Choosing the right design for a walk-in pantry can be an overwhelming process. It’s a challenge to figure out how to maximize access and convenience, right? The number one question I receive from readers is where to start when organizing a pantry to be both beautiful and practical.
I want to share some stylish walk-in pantry ideas that will help you transform your kitchen. These designs focus on accessible shelving, smart storage, and great lighting to improve efficiency and enhance your decor.
1. Stained Wood Shelving For A Farmhouse Pantry
For that perfect farmhouse pantry look, nothing beats wood shelves that show off lots of knots and beautiful grain. They have such a natural, rustic quality that is just so charming.
I think applying a light stain gives the space a more polished feel without hiding any of that wonderful character. And if you’re aiming for a modern farmhouse design, you can bring in storage options like black metal baskets and glass jars.
It’s a gorgeous combination that gives the pantry a clean, contemporary vibe.
2. Feature A Rustic Sliding Door
I’m sure you guys have been seeing this trend! Sliding barn doors are a staple for anyone who loves modern farmhouse interior design, and I think they are just so well-suited for a pantry.
They are fantastic because, much like pocket doors, they don’t swing out and obstruct your kitchen or block off part of the room. A rustic wood barn door with some cool metal hardware is such an easy way to add so much character to your kitchen space.
3. Use Your Pantry For Prep Work
Here’s a fantastic idea! Instead of just filling your pantry with shelving from top to bottom, think about putting in a wraparound countertop.
You can still use the shelving above and drawers below for all your storage needs, but you also get a bonus area for baking and food prep. I love this because the counter can also become extra storage space for those appliances you use often, like your espresso machine or that stand mixer you love.
4. Get Creative with Color
Colorful kitchen cabinets have been trending for a few years, but I know some people are hesitant to go for it. A lot of us worry about getting tired of a bold color or that it might feel dated too quickly.
That’s why I think walk-in pantries are the perfect spot to start pushing your boundaries and playing with new palettes. In this space, the azurite blue shelving is just a stunning counterpoint to the heavier black quartz countertops.
5. White Pantry with Space For Appliances
Of course, every kitchen has its standard appliances like a fridge and stove. But for those of us who really enjoy cooking and entertaining, it’s fun to customize the kitchen with specialty appliances.
This U-shaped pantry not only has drawers and shelving but also includes a warming drawer. I love this idea!
Warming drawers are what bakers use for proofing dough, and they are also amazing for keeping food warm for guests when you’re hosting parties.
6. Special Occasion Style
Pantries are such a practical choice for storing food, but these spaces can definitely serve more than one purpose. A pantry is also the absolute perfect place to keep items that you only bring out for special occasions.
You can store your seasonal dinnerware and fine china in the cabinets, keep antique silverware tucked away in drawers, and show off cake stands on the open shelves. A sliding ladder makes it so easy to get to those uppermost cabinets.
7. Simple DIY Pantry Design
Custom built-ins look incredible in a pantry, but I know they can be really expensive. The great news is that with a bit of ingenuity, you can use modular shelving to get a bespoke look on a budget.
These shelves have cool pegboard sides, which means the removable shelves can be adjusted for whatever you need and rearranged whenever you want. So smart!
8. Secondhand Style
Sometimes, even a new home with high-end finishes can feel like it’s missing some architectural interest. Bringing in vintage and secondhand pieces is a way to instantly make your space feel more interesting.
Here, a pretty standard pantry gets a totally fresh look just from some antique wood and glass doors. I always say you should visit your local architectural salvage store to find inspiration!
9. Modern Storage Containers For An Organized Pantry
When it comes to food storage containers, there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. I’ve found that mixing and matching different kinds of vessels is the best way to make the most of your space.
This pantry is a perfect example, using a combination of woven baskets, ceramic pots, and glass jars to hold a whole array of different ingredients.
10. Open Cabinets For An Airy Pantry
Open cabinets can be a bit controversial in the main kitchen area. I get it, a lot of homeowners don’t want to deal with keeping dishes and glassware perfectly in order.
But walk-in pantries are a much better spot for open cabinets because they’re usually out of sight from guests. And since pantries are often small and don’t have windows, open cabinets can really make the space feel lighter and less cramped.
11. Mount A Wine Rack or Build In Wine Storage
Shelving is a fantastic multipurpose storage solution, but every now and then you need something a bit more specialized. Wine lovers often have several bottles on hand, but they can be tricky to store standing up on a shelf.
Putting a wall-mounted wine rack in your pantry makes it so simple to find the bottle you want and creates a more secure spot for them.
12. Storage Baskets For Organization
A walk-in pantry gives you tons of storage space, but sometimes you need a few more accessories to keep it super organized. I love storage baskets because they are a great way to group similar items together for easy access.
Putting things like canned goods, sauces, or boxes of tea into baskets will make your pantry feel so much less cluttered. Plus, if you need a bunch of items from one basket, you can just take the whole thing into the kitchen. So convenient!
13. Level Up Your Lighting
I think one of the absolute simplest ways to take your pantry from standard to custom is by installing a statement light fixture.
This rope-wrapped wagon wheel chandelier is a perfect match for the rattan storage baskets and the unfinished wood floors. I also love that the glass panel on the door means the beautiful fixture will always be on display.
14. Integrate A Wine Cooler In Your Walk In Pantry
Wall-mounted wine racks are great for storing your wine, but they don’t keep it at the perfect temperature for drinking.
We all know that white wine should be chilled, but even red wine tastes best when it’s served a little cooler than room temperature. Installing a wine cooler in your pantry is a fantastic way to level up your entertaining skills.
15. Separate Your Spices
If you have a pretty big spice collection like I do, creating a special storage space for them can be a game-changer for staying organized.
This multi-tier wall-mounted cubby has narrow dowels in front of each shelf, which helps keep all the glass spice jars safely in place without covering up the labels. Such a smart idea!
16. Step It Up
A sliding ladder is such a fun and useful piece for a modern pantry, but it just doesn’t work with every layout. In this rustic, traditional pantry, the counter actually goes past the shelves, which creates a tricky angle for a ladder.
A wooden step stool is a super easy alternative that fits in perfectly with the old-fashioned charm of the space.
17. Buy A Rotating Spice Rack Organizer
Spices can be one of the trickiest pantry items to keep organized. Because the bottles are so little, they often end up stacked three or four deep on a shelf, and you have to dig around to find what you need.
A rotating spice organizer makes it possible to find the right spice in just a few moments. It’s a total game-changer!
18. White Pantry Shelves with Woven Baskets
Woven storage baskets are just so versatile. I love them because they fit in with almost any interior design style. Whether your home is boho, coastal, or transitional, these baskets will look right at home.
They are made from materials like rattan, cane, or seagrass, and they add such a great visual texture to a room. I think white pantry shelving really helps bring out the warm neutral colors in these kinds of baskets.
19. Stunning Pantry with Natural Light
This long, narrow pantry doesn’t have any windows, so it gets darker the further back you go. Putting recessed lighting in the ceiling is a great way to illuminate even the farthest shelves.
I also love that the iron and glass door has a crisp, modern look while also letting in natural light from other parts of the home.
20. Decorative Food Storage Containers For A Cute Look
Food storage containers are such a practical way to keep your pantry organized while still looking cute. You can choose decorative containers that let you put your own personal style into your kitchen.
For example, you might look for some pretty patterned pottery instead of just using clear plastic jars for dry goods like flour and sugar.
21. Beg, Borrow and Steal
Lots of homes have those multipurpose closets that can be used for storing all sorts of different things. If you happen to have one of these storage spaces right next to your kitchen, you can always take it over to create your own pantry.
This kind of spot is absolutely perfect for bulk items and backup ingredients that you don’t need to grab every day.
22. Down To Brass Tacks
This low-profile pantry might be a bit small, but it definitely doesn’t hold back on storage space. Both of the pantry doors are lined with shelves, which effectively triples the amount of storage you have.
The bright brass bars on the shelves are a perfect match for the faucets in the nook and the hardware on the outside of the doors, which creates a really cohesive look.
23. Add Proper Pantry Lighting
Since most pantries don’t have any natural light, it’s so important to pick the right lighting for your space. A bright overhead light can do most of the heavy lifting, but I’ve seen some people add individual lighting to the shelves.
This is a brilliant trick to keep pantry items from getting lost in the shadows.
24. Heighten Your Hall
So many older homes have long hallways between rooms, which can result in a lot of wasted space. Turning a hallway into a walk-through, galley-style pantry is a fantastic way to make the room more functional and add value to your home.
I also love how adding a barrel-vaulted ceiling helps the space feel bigger and makes the architecture seem more intentional.
25. White Metal Wire Shelves For Small Walk-In Pantry
If your pantry is on the smaller side, every single inch of space really counts. Instead of going with wooden shelves, think about choosing white metal wire shelves.
These low-profile shelves don’t take up much room, and because they aren’t solid, they have a very minimal visual impact. It’s a great way to maximize space!
26. Get Labeled Clear Storage Containers
Decorative storage solutions like woven baskets and pretty ceramic jars are so nice to look at, but they can sometimes make it hard to find a specific ingredient. With clear storage containers, it’s so much easier to spot the items you need.
While you could just skip the containers and put items right on the shelves, I find that using storage containers really helps me stay organized.
27. Use Drawers For Storage
Lots of pantries are designed exclusively with shelves from floor to ceiling, but adding drawers can be such a thoughtful touch to the space.
You can use drawers to store things like table linens or heirloom silverware that might look messy on open shelves. You can even put a butcher block top on the drawers to create another prep space in your kitchen.
28. Have Fun with Your Finishes
A small pantry is the absolute perfect place to try out some high-end materials. In a bigger room like a kitchen, you often have to be budget-conscious because there’s so much area to decorate.
But more compact spots like a powder room or pantry have a much smaller footprint, so you can afford to spend a bit more per square foot.
This butler’s pantry has such a luxe look thanks to modern touches like a Carrara marble countertop with a matching backsplash and brushed brass fixtures.
29. Built-Ins That Blend In
If you don’t have the space to build out a full walk-in pantry, a recessed wall niche is such a clever compromise. This kitchen nook is only a couple of feet deep, but it still has a workable counter space and tons of storage in the open shelving above and below.
I love that the countertop in the nook matches the kitchen island, so it feels completely cohesive with the rest of the room when it’s open.
30. Hanging Baskets For Fruits and Vegetables
Even when you have wall-to-wall shelving, there are always more ways to make the most of your space. Suspending hanging baskets from the ceiling or the back of a door helps you take advantage of all that vertical space in your pantry.
Jute baskets are so great for fruits and veggies and have a really charming boho vibe.
31. Make Space For Small Kitchen Appliances
Small kitchen appliances like stand mixers and waffle irons are often super helpful but aren’t always meant for daily use.
Leaving them out on the counter can make your kitchen feel crowded, but not everyone has room to hide them away in cabinets. A walk-in pantry is the ideal spot to stash these niche appliances. It keeps everything so neat!
32. Rustic Walk In Pantry Design
A heather gray wood stain gives these kitchen cabinets such a clean and contemporary feel. I love how a set of double doors swings open into a walk-in pantry that has cabinets in the exact same style and shade.
Using consistent cabinetry in both spaces creates a beautiful visual flow and gives everything a sense of cohesion.
33. Standout Style
While some homeowners want their pantries to blend right into their surroundings, others would rather make a really strong stylistic statement.
The interior cabinetry and exterior doors of this pantry are painted a deep charcoal color that really stands out against the dove gray walls. Built-in lighting is a great touch that keeps this sophisticated space from feeling too dark.
34. Small Walk In Pantry with White Shelves and A Pocket Door
A small walk-in pantry can be a beautiful and practical design choice, especially when it has a pocket door, white floating shelves, big drawers, and open counter space. While pantries don’t always need doors, many of us find they give the kitchen a more finished look.
Figuring out the right door can be tricky though. A door that swings inward might block shelves, while one that swings outward could interrupt the kitchen floor.
35. Long Narrow Walk In Pantry with Counter, Shelving and Wine Storage
This pantry might be narrow, but it is absolutely jam-packed with storage that meets so many different needs.
The built-in shelving on one side provides tons of space for drinks and dry goods, while the counter next to it offers prep space on top of several drawers. I also love the built-in wine rack on the back wall that showcases a more specialized storage option.
36. Try Out Some Textiles
Even the most well-designed pantry can sometimes feel a bit cold without the right accessories. This narrow U-shaped pantry has a lot of crisp corners and sharp angles, but adding textiles helps soften the whole space.
Pieces like a long runner rug and a linen-wrapped box window shade bring in some wonderful texture and warmth.
37. Create A Clever Cabinet Cubby
While we would all love to have an entire extra room for a pantry, many of us just don’t have the space. With a little creativity, you can make room for a secret storage area right inside your kitchen.
Here, the homeowners ordered custom cabinetry that’s perfectly sized for their fridge. The cabinet is deep enough to hide a mini pantry and coffee bar right behind the doors. How amazing is that?!
38. Light and Lively
Small rooms like pantries can sometimes feel dark and crowded, but the right finishes and materials can really help counteract that.
This pantry is filled with reflective surfaces, like shiny subway tiles, polished marble countertops, and a mirrored inset. All of these work together to reflect light, which makes the space feel so much airier and more spacious.
39. Build High Shelving and Access with A Wood Ladder
People often stop putting in shelves once they get to a certain height because they aren’t immediately accessible.
But that just leads to so much wasted space! If the high shelves in your pantry are out of reach, a built-in wooden ladder will let you fully use all of your storage options. I’ve always dreamed of having one of these!
40. Elevated Design
While some people like when their kitchens flow seamlessly into their pantries, others prefer to keep the spaces feeling separate and unique.
Raising the floor so you have to step up into the pantry is a great way to give the room its own distinct feel. The dark wood cabinets in this pantry are very different from the pale blue kitchen cabinets, which creates even more contrast.
41. Stainless Shelving and Doors with Storage
The stainless steel shelves in this pantry are great for holding bigger, more stable things. But smaller items might topple over on temporary shelving like this that isn’t anchored to the wall.
The hanging racks on the back of the pantry doors are absolutely ideal for displaying jars and small bottles of sauces, syrups, and spices.
42. Embrace Labels
People often use labels on shelves and storage containers to help keep their pantries organized. But to go the extra mile, you can even label your door!
This frosted glass door has a “Pantry” decal on it, which helps the space feel more dedicated and intentional. It’s such a beautiful touch.
43. Buy A Second Refrigerator For Your Pantry
When families run out of space in their refrigerators, they sometimes put a second fridge for drinks out in the garage. If you have the extra space, a walk-in pantry is a fantastic location for another fridge.
It’s so conveniently located, and this refrigerator will also feel like a really luxurious touch to your home.
44. Beautiful White Walk In Pantry with Luxury Details
If you have a small walk-in pantry, you can still add so much character through architectural details. Putting vertical shiplap on the walls draws your eye upward and makes the space feel longer, all while adding a touch of that farmhouse flair.
Placing scalloped wood trim just inside the cabinets is another detail that creates some extra visual interest. So beautiful!
