Kitchen pantries come in all shapes and sizes. I dream of one day having a large walk-in pantry, but for now I am making due with a simple cabinet. No matter the size (or lack of it), every kitchen needs a designated pantry space and, because of its high frequency of use, why not make it organized, functional, and pretty? Here are some simple solutions to help you organize your pantry in an orderly, yet beautiful way:
1. Corral the clutter
Baskets and bins are terrific for adding color, pattern, and texture in a space, in addition to corralling items and controlling visual clutter. They look beautiful in kitchen pantries too. Snacks, can goods, and certain fruits or vegetables are great items to store in baskets or bins. To save time and money (and your sanity), measure your shelves before buying!
2. Get Clear
Streamline your pantry’s look even further by transferring dry goods such as pasta, cereal, and baking supplies into airtight, clear containers. This is also a simple way to reduce visual clutter while adding a fresh look. Some containers can be stacked to maximize space. Cut out any important information from the package including instructions and expiration dates and tape to the outside bottom or back of the container. If you opt for plastic containers, buy BPA (Bisphenol) free containers. BPA is a chemical in many polycarbonate plastics that may breakdown and add harmful chemicals to food. Avoid types 3 and 7 plastics because they may contain BPA.
3. Add Color
Color is a great way to unite a kitchen and an adjacent pantry. In the kitchen above, the pantry’s shelves are painted the same color as the kitchen’s cabinets (by the way–I love this pantry!). For walk-in pantries, painting the floor or ceiling may be a whimsical way to incorporate color into the space. In addition to paint, colorful or patterned wallpaper is another option for lining pantry walls or shelves.
4. Get Creative
The backs of cabinet and pantry doors shouldn’t be overlooked and can be a clever way to increase storage. If you have enough clearance, a rack for smaller items such as spices, teas, and smaller baking supplies is a neat addition to a pantry door.
I also love this magnetic message board that was adhered to the back of a cabinet door. Such a clever space-saver! It’s perfect for hanging shopping lists, spice canisters, and photos.
Have you organized your pantry? If so, what tips do you have for keeping it beautifully organized?
- Cristin
I have a large pantry and using baskets to corral pastas, etc is not the way to go, you have to spend extra time searching through bins to figure out where things are! I say if you have the space, line stuff up neatly in sections: cereals, pancake mixes, canned goods, pasta/rices/ paper products/snacks/salad stuff/ baking supplies/ dressings/mustards/jams/jellies/honey, sauces, I have tried low profile baskets too so you can pull out and get to items and see what they are. I also have trouble with the clear containers in that they are expensive and take up so much time setting up to make them pretty? Is there any way to make this work without it taking hours to set it all up? Or do I need to bite the bullet? I love an organized pantry but being super busy I avoid the set up! Help!
Big thanks for the efforts you have put into writing this article.
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