Get Organized with These Kitchen Pantry Ideas
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, a well-designed pantry is one of its most valuable assets.
Above all else, your pantry must provide ample storage for food and other essentials. It must also complement the overall look and feel of your kitchen décor.
There are many considerations to think about whether you’re looking to add a new pantry or update an existing one. You want something that fits the size and layout of your kitchen. A large walk-in pantry may come complete with countertops, sinks and other amenities. For smaller spaces, great options include convenient built-in shelves or pull-out cabinets.
At Mid-City Lumber, we’ve got a wide assortment of quality materials for creating the perfect pantry for your kitchen. In the meantime, here are some helpful ideas for a successful project.
Plan Ahead & Maximize Your Space
A good place to start is to make a list of items you need to store in your pantry. Besides canned goods and other foods, the pantry may also be a good place for small appliances, cookware, tableware and stemware. It may also be used to store table linens or bottles of wine.
Having a list will make it easier to determine the appropriate size of your pantry. Your goal is to keep items within easy reach and neatly out of the way when not in use. Appliances such as coffee makers or blenders may require tall shelves, while shorter shelves or drawers may be sufficient for small items. If you’re building a walk-in pantry, you’ll need enough room to comfortably turn and reach for items without bumping into anything.
Pantry Size
A large walk-in pantry is a big priority if you entertain frequently. It’s ideal for holding large amounts of food and other supplies, and in some homes may even qualify as its own separate room.
Amenities may include sinks, countertops and even an extra refrigerator for beverages. A large pantry may also double as a bar for serving drinks or a prep kitchen to facilitate cooking large meals. You’ll want ample shelves for storing larger amounts of food and plenty of cabinets for appliances, cookware and linens.
If you have a smaller kitchen, there are many clever ways to build ample space for keeping items neatly tucked away and eliminating clutter. A tall, narrow pantry with floor-to-ceiling shelves is ideal when square footage is limited. A good rule of thumb is to store frequently used items on lower shelves, while lesser-used seasonal items go near the top. The pantry door is a good place to incorporate slender shelves or racks for holding spices and other small items.
Another option is to install a pull-out pantry in which the shelves are perpendicular to the wall. It can be built next to the refrigerator to keep items close together for greater functionality and convenience. Deep rolling drawers offer a similar solution for keeping appliances and similar items out of sight when not in use.
A final space-saving trick for smaller homes is to combine the pantry with other utilitarian spaces such as the laundry room. Simply install shelves for holding food and other kitchen-related items next to a stacked washer and dryer for an efficient use of space.
Shelving & Other Storage Options
A good storage system is the heart and soul of a functional pantry that eliminates clutter and keeps everything you need close at hand.
Slender shelves and shallow drawers make smaller items easier to find and less likely to get pushed to the back and forgotten. Open shelves are a great choice for showing off a stylish collection of appliances, cookware and tableware. Adjustable shelves let you customize your storage space for holding different sized items.
Choose pull-out drawers for items you’d like to conceal when not in use. Another great option is to invest in an attractive set of storage bins or baskets, which slide out easily for retrieving smaller items.
Additional clever storage methods include old-school cubbies for holding bulk packaging and large items, or a sturdy rack or curved cradles for wine bottles and other beverages.
Pantry Style: Stand Out or Blend In?
Although we think of the pantry as a utilitarian space, it also contributes to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. The big question is whether you want your pantry to stand out as a focal point, or blend in seamlessly with the rest of your decor.
Perhaps the easiest way to make your pantry the star of the show is to paint it a unique accent color that differs from your walls and cabinets. If you have a walk-in pantry, have some fun by decorating it with a stylish rug and attractive organizers. Don’t just throw items on the shelves at random. Instead, arrange them neatly for an appealing presentation.
High-quality pantry doors are another great way to boost your style quotient. Choose rustic wooden doors for a homey feel or go with sleek metal in a contemporary kitchen. Glass doors let you display items on the shelves while still protecting them from dirt and debris.
Want a “hidden” pantry that blends in discreetly? Choose smooth panel doors that match the kitchen wall and cleverly conceal the items inside. Another way to create a cohesive look is to choose pantry doors in the same material and color as your cabinets.
At Mid-City Lumber, you’ll find a wide assortment of pantry cabinets, pantry doors and more from reputable manufacturers. Plus, our helpful building and remodeling experts will answer your questions and help you select the right materials for transforming your ideas into reality.
Drop by one of our locations or contact us at any time to learn more!
