In many kitchens—especially older ones—storage can feel like a constant struggle. From cluttered countertops to overflowing drawers, poor cabinet design leads to frustration and wasted space. But the good news? You don’t have to settle for chaos.
At ECS Cabinetry, we help homeowners create kitchens that are not just stylish, but smarter and more functional. With our American-made custom cabinets, you can design storage solutions that make your space easier to use and better organized—whether you have a small galley kitchen or a spacious open layout.
Let’s explore the most effective ways to maximize kitchen storage using cabinet features that truly work.
1. Upgrade to Deep Drawers for Pots, Pans, and Plates
Traditional cabinets with shelves often make it hard to reach items in the back. Deep drawers solve this by giving you easy access to heavy, bulky items like pots, pans, mixing bowls, and stacks of dishes.
Why It Works:
- No more bending or digging into dark cabinet corners
- Organized by size or type—no stacking needed
- Soft-close glides make drawers smooth and quiet
💡 Pro Tip: ECS Cabinetry offers deep drawers with sturdy construction and smooth hardware—ideal for homeowners who cook often or have lots of large cookware.
2. Use Pull-Out Shelves to Eliminate Dead Space
Pull-out shelves are a game-changer for maximizing lower cabinets. Instead of struggling to reach the back of a shelf, the entire tray glides out for easy access.
Where to Use Them:
- Base cabinets under the counter
- Pantry cabinets
- Blind corner cabinets
Benefits:
✅ See everything at a glance
✅ No wasted space in the back
✅ Reduces bending and reaching
💡 Design Tip: Add pull-outs to both large and narrow cabinets for full access in even the tightest spots.
3. Add Vertical Dividers for Trays and Baking Sheets
Baking sheets, cutting boards, and platters are awkward to store flat—and often end up stacked in piles that are hard to manage. That’s where vertical tray dividers come in.
Ideal For:
- Cabinets above wall ovens
- Narrow cabinets next to appliances
- Pantry sections
💡 Pro Tip: ECS can include vertical slots in upper or lower cabinets, letting you slide in baking trays and cutting boards like files in a drawer—no more unstacking to reach the one you need.
4. Use Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Bins
One of the simplest upgrades with the biggest impact is a pull-out waste station built into your cabinets. This keeps trash out of sight while making it easy to separate waste and recyclables.
Advantages:
- Cleaner appearance
- Better odor control
- Frees up floor space from stand-alone bins
💡 Space-Saver Tip: Install pull-out bins in a base cabinet near your prep area or sink for optimal workflow.
5. Go Floor-to-Ceiling with Custom Sizing
Off-the-shelf cabinets often stop short of the ceiling, leaving a dust-catching dead zone. With custom cabinetry from ECS, you can design tall upper cabinets that add tons of extra storage.
Benefits:
- Great for storing infrequently used items
- Adds visual height to the room
- Eliminates wasted space above the cabinets
💡 Design Tip: Use the top shelves for seasonal items, baking gear, or small appliances you don’t use daily.
6. Add a Tall Pantry Cabinet (or Two!)
If you don’t have a dedicated pantry room, tall pantry cabinets can replicate the function of one—and they can be customized to include adjustable shelving, pull-out drawers, or door racks.
Common Pantry Cabinet Features:
- Full-height pull-out shelves
- Adjustable shelving
- Spice racks on the inside of the door
- Deep compartments for bulk storage
💡 ECS Option: Choose from custom-sized pantry cabinets that fit your layout and match your other cabinetry perfectly.
7. Optimize Corners with Lazy Susans or Pull-Out Units
Corner cabinets are often wasted space—or a source of frustration. But with the right internal mechanisms, you can make every inch usable.
Corner Solutions:
✅ Lazy Susan turntables
✅ Swing-out shelving systems
✅ Corner drawers
💡 Custom Fit: ECS Cabinetry can build base corner cabinets with smart solutions so no space goes unused.
8. Use Open Shelving and Glass Doors for Visual Lightness
In some areas, a little openness goes a long way. Use open shelving or glass-front cabinets to store everyday items while reducing visual weight.
Benefits:
- Makes small kitchens feel bigger
- Keeps frequently used items within reach
- Adds a decorative touch for dishes or plants
💡 Style Tip: Mix open shelves with closed cabinets to balance functionality and aesthetics.
Why Choose ECS Cabinetry for Smarter Storage?
At ECS Cabinetry, we know a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s why we offer:
✅ Custom cabinet sizing to fit every inch of your layout
✅ Built-in storage solutions like pull-outs, deep drawers, tray dividers, and more
✅ Free kitchen design services to help you plan a smarter kitchen from the start
✅ American-made quality for cabinets that last
✅ Over 100 finishes and door styles to match your space perfectly
Start Designing a More Organized Kitchen Today
Tired of clutter and wasted space? Let ECS Cabinetry help you design a kitchen that works better—and feels better to use.
📞 Call ECS Cabinetry at (626) 631-9002
📍 Visit our showrooms in City of Industry or North Hollywood
📤 Submit your kitchen dimensions for a free custom design and estimate:
👉 Click here
🔹 ECS Cabinetry – Where Beautiful Kitchens Work Smarter.
