Small Kitchen Pantry Design: Creating a Functional Pantry in Limited Space
In a small kitchen, designing a functional pantry can be a challenge. However, with careful planning and smart choices, it's possible to create a space that maximises storage and accessibility.
One key strategy is to maximize vertical space. Adding shelves up to the ceiling or using risers can help utilise all available height without clutter. Another space-saving solution is to install open shelves with shallow depth (10-12 inches), preventing items from getting lost at the back. Shelves around 22 inches above counter level offer good access and flexibility.
For even more storage, consider door-mounted solutions like wire baskets or pocket doors. Wire baskets on cabinet or pantry doors add storage without sacrificing floor or shelf space. Pocket doors for pantry cabinets or nooks can save room in narrow kitchens since they slide away without blocking access or workspace.
Clear, labeled containers and designated zones can help keep items organised and visible. Grouping and labelling pantry items in clear containers improves visibility and makes organising easy while maintaining a neat appearance. For extra utility, create zones for different food categories and potentially a dedicated coffee or snack station inside the pantry to keep daily essentials organised and cleared from counters.
If space allows, custom cabinetry solutions with pull-out drawers or baskets optimised for your specific pantry size can increase accessibility and storage efficiency.
Decanting your dried food items into mason jars and using jute or woven baskets to organise additional items can help quickly locate ingredients. If your cupboards are particularly deep, install pull-out drawers or tiered shelving to prevent items from getting lost at the back.
Integrating a pantry into existing kitchen cupboards is a possible solution for small kitchens. Transforming an existing kitchen cupboard into a dedicated pantry is a great alternative. Underutilised corners can be transformed into valuable storage space with a compact corner unit.
If you're fortunate enough to have a small adjoining space, consider turning it into a makeshift walk-in pantry. Narrow, single pantry cupboards with adjustable shelves and two oak crates are available as slimline freestanding options. Shaker style larder units with a wine cabinet and spacious drawers are also available as slimline freestanding pantry options.
Remember, a well-planned pantry can be accommodated in the smallest of kitchens. To keep a pantry cool and your food fresh, you may need to learn how to ventilate a pantry. A spice rack mounted on the pantry door is super practical for a busy chef.
When floor space is limited, going vertical can be a game-changer with open shelving or a shallow built-in unit on an empty wall. An organised pantry will allow you to easily keep a check on sell-by dates and food quality, avoiding the risk of items deteriorating and being forgotten at the back of cupboards.
Al Bruce, an experienced professional in the handmade kitchen industry with a career spanning 25 years, established his own Shaker kitchen company in 2018, combining his technical skills and business acumen to deliver high-quality, bespoke kitchen designs. With his expertise, designing a small pantry in a kitchen with limited space has never been easier.
- With careful planning and smart choices, a small kitchen can have a functional pantry that maximizes storage and accessibility.
- Maximizing vertical space by adding shelves up to the ceiling or using risers helps utilise all available height without clutter.
- For even more storage, door-mounted solutions like wire baskets or pocket doors can be considered.
- Grouping and labelling pantry items in clear containers improves visibility and keeps items organised.
- Custom cabinetry solutions like pull-out drawers or baskets optimized for the pantry size can increase accessibility and storage efficiency.
- Decanting dried food items into mason jars and using jute or woven baskets for organization can help quickly locate ingredients.
- A well-planned pantry can be accommodated in the smallest of kitchens and can be integrated into existing kitchen cupboards or made into a makeshift walk-in pantry.
