Under the kitchen sink is basically the wild west of storage—awkward pipes, weird corners, and clutter that multiplies overnight. These DIY ideas are the exact tricks I’ve used in tiny apartments to turn that “dead space” into an organized little work zone.
Mini “Backstock Shelf” Above the Trap
I installed a narrow backstock shelf high in the cabinet, above the sink pipes, for refills I don’t need daily. I love this because it keeps extras close but not in the way of the everyday stuff.
These products might help:
- Adjustable Tension Shelf: Instantly create an extra storage tier above plumbing without drilling holes or complex installation in your cabinet.
- Narrow Wood Board or Shelf Riser: Build a custom sturdy shelf like the one pictured to perfectly fit your specific cabinet width.
- Refillable Pump Bottles: Keep your backstock shelf looking uniform and aesthetic by decanting soaps into these simple, matching containers.
Simple Pull-Out Trays on Slides
I built basic pull-out trays from scrap wood and mounted them on drawer slides, and suddenly I could reach the back without knocking over a single bottle. It’s the most dramatic under-sink upgrade I’ve done, and it makes the cabinet feel twice as big.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Heavy-Duty Drawer Slides: Ensure extensive reach and smooth gliding action for your DIY wooden trays with these sturdy, reliable rails.
- Matte Black Cabinet Knobs: Add a functional grip and a matching modern finish to your custom pull-out drawers with these knobs.
- Adhesive Drawer Grip Liner: Keep your bottles and sponges from sliding around inside your new tray by lining the bottom surface.
Tension Rod for Spray Bottles
I wedged a tension rod across the cabinet and hung spray bottles by their triggers, which instantly freed up the floor for bins. In my last place, this was the only way I could keep cleaners upright around the plumbing.
Some handy options:
- Adjustable Tension Rod: Maximize vertical space by installing a sturdy rod to hang cleaning bottles and free up cabinet floors.
- Glass Spray Bottles: Decant your cleaning solutions into refillable bottles for a uniform, organized look that hangs easily on rods.
- Woven Storage Basket: Corral loose sponges, brushes, or towels in a textured basket to keep your cabinet floor tidy.
Stackable Bins With Clear Labels
I grouped things into stackable bins—trash bags in one, dish pods in another—and added clear labels so I don’t “re-buy” what I already own. This is the system that finally stopped my under-sink cabinet from becoming a mystery pile.
May just do the trick:
- Stackable Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Lids: Maximize vertical space under the sink by neatly stacking items like soap and sponges in these transparent containers.
- Customizable Chalkboard or Vinyl Labels: Identify contents instantly with bold labels that help you track inventory and prevent buying duplicate cleaning supplies.
- Woven Storage Basket for Taller Items: Add texture and store bulky items or extra linens easily with a sturdy, open-top woven basket.
Two-Level Shelf Riser Around Pipes
I made a simple shelf riser to create two levels, then notched it to fit around the P-trap so nothing wobbles. The first time I tried this, I couldn’t believe how much vertical space I’d been wasting.
Items that may come in handy:
- Expandable Under Sink Organizer: Maximize your vertical storage space with adjustable shelves that easily fit around tricky plumbing pipes.
- Stackable Wooden Shelf Risers: Create instant tiers for organization; look for natural wood finishes to match your open-concept cabinetry style.
- Slatted Bamboo Storage Bins: Keep loose items tidy on your lower shelves while maintaining airflow and a cohesive, natural aesthetic.
U-Shaped Shelf to Hug Plumbing
I traced my plumbing and cut a U-shaped shelf so storage wraps around the pipes instead of fighting them. This DIY felt custom and fancy, but it was honestly just careful measuring and a steady hand.
Useful items to consider:
- Plywood Project Panel: Build your own custom shelf insert with this sturdy wood panel, perfect for creating organized under-sink storage.
- Jigsaw for Curve Cutting: Easily cut precise U-shapes around your plumbing pipes with this essential power tool for DIY woodworking.
- Natural Wood Wax Finish: Protect your new wooden shelf from moisture and give it a beautiful, smooth finish with this wax.
Center Divider to Stop the “Slide In” Pile
I added a lightweight center divider (even a simple panel) so everything has a lane and doesn’t avalanche into the middle. I started doing this after I realized my cabinet mess was basically caused by one big open space.
A few suggestions:
- Adjustable Vertical Shelf Divider: Create instant separation in your cabinet without tools; simply slide this divider onto existing shelves to stop clutter migration.
- Tension Rod Vertical Organizer: Install these vertically between shelves to create custom zones for baking sheets or tall cleaning supplies without drilling holes.
- Plywood Project Panel: Build a custom, sturdy divider that fits perfectly around your plumbing pipes for a truly built-in, polished look.
Slide-Out Trash Bag Dispenser Box
I made a simple trash bag dispenser by cutting a slot in a small box and parking it on a pull-out tray. In my kitchen, this stopped the half-open bag rolls from unraveling into chaos.
Check these products out:
- Wooden Storage Crate: Choose a sturdy wooden crate as the base for your dispenser project, ensuring a clean and customized look.
- Under Cabinet Pull Out Drawer: Install a smooth-gliding base to easily access your new dispenser without reaching deep under the dark sink.
- Small Wooden Drawer Pulls: Add a simple handle to your box to make sliding the dispenser in and out effortless and stylish.
Waterproof Floor Liner With a Raised Edge
I cut a waterproof liner and created a tiny raised edge so minor drips don’t seep into the cabinet base. After one surprise leak in a studio apartment, I became very serious about under-sink “insurance.”
These products might be useful:
- Silicone Under Sink Mat: Protect your cabinet floor from leaks and spills with this durable, waterproof mat featuring raised edges.
- Plastic Cabinet Tray Liner: Catch minor drips and organize supplies easily using this sturdy plastic tray designed for kitchen cabinets.
- Ribbed Shelf Liner Roll: Cut this waterproof ribbed liner to size for a custom fit that helps keep undersink areas dry.
Hidden Side-Wall Pegboard for Micro Storage
I added a mini pegboard to the inside wall under the sink for tiny hooks and cups, which is perfect for odd little cleaning attachments. The first time I tried it, I felt like I’d discovered a secret storage dimension.
You might give these a try:
- Small White Pegboard Panels: Instantly create versatile vertical storage inside your cabinet walls or doors with these easy-to-mount perforated panels.
- Assorted Pegboard Hooks & Bins: Organize your odd cleaning attachments and brushes efficiently by snapping these handy hooks and bins into place.
- Adhesive Mounting Tape or Spacers: Securely mount your new pegboard to inside surfaces without drilling damaging holes using strong adhesive options.
U-Shaped Sliding Drawer That Wraps the Pipe
My most “wow” DIY was a U-shaped sliding drawer that glides out while the plumbing sits in the cutout, so I’m not sacrificing the best real estate in the cabinet. It took me a careful cardboard template first, but the payoff was a custom-looking under-sink setup that actually works.
A few relevant products:
- Heavy-Duty Drawer Slides: Ensure your custom drawer glides smoothly and supports weight with reliable slide hardware for your build.
- Birch Plywood Sheets: Use strong, smooth plywood to construct the drawer box and cut your custom pipe-wrapping shape easily.
- Jigsaw for Custom Cuts: Create that precise U-shaped pipe cutout in your drawer base quickly using a maneuverable power saw.
