexible partitioning. Whether you have a narrow cupboard or a wide countertop space, this rack adjusts to fit. You can use it as one long extended unit or split it into two separate smaller racks.

Heavy-Duty Materials

Made from durable metal and iron, this pot rack isn’t going to bend easily. It is designed to hold heavy items like cast-iron cookware without wobbling. The coating on the dividers also ensures that your pots and pans don’t get scratched when you slide them in and out.

Adjustable Sections

Every cook has a unique collection. You might have a thick dutch oven and a thin cutting board. The MUDEELA 10 dividers expandable 11.8 22.9 inch allows you to adjust the width of every compartment. You can create wide spaces for deep pots and narrow slots for lids or platters.

Efficient Document Management?

While this is a kitchen tool, the design principles actually mirror high-end office organization systems. Much like adjustable sections in a file cabinet help with document management, the dividers here keep your “files” (in this case, lids and pans) visible and accessible. It is a multi-purpose organizer mindset applied to your cookware.

3. Organize Your Kitchen with the Norcalway 11 Dividers Carbon Steel Construction

Silverware Organizer Large
PHOTO: Amazon

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

This product stands out because of its focus on durability and adjustability. Here is what makes it a top contender in the world of kitchen storage.

Robust Carbon Steel Material

The core of this organizer is its carbon steel material. Unlike plastic alternatives that crack under pressure or thin wires that bend, this metal construction ensures longevity. Whether you are storing heavy cast iron skillets or large wooden cutting boards, the steel craftsmanship holds up. The industrial dividers are designed to handle weight without warping.

11 Adjustable Dividers

One size rarely fits all in the kitchen. Your muffin tin is a different width than your pizza stone. The Norcalway unit comes with 11 dividers that you can adjust to fit your specific needs. This precision measurement capability allows you to create wide slots for deep pans and narrow slots for pot lids.

Expandable Design

This isn’t a static box. The base is expandable. You can stretch it out to fit a wide cabinet or shrink it down for a narrow countertop space. This flexibility makes it perfect for various kitchen layouts, whether you are in a spacious home or a compact apartment.

Storage on Top

A unique aspect of this design is the ability to utilize storage on top of the items if necessary, depending on your shelf height. Because the Norcalway 11 dividers carbon steel construction keeps items vertical, you often free up overhead space in tall cabinets for other items, optimizing your total storage volume.

4. Say Goodbye to Kitchen Chaos with the EVERIE 10 Dividers Wobble-Free Design

Silverware Organizer Large, Magnetic Connected Expandable 13 Slots Silverware Drawer Organizer
PHOTO: Amazon

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

When it comes to organizing, the devil is in the details. You don’t just want something that holds your stuff; you want something that protects it and makes it easy to access. Here is what makes the EVERIE 10 dividers wobble-free design worth looking at.

Unmatched Divider Stability

The most frustrating thing about many adjustable racks is that the dividers tend to pop out or wiggle when you lean a heavy cast iron skillet against them. This unit is built differently. It focuses heavily on divider stability, ensuring that once you place a partition, it stays there. The EVERIE 10 dividers wobble-free design uses a specialized locking mechanism that fits snugly into the base. This means no more clanging metal sounds or accidental collapses when you are in a rush to get dinner started.

Adjustable and Flexible Organization

Every kitchen collection is unique. Some of us have twelve different cutting boards; others have a mountain of cupcake tins. The beauty of this system is its flexible organization. You can adjust the width of each compartment to fit items of varying thickness. Whether you need a wide slot for a deep sauté pan or a skinny slot for a thin cookie sheet, you can customize the setup in seconds. The adjustable dividers give you full control over your storage space.

Expandable Width for Any Space

One size rarely fits all when it comes to cabinetry. This rack is expandable, meaning you can stretch it out to fit a wide drawer or shrink it down for a narrow countertop spot. This flexibility allows for better space optimization, ensuring you aren’t wasting an inch of valuable real estate in your pantry or lower cabinets.

Durable Construction

Nobody wants to buy a kitchen organizer only to have it rust or bend a few months later. This product features stainless steel dividers that are robust enough to handle heavy loads. The base is typically made of sturdy plastic or metal, designed to support the weight of heavy cookware and bakeware without bowing. This durable construction ensures that your investment lasts, saving you from the pain of replacing cheap wire racks every year.

Protection for Your Cookware

Scratches on non-stick pans are heartbreaking. The wire dividers in this design are often shaped to minimize contact points or coated to prevent scratching. This is crucial for maintaining the lifespan of your expensive cookware. By keeping items separated and upright, you avoid the friction that happens when you stack pans on top of each other.

Safe Storage on Top

We often forget about vertical space. While this rack organizes items horizontally, its stable nature means you can confidently place it on shelves where you might want storage on top of other units or simply use the top clearance of a tall cabinet effectively. Because the EVERIE 10 dividers wobble-free design keeps items upright, you can easily see and grab what you need without digging through a pile.

5. Finally, a Lid Organizer That Actually Works: The Lifewit Review

Silverware Organizer Large, Magnetic Connected Expandable 13 Slots Silverware Drawer Organizer from 21 to 37.4 Inches
PHOTO: Amazon

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

When you browse Amazon (company) for kitchen organizers, you see a lot of options. You’ve got stainless steel racks, bamboo stands, and complex wire systems. However, the Lifewit 6 dividers plastic with drainage holes offers a unique set of benefits that solve very specific kitchen headaches.

Customizable and Modular Design

One of the biggest issues with standard racks is that they are “one size fits all.” But let’s be real—your sheet pan is a different thickness than your cutting board. The modular design of this unit features customizable compartments. You can easily adjust the dividers to fit items of various widths.

Whether you need a tight space for a thin tray or a wider slot for a deep sauté pan, you just pop the divider into the slot you need. It creates perfect vertical storage, so you aren’t stacking heavy cast iron on top of delicate non-stick surfaces.

Durable Plastic with Smart Features

I know some people prefer metal, but let’s talk about rust. A metal pan holder stand in a humid kitchen environment can eventually corrode. This unit is made from high-quality, durable plastic. It’s tough enough to hold heavy items without bending, unlike some cheaper wire racks.

Plus, the design details are spot on. It features a U-shaped groove in the dividers, which is perfect for holding pot lid knobs in place. This makes it an incredibly stable pan cover rack or stand for pan lids.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

Here is my favorite part: the maintenance. Because it is plastic, it is incredibly easy to clean. If you spill some sauce or get grease on it, you can just wipe it down. Even better, this Lifewit 6 dividers plastic with drainage holes model is designed with functionality in mind. The drainage holes at the bottom ensure that if you put a slightly damp lid away, water won’t pool and cause mold or smells.

If things get really messy, you don’t have to scrub it by hand with a brush. It’s easy to disassemble, and because it’s plastic, it won’t rust if you need to give it a deep wash in the sink.

6. Organize Your Kitchen Like a Pro with the Toplife 7 Dividers Coated Metal Frame Brown

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

This organizer stands out in the crowded market of storage solutions for a few key reasons. Let’s break down the features that make it a must-have for your home.

Adjustable and Versatile Design

One of the biggest headaches with standard organizers is that they are “one size fits all”—which usually means they fit nothing perfectly. This product features 7 adjustable dividers. You can shift the wire partitions to fit items of various thicknesses. Have a thick wooden cutting board? No problem. Need a slot for a thin cookie sheet? Easy. It allows for customizable storage on top of your counter or tucked away inside a cabinet.

Durable Construction

Nobody wants to buy a kitchen accessory that falls apart in a month. This unit is built with a sturdy metal frame that can handle the weight of heavy cast iron skillets or large platters. The brown finish isn’t just for looks; it signifies a coated surface that protects your cookware from scratches. The heavy metal construction ensures it won’t tip over when you pull an item out.

Space-Saving Efficiency

At roughly 7.5 inches wide, this rack is compact enough to fit in tight spaces but spacious enough to hold a significant amount of items. It’s perfect for maximizing vertical space in a pantry or deep drawer. You can even use it on a countertop to keep your most-used items within arm’s reach.

Gentle on Your Cookware

The special coating on the wire dividers is a thoughtful touch. It ensures that when you slide a frying pan or a delicate serving tray in and out, you aren’t grinding metal against metal. This extends the life of your expensive kitchenware.

7. Organize Your Kitchen with the Toplife 7 Dividers Coated Metal Frame Black

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

When looking for office storage solutions or kitchen organizers, durability is key. The Toplife 7 dividers coated metal frame Black stands out because it combines robust construction with smart design.

Adjustable Divider System

The core benefit here is flexibility. The unit comes with 7 U-shaped dividers that fit into a sturdy base. You aren’t stuck with fixed widths. You can adjust the spacing to fit thick wooden chopping boards, slim baking sheets, or even bulky pot lids. If you check the toplife 7 dividers coated metal frame black instructions, you’ll see just how easy it is to pop the wire dividers into the slots that match your specific items.

Durable Coated Metal Construction

Plastic organizers often crack under the weight of heavy stoneware or cast iron. This organizer features a coated metal construction that can handle the heat—literally and figuratively. The black finish isn’t just sleek; it’s a protective coating that prevents rust and scratches on your cookware. It looks professional enough for an open shelf but is tough enough for the depths of a messy pantry.

Special Design for Stability

One major issue with vertical storage is “the wobble.” You pull one tray out, and the whole thing tips over. This model includes a special groove design in the base that holds lids securely in place. Plus, it has anti-slip feet. Whether you place it inside a cabinet or use it for storage on top of your counter, it stays put.

8. Simplify Your Space with the KOMFORA 8 Tier Adjustable Heavy Duty Iron Rack

NIUXX Bamboo In-Drawer Knife Block Set for 16 Knives(Not Included)
PHOTO: Amazon

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

When shopping for storage, details matter. Here is a breakdown of the features that make the KOMFORA 8 tier adjustable heavy duty iron rack a top contender in the market.

1. Robust Iron Construction

Durability is the standout feature here. The iron construction ensures that the rack can support significant weight without bending or warping. This is particularly important if you plan to store heavy cookware and bakeware. Cheap plastic or thin wire racks simply can’t compare to the reliability of heavy duty shelving.

2. Fully Adjustable Shelves

One size rarely fits all when it comes to storage. This unit features adjustable shelves that allow you to dictate the height between tiers. Need extra space for a tall blender or a stack of stainless steel mixing bowls? No problem. You can configure the storage on top to hold smaller items like lids or spices, while keeping heavier, bulkier items at the bottom.

3. Space-Saving Design

Living in a smaller apartment or dealing with a cramped kitchen? The space-saving design of the KOMFORA 8 tier adjustable heavy duty iron rack is a lifesaver. By utilizing vertical height, it frees up your cabinetry and floor space. It serves as an excellent pot rack, keeping your kitchen utensil collection accessible yet tidy.

4. Multipurpose Organizer

While it shines in the kitchen, this isn’t just for chefs. It functions perfectly as an industrial storage rack in a garage or workshop. Use it to organize paint cans, tools, or gardening supplies. Its sleek black finish also makes it suitable for living areas to display plants or books.

5. Easy Assembly

Nobody wants to spend their weekend deciphering complex instructions. This unit is designed for quick assembly, often requiring no tools. You can have your new multi-tier rack up and ready to use in minutes.

9. Review: Is the SONGMICS 2 Shelves Cloud White/Natural Beige Right for You?

Utoplike Bamboo Expandable Kitchen Drawer Organizer
PHOTO: Amazon

What we like

What we don’t like

Key Features

When you first look at the SONGMICS 2 shelves cloud white/natural beige, the design stands out immediately. It steps away from industrial-looking wire racks and offers something softer and more domestic. Let’s dive into the specifics that make this shelf worth considering.

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Cloud Shape Design

Style matters, especially if you plan to keep your storage visible on a kitchen counter or in an open living room. The cloud shape design on the side panels adds a whimsical, yet minimalist style touch. The white and beige finish combines engineered wood and bamboo elements, making it versatile enough to fit into a farmhouse kitchen, a modern apartment, or a cozy bedroom.

2. Versatile Storage on Top and Bottom

One of the biggest selling points is the storage on top. Many compact shelves feel cramped, but this unit provides two distinct tiers. You get ample space on the bottom for larger items like sugar jars or a stack of plates, while the upper tier offers convenient storage on top for items you grab frequently, like salt and pepper shakers or your morning vitamins.

3. Adjustable and Expandable

Unlike fixed cabinetry that you’re stuck with, this shelf is adaptable. You can often adjust the configuration to fit corners or straight walls. This flexibility is crucial for small apartments where every inch of counter space counts. If you have a weird corner in your kitchen cabinet or a tight spot near the sink, this unit can usually be angled to fit perfectly.

4. Durable Materials

The construction mixes engineered wood with bamboo, providing a sturdy feel without being excessively heavy. It’s robust enough to hold a decent amount of weight—think ceramic bowls, glass jars, and canned food—without bowing. While it’s not made of heavy-duty metal, the materials are more than sufficient for standard household organization.

5. Multi-Purpose Functionality

While marketed heavily for the kitchen, don’t limit yourself. This is true multi-purpose furniture.

  • Kitchen: Use it as a spice rack or to organize coffee supplies near your machine.
  • Bathroom: perfect for holding lotions, perfumes, and rolled hand towels.
  • Bedroom organization: A great spot for accessories, small books, or decorative items.
  • Office: Elevate your monitor or organize stationery.

Buying Guide for Storage on Top of Kitchen Cabinets

Before you rush out to buy bins, you need a plan. Storage on top of cabinets is unique because it’s hard to reach and prone to getting dirty.

  1. Measure Twice: Measure the height between the cabinet top and the ceiling. You don’t want to buy a basket that gets stuck or scrapes the paint. Also, check the depth of your kitchen overhead cabinet dimensions to ensure bins won’t overhang.
  2. Accessibility: How often do you need these items? If you need a step stool to reach them, only store things you use monthly or yearly.
  3. Environment: The air up there is warmer (heat rises) and often greasier. Avoid storing candles (they melt), wine (heat spoils it), or sensitive electronics.
  4. Aesthetics: Since this is open storage, it needs to look good. Aim for symmetry. Repeating the same basket three or four times creates a cohesive look that reduces visual clutter.

Our Related products:

  1. Self Pushing Drink Organizer for Fridge Costco | 10 Best self pushing drink organizer for fridge costco Spring Loaded in 2025

  2. Top 9 Pop Can Organizers for Fridge in 2025 | The Ultimate Soda Can Dispenser

  3. The 10 Best Water Bottle Organizers for Fridge in 2025

  4. Check the Buying Guide

Reference Links: Sources We Trust

Your Questions, Answered

Is storage on top of kitchen cabinets useful?

Absolutely. It creates usable space out of thin air. For small kitchens, it acts like a secondary pantry or attic. It is perfect for lightweight, bulky items that don’t fit well inside standard cupboards.

Woven baskets (seagrass or rattan) are generally the best choice. They are breathable, lightweight to lift down, and their texture hides dust better than smooth plastic or dark metal. They also suit almost any decor style.

This area gets dusty and greasy.

  1. Remove all items.
  2. Vacuum the top of the cabinets to remove loose dust.
  3. Wipe down the cabinet tops with a degreaser or a mix of warm water and dish soap.
  4. Wipe down your bins or decor items.

Pro Tip: Line the tops of your cabinets with wax paper or old newspaper. When it gets dirty, just peel it off and replace it—no scrubbing required!

Yes, it attracts dust and cooking grease. This is why items with lids or easily washable surfaces are recommended. If you store open items like dishes, be prepared to rinse them before use.

Store lightweight, non-perishable, and infrequently used items. Good examples include:

  • Picnic supplies.
  • Party platters.
  • Extra paper towels.
  • Seasonal decor.
  • Empty appliance boxes.
  • Baking molds.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *