Small kitchens can feel like they shrink every time you buy a new spice. One jar of cumin turns into five random blends, three unlabeled jars you swear you’ll use someday, and suddenly the cabinet is chaos. The good news is you can fix that fast. You just need the right type of spice storage that makes sense for smaller spaces and real daily cooking.
Let’s get into ideas that actually work in tight kitchens. No clutter. No gimmicky gadgets that look cute on social media but don’t hold anything. Real solutions you’ll use every day.
DIY Spice Rack Ideas That Fit Small Kitchens
If you like to build things, even a little, DIY spice racks can be surprisingly easy. And they look better than most store-bought options. Plus, you get to brag when someone goes, “Where’d you get that?” and you just smile.
How to get it right:
- Measure first. Really. There’s always that one corner you think is 6 inches wide and it’s actually 5.
- Use reclaimed wood, scrap boards, or whatever you have lying around. Imperfect wood looks cool.
- Label your jars. Trust me. If you skip this step you’ll end up sniffing turmeric and curry powder like some sort of seasoning sommelier.
Simple DIY ideas:
- A narrow vertical rack between the stove and fridge. The space everyone ignores.
- A small ladder-style shelf on the counter to lift spices up instead of spreading out.
- A magnetic board with metal jars. Looks modern and actually saves space.
DIY racks feel personal. And for small kitchens, personalization is everything.
Budget Spice Rack Options That Don’t Look Cheap
You don’t have to spend a lot. Some of the most efficient spice setups are under 50 bucks and take 3 minutes to set up.
| Product | Approx. Price | Why It Works |
| Expandable Spice Drawer Organizer | ~$47 | Gives you a spice library drawer. So satisfying. |
| Two-Tier Lazy Susan | ~$24 | So you stop digging in the back of cabinets. |
| Magnetic Fridge Rack Shelf | ~$49 | The fridge is valuable real estate. Use it. |
| IKEA RAJTAN Spice Jars (4-pack) | ~$4 | Cute. Minimal. Looks organized even if you’re not. |
If you’re on a tight budget, start by just switching to matching jars. That alone makes a tiny kitchen feel calmer.
10 Spice Rack Ideas That Work in Small Kitchens
Here’s the part everyone actually came for. The spice racks that work. The ones you can buy and be done.
1. Magnetic Spice Rack Shelf for the Fridge
The side of your fridge is basically a wall you forgot existed.
Try: Yamazaki Magnetic Kitchen Rack
2. Magnetic Spice Jars
These turn your fridge into a spice art display. Also, super quick to grab while cooking.
Try: Talented Kitchen Magnetic Spice Jar Set
3. Pull-Out Cabinet Spice Rack
This is for the weird 4-inch gap between your stove and cabinet.
Try: Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out Organizer
4. Wall-Mounted Tiered Spice Rack
Put this up inside a pantry door or on a blank wall. Looks intentional.
5. Over-the-Stove Shelf
This one surprises people. The space above your stove is usable.
Try: StoveShelf Magnetic Shelf
6. Inside Cabinet Door Spice Clips
For the minimalists who don’t want anything on display.
Try: Bellemain Adhesive Spice Clips
7. Drawer Spice Organizer
If you’ve got one free drawer, this is your move.
Try: Joseph Joseph Drawer Spice Organizer
8. Lazy Susan Turntable
Cheap. Easy. Works. No notes.
9. Under-Shelf Hanging Spice Rack
Creates storage where there was air.
Try: SimpleHouseware Under-Shelf Basket Organizer
10. Corner Countertop Rack
Corners are wasted space. Stop letting them sit there, bored.
Try: mDesign Corner Spice Shelf
Quick Tips to Keep It All Organized
- Keep spices away from heat or they’ll lose flavor faster. So maybe don’t store them directly next to the burner. Learned that the hard way.
- Use matching jars. Your eyes will thank you.
- Label the top of the jar if you store in drawers. Front label if on a shelf.
- Group spices by use. Everyday on one side. Baking stuff somewhere else.
Little habits make your small kitchen feel much bigger.
Final Takeaway
A small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped. It just needs intention. Pick one of the solutions above and try it out this week. You’ll feel the difference the next time you cook. Less clutter. Less chaos. More flavor.
And honestly, who doesn’t want that?
FAQ
How many spices should I actually keep in a small kitchen?
Keep what you actually use. If you haven’t touched the Za’atar you bought during your “Middle Eastern cooking era” in two years, it’s time to let it go. Most people cook with about 10 to 18 spices regularly. The rest just collect dust and guilt.
What’s the best way to label spice jars?
Make it obvious. If your spices sit in a drawer, label the lids so you can see everything from above. If they sit on a shelf, label the front. A label maker looks clean, but masking tape and a Sharpie is fine. We’re cooking here, not building a museum display.
Should I keep spices next to the stove?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Heat kills flavor. If your spices live in a sauna (aka, right above the burner), they’ll get bland faster. Keep them close enough to grab while cooking, just not right up against the heat zone. Think: one cabinet over or a magnetic rack on the fridge.
What’s the simplest spice organization trick if I don’t want to buy anything?
Match your jars. Just that. Even if your spices live in the same cabinet, switching to identical containers instantly makes the space look intentional and cleaner. It’s the closet equivalent of matching hangers.
How do I store awkward, big spice containers?
Give them their own spot. A basket in the pantry. A bottom shelf bin. Something separate from your daily-use spices. Those Costco-size garlic powders don’t need to sit center stage. Refill smaller jars from them and keep the giants out of the way.