Pegboards Are the New Must-Have Storage Solution for Small Kitchens – Here’s How Designers Are Turning This Functional Storage Into a Feature Decor
Functional, decorative, and affordable, kitchen pegboards are the playful solution to small kitchen storage
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When you think of pegboards, images of dorm rooms or even your teenage bedroom walls filled with magazine clippings probably come to mind. Which is exactly why a kitchen is probably the last place you'd expect to see them.
But it's the one room I've been seeing them cropping up in more and more. They not only offer a small kitchen storage solution, but they are proving to be just as stylish as they are practical. So, needless to say, you will be seeing a lot more of them in small kitchens this year.
When it comes to kitchen storage, cabinets, drawers, shelves, and perhaps even pot hangers are the most used and considered. But people are endeavoring to be more creative in their kitchens, especially when space is at a premium, and pegboards are evolving as a go-to choice.
'To me, it is practicality and beauty woven into one idea. Everything has a place, and everything is in it. It is deeply functional, too, as each object is visible and only half a step away,' says interior decorator Max Sinsteden.
It's the blend of style and function that makes pegboards appealing as kitchen storage. For many, simple pegs and hooks are ideal for hanging pots and pans, which usually come with the pegboards, but you can do so much more with them, like adding additional accessories in the form of shelves and utensil holders, like this 7-Piece accessories set from IKEA.
You don't have the same installation fuss with a pegboard, either. Most designs, which you can find from the likes of IKEA, Wayfair, and Target, are easily installed on kitchen walls with a few screws (which are generally included), making them an accessible DIY project if your scheme needs a lift, both visually and functionally.
It's clear that a pegboard is a great feature in kitchens of every size, serving as a true storage saviour in a smaller scheme. Yes, you could look at adding an extra cabinet, or even an open shelf, but both options require a lot more space, which most small kitchens simply don't have.
The truth is, pegboards are just far more versatile in a small kitchen. Here are three stylish ways to add a pegboard to your kitchen that maximize function, even in the smallest schemes.
1. Fill a Whole Wall With a Pegboard
This traditional kitchen is a shining example of how pegboards can blend seamlessly into designs of every style. Filling almost the entire back wall of the small kitchen, it adds pan storage as well as a striking design feature.
'In my own kitchen, I asked my decorative painter to outline each pot in varying shades of blue to indicate materiality: a pale blue for brass, a medium blue for copper, a deeper blue for bronze, and a navy blue for cast iron. It is orderly, yes, but it is also quietly expressive. It brings us an inordinate amount of joy,' Max explains.
Max's pegboard is a custom example, but you can create the same look with large-scale pegboards or by stacking multiple smaller boards, like this Set of Two Pegboard Panels from Wayfair. This is a great option if you want to grow or shrink your pegboard storage over time.
2. Incorporate a Pegboard into Your Cabinetry
It was the need for storage without taking up valuable floor space that led Wei Ting, the owner of this compact kitchen, to introduce a pegboard. It's not only added more storage, but created a charming focal point in the design, too.
'We added the wooden pegboard because our appliance cabinet left us with this awkward blank wall. We didn’t want to waste the space, so we customized a pegboard for some vertical storage instead,' she recalls.
'Now, it’s honestly my favorite little corner of the kitchen. It’s so versatile, I can switch things around anytime, and it just makes the space look so much cuter and more alive,' she explains. For a more elevated look, opt for decorative pegs – Wei opted for colorful ones, but these Wooden Pegboard Hooks from Wayfair work beautifully, too.
Her scheme really showcases how decorative a kitchen pegboard can be. Shelves (similar to these Wooden Pegboard Shelves from Amazon) have been added to display ceramics, framed art, and even pretty cutting boards.
And the trio of baskets (this similar Woven Basket from Etsy is a charming option), holding fruit and vegetables, adds a more lived-in touch. What started as a storage solution has transformed into a decorative detail that the kitchen just wouldn't feel complete without.
3. Add Pegboard Accessories to Maximize Function
One of the biggest appeals of kitchen pegboards is the ability to customize them to your needs. And charming accessories are key to creating a storage system that benefits your scheme.
In this kitchen, alongside the pans stored on the pegboard, a small rail has been added to hang small utensils within easy reach of the stove, as well as a magnetic knife rack. They ensure everything you need for cooking is easily accessible, but without cluttering the kitchen countertops.
Some features may need a bit of thoughtful adapting. This Magnetic Knife Holder from Wayfair would usually be installed onto a wall, but you could instead attach it to the pegboard, which is a more renter-friendly option. IKEA also offers plenty of useful accessories, like these Clear Containers With Lids and this sleek White Display Shelf, both of which are easy to attach to the peg holes.
Shop Kitchen Pegboards
IKEA's pegboard range comes in different combinations to suit your needs. This option features peg clips for recipes, a pot for small utensils, and three hooks for your favorite pans. Plus, the shelf is perfect for small bottles and jars of spices.
Available in three sizes and colors (including white, green, and wood), this pegboard from Amazon has been made to either hang as a single panel or be stacked to create a larger piece. It comes with pegs and boards to create a truly customized piece.
This wooden pegboard has a vintage feel thanks to the darker stain. The bottom shelf is part of the structure, but the other three are easily adjustable. One customer used it as part of their coffee station, using the pegboard to display ceramic mugs.
Another example of IKEA's pegboards, this time a longer board that maximizes a narrow wall. It comes with hooks for hanging pots, pans, and large utensils with the option of adding extra pieces, like shelving or storage baskets.
If you're looking for something a bit smaller, these compact pegboards from Wayfair are a great option. At 7.5 by 15 inches, this wooden design can fit in even the tiniest amount of wall space, or you can stack a couple to fit your needs.
While most designs are white, black, or wood, you can find some more playful colors, too. This green pegboard with wooden shelves is a fun option if you want to add an accent color to your space, or to tie into an already green kitchen.
If you're looking for new ways to add storage to your small kitchen, this is your sign to try a pegboard. They're fun, customizable, and these spaces prove they fit into kitchens of every style.
