Pantry storage can be a thing of beauty. We've all seen the pictures on Pinterest, where rows on rows of Mason jars are all perfectly labeled, and brimming with healthy looking foods. In reality, our pantries are less The Home Edit and often the place where tins go to die, where we store the homemade chutneys we get at Christmas (that we know we are never going to eat), and possibly where the broom ends up every once in a while. But with our inspiring pantry storage ideas below, that can all change...
We have rounded up some really easy, really practical pantry ideas that will not only look great but help you use that extra space effectively. Keep scrolling for some very pleasing pantry storage pictures... and make sure that you consider buying a pantry organizer or two, to help maximize space in this (probably) tiny area of your kitchen.
We've got plenty more ideas up our sleeve when it comes to kitchen storage, pantry or not, so you'll never be lost for inspiration around here.
1. Use clear Ikea jars as pantry storage
Tired of opening your pantry door only to be met with a shower of oats? Rather than cramming in hundreds of bags, boxes and half-empty packets, keep dry ingredients like flour, pasta, pulses and cereals in clear, storage jars. Use tape, or get fancy with a label maker, and name each container so you know exactly what’s in each. Remember to also write on the expiration date for the most effective pantry storage.
These jars are from jars from Ikea (opens in new tab) and they come in so many shapes and sizes.
2. Add pantry storage to the back of your door
Looking for pantry storage ideas that barely take up any room? We’ve said it before and we will say it again, don’t forget to put the back of your kitchen (or pantry) door to good use. This space is easy to access, so store things like smaller snacks or frequently used spices – you can just grab them and go without have to wrestle with a mountain of tins.
3. Keep tins and jars in drawers
Pantries: the place where tins and jars go to die. Bite the bullet and have a sort out all of all your cans, spreads, tins and condiments. Store what’s left of your cull in drawers (opens in new tab) or a tin dispenser (opens in new tab) so you can always see clearly what you've got to work with. These drawer organizers are from Ikea (opens in new tab).
4. Make the most of available space with pantry shelving
If your pantry shelves have large gaps between them, use shelf inserts (opens in new tab) to create extra levels and practically double the space you have. A clip on basket (opens in new tab) can also maximize your kitchen pantry storage.
Shelf insert from Ikea (opens in new tab). Find similar basket at John Lewis (opens in new tab).
5. Opt for adjustable open pantry shelving
If you are blessed with a walk-in larder, even if it’s just a small narrow space, investing in some open adjustable pantry shelving makes sense. You can clearly see where everything is stored and everything is easily accessible.
This system from String (opens in new tab) has a mix of both open and closed storage, ideal for storing food that may need to be kept in lower light.
6. Sort frequently used items into baskets
To further prevent the previously mentioned oat avalanche, keep items you use most often in baskets (opens in new tab), that you can pull out easily. Separate your foods into categories and label each basket so you can just grab it and stick it on the table. Gluten free food; breakfast items; posh snacks reserved for book club only: you get the idea.
Storage baskets (opens in new tab) from Ikea.
7. Make pantry storage space for spices
Make using paprika instead of cinnamon a thing of the past by getting your spices in order. There are plenty of storage options out there. Expandable spice racks (opens in new tab), spinning spice racks (opens in new tab), pull down spice racks (opens in new tab), the list goes on.
Alternatively, you can even build spice racks into your pantry doors, as can be seen in this Burbidge (opens in new tab) kitchen.
8. Add pegboards for extra wall storage
Ah, pegboards. Where would we be without you? Even a small piece of pegboard solves many a kitchen pantry storage problem.
Kreisdesign (opens in new tab) have loads of add ons for their pegboards, you can use them to store spices and small jars, or add on some pegs for keeping shopping lists and recipes. Genius.
9. Make your pantry storage portable
If you have a smaller pantry or you just want to keep all your frequently used items accessible, use a cart as extra pantry storage. That way you can just roll out your most used ingredients when you need them. We reckon this idea would work perfectly for baking supplies – last minute Victoria sponge to make? Just roll out the ingredients without having to waste time battling the contents of your larder.
10. Create a chalkboard wall (or door)
If you think you've got your pantry storage sorted, then take it to the next level. Get it organized even further by using some chalkboard paint (opens in new tab) to turn your pantry door into your shopping list, or paint separate panels and label them to match what's on the corresponding shelves. Doors in Oxford Gray chalkboard paint, Benjamin Moore (opens in new tab).
Find out how to make a DIY chalkboard wall organiser in our easy guide.
11. Build pantry storage into the corner of your kitchen
Even if you don't have a dedicated pantry you can still create a pantry 'area' in your kitchen. If you have an unused corner pop up some open shelving and voila an instant pantry. You could even pop up a curtain to separate it from the rest of your kitchen.
12. Make your pantry storage work in a small space
We’re not all blessed with fabulously huge kitchens that can accommodate a walk-in pantry are we, in fact, more often than not it’s quite the opposite! But you can create your own version of a pantry if you have a spare corner that’s too small for a base unit. Consider a wall hung unit where you can fix shelves to like this design. You can create your own pantry space to suit your needs – keep spices in one place, dried goods like pasta on another shelf.
13. Build your pantry storage into an existing cupboard
You could use an existing cabinet for storing food in, and have a spice rack attached to the door. After all, a pantry is simply shelving to accommodate food - and you can create your own by being clever and adapting existing pieces of furniture. Keep the smaller items at the top and the larger at the bottom and although obvious.
14. Reutilize wooden crates
We love a wooden crate and Ikea (opens in new tab) have a fab range that comes in two very useful sizes. They’re sturdy and stackable and you can paint them if you’re not keen on the natural wood. Use them for storing napkins and linens, cutlery and bottles. Then, you can simply pull them out when needed.
15. Open shelving = easy access
The best option for an organized pantry is open shelving, this ensures you can see what you want when you want it. But, it also means you need to keep it neat and tidy – sorry! Labels at the front, clear jars, and neatly stacked are the key essentials, and put the most used items at the front and in the most easy to reach place.
16. Hide your pantry behind streamlined kitchen doors
This clever idea is super practical and stylish to boot. It’s a great way to make the most of a unit when you don’t have space anywhere else. We love the shelving at the top and sides which maximises the space and the worktop and marble splashback is really practical. You can use it for mixing drinks and an extra chopping area if you’re entertaining - double use areas are always worth it!
