Knowing how to organize deep pantry shelves ensures you're making best use of your space, whilst helping to streamline cooking and avoid overbuying. For space-starved homeowners or renters, pantries are prime kitchen real estate and maximizing its utility is a must.

We've spoken to the professionals about how they organize deep pantry shelves, so you can understand exactly how to approach the task, optimize every square inch of space and the clever industry tips the pros use to sort out messy pantries.

If you’re on the hunt for ways to organize a kitchen so cooking for one, two, or a hungry crowd is stress-free, these 10 expert strategies for organizing deep pantry shelves will make your essentials easy to locate, track for refills and more.

How to organize deep pantry shelves

Organizing a pantry is easier if you have deep shelves (typically, pantry shelves are around 12 to 16 inches deep) and these 10 tips from professional organizers and interior designers will help you get the most from this brilliantly functional storage area.

1. Go see-through

The issue with pantry shelving ideas when the space is deep is that it’s easy to lose track of what’s in there. But choose clear containers and your view is much improved.

“Clear containers are super helpful when looking for something specific, which you almost always are when entering the pantry. They're very helpful for keeping track of exactly how much of each item is left and and when to purchase more,” says interior designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey.

“This helps avoid overbuying and therefore overloading your pantry with a ton of bulk purchases. Clear containers (such as The Home Edit by iDesign stacking pantry bin from The Container Store)  let you see what’s inside and also help the space look clean, uncluttered and help you see way in the back.”

2. Opt for multiples

How containers fit together matters, whether you’re organizing a small pantry, or a large one with deep shelves. 

Chantelle says, “Get multiple containers and bins in the same size so you can stack them together (such as these Brightroom™ stackable lidded plastic containers from Target), or in front of each other easily to create rows for deep pantries.

“This allows you to fit more items on the shelf instead of trying to mix and match containers together that create a cluttered puzzle. Not only does it look nice, but it’s the best use of space and the way to go if you have deep shelving.”

3. Label up

A concern with investing in containers that fit deep shelves is losing track of expiry dates. “If your containers allow, add expiration dates to the outside of the container for what’s inside since you are tossing the packaging,” says Chantelle.

“There is no way you are going to remember when things expire, so save yourself this hassle and add the dates to the labels. This allows you to keep food up to date in your pantry and nothing gets lost in the back.”

Using easy-peel labels such as MESS food labels for containers from Amazon will make it a breeze to swap out and update cannister info without that goopy, sticky, glue we all hate. 

This way, decluttering a pantry won’t mean having to toss out expired foodstuffs you'd forgotten about.

4. Copy the supermarket

When organizing deep pantry shelves with items that can't be decanted, take inspiration from supermarket techniques for your kitchen storage ideas. 

“Place items back to front, with the oldest items towards the front, and the newest towards the back,” says certified professional organizer Sara Bereika. “For example, if you have canned goods, store them one in front of another with the labels facing out."

After you've been grocery shopping, put the newest items you've brought home at the back of your pantry shelves. This will make it more natural to use up the oldest items first and avoid waste. Plus, you’ll always know what you have at a glance.

5. Try a lazy Susan

Another way to avoid access issues on deep pantry shelves is to add clever pantry organizers, and a lazy Susan is a top choice.

“Lazy Susans help you get the maximum use out of the shelf depth,” says Mary Jo Contello, owner of Organized by MJ.  “You can get lazy susans (such as the non-skid Copco lazy Susan from Amazon) from 10-20 inch diameters,” she says.

Bear in mind you’ll need to get the order right on a large lazy Susan. “You will want to put the most used items on the outside and any overstock or less used items in the middle,” adds Mary Jo.

6. Divide with function in mind

Deep pantry shelves are really useful for storing bulky kitchen items, so consider adopting a strategy of dividing food items from your best small kitchen appliances and allocating dedicated space to each.

“You might consider putting appliances and less-used entertaining pieces in the pantry, and utilize cabinet space for oils, spices, and other smaller items that could get lost in the pantry,” suggests Mary Jo.

7. Focus on access

Reaching the back of deep shelves can be tricky, especially when they’re the highest or lowest in the set. If you’re maximizing space in a small kitchen, you won’t want to squander their potential for a lack of access.

“I recommend installing pull-out shelving, as this makes everything easily accessible,” says professional organizer Amélie Saint-Jacques of Amelie Organizes. 

“If that is not feasible, then consider deep bins (such as the clear iDESIGN Linus large deep drawer bin from The Container Store). “That way, you can pull out a bin onto the countertop to access the grouped pantry items and put it back when you’re done."

You can also make use of bleacher-type shelving (such as this nifty expandable Expand-A-Shelf three-tier organizer from The Container Store) in the back, so you can at least see those items furthest away, no matter how small they are.

8. Optimize middle shelves

When organizing kitchen shelves including in the pantry, make the most of the valuable middle area as these are the easiest to access, especially when the shelves are deep.

“Use the middle shelves for your most commonly used foods (breakfast items, canned goods and snacks) and put less often used items up high or low,” says Elsa Elbert, founder of Composed Living. “I use the bottom shelf for large, bulky or heavier items, and the top shelves for backstock of lighter things, like paper towels.” 

9. Create zones

Just as you would when you’re organizing a small kitchen, consider zones to maximize the usefulness of deep pantry shelves. 

“Creating zones is essential,” says Elsa. “It’s much easier to see what you have when all similar items are grouped together. Some of our favorite categories are baking, snacks, dinner, breakfast, sweets, spices, oils, and backstock.”

10. Avoid overfilling

There’s a temptation to overfill deep pantry shelves just because there’s a whole lot of storage space there. But that won’t make items easy to access, so swerve overfilling to help avoid feeling overwhelmed by small kitchen clutter. 

To curb the lure of packing out every inch of your deep shelves, add other smart storage solutions to the pantry. 

“The inside of pantry doors can also be used for storage,” says cleaning and organizing expert Karina Toner.  “Install door organizers to hold spices, small jars, or cleaning supplies. This can help free up shelf space and make items more accessible.”

Once your deep pantry shelves are well organized, it’s much easier to reduce food waste in your home. If you're in full organizational flow, use our expert fridge organization ideas next to keep the food in there fresh, too. 

Calling all organization lovers: you need to see Zooey Deschanel's pantry, ASAP. 

The New Girl star posted a TikTok insider her gloriously organized pantry, full to the brim with snacks, cooking ingredients, condiments, and more. We certainly wouldn't mind having some dedicated snack drawers like Zooey.

If you spend hours browsing Pinterest for the best ways to organize a kitchen, look no further. We break down how to recreate her storage set-up in your own space.

Inside Zooey Deschanel's pantry

Zooey shared a look at her meticulously organized pantry on TikTok while showcasing an impressive snack drawer. Complete with baskets, turntables, and dividers, she nails the best way to organize a pantry.

How to recreate Zooey Deschanel's pantry

There are some pretty simple steps you can take to recreate Zooey's snack paradise. First, if you're pantry doesn't already include them, it's time to install some pantry shelves to keep all your food at eye level. If you're working in a small space, some floating shelves like these basic shelves from Wayfair should do the trick.

Next, you're going to want to invest in some great pantry organizers to get your space under control. We love the gorgeous mesh and wire storage baskets Zooey uses, like these Hearth & Hand storage baskets from Target. Then add some turntables, like this set of four turntables from Amazon, for all your sauces and condiments.

Last but not least, store your dry ingredients in some aesthetically pleasing jars, like this glass canister from Target, and grab some drawer dividers for your snack station.

Best pantry organizers

We think Zooey would approve of these gorgeous pantry organizers and storage baskets. After all, your pantry not only has to function well, it has to look good too! 

Prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Zooey puts some great kitchen organization hacks to use in her walk-in pantry, like using chalkboard labels (we like this set of 162 chalkboard labels from Amazon) on her storage jars and baskets so she can change them when needed. 

Once you're done sprucing up your storage space, it's time for a well-deserved reward. Break open that snack drawer!

We get it — figuring out how to organize a small pantry that’s overflowing with stuff is rather tedious. But, taking the time to neaten up the space is definitely better than spending hours searching for ingredients every time you cook. 

If you’re going to make the most of your pantry, it really does pay to be organized. Avoid tearing your small pantry apart trying to locate one item by getting it properly ordered with our six savvy expert tips.

Organizing a pantry isn’t just about finding cute storage solutions but knowing which methods to use, and how to layout the space you have, so let’s get the basics squared away. 

Here’s how to organize a small pantry  

If you're going to keep your small kitchen organized, take the time to give your small pantry a clear out and ensure you're making the most of your space, regardless of how compact it may be. 

1. Empty the entire pantry

The first step to organizing a small pantry is to focus on having a good clear out. Professional organizer, Amy Bloomer says, “Empty the entire space of all contents and be sure to throw out any expired food."

This step not only allows the space needed for a deep-clean later, but provides a good opportunity to figure out if you're current setup is fit for purpose. 

Cleaning expert, Karina Toner says, "Assess the condition of your shelves, inspect for signs of pests, and address any maintenance needs before restocking.”

2. Do a thorough clean

Once the pantry is empty, give it a good clean, working from top to bottom. 

Amy says, “Clean out the pantry space before putting anything back using a vacuum (such as this powerful Miele vacuum from Amazon) for crumbs, solid wastes and wipe down shelving and floors with a cleaning solution (we like this Clorox multi-purpose cleaning spray from Amazon) to remove dust and sanitize.”

3. Decide what stays

Admittedly, choosing what to keep and what to get rid of can be tough. Karina advises, “Conduct a thorough assessment of each item's usability and relevance. In addition to discarding expired items, evaluate the frequency of use and personal preferences. 

"Consider donating unopened, non-expired items that may benefit others, aligning with sustainable and charitable practices.”

4. Nail the layout

Knowing how to layout your small pantry to maximize the storage space it offers is crucial.

Karina says, “Be strategic. Consider the ergonomic aspects of pantry usage, keeping frequently used items at eye level, heavier items on lower shelves, and seasonal or less-used items on higher shelves. This thoughtfulness enhances accessibility and user experience.”

5. Create zones

A great way to keep a small pantry neat and ordered is by creating zones. Amy explains, “Do this with categories of food, storing sauces together, condiments together, individually wrapped snacks together and so on.”

Karina advises specific activity-based zones, too. "Designate a baking zone, a snack zone, and a meal preparation zone," she says. "This approach fosters a highly organized and specialized pantry."

You can also boost aesthetics and functionality of your zones with a collection of clear containers (such as these air-tight food storage containers from Target). Delve into various shapes and sizes to accommodate your range of food staples. 

“Optimize every inch of available space by incorporating adjustable shelving (like these adjustable pantry shelves from Amazon)," adds Karina. "This versatile solution accommodates the mixed nature of pantry items. From the tallest cereal boxes to the smallest spice jars, the ability to adapt shelf heights ensures efficient use of vertical space.”

6. Keep items within reach

If there's one thing that's going to make a mess, it's attempting to find items you use regularly, that are currently buried in the back, or underneath other pantry stock.

To combat this issue, Amy says, “Items that are most frequently accessed should be most easily accessible.”

You can embrace a one-in, one-out system, keeping a close eye on expiration dates and placing older products at the front. Karina adds, "This proactive approach minimizes food waste, ensures optimal product use, and aligns with sustainability practices.”

To help others in the household use your pantry effectively without creating mess, Amy says, “Label, label, label, to make it easy for all family members to maintain the organizational system.”  

To ensure your pantry remains a valuable tool in your mix of kitchen storage ideas over the longer term, it's essential to put these expert organization strategies in place.

And, when your small pantry organization is complete, learn how to organize kitchen shelves to stop their mess being siphoned off elsewhere.

Getting organized is one of the most impressive ways to makeover your space without breaking the bank. With a plethora of new and creative storage products on the market, creating ways for you to get (and stay) organized in your home doesn’t require much more than understanding your needs. 

Whether you need to declutter your tiny kitchen, rearrange your bathroom cabinets, or find a new solution for your wardrobe, these storage items can help you reach new heights in organization, all for less than twenty bucks! 

Before you know it, you’ll have a streamlined home that makes you feel totally zen (or at least helps you de-stress).  

Best organizers under $20

Whether you’re prepping meals, baking something sweet, or hanging out with guests, it’s likely that you spend a good chunk of your time in the kitchen. By default, this means that the kitchen is the first to take an organizational hit. Not only is it uniquely prone to messes from cooking, but it’s also the main gathering point in many homes, meaning clutter can quickly accumulate. 

Having a neatly organized kitchen can help you cook more efficiently, clean up faster, and host friends and family with ease. However, keeping it tidy can feel like an ongoing challenge. That's why our favorite organizing hacks are here to save the day, so even your messiest roommate (you know the one) can tidy things up.

"The easiest way to keep your kitchen organized is to regularly make a habit of decluttering," Jane Stoller, founder of Organized Jane and the author of Decluttering for Dummies. "Set time aside each quarter to go through your kitchen and check in on the organization methods you have in place. If things feel hard to keep up with, you might need some new strategies in place."

Here are 10 hacks worth trying. 

1. Store refrigerated drinks with a strategy

Opening your fridge to neatly stacked cans and perfectly organized drinks is an underrated luxury. Plus, it will impress any guests who are visiting. Use a large Lazy Susan to help store a variety of beverages, from sparkling water to kombucha. 

"By using this hack, you can easily see what you have in stock, and what you need to repurchase," says Stoller.

2. House cooking utensils in one spot

Having your cooking utensils within reach while working through a recipe is crucial. It makes meal prep so much easier when you have your tools handy. Consider investing in a small utensil holder to place next to your stovetop or oven — where you likely use the utensils the most. 

If you don’t find a utensil holder to be aesthetically pleasing, you can always house them in one universal container before placing it in a cabinet or your pantry. This way, when it’s time to cook, you can simply grab all the tools you’ll need from one spot.

3. Use a rolling cart for extra storage 

Apartment living often means you have limited cabinet space. That’s where a rolling cart comes in handy. “A rolling cart can provide additional storage space for kitchen essentials while also being mobile,” Stoller says. “And it can add a unique touch!” 

A rolling cart can help you score extra space to keep plates, cocktail glasses, serveware, or pantry items. They can also be particularly helpful if you share an apartment with roommates and you don’t have complete access to all the cabinets. 

4. Invest in cabinet risers to corral your mugs 

We’ve all been there — you’re unloading the dishwasher and find that you can’t possibly squeeze one more coffee mug into your cabinet. Mugs and glassware can take up a lot of space because they’re tricky to stack. If you find that you’re running out of room, a mini tiered stand can help you stack more cups in tight cabinets. This will make it easy for you to see all of your drinkware at once and prevent anything from getting lost or broken. 

5. Hang your pots and pans 

Storing pots and pans can be a major headache, but if you arrange them strategically it will be a lot easier to keep them organized. “Hanging them is usually an easy and convenient solution,” Stoller notes. “Place the most frequently used pots and pans in the front, and keep them grouped together.” 

You can find a hanging rack for cookware at places like The Container Store, IKEA, and Amazon, all at an affordable price point. Another hack that Stoller recommends is to invest in multi-purpose pots and pans, which will reduce the amount you have while saving space. Many brands make stackable cookware as well.

6. Label everything so you know what’s yours 

One general organization strategy that works exceptionally well in the kitchen? Labelling — especially if you’re a renter who has roommates. 

“This way when you move out or share a space with others there is no discrepancy among items,” says Stoller. “Also, labelling cabinets and drawers can make it easy to find what you are looking for,” she adds. 

7. Utilize the cabinets under your kitchen sink 

The cabinets under a kitchen sink are often used for storing cleaning supplies, but you can also use the space to house items like sponges, paper towels, plastic bags, dish towels, and more. Grab some clear stackable bins and set any overflow items inside them to keep everything organized and within reach.  

8. Store produce in the fridge rather than the counter 

Fruit bowls might look pretty when they’re set out on a countertop but they take up precious space that could be used for cooking. Instead of leaving fresh product out, place it inside your fridge drawers. This will not only give you more surface space, but it will also help your fruit and veggies stay fresh longer. 

9. Add floating shelves for more storage 

For a quick and decorative storage solution, try hanging some floating shelves on your kitchen walls. Even narrow shelves can offer up a spot to stack bowls, cups, or canisters. Plus, you can use this space to add touches that showcase your personal style, like candles, picture frames, or vases. 

 10. Turn a hallway closet into a pantry 

If you have a coat closet that doesn’t do much use other than storing junk, turn it into your own makeshift pantry. After you’ve cleaned it out, add a cubed storage unit, shelves, or a small bookcase to it so you can store your pantry staples. You’ll find it so handy to have a specific spot for all your cooking supplies, and you’ll free up some of your kitchen cabinets at the same time. 

There’s nothing to put you in a better mood while cooking than to open your refrigerator door to an organized and clean space. Whether you’ve been ignoring your cold storage for months or just want a refresh, a cleaning routine for your refrigerator can save you time while making meals in your kitchen. 

You might be super into a perfectly curated space with snazzy organizers for every vegetable and fruit maybe you just want to know where your milk is in the morning, either way, a clean fridge is just as important as an organized pantry when it comes to knowing your grocery inventory. Here is a simple step-by-step on how to clean your fridge.

Good to know

Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Helpful hints: Try to aim cleaning your fridge when you're almost out of groceries and juuuuust about to head to the store. You'll have less to clear out and won't have to have a bunch of fresh food sitting out for too long.

Here's what you'll need

• All-purpose cleaner spray — we always grab a few bottles from Method on Amazon
• Microfiber cloth — the Amazon Basics set is our go-to
• A fresh toothbrush — like this affordable Amazon pack, no not the one you use
• Cleaning gloves — this sturdy rubber pair from Amazon is so cute
• Dish soap — nothing busts grease like Dawn in our opinion, and you can buy it in bulk from Amazon
• Baking soda (optional) — We heart Arm & Hammer, which we get on Amazon
• Sponge (optional) — our editor adores this coconut and walnut fiber set from Amazon

How to clean a refrigerator

Step 1: Empty your fridge

Much like organizing your closet or helping your parents clean out the garage, this process begins by taking everything  — and we mean everything — out. If you notice spoiled food on this journey, feel free to toss, but the focus here isn’t on checking every expiration date. Focus instead on taking it out, placing it on the counter, and moving on to step two. 

Step 2: Take out the shelves and any containers

In this step, remove every shelf, butter container, or any element that is removable from the fridge. Set them out on the counter and spray them down with an all-purpose cleaner. Run butter dishes or food storage containers through the dishwasher.

Step 3: Begin cleaning the inside of your fridge

Start your cleaning by spraying an all-purpose cleaner (yes, we're going for Method which you can grab from Amazon) throughout the inside of the fridge, reaching all the crevices. Wear gloves and go through with a microfiber cleaning towel to wipe down each part of the fridge. Start with the upper portion and work your way down. Don’t forget the doors! 

Once each place in the fridge is sparkling, it’s time to reach further into the crevices with a cleaning toothbrush. This helps you get to those places in the fridge that are difficult to see but need to come clean. 

Step 4: Deep clean your shelves and containers

It’s time to bring the elements of the fridge you took out earlier — the shelves, containers, and crisper drawers — and bring them over to the sink. Using dish soap, clean the bins and shelves under the sink as you would when washing dishes. 

Step 5: Take inventory, replace, and restock

Once the bins, shelves, and other removable elements are dry, carefully place them back into the fridge and start putting back all of your food and condiments, too. Before placing everything back into the fridge, check expiration dates and any signs of food that's gone bad.

Toss any food that you’re not going to need or that has expired. Reload the fridge by considering where you want to group items. For instance, you may want to find a specific place for all your sauces, or you may want to group all of your sparkling waters on the bottom shelf. A thoughtful arrangement can help you keep your fridge organized for longer.   

Step 6: Wipe down the exterior of your fridge

Once the fridge is closed up, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior. Be sure to rub the full circumference of the handles and pay attention to any smudges or sticky spots. 

Step 7: Take out the trash

If you noticed expired items and threw them in the trash then be sure to take out your trash as soon as you can to avoid any lingering smells. Voilà! The inside of your fridge is now sparkling and ready to use.

FAQs

We’ve all been there. Looking for an item like a box of pasta in the pantry or an extra bar of soap under the bathroom sink, only to discover a mess of clutter. Even the most organized people have areas they neglect in their homes, especially those who live in apartments and condos where storage space is at a premium. 

If you’re looking to have a more organized space, it’s crucial to keep even hidden and unexpected areas neat and clean. Sometimes it's obvious what's disturbing the peace, like the gazillion cosmetics on show, but sometimes you can't quite put your finger on what's making your home feel cluttered. So I spoke with professional organizers to learn exactly which spots their clients often forget about when organizing, as well as how to sort them out and keep them that way. 

Whether you're getting a studio straight or tackling a bigger rental with roomies, there are a ton of cute home organization products out there right now so that decluttering can be done asap and with your home's aesthetic in mind. 

1. Junk drawers

Ah, the junk drawer—we all have one. Those catch-all spaces that hold everything from pens to vitamins we no longer take, unused kitchen gadgets, and who knows what. Junk drawers are by design, filled with items we forget to declutter. But instead of neglecting these spaces, we need to go ahead and tackle them before doing anything else, explains professional organizer Shantae Duckworth. “This process usually takes about half an hour and, most importantly, it’ll give you that boost to conquer the other areas in the home.”

Much like when organizing kitchen drawers, Duckworth suggests starting by removing everything from the drawer, getting rid of what you no longer use, cleaning it, and then measuring for organizing containers. Make sure you have your favorite eco-friendly cleaning products to hand before you start! Remember that anything you find aesthetically pleasing, move it up top and keep it on display with a cute tray or colorful storage bin.

2. Pantries

Most people are in and out of their pantries so often that these spaces just seem to attract messes. Regular pantry editing is important because you don’t want to accidentally eat or serve expired food. Duckworth notes, “Pantries tend to have deep cabinets so we tend to forget about the food that has already been purchased, and we go out and repurchase the same items." 

She recommends pulling everything out and checking expiration dates to see what food is still fine to keep and what should be composted or thrown away. If you have roomies, set up an organization date night to make it more fun, then trawl through all of your food so that everyone can come to an agreement about what needs to go.

To maintain a neat pantry, Duckworth advises checking your pantry to see what you have before your next trip to the grocery store. “I started my organizing journey I couldn’t tell you how many cans of tomatoes I had in my pantry that we were continuously going out and re-purchasing.”

3. Linen closets

Who doesn’t have a bunch of old towels they’re saving for the beach or to dry off the dogs on a rainy day? While many of us go into our linen closets regularly, we also forget to organize them. “The linen closet, in my opinion, tends to be a place where people put things that they can’t fit into a junk drawer,” says Duckworth. 

“The linen closet should be organized with items that you use, such as towels and bedding, maybe cleaning supplies. It tends to be the place that people will put a whole bunch of random stuff into if company is coming over, or if they don’t have a designated home for things.” 

Start the cleaning process by removing everything from the space and then edit. If you have ripped or stained bedding or towels, get rid of them or look into donating these items to a local animal shelter. Alternatively, stained hand towels can find a new purpose as cleaning rags. Duckworth recommends keeping two sets of sheets per bed and three towels per person in each household. 

“Most people will find items and linens that they haven’t seen in years. To organize the space, I would definitely recommend getting some clear acrylic bins, that way you can easily see everything in each bin, and it gives the closest a sense of formality,” adds Duckworth. Note that woven bins are cute too.

4. Under the sink

Under the sink spaces tend to be a black hole of cleaning products and unused personal care items. What makes these areas even more of a challenge to maintain is having to work around pipes. “When it comes to these areas I always tell clients to really analyze what they want to keep in the space because it is valuable real estate," says Duckworth.  

"This is also a great time to look at your cleaning supplies and maybe invest in some all-purpose cleaners, that way you don’t have to buy a whole bunch of different products when you could just get one product and save some space and money,” 

For these areas, the organizer suggests using Lazy Susans with multiple compartments. “That way you have space for your cleaning supplies, your garbage bags, sponges, and other items. It’s also great to invest in some over-the-hook storage to be able to put towels or sponges to maximize space.” These work well for organizing kitchen sinks but also in bathrooms.

How to keep these spaces tidy

“I find the best method for busy people to tackle clutter is to schedule an uninterrupted appointment with yourself," Professional organizer Marcia Sloman, of Under Control Organizing tells me. "Decide on a small area to start (like a drawer), and set a timer for 30 minutes. Sort out the stuff into defined categories. See how far you get (in your designated time frame), then put it all away for another 30 minutes. The key to success is leaving enough time to clear the deck.”

Sloman also recommends decluttering as new things come into the home. “When one new item comes in, one to two go out. This particularly applies to new clothing, accessories, and cosmetics, think ahead about where they will be stored.”

Corner shelf ideas are exactly what you need to be considering if you're looking to squeeze the most out of every inch of your space. And quite frankly, who isn't? They make the most of awkward nooks and can make quite the feature.

From corner bookshelves, which are great for piling in all your essential literature while taking up minimal footprint and visual space in the room, to simple wall-hung shelves that provide that little extra open storage to display anything from plants to vases, corner shelves are an essential ingredient for any well-functioning smaller home. 

From living room storage, to bathroom decoration and pantry space savers, corner shelves will help to up the form and function of whatever space you're working with. 

1. Create a curved corner shelf 

'Corner shelves are fantastic for bringing life to awkward spaces,' says Nadia McCowan, style advisor at Wayfair.

Take away the sharp edges of your living room corner by swapping an angular bookcase for something a little more organic. This Billy bookcase combination from Ikea is an easy way to create the look of built-ins but at a significantly lower cost. 

2. Go architectural in your design 

If you looking to save on floor space, consider a tall wall-hung design like this corner shelving unit from Dunelm. The boxy, architectural shape becomes a design feature in itself, and it's the ideal way to display decorative items like plants and ornaments. This architectural shelving idea is a great way to add interest and depth to even the smallest of rooms. 

3. Maximize your kitchen space 

There's not many among us that would say no to a little extra storage space in our kitchen, so make your walls and corners work harder with L-shaped, wall-hung shelves. These chunky wooden kitchen shelves and metal iron brackets blend in perfectly with the traditional shaker style kitchen and adds warmth and character to the space. 

Browse Etsy for some great rustic looking corner shelves.

4. Go for square floating shelves

Knowing how to put up a shelf will bring you so much freedom in how you can adapt and transform your home. 

Make the most of even the smallest empty corners by installing floating shelves. These are available in a range of shapes, sizes and colors so even the smallest nook or cranny can be transformed into a usable or decorative area. They are also a great solution when it isn't possible to mount on your prefered wall. You can add to the adjoining corner and get the same look.

5. Choose industrial style for a cool look 

Let your corner shelves set the tone for the rest of your room by choosing a specific style. These industrial-style shelves bring that rugged, warehouse vibe and the black metal frame creates a stark contrast with the pale color of the rest of the room. 

This and similar options can be found on Wayfair – our go-to for a wide variety of storage.

6. Use corner shelves to make the most of your pantry 

Corner shelving can be useful for inside cupboards too. All too often we just accept our storage as it comes, but adapting it specifically for your needs can be a game changer. This pantry shelving idea of adding L-shaped brackets to the interior can double your usable space and make keeping everything in its place a whole lot easier. 

7. Maximize plant space on your balcony 

Even in the smallest of balconies, you can create space for plant pots a plenty with corner shelving. Ladder style shelving like this steel corner bookcase from Wayfair is the perfect solution for adding life, fun and style to your balcony. Always choose plant pots that are especially for outdoor use so that they can stand up to the elements. 

8. Choose an elegant arched metallic design to add some luxury to your bathroom

A corner shelf can be just as ornamental as it is practical, and that's perfectly demonstrated in the above bathroom. This metallic gold design with a shapely arched top brings interest, warmth and a touch of glamour to the space. A few perfectly-placed hand towels, plants and soaps are all that's needed to complete the look. 

'A corner shelf is also a simple way to invite some greenery in. Add some hanging plants and pots to each level, paired with blooms to create a serene and calming zone in any space,' says McCowen.

Stylist tip: in a bathroom, be sure not to cram too much onto your shelves. You want the space to feel calm and breathable, so a few small items per shelf is enough.

9. Choose a chunky wooden bookcase design 

Whatever style your space, wood is a failsafe option that'll sit back in any scheme. This chunky dark wood Fulton corner ladder shelf from Dunelm brings the cozy vibe of a bookcase, but will take up much less footprint of your room.

'A tiered corner shelf is ideal to stack books; try color ordering them as a welcome storage solution and pop of color,' says McCowen.

10. Make the most of awkward spaces with built in shelving

If you've got an awkward, seemingly unusable space like this (in a bathroom by Crosswater), turn it into handy storage or a decorative feature by installing floating shelves. Ensure to place them out equally. To make your shelves work harder, place baskets or boxes on the lower half so you can stow away items while keeping them within easy reach.

The kitchen is one of the most high-traffic and well-used spaces in the entire home. Organizing a kitchen generally, especially hot zones like the pantry or the fridge is vital – but ensuring your spices don’t overflow into your counterspace will have a significant impact on the space as well.

There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to organizing spices. Each kitchen is different and that means that each spice storage solution is unique. That said, there are plenty of smart tricks, cool spice racks and solutions that can be customized to suit your specific needs. Here are a handful of cool expert-approved ways to organize spices.

No matter where your spices live—opt for a turntable

Each space is different so there might be many ways to organize spices. The most common places to put the spices are: in a cabinet, in a drawer, or on the counter and depending on the layout of your kitchen, one usually makes more sense than another.  'When you have a lot of spices, usually it’s easier to put them in a cabinet,' says Amanda Liford, founder, Easy Life Organizing. 'I prefer to use a small turntable/lazy susan or a tiered riser for spices so it’s easy to see all of them.'

Organize alphabetically

'I usually like to organize the spices alphabetically with white labels or white text,' says Liford. 'I tend to suggest putting the small containers of spices in a newer spice jar that you can label yourself  that way all the spice jars are the same size and it will be easier to find.'

… or consider grouping by category

'Some people like to organize alphabetically but I strongly prefer sorting spices by category,' says Brenda Scott, owner and operator, Tidy My Space. 'Group the spices for meat together, the spices for baking together, and so on.' Lazy susans like the above from Container Store work like a dream and make cute spice rack ideas also.

Think about placing your spices in smaller containers.

'I suggest using only smaller sized bottles for everyday use,' suggests Scott. 'I don't suggest decanting because you lose the info but if you want the uniform appearance then simply write the expiration date on the back of the bottle for reference.'

If you have bags of refills or larger bottles of refill, store them in an upper cabinet of the pantry. It's within reach when your smaller bottle gets low but isn't taking up prime real estate in the spice area, says Scott.

Do your own labeling

Whether you’re looking for a more aesthetically cohesive look or you don’t want to put on your reading glasses every time you enter the kitchen, it might be worth doing your own labeling. 'I like to put a label on the bottles with a larger font because some of the labels are hard to read,' explains Scott. 'If you have a lot of spices, place this label around the cap to make it easier to read when they're grouped together.'

Consider magnetic strips

'I suggest making a spice cabinet or display by using a smart storage solution like magnetic strips,' available from Etsy says Jennifer Curtis, founder, She Cooks She Eats. 'I use magnetic strips that can easily hold containers for extra room.'

Consider a hanging spice rack

The cabinet door can be turned into a great storage spot for spices, simply invest in a hanging spice rack like this from Etsy. 'Install racks on the door and you will be able to use all that extra space while also organizing the spices better,' says Curtis. 'When you finish using a particular ingredient, the hanging rack will be hidden when you put it away and close the door. Many people prefer it that way for a cleaner look.'

Make use of shallow drawers

'Shallow drawers don’t get the appreciation they deserve,' says Stefan Bucur, founder, Rhythm of the Home. They’re usually used to store unimportant items in a random manner, so if you want to give a shallow drawer a purpose, transform it into your spice storage area.'

Only adding spice jars in the drawer won’t work well because it will quickly become disorganized. The solution for this, according to Bucur, is to add special drawer inserts with lifted borders to keep your spice jars stable in a flat position with labels facing up.

How do you organize a lot of spices?

The best way to organize cartons full of spices is to get a rack of clear glass jars that you can store in a cool place away from direct sunlight. According to Curtis, glass is better than plastic containers, and lets you instantly understand what kind of spice you’re storing. For daily usage, you can have mini dispensers and smaller jars to be kept on your kitchen countertop. 

How do you make a spice cabinet?

A spice cabinet can be an upper kitchen cabinet with a rack installed on the door, tiered turntables on the shelves or on pull-out shelves. You can also use labeled baskets or clear containers to group each category of spice in, which helps you to know where it should go after using. 

How do you organize spices in a corner cabinet?

A corner cabinet (full-length corner pantry, upper or lower corner cabinet), uses the same ideas as regular cabinets. 'Group spices into categories, label and make the system work for your needs,' says Scott. 'A tiered turntable works great in the back of a corner cabinet but make sure that it can rotate.' Pull-out shelves or baskets can be used, they're much easier to find items instead of bending over to search deep into a shelf, find some that are shaped to fit the size of the shelf (pie-shaped).

How do you organize small spices?

Small spices belong in dispensers rather than large jars or canisters. “Small spices easily scatter and are harder to manage, hence, a dispenser with a valve on its mouth is important for small spices,” explains Curtis.

Searching for some perky coffee bar ideas? Rise and shine to the smell of freshly ground coffee, and start every day with a caffeine jolt (or herbal infusion if a bean buzz isn’t your cuppa chai) at your very own home cafe. It’s the grown-up dream, isn’t it? 

No longer shoved haphazardly into a cupboard, imagine a dedicated coffee bar for beautiful canisters of aromatic blends, fancy measuring spoons, your adored artisan glaze ware coffee mug collection, and not forgetting - the best coffee machine. 

Regardless of kitchen or room size, where there’s a coffee bean, there’s a way to create a gorgeous, focal point refuel station for all spaces and faces to enjoy… And these at-home coffee bar ideas prove it.

Bring barista-chic home with coffee bar ideas that perk-up you and your space

From a coffee station set-up within a pantry cupboard to a floating shelf idea to display teatime essentials, or even a space-saving portable coffee drinks trolley to be wheeled between spaces, there’s much fun, imagination and improvisation to be had with an easy, affordable, and DIY coffee bar kitchen idea.  

Susan Serra, CKD, comments: ‘A coffee bar is a great spot to indulge in the morning or afternoon coffee ritual. Outfitted with a variety of mugs, cups, and utensils, with storage for bags of coffee kept out of the light, it's a super functional place to linger while being removed from the other busy action in the kitchen. The coffee bar is best designed away from the main kitchen workstations. A coffee bar can be designed for a furniture-type look to have its own special but connected, look to the rest of the kitchen. A built-in coffee appliance that is plumbed for water is the most convenient way to always have water ready for brewing the perfect cup of coffee.’

1. Install floating shelves to display coffee making essentials

Channel the look and ambiance of your favorite independent coffee shop, and recreate the same vibe at home with floating shelves above a counter, styled with unique, personality-packed picks. 

Think gorgeous bottles of flavored syrups, ceramic mugs, and cups in sizes ranging from tiny espresso, to extra large cappuccino, and trailing house plants for a verdant lift. There are no rules to getting your best shelfie self on - be as minimal or maximalist as you fancy.

2. Enjoy wheel wonders with a DIY coffee bar trolley

Turn the simple pleasure of everyday coffee into an extra special ritual with a transportable DIY bar cart on wheels. Not only a fabulous and versatile idea for small spaces, that can be easily moved in a jiffy to create extra floor space as and when required, but a vintage-inspired trolley also adds an element of glam nostalgia and cocktail hour (well caffeine hour in this instance) chic. Espresso martinis anyone? 

We adore the attention to detail on this gorgeous DIY coffee bar trolley, by Lily & Val. The gold finish, personalized storage jars, and floral flourish, not to mention the cute mug hooks and washi taped prints for the prettiest finishing touch, create a captivating vignette full of boutique ‘pop-up’ event excitement.

3. Consider the practical elements

To maximize efficiency with your bespoke coffee bar, Randy Jones, owner of Fine Remodeling, has some helpful tips and things to consider:

1. Install a water line to feed the best bean to cup coffee machine 2022 and avoid having to constantly fill the reservoir.
2. Put in a backsplash to avoid painted surfaces staining from coffee splashes.
3. If you’re an avid tea drinker or have the need for more water at the coffee/tea bar location, then plumb in a bar (smaller GPM) faucet and/or kitchen sink.
4. Put outlets behind where the coffee maker will be placed to avoid a cord going across the countertop. 

4. Introduce perk-up prints to add character

Add some playful personality to your coffee bar with framed prints featuring a barista twist or a coffee bar sign. Froth-up the scene with a single typography print for impact, like this ‘But first, coffee’ print by FabbPrintables at Etsy, or get creative and try a gallery wall idea with a variety of motivational phrases in mix-and-match frames, sizes, and fonts.

5. Create a cozy cafe experience with a chalkboard coffee bar

Or, if you favor a more homespun, rustic flavor (pun intended) to caffeine-o’-clock, create a chalkboard wall behind your coffee station, and change up the weekly menu with cute chalk doodles and happy-go-lucky greetings. What lovelier way to wake up and start the day smiling?

Feeling inspired by what you see? Pop the stove-top kettle on, and check out how Gray House Studio transformed an unused breakfast nook into a cute and cozy DIY coffee bar. 

6. Go small-scale with a coffee drawer

In small kitchens that are limited on space full stop, you can still achieve boutique cafe goals with an impressive coffee drawer idea instead. Fuel your morning (and afternoon) with this tea and coffee drawer idea using bliss kits from Order & Bliss. Neatly organize tea bags, blends, brewing tools, and all sorts of coffee gadgetry, and utilize the counter space directly above it for a compact coffee-making appliance.

7. ‘Blend’ your coffee bar into your existing scheme

A beautifully curated coffee bar can only elevate your kitchen scheme further, with shapely items in mixed materials that are beautiful, functional, and interesting. But if you don’t want your design to be a contrast feature and default from the overall aesthetic, coordinate coffee bar elements (appliances, utensils, drink-ware, kitchen storage ideas) in the same color palette as the base scheme. 

As shown here in this white kitchen design, the coffee bar has been effortlessly blended into the white cabinets with the considered mix of white mugs and glass jars, domes, and apparatus. Even the clever use of wooden boards ties in with the wooden countertop, resulting in a unified yet striking task zone. 

8. Choose a feature backsplash

Whether your coffee bar is in a standalone space or integrated into the main kitchen layout, zone the area with a decorative yet functional backsplash idea. And voila, you’ll have a wow-factor styled focal point that’s easy to wipe clean. Both nostrils and eyes will be drawn… 

Interior designer, Maria DeCotiis, comments: ‘Aim for Longevity - as, with other areas in your home, you want your coffee bar to be both stylish and durable. If you aren't using a DIY bar cart, a kitchen nook is the perfect, versatile alternative. Opt for high-quality custom cabinetry, durable quartz countertops, and a marble backsplash that is easy to keep clean and pristine.’

‘Incorporate accents - add some color to the bar area to make it warm and inviting. Some of the best opportunities for styling accents are in the backsplash or cabinet hardware.’

9. Enjoy a cup of joe in bed

A coffee bar doesn’t have to be in a kitchen. And where do we most enjoy that first cup of the day, or wind-down tea at night - in bed of course. But by the time you’ve fought over who’s turn it is to bare the dawn yawn chill, traipse downstairs, and go through the whole fanfare of waiting for the water to boil, the novelty of returning to the bed cocoon has somewhat been spoilt… 

Thankfully, Christina Dennis, DIY and home decor expert at The DIY Mommy has dreamt up and delivered the coziest solution, with her Copper autumn coffee station, to create a little coffee station right where you need it most - by the bed. Lingering weekend lie-ins sorted, arguments eliminated. And what a lovely guest bedroom idea too.  

10. Install a built-in system for a luxe update that saves on counter space

Whether you consider it a luxury or a necessity, there’s nothing quite like the convenience of creating your favorite café-quality drinks from the comfort of your home. Debuting this month, the new Wolf Built-In Coffee System offers a refined experience for brewing your favorite drinks without sacrificing counter space, convenience, or style. 

With an elegant, modern design and the ability to install nearly anywhere – no special water lines needed – you can integrate this coffee system seamlessly within your home, wherever you need it most. Choose from a range of styles to align with your desired aesthetic and add a cup-warming drawer for added indulgence and delicately heated dishware at your disposal.

11. Incorporate a coffee station into a pantry or larder cupboard

If you’re not a fan of clutter and prefer a more minimalist kitchen aesthetic, then consider setting up a dedicated tea and coffee-making workstation within your breakfast pantry or larder cabinet. Utilize the different storage solutions within the design to maximize efficiency. 

Anchor the best pod coffee machine 2022 and kettle on the marble workspace, organize coffee pods and tea bags in a narrow drawer, and nestle canisters of sugar and ground blends into cubby hole shelves. Everything you need within a finger’s reach - perfection.

Mary Jones, Editor at Cooky Mom, recommends putting your coffee bar into a cabinet: ‘Looking for a coffee bar idea that will completely blend with the rest of your kitchen? If so, then you can never go wrong with this one as it is tucked away out of sight. Also, aside from your coffee essentials, you can also store your breakfast ingredients here, freeing-up space and functionality in your main kitchen space.’

12. Utilize an extra area with a dedicated coffee station

Julia Steadman, Commercial Director, Brandt Design, comments: ‘Did you know #coffee contributes £17.7 billion to the economy and this is growing steadily. Next-generation kitchens are now seeing lots of coffee-related design elements, with dedicated drinks stations and built-in appliances that brew café-quality coffee most popular.'

'A dedicated coffee station equipped with open shelving and perhaps even a compact one bowl sink and single lever kitchen tap will create an extra area for you to utilize, which does not impact the main cook zone or chef working behind the island. Small appliances like a coffee machine, toaster, and stone worktop will all add to the multi-use area and ensure an easy-clean surface in case of any spillages.’

What should a coffee bar have?

If you’re wondering what exactly the coffee bar essentials are, Norbert Koput, espresso enthusiast at Espresso Bear, says: ‘Must-haves include an espresso machine, bean grinder, bottomless portafilter with a basket, some awesome mugs, a compact scale, and of course, some beans. With these items, I think anyone can make a fantastic coffee station.’

‘This area could fill an empty spot in or near the kitchen to add ‘barista pop’ at home. This designated espresso machine area can come in all shapes and sizes, but what is significant is how beautiful the entire setup can look at home.’

Does a coffee bar have to be in the kitchen?

A kitchen bar can be created in any space, depending on your preference and needs.

Mary Jones, editor at Cooky Mom, says: 'Are you the kind of person who is always craving coffee any time of the day? Worry no more because you can always set up a coffee bar in your living area. Consider installing a little rolling island that is very easy to accomplish.'

Looking for pantry storage containers to keep your space in order? Open sesame! If you're lucky enough to have cupboard space in your kitchen, you need to ensure it works as hard as possible. And the best way to do that is with the right storage for your cookies, crackers, rice, and pasta. While a pantry organizer (or four) will help you go a step further, let's kick things off first with pantry storage containers for your dried food.

Deciding how to organize a pantry isn't necessarily straightforward. From pickles to pretzels (and a few cartons of backup oat milk), our pantries can store a lot. So firstly consider what exactly you'll be storing, and choose your containers to suit.

I've chosen a selection of airtight jars to keep your cookies fresh, clear glass containers that'll make auditing your food inventory easy, and Tiktok-worthy canisters for your pasta tubes. There's a lot to choose from online, so we've saved you a job and relayed the best receptacles right here.

9 pantry storage containers to keep yours in working order 

How we chose these pantry storage containers

Despite writing about all the options known to man, our pantries are on the petite side. So, in order to assess what's best for your space — we've relied on a healthy mix of reviews and ratings. First, we undertake a li'l bit of consumer research to see what y'all are searching for. Then, we cross-reference what people like you have Googled to curate a most-wanted list of must-have items.

What to consider when choosing pantry storage containers

Size: Is the container fit for purpose to store the food item in question? Well... you wouldn't put spaghetti in a short and stubby jar, so make sure your container measures up.

Material: Plastic and glass are usually the top two choices in a kitchen, but if you have butterfingers — you may be safer with the former. On the other hand, glass tends to look more expensive, and doesn't stain like plastic does.

Lid: Once you've shut food inside, how are you going to open the container? Think about what's going to be appropriate for your needs. If you're less able, a screw top may not be suitable. Also think about whether the cover can keep air out as cookies, cereals, and crackers can go stale.  

Where to buy pantry storage containers

Still searching? Here's where to continue browsing for the perfect pantry storage containers...

• Amazon pantry storage containers 
• Bed, Bath, and Beyond pantry storage containers
• Target pantry storage containers
• The Container Store pantry storage containers
• Wayfair pantry storage containers

These pantry shelving ideas will make your kitchen life so much easier. Trust us when we say that there's more to organizing pantry shelves than meets the eye. From convenient pull-out designs to clever corner shelving, there's a lot to think about when kitting out a new pantry. 

Choosing the best shelving system is a big part of learning how to organize a pantry properly. Thoughtfully designed, correctly spaced out shelves make a huge difference to how much you'll enjoy using this space – and how quickly you'll be able to locate the ingredients you need. 

Top tips for organizing pantry shelves

When you are designing and organizing pantry shelves, there's quite a lot to think about, In the first instance, Graeme Smith, Head of Retail and Commercial Design at Life Kitchens, recommends preparing 'for every eventuality.' This means 'thinking outside the box' and beyond the simplest shelving construction. Consider 'removable cutlery drawers - so that you have the option of additional drawer space should the occasion arise', and 'why not incorporate wine racks and plate racks to your pantry or larder, ensuring that space is maximized and that you can store unusually shaped items?'

Smith's top tip, though, is to incorporate stepped shelving – it works like a dream inside deeper pantry shelves, and 'not only increases space but also allows you to see what you have in the cupboard with ease. Make sure you are using non-slip bases on each shelf, and if you’re using a corner unit then any shelf must have a smooth glide to prevent spillages.'

Making the correct choices in terms of what goes where is also essential to keep your kitchen pantry ideas looking polished and use of the space streamlined. Val Stones, baking expert at stairlift and home lift company Stannah recommends putting 'frequently used ingredients (like rice and pasta) on a shelf at eye level, herbs and spices above this, then heavier tinned items on the bottom shelves.' Then, use the top, most difficult-to-reach shelf for 'accessories that are seasonal, ingredients that are only used every so often, or special occasion items like jam labels.'

Blessed with a walk-in pantry? Stones' top walk-in pantry shelving ideas include organizing everything 'into labeled plastic boxes that are well within reach. The lighter items, such as bun cases, cake tin cases, sprinkles, and spare aprons are placed on the top shelves. On the middle shelves, I put flours, sugars, and dried fruits/goods. On the bottom shelves, I place preserves, oils, syrups, and my huge collection of cookery books. All the weight is on the bottom shelves which keeps them stable.'

The good news? You can easily replicate this inside your pantry, especially if you have some pantry organizers to hand. Whether your pantry is an odd shape, it's too small or there are fewer shelves in there than you'd like, an organizer can help tackle this problem and assist when it comes to storing even more pantry staples.

1. Vary the spaces between shelves for neat organization

This is one of the essential pantry storage ideas that will make everything else easier. Cooking ingredients come in a wide variety of packaging of different sizes and heights, and your pantry shelving should reflect that. Rather than positioning the shelves at an equal distance, leave more space between the lower shelf and the upper shelves. The bottom shelf can then be used for larger, heavier items, perhaps even your food processor, whereas the upper, more narrowly spaced shelves can house condiments and other jars.

2. Line the back of your shelves with wallpaper

It's not just the quality and design of the shelving itself that matters. Think about what's behind your shelves when you open your pantry. If your pantry is unpainted and you want a more elegant, bespoke look, wallpapering is an easy and versatile shelving idea to set off your decor. 

This gorgeous wallpapered pantry has been created by Turek Interiors.

3. Line long shelves with vintage storage crates 

You don't necessarily need fancy storage containers on your pantry shelves. Be inspired by this brilliant walk-in pantry shelving idea by Alison Kandler Interior Design – it uses vintage soda storage crates to add a little rustic character to the pantry. This idea is also very budget-friendly and sustainable. Vintage wooden crates can be bought on Etsy. 

4. Group similar items together in square shelves

Want to organize your pantry shelves so that you never again forget where anything is? Take your cue from this extra-tidy pantry organized by Neat Method. We really like the tiered storage for condiments and spices – the tiered trays allow you to see all the spice jars at once. The round tray with sauces in the center looks great as a centerpiece. 

5. Incorporate wine storage into your pantry shelving

Who knew that a pantry shelving idea could also be one of the best kitchen storage ideas for wine lovers? Not everyone has a separate space for wine storage, and the pantry can provide the ideal solution – all you need to do is built x-shaped compartments for a couple of the shelves. Or, if you don't want to DIY it, you can get a wine storage rack on Amazon and just slide it in. 

6. Build shelves into the pantry door for smaller items

A pantry door is an opportunity not to be wasted, especially if you pantry is narrow and you don't have that much room to play with. All those little spice and herb jars can nestle in shallow shelves on the door. Or, to make life even easier, fit a door mount spice rack from Amazon onto the door. 

7. Deep pantry shelves? Add portable shelving storage

If you have deep pantry shelves that are also well spaced out, you may want to add portable shelving storage units to make them work a little bit harder. This is also easier than building in extra shelves. Ideally, choose a unit that has tray-style shelves, as these will hold your items a bit better.

8. Make the most of a corner pantry with bespoke shelves

Think that a pantry and small kitchen ideas are incompatible? Not necessarily. Unused corners provide excellent opportunities for creating a pantry, and well-built bespoke corner shelving can easily give you as much storage space as a regular pantry. You will want to keep your containers to taller, slimmer designs in order to waste that valuable shelving space, though.

Design-wise, a smaller pantry looks great painted in darker colors, as the bespoke example above. 

9. Install pull-out shelves for easy retrieval

If your pantry is deep and narrow, and you have the budget for custom-built pantry shelving, consider a pull-out design. It'll save you so much time rummaging inside, trying to make out what's at the back of the shelves.  You could also try fitting a sliding cabinet organizer from Amazon inside your pantry – of course, it won't look quite the same, and you'll have to be very precise with measurements for it to work. 

10. Transform your pantry shelves into a coffee bar

If you're not too short on space and don't actually need your pantry to store all your cooking ingredients, you could transform your pantry into a gorgeous breakfast bar. You will need sturdy, solid shelving to house your coffee machine. We really like the way this example, from Life Kitchens, uses a box shelf to store the coffee machine, with narrow shelves on the sides used for coffee mugs. 

What can I use for shelves in pantry?

Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design, advises that 'the natural choice for a shelf in your pantry would be wood, as this type of material can be custom-fit to any size, as well as offer antibacterial qualities – ideal for an area storing food and drink.'

Of course, if you're on a tight budget, you don't have to use solid wood; you could use plywood or MDF, or even particleboard. However, do bear in mind that, with the exception of MDF, these less expensive shelving materials will take less weight, so don't plan on putting a toaster and heavy jars on top of a thinner shelf. Dor Steadman, solid wood is the clear winner for pantry shelving because it 'can also be painted in the same finish as your kitchen furniture, allowing you to achieve a truly consistent look throughout.' 

How do you shelve a small pantry?

When looking to shelve a small pantry, Steadman recommends getting 'creative and only designing for what you need. For instance, make use of redundant space in your kitchen like an unused corner and transform it into a practical area to store your food cupboard staples.'

Corners are the unsung heroes of smaller kitchens, so you really should consider a corner pantry if your room is tiny. As Steadman points out, 'with the addition of a few strategically placed corner shelves, all designed at convenient heights, you will be able to create a dedicated space for non-perishable items so that your kitchen cupboards can concentrate on maximizing utility in the main work zones.'

A kitchen pantry was once something most houses had, and in the days before refrigerators, this spot was where you'd keep food cool and store all manner of cooking essentials.

Then they lost favor a little as our kitchens got larger and we all had plenty of cabinets to keep things in. But now kitchen pantry ideas are, once again, hugely desired features for homes, and believe it or not, they suit any sized kitchen... As surprising as it may be, you don’t need a separate room for a pantry if you simply don’t have the space...

Kitchen pantry ideas for essential storage space

Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS and founder of Susan Serra Associates explains:

‘A pantry doesn’t need to be a walk-in type, it is very convenient to have a cabinet pantry that blends in with the surrounding cabinetry and has easy accessibility when you need items quickly.'

‘Customers love including a pantry or larder in their kitchen design as it harks back to more traditional values in living, especially with the current trend for home cooking and growing your own food. Big or small, a larder is the perfect space in which to create and store homemade jams, pickles, cakes and drinks. It makes it easy to see and access ingredients as well as being able to shut them away neatly when guests arrive,’ says Melissa Klink, head of design at Harvey Jones. 

1. Use a mixture of open and closed storage

As with any room, there are elements that you wish to hide, and those that are pretty enough to have on show. This is the same in this area where refined pantry organization is key. Items that you use often are best for keeping on open shelving as that ensures they’re easy to grab. Other pieces like preserves, stock items, and spares can be hidden behind doors – we love these doors with their detailing at the top of each one.

It would also be a smart idea to invest in some clever pantry organizers to help you make use of every inch of space in this area of your kitchen. 

2. A pantry can be as simple as a few shelves within your cabinets

Incorporating a mini pantry into an existing cabinet – a few key shelves in a U-shape will be all you need for those essentials like dried goods and spices. 

The bottom half here could be used to house the coffee machine and a chopping board – ideal for drink prep when you have guests over.

3. Opt for a bespoke design

This bespoke option ticks all of our boxes and can be integrated into your kitchen design, as Melissa Klink, head of design at Harvey Jones explains:

‘With the demand for intelligent storage increasing, rooms like the kitchen must employ multifunctional design and innovative ideas to utilize all space available. Work closely with your kitchen designer to introduce ingenious space saving solutions to answer every storage requirement.’

4. Invest in a freestanding pantry

More of a larder style option, this freestanding idea will give you oodles of pantry storage space. Vary the heights of the shelving so you can keep taller things together and vice versa, and leave a space at the bottom for baskets. 

We love how this design has been painted a vibrant shade, be bold and make a similar statement in your kitchen. 

5. Go super slim in smaller kitchens 

Like we said, there’s no kitchen too small for a pantry – and this neat idea with its pull-out drawers will have you wondering why you never installed this in the first place!

Neat and tidy, once you’ve chosen your cooking items you can close the door and it will all be hidden from sight, ideal if you love a more streamlined, sleek feel. 

6. Super organized? Choose open shelving

If you love being neat and tidy then an open kitchen shelving pantry will be for you. Of course, that can be a downside – everything on show – but it can work really well if that’s your kitchen’s style. 

You don’t have to use it for storing food items either, cooking utensils, mixing bowls, baking trays and decanters can make shelving a visual feast of various shapes that will enhance your kitchen. 

7. If you have the space, go for a walk-in style pantry

A walk-in pantry can be created by cordoning off a section of your kitchen as can be seen in this cool kitchen space. We adore the bright coral interior as it contrasts with the monochromatic floor and exterior cabinetry, and certainly has a treasure trove appeal about it.

The floor flows through from one space to the other – a stunning design feature in itself and the gold detailing gives it a glamorous edge. 

8. Match a standalone pantry to the rest of your scheme

This floor to ceiling pantry mimics the rest of the industrial feel that flows throughout this kitchen space. With a front that allows you to peek at the contents, you can be sure to find everything you want instantly.

Going up to ceiling height allows you to utilize every inch of the space which means you pack alot on the shelves. 

9. Use every inch of space

Attaching a spice rack on the back of the door will give you that extra bit of storage space that’s often needed in a smaller kitchen. 

Being able to close the door behind your pantry can be useful, especially when the rest of your kitchen design is modern with sleek push-to-close cabinets. 

10. Choose bright white tiles when light is lacking

Walk-in pantries can often be housed in a windowless space, to combat this, as well as having a pendant light, it pays to choose light tiles or paint to help to bounce the light around. 

Mel Bean, creative director at Mel Bean Interiors explains:

‘Custom pantries are great, but you can do a lot even in a small space and without spending much money. Look for sleek hanging shelves and clear glass containers to store food items. The symmetry and organization make for a beautiful and organized space.’

11. Use a mix of materials to create a stylish spac

If you’ve got enough space for a countertop and basin then go it, being able to use the space for food prep will help no end, especially if you love entertaining. 

100% open plan shelving can be your best friend, and in a walk-in pantry it’s the best option so you can really see what you’ve got and where it is. We love the use of the blue in here, it looks great with the marble countertop and backsplash. 

12. A built in option for modernistas

This clever kitchen pantry idea utilizes the awkward space within this kitchen. The result is a gorgeous on-display pantry that ensures you can see everything. It also means you don’t need wall cabinets – ideal in a dark kitchen. 

The black glass framed doors tie in with the windows and oven, always look for ways where you can carry on an accent color, it will make your kitchen look and feel more cohesive.

How do I style a pantry?

Styling a pantry doesn't have to be boring – think about the enviable gourmet markets and seek inspiration in pictures and visits. Use baskets to store small pantry items in and paint the walls of your pantry a fun color to add life to it – the ceiling in a glossy finish and don’t forget the floor, patterned tiles would look amazing.

Add some decorative items interspersed within the pantry if room permits such as large vintage metal pitchers, a pillow to add a surprising touch of softness or any other vintage pieces picked up from a flea market to add a touch of soul,’ says Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS and founder of Susan Serra Associates.

How should you layout a pantry?

You want the layout of your pantry to be organized and easy to use. Deep shelves and pull out drawers can help with this. It’s usually a good idea to leave some open floor space at the bottom of your pantry shelves so you can just slide heavy items like cases of food or water on the floor. Keep the items you use most often within easy reach and reserve the top shelf for items you only occasionally use.

Most pantries are placed near the range, sink, or refrigerator. The main thing is to place your pantry somewhere that is convenient and easy access,’ advises Priscilla Moiseoff, Lead Stylist and Interior Designer at Walker Edison Furniture

Does a pantry have to be walk-in?

‘No – walk-in kitchen pantries are very popular, but a lot of people will opt for a smaller pantry or even open concept shelving instead of the traditional walk-in pantry. Both of these options can be tastefully styled and functionally organized,’ says Priscilla Moiseoff, Lead Stylist and Interior Designer at Walker Edison Furniture

Although the name sounds like a fancy cherry-on-top home addition, a butler’s pantry is simply a form of extra storage area in the home – but it can be a game changer for anyone who is a regular dinner party host or entertainer. It is usually located near the kitchen but can be placed anywhere in the house.

Designing a butler’s pantry can be difficult because there are many things you need to consider; it’s one of those rare spots in the house that should be both playful and functional. Below, we’ve rounded up a handful of expert-approved butler’s pantry ideas that’ll add style and practicality to your dining and kitchen space. Letting you max out on your best pantry organization tricks and more.

Butler pantry ideas for style and function

You can put just about anything you want in a butler’s pantry but it’s most often used as a practical storage solution, holding all your additional kitchen and entertaining essentials in one convenient spot. Not only does this allow your organized kitchen to look more minimal and magazine-perfect but it’s also highly functional if you tend to entertain regularly or have a lot of countertop appliances, fine china, or baking and cooking ingredients that you don’t need in your kitchen. There are lots of different ways to add and style a butler's pantry in your home, let us inspire your next design move:

1. Consider using a small closet or wall niche

If you don’t already have a designated butler’s pantry in your home, you’ll have to decide on where it would make logical sense to put one. You also have to think about what cabinets are going to go in it and how much storage space you’ll need.

'If you have a small closet near your kitchen that you don’t use, the butler’s pantry is a great way to utilize that unused space near your kitchen,' explains Evan Nelson, founder of Nelson Cabinetry. A generous sized wall niche can also provide enough space to create a butler’s pantry.

2. Match the cabinetry with your kitchen

According to Nelson, one of the most important things when designing a butler’s pantry is to choose perfect kitchen cabinets. 'Most people choose to match the cabinetry and counters with their kitchen cabinets and counters,' he explains.

3. Experiment with funky colors

That being said – if you want to do something a bit more fun to match the entertaining style you’re aiming for, Nelson suggests experimenting with other styles and colors that play off your kitchen decor but go in a slightly different direction.

4. Consider adjustable shelving to suit your needs

'Butler pantries are an amazing space to add extra storage for larger serving pieces, fine china and crystal, and even small appliances that aren't kept on kitchen counters,' says Jennifer Q. Williams, CEO of Saint Louis Closet Co. 'If you're lucky enough to have a butler's pantry I recommend outfitting it with adjustable shelving and pull-out bins and baskets.' Adding one is perfect if you want to up your kitchen storage game. 

5. Create a coffee bar

According to Williams, the butler’s pantry is a common solution to coffee fiends who find themselves managing more coffee accessories and machines than they can fit in their kitchen. The easy-access coffee bar is also a great way to facilitate serving espresso at the end of a dinner party without having to dart back and forth between the kitchen and the living room.

6. Or stick to cocktails

Prefer cocktails and champagne to coffee? A butler's pantry is the perfect spot to foster a more practical version of bar cart, says Williams. Simply add a wine cooler or rack, a couple of bottles of vodka or gin, and keep your cocktail glasses and champagne flutes on the counter or tucked into the shelving.

7. Employ patterned wallpaper

When styling your butler’s pantry, consider going bold with wallpaper or tiling. 'Opt for a patterned wallpaper – you can even use a stick-on kind if you’re not ready to commit—and painted cabinets to really give the space a personality of its own,' suggests  Andre Kazimierski, CEO, Improovy Painters Chicago. 'Experiment with colors and textures and figure out what you like.'

8. Ensure sufficient lighting

'If you're using your butler's pantry for meal preparation or storage, it's essential to ensure that this space has the right amount of light to help you complete kitchen tasks and find stored items,' points out Dan Wiener, founder and lead interior designer for Homedude. This can mean setting up your pantry across from a window, adding mirrors to brighten the space, or adding a series of built-in kitchen lighting solutions.

9. Opt for open shelving

Having a butler's pantry means extra space in the kitchen. One of the best ways to maximize this benefit is to build an open storage space so you can quickly find kitchen items you'll be placing there.

'One of the primary purposes of this area is to provide space for kitchen appliances like microwaves, blenders, and coffee machines,' says Wiener. 'This is why it's essential to find a storage solution that will allow you to find and store these items quickly. Open shelves and cupboards both have a convenient and straightforward design to help you with just that.'

10. Include a sink

Installing something like a small sink—or even a dishwasher—in the butler's pantry will make washing the dishes much more convenient and organized. It also allows you to keep the clutter of used plates and kitchenware away from the eyes of your guests!

What's the difference between a butler's pantry and a regular pantry?

The butler’s pantry and a regular pantry have very similar functions—but the butler’s pantry is more of a workstation than a basic storage space. You’ll often see butler pantries wedged in between the kitchen and the dining room in older heritage homes (when having staff in the kitchen for dinner parties was more common) but these days butler pantries serve as an aesthetically pleasing solution to everything from serving cocktails to storing and using overflow from the kitchen.

Are butler pantries worth it? 

Butler pantries are certainly worth it if you have a lot of kitchen storage overflow that you want to be able to use without having to dig through a regular storage closet or organized pantry space. You will also benefit from a good butler’s pantry set up if you tend to entertain a lot or serve multi-course dinner parties and want to optimize the flow of your evening.

How do I style my butler's pantry on a budget?

Whether you’re building a butler’s pantry from scratch or you’re curating an existing pantry, the most important part is to have clear counter space and easy access to everything you’re planning to store.

Consider storing your wine glasses, whiskey glasses, and champagne flutes and finishing off the space with a selection of alcohol and a wine rack if you’re simply hoping for a workable bar station.

Otherwise, the best thing you can do to style a butler’s pantry on a budget is to ensure you have a great shelving system that gives both easy access and an aesthetically pleasing finish to the space.

Reusable water bottles are a great sustainable investment for the family, but storing them can often be a nightmare. However, this water bottle storage hack we spied in Shea and Syd McGee's kitchen could be the perfect solution.

The founders of Interior Design Studio McGee are famous for their pristine home decor. Shea's eye for detail even landed the duo a show on Netflix – Dream House Makeover. However, not even the McGees are above needing some extra kitchen storage ideas from time to time.

To help improve the family's pantry organization, Shea and Syd enlisted the help of professional organizer Jen Martin of Reset Your Nest. One of the key challenges was keeping Syd's water bottles in order. 

Jen explains that Syd's cabinet needed to work for him, but the water bottles had become a pain point for Shea. Luckily Jen's smart hack was to install a bottle rack, just like the ones you store wine in.

'Water bottles can often be problematic. They aren't all the same size like a set of glasses. They can topple over easily which makes them challenging to organize,' says Jen.

'One of our favorite ways to organize water bottles at Reset Your Nest is using a water bottle organizer. These organizers are great because they can stack as high as you want and come in sets of either 2, 3 or 5.'

'This is just one small way to keep organized and give every last item in your kitchen a home.'

The version Jen used in the McGee pantry was a dedicated water bottle rack from Mdesign available from Amazon for $28.99. However, a wine rack will also do the trick for containing water bottles in an orderly fashion.

You can find bottle racks in most stores, many are stackable and perfect for sitting inside a cupboard such as this Altsales Wine and Water Bottle rack for $19 from Walmart. Alternatively, if you have a large pantry shelf or space on a countertop, a bolder wine rack is a great option.

Like with any organization idea, before investing first check how many bottles it will need to store, where it will go and double-check the measurements. The last thing you want is to invest in a set for inside a cabinet and find you're unable to close the door with them in.

If you're short on storage, and can't quite squeeze a pantry into your home, then adding a mini pantry to your dining room is one DIY you should definitely consider.

We’ve all seen photos and the occasional video of super organised pantries. The ones with perfectly spaced shelving and storage solutions that make everything that much easier to find. I can imagine that a lot of them just started out as empty spaces needing a purpose, before being arranged and filled up.

Pantries are a great way of freeing up space in your kitchen and other areas of your home. They allow you to stock up on items like food, drinks, and even cleaning supplies. Even if yours isn’t completely organised, it’s a way to hide things away from prying eyes.

Well, what do you do if you don’t have a pantry, or the space to create one? This is the issue we currently have in our home. We have a modest sized semi-detached house, which doesn’t yet have the extension we planned to have.

When we moved in, we had a separate dining room and a small kitchen. We knocked down the wall between the two rooms which resulted in one larger space. Even though we had much more room than when we first moved in, we still didn’t have any room for a pantry.

This is when I had the idea for our dining room shelving. A way to have the feel of a pantry, but on a much smaller scale, and also having everything on display.

How to build a mini pantry

What you'll need 

• Reclaimed scaffold boards
• Shelving brackets
• A laser level
• Drill
• 100mm screws
• Brown wall plugs
• Food containers, jars and baskets

1. Choose shelving for your mini pantry

The type of shelving that you choose will depend on the style of your home and decor that you have and love. I was determined to have wooden shelves, but also wanted them to have a rustic look. 

In the end we went for scaffold boards, which were restored and finished with an oak varnish. You may want to go for painted wooden shelves, metal shelves or even shelves wrapped in a vinyl to get your desired look. 

2. Mark out the wall placement

Once you have picked out your shelving and brackets, you'll need to work out where you’ll put up the shelves – ensuring you get the spacing right. We had a little advantage, because we have very strong brick walls in our home which I knew would be able to take the weight of the shelves. 

I used a laser level to mark out where I wanted them to be, as I needed to ensure that they were perfectly straight. The thought of jars rolling off the shelf was honestly haunting me! I also acted out taking invisible jars from an invisible shelf, just to make sure I would be able to reach. 

Thankfully, the plan for our shelves was for them to be flush against one wall, so I didn’t have to worry about making them symmetrical in the middle of a wall. If you need to do this, a laser level with a self-level function will help you out immensely. One other thing to test out is the spacing between each shelf, you want to make sure your jars, containers, or anything you place on the shelves will fit comfortably. 

3. Mount the shelves

This part of the DIY project proved a little more complicated than I had originally imagined, as I realised after drilling a hole that we had a dot and dab wall. This is where plasterboard is joined to a solid wall by using random dabs of adhesive (or timber battens). This causes a small gap between the plasterboard and the solid wall. 

This meant that the screws that came with the brackets wouldn’t be suitable, and I had to purchase longer 100mm screws which would bypass the gap and secure into the brick wall behind the plaster. 

It is important to work out what kind of walls you have, so that you can get the correct fixings. It is possible to have shelving on plasterboard walls, but you have to make sure you have fixings which are suitable and strong enough to hold everything up securely. I was able to use 100mm screws and brown wall plugs.

4. Fill up your shelves

Once your shelves are up and secure, you can get to the fun part. Filling my jars and styling my shelves was honestly so rewarding. You can style your shelves with anything you want, but unlike pantry shelves hidden behind a door, remember everything is on display. 

This is where your personal style comes into play. You may prefer a more symmetrical and uniformed row of jars, or you may want to be a little more free with your styling.

5. Style your shelving 

Why not try and add a little character to a bare wall with a few pantry style shelves, and make the most of the space you have? You could personalise with your favourite accessories like your favourite china, storage boxes, candles and indoor plants, or install a hanging rail.

The kitchen is the heart and soul of the home - it's where guests always gravitate to at parties, and the backdrop to our every day as we cook and spend time with family. Interior designer Emily Henderson has shared a surprising design tip to create a characterful kitchen that feels like it's been built over time.

When thinking about kitchen design, there is an overwhelming number of components to consider, from lighting to layout, plug sockets to pantries. And it's expensive, so you want to feel confident you're not going to end up with something generic.

'I could talk about kitchens forever,' she tells us in an interview as part of her work with PRESS Premium Alcohol Seltzer. The interiors expert has plenty of suggestions for making a kitchen feel unique and characterful, but our favorite was the point she makes about subtly mismatched design.

How can we make a kitchen feel characterful and curated?

'This is a weird one,' says Emily, 'but not having everything line up perfectly. deVOL and Plain English are the kings of this. They make them feel a little more old-world.'

'Normally, all the vertical rails and styles in a brand new kitchen, if you're having a cabinet maker, they'll want everything to line up. I've noticed in their kitchens that they don't.

Emily describes staring at deVOL and Plain English kitchens, wondering, "Why is this better than other kitchens?"' But she explains that an ever so slightly mismatched design creates this feeling that it's been built over time.

So even if you live in a modern property, allowing your new kitchen not to be 100% symmetrical and 'perfect' will create a sense of history and charm. There's just something reassuring about walking into a home and feeling like it's always been there. 

Emily also shared some original kitchen storage ideas to help achieve this old-world feel in our existing kitchens. She recommends rethinking the upper cabinets, using shelves with rods and S-hooks for hanging pretty pots and spoons, like in the kitchen below.

If you are decorating on a tight budget, this is something you can do cheaply with some black S-hooks from IKEA set on a rail. Fill them with pots of fresh herbs and style countertops with vintage candlesticks and artwork as an easy way to add personality.

Welcome a mismatched feel and a blend of styles and finishes in your next renovation - who wants a home like everybody else's?

There are tidy people, and then there are you-could-eat-off-the-floor, everything-has-a-home people. You know the ones – you can drop in with five minutes notice and their apartment is sparkling clean; you pop by for a mid-week dinner party and their kitchen is neat and organized despite the multi-course meal on the go; you can quickly and easily find the litter *and* the kibble in the pantry when taking care of their pets, because they’re brimming with clever organization ideas.

Some people are naturally good at taking care of their household and ensuring everything stays clean and tidy with the best cleaning products – but that doesn’t mean that their habits and routines can’t be emulated in your own home.

The secrets of people whose homes are always clean

Below, we spoke to a handful of professional organizers and cleaners to get their secret habits that help foster a clean home at all times. And as it turns out, it’s a lot easier than you might think.

1. Clean as you go

“People with clean homes always clean along as they go about their day, and don't let cleaning tasks pile up,” says Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, President of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, a IICRC certified cleaning company in Chicago.

For example, if you're done cooking, clean the dishes right away before enjoying your meal. Wipe the stovetop clean once you're done eating because at this point the stovetop will have had enough time to cool down. Waiting to clean the stovetop later will be much harder to do because the grease and grime will have hardened.

Does your stove need a deep clean? Here's how to clean an oven.

2. Schedule small cleaning bursts

“Another idea is to incorporate short 5-10 minute cleaning breaks into your day to take care of tasks like laundry, dusting, etc,” says Rodriguez-Zaba. “Breaking your cleaning tasks this way makes cleaning more manageable.”

3. Switch up your daily chores

“I think having schedules and timetables is a great organizing strategy,” says Alex Varela, General Manager of Dallas Maids. “Try to switch chores every day so you won’t get burned out, maybe 10 to 15 minutes for each task and 30 minutes total for each day. It’s not about effort or spending 4 hours, it’s about consistency and creating a habit.”

4. Make cleaning fun

Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring – in fact, Varela suggests intentionally making it a fun experience. “Play some music, if you’re decluttering with family you can set a timer, create challenges, etc. This can be useful especially for younger children.”

5. Don’t let clutter pile up

“I always carry things in and out of rooms each time I get up,” says Varela. “If I had some coffee, the next time I get up I carry the empty coffee mug to the kitchen. With time you start doing this without even thinking about it.”

6. Keep the vacuum easily accessible

“People with sparkling homes have a vacuum that's not a hassle to take out and use, so it's as effortless to clean your floors as it is to wipe down your kitchen counters,” explains Elyse Moody, Kitchen and Housekeeping Expert at Designer Appliances in Montclair, New Jersey. “The best cordless vacuums today make this simpler than ever because they are lightweight, attractive to keep out, and super powerful.”

7. Keep “cleaning kits” in each bathroom and kitchen.

“I also like to keep a mini cleaning kit in the kitchen and in each bathroom,” says Moody. “This way you can spray down mirrors and countertops as needed, on the spot, without having to collect cleaners from other parts of the house.”

8. Set a “clean foundations” schedule

"Clean people set clean foundations, meaning they set schedules to keep clutter out,” says Gina Schaefer, owner of a handful of Ace Hardware stores in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. “So maybe bathrooms and kitchen cleanup once a week, pantry once a month, and windows and air filters every six months to a year.”

9. Don’t overdo it on storage

According to Schaefer, when it comes to bins and baskets, the right size matters if you want to keep little stuff from becoming a big stuff mess. “At my Ace Hardware stores, we try to steer people to not buying too big storage items, or they'll just fill them when they could actually pare things down,” says Schaefer.

Netflix's Dream Home Makeover host and Instagram star Shea McGee is full of interior design inspiration (#goals). But turns out, her tips and ideas go beyond just making your home look good -- she's all about hacks to help your create a neat and tidy space, too.  She recently shared a top tip for keeping your kitchen area clutter-free, and we are all ears.

Shea recently published an interview with Neat Method on her website, which included the useful hack. It simply involves using a storage basket to house pantry supplies you buy for different meals each week. Anything that isn't going in the fridge should be dropped into the basket when you get home from the store to make meal-prepping easy, and help maximize pantry storage.

When Shea asked Neat Method about the best way to store food that doesn't need to go in the fridge, they said, 'If it's produce for meals to be made throughout the week, place it in a woven basket, for air circulation, and add it to your pantry.'

'We frequently create 'Dinner Prep' baskets for client pantries. All the shelf-stable ingredients for the week's dinners go directly from the grocery bag to that basket,' they explained.

See also: Shea McGee's top tips for decorating on a budget

This seems like a great way to avoid overflowing cabinets and will mean we're less likely to forget about some of the groceries we've bought. Having your Trader Joe's haul in a basket might also highlight the things we're repeatedly not getting through or buying duplicated of, helping us reduce our food waste. And hey, if we can use it as an excuse to buy a beautiful storage basket, then we're certainly not complaining.

If you're looking for other ways to keep your kitchen organized, a kitchen cart can be a great way to add a little more storage if you have the space. You can find some really stylish versions at places like Wayfair and as they can be wheeled around they're useful for when hosting.

Alternatively, try clear food jars, so, as with the storage basket, you can always see your cupboard supplies easily. We love tiered shelves that make the most of a deeper cupboard, and lazy Susans are great for stowing away spices and sauces.

See also: Shea McGee's go-to paint color

Shea and her with her husband Syd founded homeware and furniture brand Studio McGee in 2014 and share updates on their Utah home on their Instagram account with their 2.4 million followers. 

Watch Dream Home Makeover on Netflix to see their breath-taking designs brought to life in people's homes.

Finding the best food storage will help you keep your kitchen tidy and your leftovers pristinely preserved for the next day's lunch.

Ideally, food storage needs to be airtight, easy to clean, and robust in order to class as 'the best'. We've rounded up a range of food storage options from classic plastic containers (always BPA free) to innovative silicone bags that can even be used for cooking. 

So, whether you're after a more durable grocery shopping bag, lunchbox or pantry storage solution, we've got you covered. When you've chosen the food storage you like, check out the best microwave for reheating your lunch.

The reason we're such big fans of the Lock & Lock storage containers is because we've used them for a long time and they've always served us well. The efficient locking lids make them airtight – a great way to keep your food fresh. Whether you want to store food in the house, in the freezer or transport a packed lunch, they demonstrate their versatility and work for everything. What's more, they can go in the microwave, the freezer and you can chuck them in the dishwasher when you're done and forget about the hassle of a hand wash. This set comes with six lidded boxes included.

We ditched disposable plastic shopping bags at supermarkets long ago (even before the plastic bag fee put everyone else off). However, sometimes it's hard to avoid the little individual plastic bags for your fruit and veg. That's why we think that grabbing some of these reusable mesh grocery bags is a genius way to enjoy a guilt-free food shop. Plus, don't be deceived by their lightweight look and feel – they're actually super durable and strong. This food storage option is one of our favourites because it encourages a lifestyle change that is insanely small but makes a huge difference.

We're not exaggerating when we say this is probably the nicest food storage we've ever used that's not made from plastic. Silicone is a natural, biodegradable material, and these food storage bags are made from thick, smooth silicone that locks in odours. The bags are airtight when closed and can be stored either upright or on their sides, saving space in the fridge. What's even more amazing is that you can cook in these: try fish sous vide, for example. We've got one in every size imaginable. The only downside is that they take a long time to fully dry after you've washed them. 

We have to admit that these air-tight containers are nothing new, but we just can't help but like the fact that they're stackable and mega efficient in the kitchen. If you live with someone guilty of leaving the cereal box open and letting everything go stale, these containers are the perfect solution. They save space and keep your food fresh. When it comes to pimping your pantry, you can't go wrong with this option as they include chalkboard stickers and a chalk pen to label them (and relabel as your needs change). The only drawback is that if you wash them, the lids will take a very long time to fully dry as water gets in the locking mechanism.

They're plastic-free, oven-safe, dishwasher-safe and even keep your food warm. What's more, this storage also comes with a divider, meaning you can create your own little bento meal for lunchtime. Basically, this food storage solution is absolutely a worthwhile investment. It's not microwave safe, but who needs to use the office microwave when your lunchbox has kept its heat from the morning? 

Is it OK to store food in plastic containers?

If you're wondering how to organize a pantry, there's no hard or fast rule and both plastic and glass each have their own respective benefits. While glass looks more luxury and less likely to absorb odors, it's not practical in busy family homes where kids might drop and smash the vessels.

'To help save time, money, and food waste, store your sundries in labeled, clear glass or plastic containers in a cool dry place within the kitchen cupboard or a pantry to keep the temperature consistent,' says Kathryn Hall, founder, and chief organizer, of Kath & Kin.

'This not only keeps the contents fresher for longer, but the clearly labeled storage jars allow you to see when your stock is running low, avoiding overspending on the food shop and leading to less waste, which is better for the environment.'

Is it better to store flour in glass or plastic?

'Store your baking ingredients and tea, coffee, and sugar in labeled, clear glass jars to help you see quickly whether you need to re-stock,' says Hall.

'They also keep the contents fresh and aromas locked in. The clear jars also save you rummaging to find what you are looking for and avoids bags of flour tearing, keeping your pantry storage clean and organized.'

What are the benefits of airtight food storage containers?

Aside from the obvious benefits of sealing food, and being able to transport it, airtight containers can prevent pests from getting access to your favorite cookies and cereals. Mold and rodents are one thing, but prevention is better than cure when wondering how to get rid of pantry moths naturally, so investing in vacuum-tight vessels will stop critters like maggots and larvae from lurking.

What is the best food storage solution?

The best storage solution is the Lock & Lock Storage Containers – versatile, super easy to clean and an established, trusty brand. Lightweight and durable, these storage containers, which come in a set of six, are great value for money and ideal as home or portable storage.

How to choose the best food storage

Price

The price is naturally always important to consider when making any purchase. If your food storage solution champions its recyclable material, consider how many uses you can get out of it before it has to be recycled. 

Easy to carry around

If you're looking for a new lunch box, then you need to take into account the size, shape and how lightweight it is. Something that is advertised as being great for the pantry may be too big and cumbersome to carry around. 

Dishwasher safe 

Food smells, and that's the long and short of it. You need to be regularly washing anything you store food in, and it's up to you to decide whether you're happy to carry that out by hand or would rather chuck it in the dishwasher. 

Plastic-free?

While the majority of food storage containers out there are still made from plastic, if you want to try going plastic-free, there are now strong contenders made from glass or silicone (see the Stasher bags). 

• 10 practical pantry storage ideas
• Best fridge freezer: 12 best buys for upright and integrated models

Celebrities are working with the same 24 hours a day as the rest of us — albeit with assistants, business managers, and housekeepers. Still, one way they are able to maximize their time is to stay on top of organization.

Stars have been on the tidy train long before neatly labeled containers started trending on Instagram. With the help of some professional organizers (like The Home Edit) as well as custom-built closets, pantries, and playrooms celebrity homes are immaculately organized. Don't believe us? We'll let these Instagram posts do the talking. 

Working with a small space? Check out these 20 storage ideas for small bedrooms.

1. Reese Witherspoon's open shelving

Our favorite star to appear on The Home Edit, Reese has really got storage down pat. Glass cabinetry? That kind of display calls for a perfectly organized kitchen. The key to pulling it off like Reese is to invest in matching dinnerware sets. Note how all of the actress's dishes are a clean white. 

To rock open shelving without looking messy, you'll need to either donate mismatched, sentimental items (like plastic cups from last year's 5K race) or stash them in lower, covered, cabinets. 

2. Mindy Kaling's playroom

The Home Edit's business was born on social media thanks to Nashville duo Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin. The company's satisfyingly organized, color-coordinated Instagram posts garnered quite the following (just shy of 2 million followers on the platform, to be exact). Flash-forward to today, and The Home Edit is streamlining homes for celebrities and everyday homeowners alike across the country. They also have a new show on Netflix: Get Organized with The Home Edit.

Recently, the LA team took over Mindy Kaling's home to reimagine her daughter's playroom. Here, a colorful collection of art supplies are sorted by hue, and toys are organized by type. Larger items go in labeled baskets, and small, loose pieces are relegated to see-through bins for easy selection. The icing on the cake? An adorably color-coordinated rainbow bookshelf. 

3. Oprah's color-coded closet

Oprah admits to disliking packing, but thankfully her super organized closet makes the task as easy as possible. Preparing for a trip to Canada last summer, we got a glimpse into O's closet. Note the organization by type and color – camel trenches and sweaters, more colorful pant suits, and basic blouses. We can also get a peek at her handbag collection, smartly stashed above her clothing and sorted by color. Plus, note divided containers for glasses and accessories and extra hooks for ready-to-wear items. 

4. James Charles' perfect pantry

RíOrganize founder Ría Safford confesses to being messy by nature. But when the California native became a mom of three, she realized organization can offer some serious stress relief. So she decided to start her own business to help others do the same.

Recently Safford took over the pantry of James Charles Dickinson (internet personality, Youtube star, makeup artist and Covergirl ambassador). Using organizers from iDesign, Safford streamlined Charles' pantry. Tall clear containers hold cereal, pasta, and rice on the top shelf. Below, snacks, teas, and other grains are sorted in small clear containers and divided shelves. Lazy Susans stash condiments, sauces, and nut butters. 

On the bottom shelf, larger plastic containers and clear bins hold chips and other snacks, sorted by type  and brand. Canned goods go at the top on small plastic risers to be able to see each row. 

5. Jessie James Decker's shoe closet

With help, once again, from The Home Edit, organizers turned Jessie James Decker's shoe closet into a visual delight. Pairs were sorted by color, with a column of light neutrals, a column of blacks and grays, and rainbow brights sorted by hue in the center. 

Another handy hack? Alternate shoes facing front and back to maximize space. 

6. Chrissy Teigen's pantry

Even cookbook authors could use some help getting their pantry's in order. Ríorganize streamlined Chrissy Teigen's pantry with some genius hacks. 

On the top shelf, small clear containers hold grains and seeds, detonated by simple labels. Small plastic drawers hold teas, and there's a two-tired lazy Susan for supplements. Snacks and granola bars are stashed in simple teak dividers, and risers allow all of the star's jams to be on display. 

More lazy Susans hold hot sauces, oils, and other condiments, and clear containers offer a home for cereals and larger pastas. Yum!

7. Kim Kardashian's closet

It's no surprise that Kim Kardashian would have a killer kloset (see what we did there?). As seen from selfie videos shot in her massive mirror, we can get a glimpse into the reality star's organization. Tops are sorted by length (cropped, long) and color. Metallics even have their own section. The most brilliant addition, in our opinion, is a large wrap-around sofa in the center. Since we all know lacing strappy sandals requires a place to sit. 

Read more:

• Brilliant book storage ideas: 17 ways to organize your favorite reads

Knowing how to store vegetables can make a difference of not just days, but whole weeks of fresh vegetables that are ready for cooking or chopping up into a salad. The trick is mainly about understanding your vegetable storage options: where to put them, the temperature requirements for different veggies, and knowing which vegetables make others go off (yes, that's a thing). Follow these guideline to store your vegetables the correct way. 

Find more useful food ideas and tips on our hub page.

Vegetable storage

Do fresh vegetables need to be refrigerated?

The biggest debate is around storing vegetables in the fridge vs. storing them in a pantry or cellar.

Fresh vegetables that contain lots of water and that are prone to wilting such as lettuce, celery, spinach and the likes (more on this below) will be better off in the fridge.

Then we say: if you are lucky to have a basement or cellar, store all your root veggies (potatoes, carrots, parsnips) and gourds there. The cool, dark environment is perfect for this type of vegetable. Having said that, there's nothing wrong with storing your vegetables in the veggie drawer of your fridge: despite claims that potatoes taste funny when kept in the fridge, we've not found that to be the case. 

How to store soft vegetables

Vegetables with soft or spongy flesh, notably tomatoes (technically a fruit, in fact) tomatoes and aubergines, should always be stored at room temperature, out of direct light. However, salad leaves such as lettuce and spinach, should be stored in the fridge for best results, as should be herbs that will wilt in a matter of hours if not refrigerated.  

It's by no means a scientific method, but if it's green, it's best to store it in the fridge. If it's any other colour, it'll probably do best at room temperature.

Mushrooms should also be stored in the fridge – they're not technically a vegetable and will spoil quickly if not kept cool. 

How to prepare veggies

• How to roast vegetables
• How to blanch vegetables