Storage solutions that fit your IKEA kitchen and budget

A step-by-step guide to using IKEA drawers for maximum effect

When you choose your IKEA kitchen design it’s important that it not just be the right fit, but you want to make sure things fit just right.

And selecting the right type of base cabinets for your kitchen will give you plenty of style and storage options.

There are several options to choose from: The typical door-and-drawer combinations; all-drawer bases; bases with full-height doors; and bases incorporating moveable wire baskets or even internal drawers.

So when you’re looking through examples of kitchen designs or are in search of kitchen design services, we here at IKD would like to guide you through the process and help you understand these options while saving your budget along the way.

Remember: Most kitchens include some of each option, and it’s important to understand your personal storage needs and budget considerations.
Very few kitchens will exclusively have just one base cabinet type. The goal is to design with more of a certain base type that works for you.

Let’s look at some storage solutions that will fit your IKEA kitchen design idea!

Drawers

There are definite advantages to base cabinets with IKEA drawers for your kitchen.

One of the pros is that the horizontal look that all drawers provide works well for both traditional and modern styles. They’re also easy to use and allow you to quickly see and access everything that’s stored, especially those small items and cooking utensils.

One option for a minimalist look would be the IKEA SEKTION base cabinet with three MAXIMERA drawers and IKEA HAGGEBY doors in white.
Notably, SEKTION also offers the unique drawer-in-drawer storage option. So, on the outside, you see one drawer, and, it’s built as one drawer. But there are three drawers inside.

This really maximizes your storage because in one dedicated area you can have cooking items large and small, at your fingertips.

** Images from IKEA Kitchen Buying Guide 2020

But just know that of all the storage options, drawers can be the most expensive. And while is the most popular option, you need to consider the cost.

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Door and drawer combinations

Looking for a more practical storage solution? Look no further.

At IKD we design around the SEKTION cabinetry framework, and the IKEA SEKTION base cabinet with white IKEA MAXIMERA drawers and dark gray IKEA VOXTORP doors is one option that will give you customized shelving and space-saving choices.

One trade off with this choice is that since the bottom door isn’t high and blocked by the drawer, it’s tough to see and access stored goods.

And, generally speaking, base cabinets with drawers and doors tend to look a bit choppy when mixed with other base cabinets.

Full height doors

For an affordable choice that provides a nice and clean look, then base cabinets with full-height cabinet doors is the way to go.

We would also say that they offer the most available storage space, such as this IKEA kitchen designed by IKD that turned an outdated, U-shaped 90s-style kitchen into an open concept with better flow.

Keep in mind, that full-height doors are much better for large items, such as pots and pans and larger appliances rather than small gadgets.

Movable wire baskets

Let’s call this one a solution to the previous solution.

Choosing IKEA movable wire baskets with your full-height base cabinets will eliminate the worry of forgetting about items you own.

Specifically, the SEKTION base cabinets with wire baskets are available in 15″, 18″, and 24″ widths. They’re installed in either full-height doors base cabinets or below the drawer in door and drawer combinations base cabinets.

This again provides a clean and simple look for a minimalist design theme – while still leaving space for “drawers” or “pull-outs”.
Ideally, these work best to store larger, frequently used items, such as pots and pans, or serving dishes. We would also suggest storing bulky groceries here that don’t require refrigeration, such as bags of rice, or perhaps create a “lunch box station” to store kids fruit, cookies and bread.

** Image from IKEA website

Saving space

So, now you’ve chosen your base cabinets and still need to maximize your wall space above the countertops.

One of the easiest things to do, especially for those on a tight budget, is to forget all about upper wall cabinets.

It seems like a paradox, but there are definite advantages.

For example, IKEA offers a lot of solutions from rails to open shelves of different kinds that create ample storage space and the ability to constantly move and rearrange your things.

That flexibility allows you to show your personal style.

Open wall space also creates a bigger room feeling and most of us value that feeling of openness.

And most of us also value finding a good value; and the right storage choice will do that for you.