Storing Dishes in Drawers
If you are short on cabinet space in your kitchen, a good solution to try is storing dishes in drawers. Not a common place to keep plates and bowls, but with a few tips on keeping this area organized and streamlined, you might find it the best fit for the layout you have.
How to organize tricky areas using tips that are out of the box, giving you a solution to a problem that helps you streamline your entire kitchen.
There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with a cramped space, especially in a room where you spend so much of your time. I remember our first home—while it was a decent size overall, the kitchen was so tiny that squeezing in two people felt impossible. Fun for newlyweds, but not something I would recommend long term.
We weren’t there long, thankfully, but during that time, I had to get seriously creative with how we stored our dishes, food, and cookware. From keeping food on our fridge top to storing baking dishes in the oven, all options were up for consideration.
If your kitchen is short on space or cabinets, drawers might just be the perfect solution.
Why choose drawers for dish storage?
It might have seemed like an unusual idea once, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite in many homes—and for good reason. Drawers can handle so much more than just silverware and kitchen towels.
They’re a game-changer for storing dishes, offering easy access so you don’t have to stretch or grab a stool to reach those pesky bowls hiding in the back.
With a few dividers or sectioning tools, drawers make it super simple to keep your dishes organized and safe from chips or damage. On top of all that, they help you make the most of your space, turning even the tiniest kitchens into functional areas.
Storing Dishes in Drawers
But before tossing all your plates and bowls into a drawer, there are a few things to consider. Tips that will help you to set up a new space for your dishes that is neat and easy to keep that way.
#1. Picking the Perfect Spot for Your Dish Drawers
First, location matters—big time.
You want to store your dishes somewhere that makes your life easier. Look for a drawer near your dishwasher or sink if possible. This setup makes unloading dishes easier. No extra steps, no balancing plates while you walk across the kitchen.
If near to the sink isn’t an option, look for a drawer close to your dining or breakfast area.
#2. Choosing the Right Drawer
Not all drawers are created equal, so you’ll need to choose carefully. Look for a sturdy, deep drawer that can withstand the weight of your dishes. You don’t want to overload a lightweight drawer with heavy ceramic plates and risk having it break.
If you’re unsure about your current drawers, give them a test. Pull the drawer out, press down gently (but firmly), and see if it wobbles. If it feels flimsy, it might not be up for the job.
If your kitchen isn’t already equipped with strong drawers, consider adding custom pull-out drawers or updating existing ones with heavy-duty tracks. This may be enough to turn an unstable drawer into a reliable one.
#3. Making Sure the Drawer Holds Up
Speaking of strength, you’ll want to check that your drawer can handle the weight. For larger stacks of plates, bowls, or even serving dishes, reinforce the bottom of the drawer if needed.
Some drawers have a thin particleboard bottom that might bow under pressure. If that’s the case, consider adding a piece of plywood or MDF to give it extra support. And don’t forget the drawer glides—invest in full-extension, heavy-duty glides for added durability and smoother operation.
#4. Organizing Tips for a Neat Space
Being organized will help to keep this area neater for not only you but your entire family. You don’t want to open a drawer and find a chaotic stack of mismatched plates and bowls. A few clever tools can make a world of difference:
- Drawer Dividers: These help keep stacks of plates and bowls from shifting around. Adjustable dividers are even better since you can create custom sections based on your dish sizes.
- Dish Peg Organizer Systems: These systems come with a pegboard base where you can add removable pegs to hold your dishes in place. Perfect for keeping everything from sliding around when opening and closing the drawer.
- Plate Dish Holders: These dish holders are perfect for keeping plates stacked neatly and securely, preventing them from sliding around or crashing into each other.
- Drawer Liners: Not only do liners provide a cushioning layer to protect your dishes, but they also help to keep them in place and prevent scratches.
DM Pro Tip: To keep your drawer neater, group like items together. Plates in one section, bowls in another. Even better, stack items you use most often on top for easy access.
RAPTUROUS Deep Drawer Dividers 6 Pack, 5 Inch Tall, 13-22 Inch Long Expandable, Adjustable Drawer Organizer for Clothing, Dresser, Kitchen, Strong Hold, Soft Foam Edges, BlackDowell 24.25
Covzoe 12 Pieces Adjustable Pegboard Drawer Organizer, Wood Kitchen Drawer Plate Organizers with 96 Pegs, Expandable Plate Holders Storage for Dishes Pot Containers
#5. Protecting Dishes from Chips and Cracks
Nobody wants their favorite plate chipped just because it’s in a drawer. Keep your dishes safe by using felt or silicone liners at the bottom of the drawer. These liners act as a cushion and help absorb any impact if dishes move around.
DM Pro Tip: Avoid over-stacking. When plates or bowls are packed too tightly, the edges are at risk of chipping. If you have a lot of dishes to store, divide them into smaller stacks instead.
#6. Space-Saving Ideas
If you’re working with limited drawer space, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make the most of what you have.
- Nesting Bowls: Choose bowls that fit neatly inside each other to save space.
- Plate Holders: Use vertical plate holders to stand plates up instead of stacking them. This trick not only saves space but also makes grabbing a plate much easier.
- Keep Only What You Need: If you find yourself constantly struggling to fit everything in your drawer, it may be time to declutter. Keep only what you actually use and donate or sell the rest.
By implementing these simple yet effective tips, you can transform even the smallest kitchen into an organized and functional space.
Bonus Tips to Keep Things Tidy
Now that you have your drawers set up and organized, use these bonus tips to keep them from overflowing, getting messy, or cluttered.
- Declutter Regularly: Take stock of what you’re storing every few months. If you no longer use certain dishes, donate them or move them to a less frequently used storage spot.
- Keep Everyday Dishes Close-Store Others Away: Create two sets of dishes in your kitchen – one for everyday use and another for special occasions. Keep the everyday dishes within easy reach while storing the special occasion set in your pantry or a shelf in a closet.
- Label Inside the Drawer: If you have multiple dishes stored in a drawer, use labels to help everyone know what belongs where.
- Clean Liners Often: Those silicone or felt liners can collect crumbs and dust over time. Give them a quick wipe or toss them in the wash every so often.
Storing dishes in drawers is a smart way to make the most of your space. Drawers aren’t just a good option for dishes—they’re also a practical one. To get the most out of them, take a little time to plan.
Prep your drawers before filling them, choose the best location, and use organizers to keep everything tidy. Adding labels can help the whole family use the space efficiently. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can create a kitchen that’s both functional and a joy to cook in.