From domino · Zoë Sessums · · 1m 30s
IKEA says your kitchen counter is the real problem
A 31,000-person IKEA survey found the countertop is where clutter piles up and arguments start.
In brief
A 31,000-person IKEA survey found the countertop is where clutter piles up and arguments start. Give every countertop regular a designated home, a tray, a rack, a drawer, and the pile stops rebuilding itself. Originally reported by domino.
The counter wins
IKEA's 2026 Store & Organize Report surveyed more than 31,000 people across 31 markets. Kitchen countertops came out as the top clutter hotspot, named by 24% of them.
“kitchen countertops are the number one clutter hotspot”
And it starts fights
37% said the counter is the messy spot most likely to cause an argument at home. It beat out the thermostat and the side of the bed you sleep on.
“37% said it's also the messy area most likely to cause an argument”
Why it collects everything
It's the shared surface where the coffee maker lives, mail lands, fruit ripens, and utensils pile up. One water bottle never quite makes it back to the cupboard.
Go up, not away
A tiered corner shelf turns dead counter space into storage you can actually see into. No more reaching past three oils for the vinegar.
“both wasted space and a black hole for pantry items”
Corral the small stuff
A $5 tray makes scattered condiments look deliberate. A cheap spice rack keeps jars from migrating, and slides out of the way when you're done cooking.
“A simple tray or cutting board can instantly make countertop clutter look intentional.”
File the paper, roll the rest
A two-drawer mini chest sorts mail up top and manuals below. When the issue is space rather than mess, a slim rolling cart parks the blender somewhere else.
“The kitchen counter has a funny way of becoming the household filing cabinet.”
The main idea
Give every countertop regular a designated home, a tray, a rack, a drawer, and the pile stops rebuilding itself.
