These Above-the-Sink Shelves Create Extra Kitchen Storage Out of Thin Air

Courtesy of Amazon

Carving out extra storage room in a kitchen can be difficult, especially when you're working with limited cabinet and countertop space. "More often than not, small kitchens lack upper cabinet space because of windows or limited wall space," says interior designer Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25, "which means finding creative storage solutions to access your most-used kitchen items is a must."

Fortunately, there's an easy—and affordable—way to seemingly create more room out of thin air in an otherwise cramped part of your kitchen. "Simple above-the-sink shelves offer a place to store everyday items without cluttering your countertops," says interior designer Kirsten Grove of We Three Design. "They also eliminate sink clutter, which can be a huge nuisance in a kitchen of any size." Interested in adding a sleek above-the-sink shelf to your kitchen counterscape? From minimalist-minded styles to tiered organizers and more, here are several styles that will transform your kitchen sink into a storage-savvy scene in seconds.

Top Picks

• Kitchen Sink Shelf with Drying Rack: 1Easylife Over the Sink Dish Drying Rack

• Minimalist Kitchen Sink Shelf: Yamazaki Kitchen Rack in Wide

• Bamboo Kitchen Sink Shelf: Lipper International Over-The-Sink Bamboo Shelf

• Steel Kitchen Sink Shelf: Home Basics Metal over the Sink Dish Rack

• Heavy Duty Kitchen Sink Shelf: Farfaview 33″ Dish Drying Rack Over the Sink Organizer

Related: Small Kitchen Storage Ideas for a More Efficient Space

Go Wide

Don't let the clean lines of this minimalist-style rack fool you—it's still brimming with storage potential. Designed in Japan, the shelf features a birchwood top and a wide powder-coated steel body that's sized to hold everything from coffee mugs to spices and dish soap.

Shop Now: Yamazaki Kitchen Rack in Wide, $33, westelm.com.

Tiered Rack

The only thing better than a reliable over-the-sink rack is one that doubles as a dish drying station. This two-tiered adjustable stainless steel organizer has dish and bowl racks, a fruit basket, utensil holders, and seven utility hooks, making it easy to store sink-side essentials as well as your recently-washed dishes.

Shop Now: 1Easylife Over the Sink Dish Drying Rack, $79.95, amazon.com.

Sustainable Matters

For a classic sink shelf that's every bit as stylish as it is eco-friendly, consider one composed of bamboo. "If you do go with a rack made of wood, seal the shelf to prevent water from absorbing and the finish from fading over time," says Fenimore.

Shop Now: Lipper International Over-The-Sink Bamboo Shelf, $16.99, bedbathandbeyond.com.

Colorful Shelf

A little color can go a long way on an above-the-sink organizer. This bright rack features a scrolled wrought iron base and a wood-tiled shelf that creates storage opportunity and visual interest over and around your kitchen sink.

Shop Now: Colorblock Over-the-Sink Shelf, $49.99, wards.com.

Streamlined Steel Rack

In the market for an affordable over-the-sink rack that can corral everything from coffee mugs to dishwashing supplies? This sleek steel option features an open wire frame for drying dishes as well as hanging hooks for mugs and a built-in paper towel holder.

Shop Now: Home Basics Metal over the Sink Dish Rack, $49.99, wayfair.com.

Multifunctional Sink Organizer

Never underestimate the storage power of a multifunctional sink organizer. Designed with two shelves, two baskets, eight hanging hooks, and a utensil and hand-towel holder, this stainless steel iteration is strong enough to support 100 pounds (yep!) of dishes and kitchenwares.

Shop Now: Farfaview 33" Dish Drying Rack Over the Sink Organizer, $119.99, overstock.com.

Decorative Organizer

For a functional above-the-sink shelf that doesn't sacrifice an inch of style, look no further than this two-tiered rack. Composed of sturdy and easy-to-clean iron, this organizer can hold 10 pounds of kitchen staples on the bottom shelf and five more up top.

Shop Now: Scroll 2-Tier Over Sink Shelf, $29.99, brylanehome.com.

Stove-Savvy Rack

Consider this option the Rolls Royce of above-the-sink racks. In addition to offering three tiers of shelving, the sophisticated steel sink organizer boasts hanging hooks, a utensil holder, and a lower shelf with built-in trivets for setting hot pots and pans.

Shop Now: Yamazaki Home Tower Countertop Freestanding Pot Rack, $79.99, wayfair.com.