Space Saving Ideas for Tiny Homes & Kitchens

Last Updated: 8/3/2023

Author: James Zhao, Sr. Tech Specialist & Alex Park, Product Specialist

As minimalist living becomes more popular, tiny homes and compact kitchens have become an enjoyable and practical way to live with less. However, living or cooking in a confined space can start to pose some tricky challenges.

The key to a comfortable and stress-free life in a tiny home or a small kitchen is effectively utilizing the space you have. To help you think about what changes you can make, we’ve put together a full guide to space-saving ideas for tiny homes and kitchens.

These tiny house storage ideas can help transform your home into a highly functional, spacious-feeling area. No matter the size of your space, optimizing its storage solutions can make it feel more peaceful and practical.

General Space Saving Tips for Tiny Homes

Living in tiny houses doesn't mean you have to give up style for the sake of functionality. With careful planning and a few smart design choices, you can maximize the space, making it feel more open and comfortable.

Here are a few tiny house storage ideas to help you make the most of your space.

Make Use of Empty Wall Space

Empty wall space is an untapped storage goldmine in most tiny homes. While they may not be the first place you consider when thinking of storage, walls can offer useful opportunities to keep your belongings organized.

Bookshelves, Floating Shelves, & Other Shelving Units

Bookshelves, floating shelves, and other shelving units provide ample space to store your items while adding an aesthetic appeal. They can hold everything from books and decorative items to kitchenware and toiletries, depending on where they're installed.

Hooks & Hangers for Walls, Doors, & Ceilings

Hooks and hangers offer another storage solution for tiny houses. They can be attached to walls, the back of doors, or even ceilings to hang anything from clothing and towels to pots and pans. Hanging storage solutions are versatile, space-efficient, and cost-effective.

Explore Alternative Storage Solutions

Traditional storage space methods may not always be the best fit for tiny homes. Sometimes, you have to try out alternative storage solutions to find what works best for your belongings in a tight space.

Install Under-Furniture Storage

The space under your furniture is often underutilized and can offer valuable storage space. Beds, sofas, and other large pieces of furniture can be elevated on platforms with built-in drawers or rolling boxes underneath. This can be an ideal place to store seasonal clothing, bedding, or even books and toys.

Under-furniture storage can keep your items neatly hidden away, contributing to a clean and uncluttered look in your tiny home. It's an easy and practical way to enhance your storage capacity without using any extra square footage.

Use Under-Stair Storage

If your tiny home has a loft or second level, chances are you have some under-stair space that could be used for storage. This area can be fitted with drawers, cupboards, or even a pull-out pantry. It's an excellent spot to store items that aren't used daily, like seasonal decor, extra linens, or cleaning supplies.

Install Foldout Furniture

In small living spaces, foldout furniture can be a revolutionize the functionality of the area. Items like Murphy beds, fold-down desks, or collapsible dining tables can be tucked away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space.

A bed can transform into a comfortable sofa for daytime use, or a fold-down desk attached to a wall can serve as a workspace during the day and fold up at night. These versatile pieces of furniture provide the functionality you need without permanently taking up space.

Add Storage Under Your Floor

Yes, you read that right! The floor isn't just for walking on anymore. It can also serve as a secret storage spot. By installing floor compartments, you can store items like seasonal clothing, emergency supplies, or anything else that’s not used regularly.

If you're looking to add a dishwasher to a small kitchen to save space without compromising on functionality, an in-sink dishwasher could be the kitchen storage solution you've been waiting for. You can maintain your minimalist tiny house life without having to give away sentimental items or valuable tools.

Build a Loft

Building a loft can be an excellent way to maximize tiny home storage space. This area can serve as sleeping quarters, a home office, or even a cozy reading nook.

By going vertical, you effectively double your available tiny home floor space. Just ensure you use a sturdy, safe ladder for access, and consider adding a railing for safety.

Optimizing Space in a Tiny Kitchen

When it comes to small kitchens, clever use of space is paramount. By making some strategic choices, you can maximize your kitchen space and make it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Let's explore some effective space-saving strategies for tiny kitchens.

Consolidate Kitchen Appliances

One of the easiest ways to save space in a small kitchen is by consolidating your appliances. Instead of having several single-function devices, opt for appliances that can perform multiple tasks.

One game-changing appliance for a small kitchen is an in-sink dishwasher. This innovative appliance fits right into your sink, taking up no additional counter or floor space. It offers the same functionality as a standard dishwasher but in a much more compact design.

An in-sink dishwasher simplifies clean-up, keeps your countertops clutter-free, and is a perfect solution for a kitchen with limited space.

Opt For A Smaller Oven

Another solution for making the most out of your limited kitchen space is getting rid of your big, traditional oven and replacing it with something modern and multi-purposed.

A countertop oven serves as the ideal device for your small kitchen, as it can live on your countertop or be stored away if you’re not using it as often as other devices. This 4-in-1 oven can work as a convection oven, air-fryer, dehydrator, and steamer, giving you the creative options on how and what to cook.

It even has easy-to-use control knobs and the steam feature can be used as a way to clean the interior. The best part is, that while it may save you some space in the kitchen, the countertop oven has plenty of room inside for you to cook a small pizza or a roasted chicken for dinner.

Install Collapsible or Slide-Out Counters

A collapsible or slide-out counter can be a lifesaver in a tiny kitchen. These surfaces can be extended when you need more workspace and neatly tucked away when not in use.

They're perfect for meal prep, serving food, or even as a makeshift dining area. By adopting this flexible solution, you can dramatically increase your counter space without permanently occupying the room.

Use an Over-Sink Cutting Board

An over-sink cutting board is another smart space-saving tool for small kitchens. These boards are designed to fit over your sink, providing a sturdy surface for chopping and prepping food. When you're finished, you can simply lift it off and store it away.

Add Shelves to Cabinets & Cupboards

Cabinets and cupboards provide a great deal of storage, but are they being used to their full potential? Adding shelves inside them can double or even triple your storage space. You can use shelf risers to stack dishes or add roll-out shelves for easy access to items in the back.

Hang Kitchenware Wherever Possible

Utilizing wall space is key in a small kitchen. Install hooks, magnetic strips, or pegboards to hang utensils, pots, pans, and even mugs.

This keeps these items off your countertops, freeing up valuable workspace. Hanging your kitchenware can also add a unique design element to your kitchen, showcasing your cookware and utensils in a decorative way.

Get a Floating Island for More Counter Space

A floating island, or a movable kitchen island, can offer more counter space when you need it and can be moved out of the way when you don't. It's perfect for meal prep, serving food, or as additional storage.

Tiny Bedroom Space Saving Tips

A tiny house bedroom can be turned into a cozy and functional retreat with the right space-saving solutions. Below, we're sharing some efficient tiny house storage ideas that can make your small bedroom feel spacious and organized.

Use a Foldout Bed

A foldout bed, also known as a Murphy bed, is one of the best tiny house storage ideas. This type of bed can be folded up into a wall or a cabinet during the day, giving you a large open space.

At night, you can easily pull it down for a comfortable sleep. Today's Murphy beds are stylish, easy to use, and often come with added features like built-in storage or a desk.

Add Space to Your Closet with a Tension Rod

Maximizing closet space is crucial in a small bedroom. One simple way to create additional hanging space is by installing a tension rod. This rod can be fitted below the existing rod, essentially doubling your hanging space.

It provides a perfect spot for shorter items like shirts, skirts, or pants. It's a quick, affordable solution that can dramatically increase your closet's capacity.

Install Under-Bed Storage

Don't overlook the space under your bed — it's prime real estate for storage in a tiny bedroom. Use flat storage bins to keep off-season clothes, shoes, or extra bedding out of sight but within easy reach.

Alternatively, some tiny homes will have room for a bed frame with built-in drawers or shelves. By utilizing this underused space, you can keep your room clutter-free and well-organized.

Maximizing the Space of Your Tiny Home’s Bathroom

Small bathrooms can be challenging, but with the right tiny house storage ideas, you can create a bathroom that's functional, spacious, and stylish. Here are some tips to make the most of bathrooms in tiny homes.

Use a Corner Bathroom Caddy

A corner bathroom caddy is a great way to utilize vertical space and keep your toiletries organized. These units can hold everything from shampoo and conditioner to razors and loofahs. Choose a caddy with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of different sizes.

Hang Your Towels on a Blanket Ladder

Instead of bulky towel racks, consider a blanket ladder. This stylish alternative takes up minimal floor space while providing plenty of room to hang your towels. A ladder can add a touch of rustic charm to your bathroom and ensure your towels are always within reach.

Get a Bathtub Tray or Shower Seat

A bathtub tray or a shower seat isn't just about luxury; it's also a practical space-saving tool. A tray can hold your soap, loofah, or even a book if you enjoy reading in the bath.

A shower seat provides a place to sit and store your bath essentials underneath. Both options help keep your bath or shower area organized and efficient.

Mount Soap Dispensers on the Wall

Wall-mounted soap dispensers free up counter space and create a sleek, minimalist look in your bathroom. You can mount them above the sink or in the shower for easy access. Plus, these dispensers are refillable, which is a win for both your wallet and the environment.

Shop FOTILE’s Space-Saving Appliances Today

In the world of tiny living, every square inch counts. So why not equip your home with appliances designed to maximize space without compromising functionality? FOTILE, a leading name in space-saving appliances, can help transform your tiny home into a highly efficient space.

Perhaps the best in FOTILE's lineup for a tiny kitchen is the in-sink dishwasher. Perfectly integrating with your sink, this appliance is designed for the spatially aware homeowner. They offer all the functionality of a standard dishwasher, handling everyday dish loads efficiently and effectively, making clean-up after meals easy and convenient.

Don't let the constraints of space hold you back from enjoying a fully functional kitchen. Shop FOTILE’s space-saving in-sink dishwashers today and take the first step toward maximizing your space, enhancing your efficiency, and elevating your tiny living experience.