Do you need more storage space in your kitchen? Pantry? Even if you've got a 1,000 square foot kitchen that was featured in its own special on television, you're probably still wishing you had a place to put that automatic melon ball maker that Aunt Harriet gave you as a housewarming gift. Storage shelves, baskets and basket benches can be an elegant, functional and unique way to add additional storage and organize your kitchen and pantry with style and flair.

Storage Shelves with Baskets

Shelves for baskets are available in metal, plastic and wood – either unfinished, painted or stained to blend or contrast with your cupboards or add an accent color. Wicker, fabric, plastic or wire baskets fit into the shelves like drawers to conceal the items you need to have readily available but want tucked away, out of sight. Baskets hold utensils, smaller appliances, dish towels, canisters and other kitchen items without the cluttered look of things here and there on the counter tops, limiting your work space. In your pantry, shelves and baskets can help you arrange and hide aprons, towels, dish cloths, snacks, and canned food or dry food, making it a pleasure to access your pantry.

One advantage of shelving with baskets is that should you need the contents of the baskets for a picnic or party somewhere else, you can easily just pull the baskets off the shelves, carry them to the back yard or load them into your car and take them with you. If you need extra shelf space and don’t plan to use the contents of some of the baskets for a time, you can move the baskets and utilize the shelf space for extra dishes, utensils, baking pans or casserole dishes for house guests, company or a party or two until it is time to put back the baskets.

Basket Benches

Basket benches are another great decorative and useful touch for a kitchen. They are essentially finished wooden bench seats with two shelves underneath, the bottom shelf being able to hold up to three decorative storage baskets. These benches can function as table seating, particularly for a breakfast nook, or as a stand-alone seat in a larger or separate kitchen. Basket benches make a great place to sit down while chopping veggies or preparing lunches, party sandwiches or appetizers.

If you have extra wall space or floor space, you might consider basket benches for children or grandchildren to sit on while they eat, play or watch television, so you can uninterruptedly get the breakfast, lunch or dinner, or make your shopping or chore lists. Everything from children’s color and water painting supplies, art and craft items, toys, puzzles, books, etc., to toaster, mixer, cookbooks, place mats and table decorations can be stored in the baskets while tall books, large construction paper or poster board pieces as well as cookie sheets, cake pans, casserole dishes, frying pans, sauce pans, soup pots and sundry utensils may be stored on the shelves when you use the baskets for display in other areas of your home.

Parties

Have you ever wanted a place to store party items? One basket can hold crepe paper, balloons, tape, string and scissors, another basket table decorations, and a third basket paper plates, cups and napkins. Great party hostesses list all they have to do to get ready and note how much time each item will take. Utensils, favors and place cards can be gathered and organized in baskets days ahead of the party. It always helps to plan food that can be made in advance so you can just heat it up or take it out of the refrigerator or freezer and serve it. Many hostesses decorate their room and set their table the day or night before the party. If you use baskets, when someone offers to help you get ready, just hand him or her a basket! The day of the party, plan enough time to shower, dress, do up your hair and put on your make-up. Walk through your house to be sure everything is picked up, and enjoy a "no-stress" party.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. And much of the time you probably need more storage space to keep this area neat and tidy. Storage shelves, baskets and basket benches can help you organize your kitchen and clear the counters so you have more counter space. Hiding many items in shelves for baskets will help you keep your kitchen and pantry area organized. And when the doorbell rings unexpectedly, how wonderful it will be to graciously invite your guests to sit down in a streamlined, sparkle plenty kitchen for an old-fashioned snack and a chat.