6 Kitchen Sink Shelf Types to Organise Your Sink Workspace
Are you tired of a messy and disorganised sink area that's causing more stress than it's worth? We get it! A messy kitchen with a messy sink area is not a fun place to be. After all, the kitchen sink is the heart and soul of a kitchen, so if it’s in disarray, the rest of your kitchen is too. The good news is there are plenty of ways to gain back control of an unruly kitchen with the right storage tools (DIY too!). We’ve done the hard work for you and have listed our favourite storage ideas and hacks to help you organise your sink workspace and give it the modern kitchen makeover it deserves.
Our Favourite Kitchen Sink Shelf Types for Kitchen Organization
1. Dishrack & Drainboards
Do you haphazardly stack wet dishes on your countertop after washing them? Trust us when we say there’s a much easier and more efficient way to stack wet items – and that is dishracks and drainboards.
Dish drying racks come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any kitchen's needs. Whether you have a tiny kitchen or a big family to feed, there's a dish rack that'll suit your space. Plus, they're super versatile and can be used to store other kitchen items like cutting boards and baking sheets, making it easy to keep everything in one place.
You'll find dish racks made from different materials like stainless steel, plastic, bamboo, and wood. So not only can they keep your kitchen organised, but they can also add a touch of style to your space. Dish racks are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a must-have addition to your kitchen.
Pro tip: invest in a two-tier dish rack for extra kitchen sink shelf storage! SHOP Buildmat’s Excel Steel Dishrack
One thing to look for in a good dish rack is a handy fantastic drainage system that ensures that water doesn't pool on your countertops or sink.
Or, invest in an in-sink dishrack for some serious space-saving, easy to maintain and clean action.
SHOP Buildmat’s in-sink Ellie Dishrack
2. Roll Mat
Roll mats are an excellent type of kitchen sink shelf storage and great for those who want to maximise their counter space while also keeping their sink area organised and functional.
Roll mats come in a range of materials, sizes, and styles. From silicone to stainless steel, there's a roll mat to suit your needs and style. And the best part is that they're so easy to use! Simply unroll the mat over your sink to create an instant drying rack for your dishes and other kitchen items.
One of the biggest benefits of using a roll mat as a kitchen sink shelf storage solution is that it can be easily stored away and placed under sink when not in use. Simply roll it up and tuck it away in a drawer or cupboard. This means that you can keep your counter space free when you don't need to use the mat, and quickly set it up when you do.
SHOP Buildmat’s Zander gunmetal roll mat
As a bonus, you can use roll mats for an easy and hygienic way to wash your fruits or veggies!
3. Colander
Colanders are not only great for draining pasta and vegetables (yum), but they can also be used as a type of kitchen sink shelf storage. One of the biggest benefits of using a colander as a kitchen sink shelf storage solution is that it can free up counter space and keep everything within reach. Instead of digging through a cluttered drawer, you can store your colander right above your sink for easy access.
You can also store things like soap, utensils, sponges and whatever else you like on a colander like fruits and vegetables to add a pop of colour to your kitchen. And if you're short on cabinet space, a colander can be used to store pots, pans, and baking sheets, freeing up space for other kitchen essentials.
Plus, they're super easy to clean and maintain. Simply rinse them with water after use and let them air dry. Plus, they're usually lightweight and can be moved around easily, making them perfect for small kitchens or if you need to quickly clear some counter space.
SHOP Buildmat’s Carter Colander in brass gold
If you're looking for a way to add some style to your kitchen sink area, why not try a brass or gold colander? They're not only functional but can also add a touch of elegance to your space.
4. Kitchen Sink Shelf Above the Sink
Don’t underestimate the power of a kitchen sink shelf that sits above your kitchen sink. Specifically designed to fit over your sink, these kitchen sink shelves create extra storage space for your dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies and other kitchen items.
One of the biggest advantages of an over-the-sink shelf is that it allows you to keep your counter space free for food preparation and other tasks. By storing your dishes and other items on the shelf, you'll have more room to work with on your countertop.
Look at all that space-saving goodness! Courtesy of Overstock.
Probably the best feature of this type of kitchen sink shelf storage solution is that it can be easily installed without any tools or complicated instructions. Simply place the shelf over your sink and adjust the arms to fit your sink size. It's that easy.
WATCH: The 5 Best Accessories for Your Kitchen Sink
5. Kitchen Organiser Rack
Want more kitchen sink space without doing a total remodel? Invest in a tall kitchen shelf. Maybe you don’t have enough kitchen sink space for adding extra gadgets, but perhaps you have some floor space that’d be an excellent solution for maximising space and adding style to your kitchen.
Courtesy of DShop
With multiple shelves for storage and display, you can easily fit your microwave, coffee machine, and stacking dishes neatly so you don’t have to make a mess of your kitchen sink. With its open design and multiple tiers, it's perfect for storing everything from pots and pans to cooking utensils, spices, and even small appliances.
6. Portable Kitchen Island
If you’re looking for some serious extra kitchen sink storage space, consider adding a portable kitchen island to your workspace for an instant upgrade in storage and organisation.
Not only does a portable kitchen island provide additional counter space for meal prep and entertaining, but it also offers plenty of storage solutions, including shelves, drawers, and cabinets. And when it comes to kitchen sink shelf storage, a portable island can be the perfect solution.
Courtesy of Temple & Webster
By adding a portable island with shelves and cabinets near your sink, you can create a dedicated space for storing all your dishwashing essentials, such as dish soap, sponges, and scrubbers. Plus, you can store larger items, such as pots and pans, in the island's cabinets, freeing up space in your kitchen's other storage areas. It’s the ultimate small space saving solution.
Plus, it’s a super versatile kitchen storage solution. With wheels or casters, you can easily move the island to different areas of your kitchen, or even to other rooms for use as a bar cart or serving station.
Make Kitchen Organisation Fun
As you can see, organising and giving your kitchen a declutter doesn't have to be a daunting task. There are plenty of hacks, DIY ideas, and versatile storage solutions available to fit any kitchen design and storage needs. We didn’t even mention tension rods, caddies, dividers, lazy susans, and hang caddies (all amazing storage options too!) So, take our tips and go forth and maximise your kitchen space today and create the functional and stylish cooking environment you deserve.
