ᐅ How can I install IKEA Metod cabinets to maximize storage space in a small area?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to install IKEA Metod cabinets in my small kitchen, aiming to maximize storage space despite the limited available area. My specific question is: How can I properly assemble IKEA Metod cabinets to achieve a lot of storage with minimal space? Which types of cabinets or modules are especially recommended, and how can the space be used most efficiently (e.g., interior fittings, Corbelle baskets, short/tall cabinets)? Are there proven strategies or assembly techniques to store both bulky and small kitchen items? I would appreciate any tips on smart planning and installation.

Hello Crispin50,

First of all, a practical question that many of us are familiar with. Regarding IKEA Metod: For limited space but plenty of storage, I especially recommend using cabinets with pull-out drawers instead of traditional shelves. Full-extension drawers provide better access to the interior storage and improve usability.

Important points:
- Use the tallest base cabinets possible (e.g., 80 cm or 90 cm (31.5 inches or 35.4 inches)) to create more storage space
- Use interior fittings like wire baskets or inner drawers for smaller items
- For corners, carousels or LeMans fittings are suitable to fully utilize the space
- Wall-mounted wall cabinets can be installed higher if you store smaller items there

Also: Before purchasing, plan the cabinet widths so they fit your room layout perfectly. Sometimes it’s worth combining individual modules. In the end, don’t underestimate the cabinet depth: 60 cm (23.6 inches) is ideal to still comfortably reach inside.

Good luck with your project!

Kinbu schrieb:
An important point:
- Use the tallest possible base cabinets (e.g., 80 cm or 90 cm (31.5 inches or 35.4 inches)) to create more storage space

The idea that taller cabinets automatically mean more storage is relative. Taller cabinets require that you can comfortably reach the upper areas—this can quickly become inconvenient, especially in a small kitchen. Therefore, I believe the combination of deeper cabinets with well-designed internal fittings is much more important.

So why not take a bolder approach in planning and choose complete base cabinets with smart pull-outs, shallow drawers, and clever compartment management? Simply having large drawers without useful subdivisions results in a lot of wasted space.

And instead of relying on mechanisms like carousels, which also take up storage space, it would be interesting to explore minimalist solutions that maximize usability with simple shelving. In my experience, having plenty of storage always goes hand in hand with good accessories, not just big cabinets.

Metod with basket pull-out system, wall cabinets up to the ceiling, corner carousels at the front, and depending on the height, internal drawers – this provides storage space and saves room.

To plan IKEA Metod kitchen cabinets with plenty of storage in a small space, I recommend a combination of the following elements:

- Use base cabinets at least 80cm (31.5 inches) high for optimal space utilization
- Use full-extension drawers and inner drawers for better access
- Corner cabinets should be equipped with carousel or LeMans systems to avoid wasted corner space
- Narrow tall cabinets can serve as pantry units while taking up little floor area
- Wall cabinets with maximum height (up to under the ceiling) provide additional storage without occupying floor space

Accurate measurement of the kitchen is essential to determine the optimal cabinet combination. In small kitchens, even an extra 10cm (4 inches) of depth can significantly improve storage capacity. It is also advisable to plan using the IKEA kitchen planner software, which precisely considers dimensions, fronts, and interior fittings.

Practical tips:
- Avoid internal doors on cabinets that are accessed frequently and prefer drawers instead
- Store heavy or bulky items in lower cabinets to ensure ergonomics

In conclusion, careful planning and appropriate interior fittings are crucial for storage efficiency.

Crispin50 schrieb:
How do I properly assemble IKEA Metod cabinets with plenty of storage and limited space?

I installed a combination of base cabinets with a height of 80cm (31.5 inches) and internal drawers. I deliberately chose several small drawers within one cabinet to store different-sized kitchen utensils separately and in an organized way.

Another tip: use cabinet frames divided by standard dimensions of 20 or 40cm (8 or 16 inches). This allows you to customize the internal drawers and sort items much more efficiently. This approach is especially useful in tight spaces to avoid wasting storage capacity.

In my experience, the overall system is also more stable if you pay close attention to the connecting elements during assembly, especially with taller cabinets.