ᐅ How can I build Ikea Metod cabinets myself to maximize storage space?
Created on: 30 Apr 2020 08:37
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OnamandaHello everyone, I am planning to assemble Ikea Metod kitchen cabinets myself in order to make the most of the available storage space in my kitchen. My main focus is on how to arrange and equip the cabinets so that there is as much space as possible for kitchen utensils, pots, food supplies, and similar items in both the base cabinets and the wall cabinets. Ideally, I would like tips on smart interior solutions, such as pull-outs, inserts, or specialized shelves, that help use the storage space efficiently. I am also interested in different module sizes or possibly combinations that are especially effective. Does anyone have experience with planning and assembling the Metod series specifically in terms of optimizing storage space and can offer recommendations on how to avoid mistakes or make the best use of the space? Thanks in advance!
Hello Onamanda, I’m happy to help! For maximizing storage space with Ikea Metod, I recommend the following steps:
- Prefer cabinets with a width of 60 cm (24 inches), as they offer more internal space than 40 cm (16 inches) or 80 cm (32 inches) modules, which often remain underutilized.
- Arrange internal drawers and cutlery trays efficiently. Inserts made of metal or plastic help keep things organized and provide quick access.
- In base cabinets, hydraulic pull-outs with soft-close mechanisms are invaluable, especially for tall appliances, as they make the full cabinet depth accessible.
- Complement wall cabinets with internal shelves or hanging rails. This allows optimal stacking of glasses and bowls.
- Pay attention to good lighting design, because bright work surfaces and internal cabinet lighting make loading and unloading easier.
Common mistake: Many underestimate the load capacity of shelves, which usually support a maximum of about 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs). Special pull-outs can help organize storage space better here.
Summary: Modules with a 60 cm (24 inches) width, smart internal fittings with pull-outs, soft-close mechanisms, and additional inserts are the key to making the most of the storage space.
- Prefer cabinets with a width of 60 cm (24 inches), as they offer more internal space than 40 cm (16 inches) or 80 cm (32 inches) modules, which often remain underutilized.
- Arrange internal drawers and cutlery trays efficiently. Inserts made of metal or plastic help keep things organized and provide quick access.
- In base cabinets, hydraulic pull-outs with soft-close mechanisms are invaluable, especially for tall appliances, as they make the full cabinet depth accessible.
- Complement wall cabinets with internal shelves or hanging rails. This allows optimal stacking of glasses and bowls.
- Pay attention to good lighting design, because bright work surfaces and internal cabinet lighting make loading and unloading easier.
Common mistake: Many underestimate the load capacity of shelves, which usually support a maximum of about 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs). Special pull-outs can help organize storage space better here.
Summary: Modules with a 60 cm (24 inches) width, smart internal fittings with pull-outs, soft-close mechanisms, and additional inserts are the key to making the most of the storage space.
Hey Onamanda, I’ve fitted my Metod cabinets with a mix of shelves, drawers, and a small rotating carousel – the carousel isn’t a typical Ikea accessory, but it really makes the storage space more dynamic and accessible! 😎
That’s why you shouldn’t just stuff everything in but rather distribute the weight smartly – using small storage boxes can help avoid weight problems. For example, I use stackable boxes for spices and such; it keeps everything secure and also looks neat!
LAURE-TA schrieb:
Common issue: Many underestimate the load capacity of the shelves, which is about 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs) max.
That’s why you shouldn’t just stuff everything in but rather distribute the weight smartly – using small storage boxes can help avoid weight problems. For example, I use stackable boxes for spices and such; it keeps everything secure and also looks neat!
Hello Onamanda, I would like to add that the choice of door types also affects storage space. Sliding doors save room within the living area but slightly reduce the interior space of METOD cabinets due to the hardware. Hinged doors with sufficient opening clearance improve accessibility.
Furthermore, I recommend equipping the cabinets with pull-out inner drawers that allow you to fully extend the contents. This way, nothing gets lost at the back, and the storage space becomes not only larger but also more functional.
And a small tip: use narrow shelf dividers or inserts for cutting boards or baking sheets that might otherwise slip inside the cabinet.
Furthermore, I recommend equipping the cabinets with pull-out inner drawers that allow you to fully extend the contents. This way, nothing gets lost at the back, and the storage space becomes not only larger but also more functional.
Hannes schrieb:This is truly the best advice — the upper area is often unused despite offering a lot of space.
I recommend building the cabinets up to the ceiling.
And a small tip: use narrow shelf dividers or inserts for cutting boards or baking sheets that might otherwise slip inside the cabinet.
I am really impressed by how much storage space you can gain with careful planning and by choosing the right fittings for Ikea Metod! 👍 For me, investing time in planning and really thinking about what needs to fit inside made a big difference.
My tip: install pull-out drawers at the top, even in tall wall cabinets. You wouldn’t realize how quickly things get forgotten up there. With drawers, everything becomes much more accessible.
Good luck with your build – you can do it!
My tip: install pull-out drawers at the top, even in tall wall cabinets. You wouldn’t realize how quickly things get forgotten up there. With drawers, everything becomes much more accessible.
Good luck with your build – you can do it!
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