Cabinets do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to storage in small kitchens, but there’s one part of them that often goes unused: the toe-kick. This recessed strip at the base of cabinets is usually just empty space meant to give you a comfortable standing position at the counter. But with some clever upgrades, that hidden area can become a surprising source of extra storage. For small kitchens where every inch counts, here are six unique ways to put your toe-kick space to work.

1. Hidden Drawers for Baking Sheets

Toe-kick drawers are slim but long, making them perfect for flat kitchen essentials like baking sheets, cutting boards, and cooling racks. These items often clutter cabinets, but stored here, they’re organized and out of sight.

2. A Built-In Step Stool

If you’ve ever struggled to reach the top shelf of a cabinet, a pull-out toe-kick step stool is a lifesaver. It slides neatly into the base when not in use and saves you from storing a separate bulky stool.

3. Storage for Pet Bowls

A toe-kick drawer can double as a feeding station for pets. Bowls slide out at mealtime and push back in afterward, eliminating tripping hazards in tight kitchens.

4. Extra Pantry Storage

For households with overflowing pantry shelves, toe-kick drawers can serve as mini-pantries. They’re ideal for storing snacks, pasta, or canned goods that don’t fit elsewhere.

5. Cleaning Supply Drawer

Keep dishcloths, scrubbing pads, and extra sponges in a toe-kick drawer rather than stuffing them under the sink. This frees up under-sink space for larger cleaning products.

6. Hidden Wine Storage

For wine lovers with limited space, toe-kick drawers can be customized to hold bottles securely. It’s discreet, stylish, and saves cabinet or counter space.