Smart pantry design ideas from kitchen experts

We are often asked about pantry layouts, organization ideas, and the best cabinets for a pantry. To keep things simple, we’re adding all of our best kitchen pantry ideas to one blog. If you’ve been dreaming of the perfectly optimized pantry, read on. We’re sharing some of our favorite kitchen pantry ideas to keep your home’s busiest room organized and clutter-free.

Find The Right Storage Solutions

The key to creating a perfectly organized pantry is using uniform containers and jars to not only store food easily, but to create an aesthetic look. If all of the containers are mismatched, a fully stocked pantry can easily appear disorganized. We recommend stocking up on your favorite BPA-free containers and glass jars from your local grocery store.

Take Some Time To Label

Although it may take some extra effort, adding labels to your pantry items can make a huge difference and save you a lot of time in the future. Plus, it’s usually better to store bulk foods in glass than their original packaging. Not only does it look better, it eliminates the potential of BPA or other chemicals leaching into the food during storage.

The Pantry’s Not Just For Food

If you have the space, use additional pantry space to store your favorite cookbooks. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can color code them like this ultra-organized pantry by the Neat Method. Walking into this gorgeous pantry everyday would be like a breath of fresh air! Don’t feel as if the pantry should only be used for food—if there’s extra space, feel free to add whatever miscellaneous items you want to keep organized in your home.

Keep It A Secret, If You’d Like

This clever walk-in pantry is disguised behind a chalkboard and faux cabinet. If you have the space, this is a creative way to keep your food storage separate and out of sight. Plus, it would be fun to have guests over and show them your kitchen’s secret! To “hide” the door, you can purchase faux cabinet doors, a chalkboard (or more cabinet doors), and secure them to the pantry door.

Create A Family Command Center

The pantry is the perfect place to add a family command center that’s accessible and out of plain sight. Add a chalkboard, calendar, grocery lists, files and more to keep your loved ones organized and on schedule.

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Store Your Cookware

Not enough space for cookware in your cabinets? Use wall hangers to add extra storage space for spare pots and pans. If you have matching cookware, they can even function as additional decor. The top of pantry shelves are also a great place for mixing bowls and extra dishware that is only needed occasionally.

Keep Extra Appliances In The Pantry

If your main kitchen area is short on space, your pantry can also function as a station for appliances. This gorgeous all-white pantry features a built-in microwave, mini fridge, as well as extra counter space for a few extra appliances. Keeping your appliances tucked away also leaves more room for extra cabinet storage in your main kitchen area.

Add A Pop Of Color

Although the monotone look is in, it can be refreshing to add a pop of color to an otherwise all-white kitchen. This mini butler’s pantry in the corner of the kitchen was painted navy to bring a nautical feel to the design. Since there is no pantry door, it creates a nice contrast against the white shaker cabinets. If you have an exposed pantry in your kitchen, consider painting it a contrasting color. It doesn’t take long to paint such a small space, so it can be a time and cost effective kitchen project.

Prioritize Lighting

When considering your pantry design, don’t neglect lighting. Pantries are difficult to navigate without proper lighting, especially deeper walk-in pantries. Although a window is ideal, make sure to add a light (or several) to keep things bright. You may also opt to add LED cabinet lighting strips, which are easy to install and very affordable.

Get To Those Hard-To-Reach Places

Tall pantry? No problem! Adding a ladder facilitates easy access to those hard-to-reach shelves on top. A ladder can also add a lovely vintage look to any pantry space.

Make Use Of Pantry Windows

If you have a window in your pantry, it can also be a great place to grow some herbs. Instead of leaving the window as empty space, you can put it to use and harness that extra sunlight. For homeowners with a green thumb, this is also a great way to continue growing plants year-round without taking up extra counter space in the main kitchen.