ᐅ Ikea Metod: How can I optimize storage space in tall cabinets?

Hello everyone,

I recently fitted my kitchen with Ikea Metod tall cabinets and am now facing the challenge of using the storage space as efficiently as possible. My question is: How can I optimize the storage in Ikea Metod tall cabinets to achieve maximum visibility and accessibility without having to constantly reorganize?

I am especially interested in which internal fittings are useful, how to best arrange the shelves, and which organizational aids are recommended. My goal is to avoid often unused corners and to store all items so they are easily accessible.

Looking forward to your tips and experiences!

Philo40 schrieb:
How can I optimize storage space in Ikea Metod tall cabinets to achieve maximum visibility and accessibility without having to constantly rearrange?

That’s a very solid question. However, have you considered the height of each shelf in your plan? Often, too few or poorly positioned shelves can ruin the overall visibility.

I recommend planning carefully in advance what you want to store and adjusting the shelves according to the size of the items. Also consider using pull-out drawers or baskets – their advantage is that you can bring items forward instead of always reaching in awkwardly from above.

Keep in mind that a strategic division into zones within the cabinet helps maintain an overview. Simply stacking shelves one after another without a system doesn’t help much.

How deep did you build your cabinets? This can be a crucial factor when deciding between pull-out systems versus fixed shelves.

I would recommend pull-out shelves inside tall cabinets, especially if the cabinets are deep. This way, you can easily access everything.

Additionally, baskets are perfect because they are flexible and stack well.

enrique7 schrieb:
How deep are your cabinets built?

Thanks for the input. My Metod tall cabinets are 40 cm deep (16 inches). So far, I have only simple adjustable shelves inside. I don’t have pull-out drawers yet, but it sounds like they might be an important addition.

sarGabriel schrieb:
I recommend pull-out drawers in tall cabinets, especially if the cabinets are deep.

Since 40 cm (16 inches) is not very deep, I’m wondering: Are pull-out drawers really useful at this depth, or are fixed shelves a better option?

I want to store my pantry items, baking tools, and larger pots in different sections. Are there any tips on how to divide the shelves effectively so I can fit everything well?

Philo40 schrieb:
I want to store my groceries, baking utensils, and larger pots in different areas.

Groceries, baking utensils, and pots in a single tall cabinet? To me, that sounds like a common problem: the layout inside the cabinet doesn’t follow any logical use pattern but is simply a random mix.

My advice: consider organizing by category instead. That means one cabinet just for groceries, another for baking tools, and another for cookware. Divide each area into smaller subzones.

Also, and this is where it gets interesting, don’t overlook the benefits of internal pull-out shelves. They allow you to access deep spaces with minimal effort. Especially with a depth of 40cm (16 inches), items can easily get lost at the back.

I would even argue that without pull-out systems, you’re not utilizing the full potential of your tall cabinets. This isn’t just an opinion but a logical consequence of ergonomics and access design.

So my conclusion: more division + effective pull-out systems = the optimal solution.

Wow, there are some great ideas here!!! :-)

I organized my Metod tall cabinets using a combination of wire baskets, pull-out drawers, and adjustable shelves on several levels – I can only recommend it!

I especially love the wire baskets because you can see everything, and the air circulation is excellent. This helps keep supplies fresh for longer.

A tip: Label your baskets or shelves! It makes finding things so much easier and is great for keeping an overview.