4-inch space under cabinets
Julie Hambleton
Julie Hambleton
December 12, 2023 ·  2 min read

The 4-Inch Kitchen Space You Keep Neglecting but Should Really Use for Storage

Kitchen storage is a constant battle in any home. Where do you store all of your oddly-shaped baking trays or mismatched Tupperware? Do you try and shove them in that deep corner cabinet, only to have to pull out everything that gets put in front of them each time you need to use them? Or do you put them in the cupboards above the fridge that even the tallest member of the family has trouble reaching?

Thankfully Jasmine Roth of Built Custom Homes has the perfect solution for you: the unused space under your kitchen cabinets. (1)

Toe kick drawers

Take a moment to look up from this article and go look under your kitchen cabinets. They all have one thing in common: a toe kickboard, also known as a mopboard. This is the gap of space between the bottom of your cabinets and the floor. It’s the space that typically just collects crumbs and other kitchen debris. 

Roth saw this unused space as an opportunity.

“Is there anything better than adding storage to a space where there would be nothing otherwise?” Roth asks. “I think not!” (1)

How toe-kick drawers work

They are as simple as they sound: instead of having just a board, it is a drawer that can be opened and closed with just a gentle push of your foot. These drawers are perfect for storing a variety of items (1):

  • Baking trays
  • Tupperware
  • Dog bowls
  • Muffin tins
  • Stepping stool (to access high cabinets more easily)
  • Wine bottles

If extra drawers aren’t something you need in your home, first: tell us your secrets! Second: consider installing a toe kick vacuum. This takes out the need for a dustpan, instead of allowing you to sweep the crumbs right into the wall. Look at your nearest home improvement store and never have to bend over to sweep up crumbs again.

How to install a toe kick drawer in your home

If you choose to, you can go through a custom-cabinet company that will come in a build one for you. Otherwise, you can order a premade drawer (or make one) and install it yourself. Most home improvement stores and furniture stores will have options available to you.

Visit this site for a build-your-own and installation guide for your toe kick cabinet.

Toe kick your organizational goals

If your kitchen is giving you anxiety and you constantly feel like you are running out of space for things, or simply having underutilized space makes your skin crawl, then the toe kick cabinet is for you.  Whether you install it yourself or have someone come in and do it for you, they are sure to put your storage woes at ease and help you finally reach your organizational goals.