9 Small Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas to Maximize Space

Small farmhouse kitchens only feel cramped when the layout wastes space in dumb ways.

The good news is you don’t need a renovation budget the size of a small country to fix it. A few smart farmhouse-style tweaks can instantly make your kitchen feel bigger, cleaner, and way more functional.

I’ve seen tiny kitchens go from “I can’t even breathe in here” to “wait… this is actually cute” just by changing storage, lighting, and how the space is used.

1. Open Shelving for That Airy Farmhouse Look

A small kitchen starts feeling crowded the moment you stack bulky cabinets everywhere. Open shelving fixes that fast because it removes visual weight and makes the room feel taller.

I’m not saying you should turn your kitchen into a Pinterest showroom where everything is staged like a museum. But a few well-placed shelves can seriously open things up while still keeping the farmhouse vibe strong.

This works best if you’re someone who likes grabbing plates, mugs, and jars quickly without digging through cabinet chaos.

Ingredients

• Wooden floating shelves
• Black metal brackets
• Wall anchors and screws
• Mason jars
• White ceramic plates
• Clear storage containers
• Small farmhouse decor pieces (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose one wall near your sink or stove where cabinets feel bulky.
2. Remove one or two upper cabinets if possible, or just install shelves in an empty section.
3. Install wood shelves using strong anchors so they can hold real weight.
4. Style them with everyday items like plates, bowls, mugs, and jars.
5. Keep it clean by grouping items instead of scattering random stuff everywhere.

Why You’ll Love It

Your kitchen instantly feels less boxed in and more breathable. It also gives you easy access to daily essentials without wasting space on oversized cabinets.

Tips

Use matching jars for pantry items so the shelves look tidy instead of messy. Pair open shelves with under-shelf lighting for a cozy farmhouse glow that also makes the space feel larger.

2. Add a Rolling Farmhouse Cart for Extra Counter Space

Tiny kitchens always run out of counter space at the worst possible moment. You’ll be chopping onions, trying to set down a pan, and suddenly you’re balancing everything like a circus act.

A rolling farmhouse cart fixes that problem without forcing you to permanently sacrifice floor space. You can roll it out when you need it, then tuck it away when you don’t.

Honestly, this is one of those things that feels optional until you own one, then you wonder how you survived without it.

Ingredients

• Rolling kitchen cart
• Wood butcher block top
• Storage baskets
• Hooks for utensils
• Small cutting board
• Rustic decor tray
• Optional: towel bar attachment

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pick a cart with a solid top and at least one shelf underneath.
2. Position it near your prep area so it acts like a second countertop.
3. Store heavy items like mixing bowls or appliances on the bottom shelf.
4. Add hooks to hang utensils or measuring cups on the side.
5. Keep the top mostly clear so it stays useful instead of becoming clutter storage.

Why You’ll Love It

You get extra prep space without committing to a permanent island. Plus, it adds that rustic farmhouse charm without trying too hard.

Tips

Use wire baskets underneath for potatoes, onions, or towels. For styling, keep a small wood tray on top so it still looks cute even when you’re not cooking.

3. Swap Bulky Cabinets for Glass-Front Doors

Small kitchens can feel dark and cramped when every cabinet is a heavy solid block. Glass-front doors break that up and make the room feel lighter instantly.

It’s one of those small visual tricks that makes a bigger difference than people expect. I’ve seen kitchens look almost twice as open just because the cabinets stopped feeling like a wall of wood.

The best part is you don’t need to replace your whole cabinet setup if you don’t want to.

Ingredients

• Glass cabinet doors
• Cabinet door hinges
• Screwdriver
• White dishware
• Clear storage jars
• Shelf liner (optional)
• Soft-close hardware (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pick 1–2 upper cabinets to convert instead of doing the whole kitchen.
2. Remove the existing doors carefully and save the hinges if they still work.
3. Install glass-front doors using the same hinge placement.
4. Organize inside with matching dishes and jars to keep it visually clean.
5. Add shelf liner or light paint inside the cabinet for extra brightness.

Why You’ll Love It

It makes your kitchen feel lighter without losing storage space. You also get a natural farmhouse display look with minimal effort.

Tips

Use white plates and bowls inside so everything looks bright and cohesive. If you want it extra cozy, add small puck lights inside the cabinet for soft farmhouse charm.

4. Use a Peg Rail Wall for Hanging Everyday Items

Small kitchens waste a lot of space by leaving walls empty. A peg rail is one of the most farmhouse-looking upgrades you can do, and it’s insanely practical.

Instead of stuffing utensils into drawers until they jam, you hang them neatly where you can actually reach them. It also makes the kitchen feel more “working farmhouse” and less “tiny apartment panic.”

I love this idea because it adds storage without adding clutter.

Ingredients

• Wooden peg rail
• Wall screws and anchors
• S-hooks
• Copper pots
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen towels
• Small hanging baskets (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pick a wall section near your stove or prep area.
2. Measure and mark where the peg rail will sit evenly.
3. Drill anchors and secure the rail firmly into the wall.
4. Hang hooks and space them out so items don’t overlap.
5. Add your most-used tools like ladles, towels, and pans.

Why You’ll Love It

It frees up drawer and cabinet space immediately. Plus, it gives your kitchen that cozy farmhouse “real cooking happens here” vibe.

Tips

Stick to only daily-use tools so it doesn’t turn into a messy display wall. For a nice touch, hang a woven basket for garlic or dish towels.

5. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting to Make It Feel Bigger

Bad lighting makes a small kitchen feel even smaller. Shadows in corners make the room feel cramped, and suddenly everything looks more cluttered than it actually is.

Under-cabinet lighting fixes that problem fast because it brightens the workspace and adds depth. It’s like your kitchen gets an instant facelift without any major changes.

This is especially helpful if your kitchen has darker cabinets or limited natural light.

Ingredients

• LED under-cabinet light strips
• Adhesive mounting tape
• Power adapter or battery pack
• Wire clips
• Light switch or remote control
• Optional: motion sensor lights

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean the underside of your cabinets so the lights stick properly.
2. Measure and cut the LED strips to fit each cabinet section.
3. Attach the strips evenly and press firmly.
4. Hide wires using clips so it looks clean and not like a DIY disaster.
5. Turn them on and adjust brightness until the kitchen feels open and bright.

Why You’ll Love It

It makes the entire kitchen feel larger and cleaner instantly. Plus, it gives that warm farmhouse glow without needing fancy fixtures.

Tips

Choose warm white lighting instead of harsh bright white so it still feels cozy. Pair it with light countertops or a white backsplash for maximum space-boosting effect.

6. Add a Farmhouse Sink That Doubles as a Focal Point

A farmhouse sink can sound like a “big kitchen only” feature, but it actually works beautifully in small spaces. It gives you a deep basin for washing dishes, and it instantly adds character without needing a bunch of decor.

The trick is choosing the right size so it doesn’t overwhelm the whole kitchen. A smaller apron-front sink still gives that farmhouse look while saving precious counter space.

I also love that it makes your sink area look intentional instead of like an afterthought.

Ingredients

• Apron-front farmhouse sink
• Sink installation kit
• Faucet (preferably high-arc)
• Silicone sealant
• Drain assembly
• Optional: sink grid and drying rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Measure your cabinet base to make sure the sink fits properly.
2. Choose a smaller apron-front sink designed for compact kitchens.
3. Install it securely with proper support underneath since farmhouse sinks are heavy.
4. Seal edges with silicone to prevent leaks and water damage.
5. Pair it with a tall faucet so washing big pots feels easier.

Why You’ll Love It

It adds farmhouse charm while also making dishwashing easier. It becomes a statement piece without taking up extra room.

Tips

Use a sink drying rack that sits over the basin to save counter space. Add a simple soap dispenser and keep the area uncluttered so the sink stands out.

7. Use Vertical Pantry Storage Instead of Wide Cabinets

In a small kitchen, wide pantry cabinets eat up space fast. Vertical pantry storage gives you more room because it uses height instead of floor area.

Even if you don’t have a full pantry, you can create one using slim shelving units, tall cabinets, or even wall-mounted storage. It keeps your kitchen organized without making it feel crowded.

I’ve done this setup before and it’s honestly life-changing when you’re tired of digging through messy cupboards.

Ingredients

• Tall pantry cabinet or shelving unit
• Storage bins and baskets
• Clear airtight containers
• Label stickers
• Lazy Susan (optional)
• Door-mounted spice rack (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Find a narrow space near the fridge or corner where a tall pantry can fit.
2. Install a slim pantry cabinet or tall shelving unit.
3. Use baskets for snacks and loose items so everything stays neat.
4. Store dry goods in clear containers so you can see what you have.
5. Keep frequently used items at eye level for easy access.

Why You’ll Love It

You get more storage without sacrificing walking space. Plus, it keeps your kitchen looking organized instead of cluttered.

Tips

Use matching containers to make the pantry look clean and farmhouse-friendly. Add a door spice rack to squeeze out even more storage without taking extra room.

8. Choose a Small Bistro Table Instead of a Full Dining Set

A full dining table in a small kitchen is basically a space bully. It takes over the room, blocks movement, and turns your kitchen into a tight maze.

A small farmhouse-style bistro table gives you a cozy eating spot without stealing all your floor space. It also makes the kitchen feel more charming and lived-in, like a cute cottage setup.

This is especially great if you only need seating for two most of the time.

Ingredients

• Round bistro table
• 2 small chairs or stools
• Seat cushions
• Small centerpiece tray
• Optional: wall-mounted folding table

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Measure the area where you want seating and choose a table that fits comfortably.
2. Pick a round table because it saves space and feels less bulky.
3. Use slim chairs or stools that tuck in easily.
4. Add cushions for comfort and a farmhouse look.
5. Keep decor minimal so the table stays functional.

Why You’ll Love It

It gives you a dining spot without making the kitchen feel cramped. It also adds that cozy farmhouse vibe without needing a big layout.

Tips

Use backless stools so they slide fully under the table when not in use. For farmhouse styling, keep a small wooden tray with salt, pepper, and a simple vase.

9. Add a Sliding Barn Door for the Pantry or Kitchen Entry

Regular doors take up more space than people realize. In a small kitchen, a swinging door can block cabinets, bump into furniture, and just feel annoying.

A sliding barn door solves that problem while adding instant farmhouse personality. It’s functional, stylish, and honestly just makes the space look cooler without trying too hard.

I’ve always liked barn doors because they feel bold, but in a small kitchen they’re also just smart.

Ingredients

• Sliding barn door
• Barn door hardware kit
• Wall anchors and screws
• Door handle
• Optional: soft-close barn door mechanism

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Measure the doorway to make sure the barn door covers the opening fully.
2. Install the hardware rail securely into studs or strong anchors.
3. Attach rollers to the door and hang it carefully.
4. Add a handle that fits your farmhouse style.
5. Test sliding movement and adjust until it glides smoothly.

Why You’ll Love It

It saves space immediately and adds a strong farmhouse statement. It also makes your kitchen feel more open because you’re not dealing with a swinging door.

Tips

Choose a lighter wood tone if your kitchen is small so it doesn’t feel heavy. Add a soft-close mechanism so it doesn’t slam like a dramatic movie scene every time someone uses it.

Final Thoughts

Small farmhouse kitchens don’t need more space, they need smarter space.

If you mix just two or three of these ideas, you’ll notice your kitchen feels cleaner, easier to move around in, and honestly way more enjoyable to cook in.

Start with the easiest upgrade, like lighting or open shelves, then work your way up. Once the clutter disappears, your kitchen will finally feel like a cozy farmhouse dream instead of a storage closet with a stove.