For a long time, pantries have been seen as something only countryside homes had — cool, dark rooms used for storing a year’s worth of food. In modern city apartments, there’s rarely space for such a thing. With refrigerators and freezers doing most of the heavy lifting, many might wonder:
Do we even need a pantry anymore?
The simple answer? Not really. A pantry is a luxury — not a necessity. But in my experience, it’s a luxury that adds enormous value and convenience to everyday life.
So how do you design a pantry that is both functional and beautiful? Here are six simple steps to follow:
1. Define the Purpose of Your Pantry
Before you start designing, think about what you want your pantry to do:
- Will it only store dry goods?
- Do you want space for larger appliances like a drinks fridge, microwave, or coffee machine?
- Does it need to store small appliances or bigger serveware?
- Should it hide dirty dishes during dinner parties?
- Maybe you want a corner where kids can make their own toast or grab a snack?
Once you know your pantry’s purpose, the layout and design decisions become much easier.
2. Plan the Layout
Now that you know what the pantry needs to do, it’s time to figure out what you want it to include:
Maybe a sink? A drinks fridge? Drawers for snacks or bulk items? A microwave? Some power outlets for appliances like kettles and toasters?
When planning shelving, don’t forget to measure your containers and appliances to make sure that everything fits properly and has its own place. I think it’s always a good idea to add some closed storage (like drawers) and a worktop to the pantry — it makes it so much more practical and neat.
Tip: Pantry worktops don’t need to be full-depth! Mine are about half the usual depth, and they work perfectly.
Also, keep in mind that your pantry does not need to be big to be useful. Mine is only 15 ft², and it does everything I need.
3. Choose the Right Storage
When selecting jars and containers, always think about the package sizes of the food you buy.
There’s nothing more annoying than pouring a bag of flour into a jar and being left with a third of the bag that doesn’t fit — now you have an open bag that is harder to store neatly.
Plan ahead and ask yourself:
- What foods do you buy regularly?
- What quantities?
- Which items will go in drawers, baskets, jars, or boxes?
After that, you can form a list of jars and baskets you need, which makes shopping so much easier.
Also, it is a good idea to buy some measuring cups or scoops for dried goods to keep in the jars. It is really convenient to open a container and scoop out exactly what you need without searching for an extra utensil.
Don’t forget to label your containers. There are tons of different options. You can create your own digitally and print them out, use a label maker, buy premade stickers, or write with a chalk marker. Choose whatever feels right for you and your space.
I use chalk markers on glass jars — they’re easy to wipe off and rewrite when I change the contents. Paper labels, while pretty, don’t hold up well in the dishwasher or with frequent reuse.
4. Design for Style
Now let’s think about the aesthetics of the room. I strongly believe that every room in your home should be as beautiful as it can be, no matter how small. Your pantry design should also complement your kitchen or overall home aesthetic. That said, a pantry is a great place to be more playful since it’s often out of sight and not a room you spend long periods of time in.
If your pantry doesn’t get natural light, don’t be afraid to go dark and moody. Dark rooms with no windows can actually feel larger, as the corners disappear and walls seem to recede. If you’re lucky enough to have lots of natural light, enhance it with lighter colors to keep the space feeling airy and bright.
To make the space more interesting, try mixing different materials and textures when choosing containers. If you use glass jars, pair them with woven baskets or wooden crates for bread or fruit. Stick to 2–3 materials max to keep the space cohesive and calm.
Some examples of container materials are glass, wood, metal, woven, ceramic, or plastic.
Don’t forget to dress up your walls and consider adding wall treatments. Use this opportunity to insert character and drama into the room.
I love a traditional grandma’s pantry look, so I chose wood paneling. You could also use tiles, paint the wall behind the open shelving in a contrasting color, or use wallpaper. This adds charm and elevates your pantry instantly.
If you want your pantry to look expensive and luxurious, please stay away from wire shelving — in my opinion, it doesn’t look good in any room. If possible, choose natural materials like wood, stone, or metal; that way, it will stand the test of time.
5. Don’t Underestimate Lighting
Lighting is often overlooked in pantries, but it makes a huge difference in both function and atmosphere. Gone are the days when one lightbulb in the ceiling did the trick. Nowadays, we have so many options, and they don’t need to cost a fortune.
Consider using motion-sensor lights that turn on when the door opens (perfect for when your hands are full).
Also, it’s a good idea to add under-cabinet or counter lighting for task areas, and shelf lighting to give ambiance.
Multi-level lighting doesn’t just make your pantry more practical — it also makes it look cozy, expensive, and thoughtfully designed.
6. Add Finishing Touches
Make the space more interesting by adding a few decorative and personal touches, like a step stool or rolling library ladder, hanging aprons or pretty kitchen towels, a herb pot, and dried flowers.
Consider pretty jars for snacks and maybe a cake stand or vintage bread crate to add a personal touch.
If you have a bare wall, instead of art, you could hang a framed glass board to write shopping lists, menus, or weekly to-dos on. I believe that practical items can also be beautiful. So decorate with items you would use anyway — that way, no space is wasted.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed pantry can truly transform the way you use your kitchen. It keeps everything accessible, organized, and even beautiful.
And if you’re not sure where to start with designing your home (or your pantry), check out my previous blog post:
Where to start when designing your home — a step-by-step guide to help you build a space that’s both functional and uniquely you.
