Ever found yourself staring into a cluttered cupboard, wondering where that elusive can of chickpeas went, or wishing you had just a little more space for your growing collection of exotic spices? You’re not alone! The kitchen pantry, that unsung hero of household organisation, is making a grand comeback, and for good reason. It’s more than just a storage space; it’s the secret weapon to a serene, efficient, and truly delightful kitchen.
In medieval times, before the marvels of refrigeration, different rooms had very specific food storage roles: the larder for meat, the buttery for alcohol, and the pantry (from the French paneterie) for bread and bread-related prep. Fast forward to the 19th century, and pantries became a staple in English and American homes. While they briefly dipped in popularity with better food-storing methods in the 20th century, today’s pantries are back with a vengeance, evolving into everything from floor-to-ceiling cabinets to entire walk-in rooms.
The beauty of modern kitchen design is the sheer variety available. Whether you live in a sprawling family home or a cosy flat, there’s a pantry solution out there to fit your space, your lifestyle, and your wildest storage dreams. Let’s dive deep into the fascinating world of the 21 different types of kitchen pantries and uncover the perfect fit for you!
The Grand Tour of Kitchen Pantry Types
Gone are the days when a pantry was just a dusty cupboard. Today, these spaces are designed with ingenuity and style, offering a vast array of options to keep your kitchen tidy and your ingredients at the ready.
By Location & Style
The physical footprint and design aesthetic of your kitchen will often dictate the best pantry type for you. Let’s explore some of the most popular configurations:
Corner Pantry:
- Maximize Corner Space: The 6-sided design allows the corner cabinet to blend seamlessly between the two walls. Stores mo…
- Spacious 6-Tier and 2 Doors Storage: Generously sized at 40″W × 15.5″D × 72″H, this kitchen pantry cabinet offers a 6 ti…
- 240° Wide-Opening Doors: This corner pantry features 4 doors that open a full 240°, unlike standard 90° cabinets, giving…
What it is: Tucked neatly into a kitchen corner, often hidden behind a door.
Why it’s great: This clever design doesn’t take up too much space and can be strategically placed near your kitchen’s “work triangle” – that magical zone between your sink, hob, and fridge – for super easy access to ingredients. Imagine reaching for all your cooking essentials without having to break stride! Plus, it keeps everything out of sight, maintaining a clean and orderly kitchen appearance. Masterclass Kitchens, for instance, offers the Lansbury corner pantry, transforming awkward corners into plentiful, accessible storage for families and entertainers alike.
Considerations: The Lansbury unit even includes internal lighting and can serve as a shelving unit, wine cellar, and secure storage for fine crockery and glassware. It’s constructed with FSC® certified wood and has water-resistant finishes.
Slide-Out Pantry:
- Kitchen Cabinet Pullout Organizer: Maximize the space and efficiency of your storage cabinet with this 5-inch base cabin…
- Storage Cabinet Organizer Specs: Dimensions (W x D x H): 5″W x 22.5″D x 25.5″H; Made with attractive maple construction …
- Flexible Kitchen Organizer: Features a full-extension ball-bearing system which slides smoothly; Durable and strong orga…
What it is: A narrow unit on wheels that slides out, often located next to the refrigerator.
Why it’s great: Perfect for smaller kitchens where a full-sized pantry isn’t feasible. The main benefit? No back! This means you can access items from either side, saving you time and energy during meal prep. When you’re done, simply slide it back into its hidden spot. Think of it as a culinary secret agent, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice! This is one of the ingenious modern inventions that offers versatility when space is limited.
Wall Pantry:
- SPACE EFFICIENCY: Optimally designed as a bathroom storage cabinet or garage cabinets wall mounted, our wall mount cabin…
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Our storage cabinets, whether used as a floating cabinet or wall cabinets in the laundry room, are…
- DESIGN FLEXIBILITY: Experience an adaptable storage solution with our cleverly designed storage cabinet with doors, whic…
What it is: A pantry built into a wall, which can have one or double doors and vary in depth.
Why it’s great:
Deeper Wall Pantries: Useful for storing larger items like a vacuum or broom, providing multi-purpose storage. Just be warned, these can get messier as items are easily forgotten at the back. We’ve all been there, discovering that ancient packet of pasta at the back, haven’t we?
Shallower Wall Pantries with Double Doors: If you have more wall space but less depth, these are fantastic! Double doors allow you to see all your stored items at a glance, neatly laid out, which homeowners adore. While you might not fit a broom in, the visual accessibility is a huge plus for many.
Built-In Cabinet Pantry:
- AMPLE STORAGE SPACE: This kitchen pantry storage cabinet has generous storage space, it contains 5 doors, 6 upper cabine…
- LED LIGHT & POWER OUTLET: The kitchen pantry storage cabinet is designed with brightness adjustable LED light. It has a …
- MULTIFUNCTION PANTRY CABINET: This tall pantry storage cabinet boasts three door shelves and an easy-gliding drawer for …
What it is: Storage integrated into your kitchen’s existing cabinetry, often near the refrigerator.
Why it’s great: It’s a seamless way to get ample storage without needing a large, traditional pantry space. These blend in beautifully with your other kitchen cabinets, appearing hidden in plain sight. Instead of opening multiple small cabinets, you can open large doors to reveal multiple shelves at once, saving you time and frustration while cooking. It’s about making your life easier, one organised shelf at a time!
Butler’s Pantry (or Scullery):
What it is: Traditionally, a transitional space connecting the kitchen to the dining room, but now often a dedicated, highly functional auxiliary area near the kitchen.
Why it’s great: Oh, the butler’s pantry! This is an entertainer’s dream, providing extra storage, prep space, and clean-up zones, keeping your main kitchen pristine. In Victorian Britain, large houses had separate rooms for food prep and clean-up. Modern butler’s pantries are incredibly versatile, going beyond just entertaining. They’re perfect for housing large appliances (like slow cookers and mixers), storing fine china, and even serving as a food prep area with ample countertop space and a prep sink. You can stock dry goods, extra glasses, and even built-in ice makers and coffee makers. Need to tidy up quickly before guests arrive? Just whisk items into the butler’s pantry and shut the door – a magician never reveals their secrets!
Key Features & Customisation: These spaces are highly customisable. They can include:
- Hidden fridges for beverages or baking supplies.
- A wet bar with a wine chiller and sink.
- Display areas for china collections, perhaps in a corner cabinet.
- Colourful cabinetry to give it a distinctive look.
- Integrated microwaves.
- Wallpaper for a stylish touch.
- Dedicated food prep areas for snacks or baking.
- Matching glass canisters for dry goods.
- Even a dog feeding station!
- Open shelving to lighten the look or display items.
- Contrasting paint to define the space.
- Wood panelling for warmth.
- Rustic finishes like antique brick tile flooring and dark wood countertops for durability.
- Brass accents to add glamour and light.
- Wine chillers for the oenophiles among us.
- A runner rug for warmth and style.
- Bonus ovens for baking or meal prep out of sight.
- Pull-out drawers for easy access to canned goods and snacks.
- Value: A butler’s pantry can even increase your home’s resale value by attracting buyers who love to entertain.
Hidden Pantry:
What it is: A pantry located a little further away from the main kitchen, perhaps past a breakfast nook or in another room.
Why it’s great: When kitchen space is truly at a premium, a hidden pantry provides essential storage, ensuring you have food items on hand to operate your kitchen efficiently.
Considerations: The main drawback is the extra walking involved, which can be tiresome when cooking. But sometimes, any storage is better than no storage!
Freestanding Pantry:
- [Huge Storage Capacity] Boasting 2 large cabinets, a big slide-out drawer, and 6 door shelves, this spacious pantry fits…
- [Door Storage Shelves] The 6 door shelves (the top two shelves are 2.4″ deep and the other four 3.9″, and each holds up …
- [Adjustable Shelves] This kitchen pantry cabinet comes with 4 adjustable shelves that can each be adjusted to 3 differen…
What it is: A large piece of furniture that stands on its own, providing storage without requiring demolition.
Why it’s great: Ideal if you have an empty wall but don’t want the commitment or cost of a built-in unit. These come in countless styles and features, making it easy to find one that complements your kitchen decor. They offer plenty of room for dry goods and small kitchen appliances.
Considerations: Choose its placement wisely to avoid impeding the flow of your workspace. Look for solid wood construction for stability and durability.
Hanging Pantry:
- Maximize Your Space: Our 9-Tier over the door pantry organizer is designed to make the most of your storage space, allow…
- Durable & Strong: Made with high-quality, durable metal, our pantry organization can withstand the weight of heavy cans …
- Quick & Easy Installation: No tools or drilling are required to install our pantry organizer over any standard door. Thi…
What it is: A smaller pantry unit designed to hang on the wall.
Why it’s great: Who says a pantry has to be enormous? If you just need a little extra space for spices near the stove or cooking utensils, a hanging pantry is perfect. They often come with decorative elements like a chalkboard front, blending seamlessly into your kitchen design.
Walk-In Pantry:
What it is: A separate room, usually attached to or next to the kitchen, dedicated to food, kitchen supplies, and other household items.
Why it’s great: This is often the “ultimate” pantry dream for homeowners, offering the most storage capacity. Walk-ins typically range from 4 to 5 feet wide and deep, providing ample shelving space and room to move around. Shelving can be entirely open, allowing maximum storage and easy organisation, even accommodating large items on the floor or a freestanding freezer. It’s a fantastic choice for large families or bulk buyers. Historically, walk-in pantries were a given in most houses, being cooler than the main kitchen and fitted floor-to-ceiling with practical, slim shelves.
Customisation: Walk-in pantries can be highly customised with unique flooring, lighting, countertops, backsplashes, or even a sliding ladder for high shelves. You’re in your own room, so feel free to get creative with your design! You can even transform an unused nook under the stairs or a passageway into a pantry.
Features that Make a Pantry Shine
Beyond the type, certain features can elevate your pantry from functional to fantastic. When exploring the 21 different types of kitchen pantries, remember to look for these details:
Solid Wood Construction: Especially for freestanding pantries, solid wood ensures durability, stability, and longevity. It’s a forgiving material that can be repainted or refinished as your tastes change.
Adjustable Shelves: This is a game-changer! Adjustable shelves allow you to reconfigure your pantry space to accommodate taller items like stand mixers or unusually tall food packages. Plus, you can easily add more shelves later if you find wasted space, maximising your storage.
Drawers: While shelves are great for visibility, drawers offer a way to hide items away. They’re also perfect for specialised spice storage, allowing you to easily see and select your spices. Some can even hold silverware.
Pre-Assembled vs. Unfinished:
Pre-Assembled: If you’re not keen on DIY or short on time, choosing a completely assembled freestanding pantry means you just need to place it where you want it! No tools, no stress.
Unfinished: For the creative souls, an unfinished pantry is a blank slate. You can paint or stain it to perfectly match or complement your existing kitchen cupboards, creating a cohesive, custom look. Just remember to protect the wood from kitchen humidity!
Distressed Finish: For a charming country or farmhouse aesthetic, a distressed finish adds visual interest. While you can attempt to distress it yourself, it’s often best left to the professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
Locking Mechanism: For peace of mind, a locking pantry is ideal if you store expensive appliances, tools, or alcohol that you want to keep secure and inaccessible to others.
Open Shelving: Perfect for displaying beautiful pottery, dishes, or decorative items you love. This feature allows your pantry to be part of your kitchen’s aesthetic, rather than just a hidden storage space. Mindy Gayer Design Co. uses adjustable wood shelving painted the same colour as the walls in modern farmhouse pantries, with simple glass jars keeping items displayed neatly. You can even run shelves floor-to-ceiling to maximise space.
Windows: If you want to see into your pantry without opening the door, a pantry with windows (or a glass door) is a chic option, often found in freestanding units. Just ensure your pantry is neat and orderly if it’s going to be on display!
Moveable (on Casters): For very small kitchens that need flexible storage, a pantry on casters (wheels) is a fantastic solution. Make sure the casters can lock so your pantry stays put when you need it to. This allows you to reconfigure your kitchen space for entertaining, while still having extra storage.
Smart Shelving & Depth:
Shallow or Narrow Shelving: Experts generally recommend shelves no deeper than about 12 inches to prevent items from getting lost at the back. This also keeps everything visible and accessible, especially in smaller pantries.
Risers and Containers: For deeper shelves or walk-in pantries, use risers for canned goods and storage containers of staggered heights to keep everything visible and prevent items from being pushed to the back.
Materials: Durable and strong solid wood or stainless steel are recommended for pantry shelving. While MDF is more affordable, it may not hold up as well over time.
Pull-Out Shelving: This is a clever solution to optimise every inch of space, pulling items directly to you. A “Tandem” internal pull-out accessory allows shelves inside the cupboard unit and shelves attached to the door to move together when the door is opened, bringing groceries closer.
Pantry Door Shelving: Adding organisers to the inside of your pantry door is excellent for spices and other small items.
Spice Organisation: Given the sheer number of 21 different types of kitchen pantries and how much food they hold, the spice organisation deserves a special mention!
Wire Racks on Doors: A popular and effective method is screwing thin wire racks to the inside of your pantry door. This keeps spices out of direct sunlight and laid out for easy visibility. Just check your internal shelves, will clear them.
Masala Dabba: For commonly used spices, a traditional Indian masala dabba is a round tin with 7-9 smaller tins inside, kept on the countertop for quick access.
Lazy Susans: A simple lazy Susan in a cabinet or corner can make crowded spice collections more accessible.
Deep Drawers with Lid Labels: Storing spice jars upright in deep drawers, with labels on the tops, allows you to see everything at a glance. You can even use small plastic trays to group related spices (e.g., “spaghetti sauce tray,” “curry spice tray”) for easy grabbing. While specialty jars can be pricey, many find the investment worthwhile for long-term happiness.
Magnetic Racks: Magnetic spice racks that stick to the refrigerator side can free up cabinet space.
Key Tip: Regardless of your method, keep spices out of direct sunlight and away from your stove, as heat and light can ruin them faster. Don’t forget to date your jars to keep track of freshness!
Choosing the Right Pantry Size
Size certainly matters when it comes to pantries, ensuring you have enough space without overwhelming your kitchen.
Small Pantry:
Dimensions: Around 40 inches tall.
Ideal for: Homes with limited room but still desiring extra freestanding storage. These often fit well at the end of an island.
Medium Pantry:
Dimensions: Taller than small, but under 70 inches.
Ideal for: Adding more storage without taking up a huge amount of space, great for kitchens that aren’t particularly large.
Large Pantry:
Dimensions: More than 70 inches tall.
Ideal for: Optimal storage space. These are bulkier and require a generously sized kitchen to avoid clutter. If you’re going for maximum storage, this is your champion!
FAQs
Let’s clear up some common questions about pantries and their historical counterparts!
What is a larder, and how is it different from a pantry?
Historically, a larder was a cool area specifically for storing food, particularly raw meat, which was “larded” (covered in fat) to preserve it. By the 18th century, a “dry larder” stored items like bread, pastry, milk, butter, or cooked meats. They were designed to be cool, dry, and well-ventilated, often placed on the shady side of the house with unglazed windows covered in mesh to allow air circulation but keep out flies. Meat larders even had hooks for hanging joints of meat. The word “larder” referred to both the office responsible for meat, fish, and jams, and the room itself. In medieval times, the pantry was specifically for bread and bread preparation. Today, many people use the terms “pantry” and “larder” interchangeably, usually referring to a space for storing tinned or dried foods that don’t need refrigeration. The modern refrigerator has largely replaced the cold larder.
What is a scullery?
A scullery’s true definition is “a small kitchen or room at the back of a house used for washing dishes and other dirty household work”. Think of it as a clean-up zone, typically equipped with an extra sink and/or dishwasher. Its purpose is to handle the post-meal mess, keeping your main kitchen pristine.
What’s the difference between a scullery, a dirty kitchen, and a pantry?
These terms might sound similar, but they have distinct functions:
- Scullery: Primarily a clean-up zone for washing and storing dishes. It includes sinks and dishwashers, drying space, and cabinetry for serveware and cleaning supplies.
- Dirty Kitchen: A fully outfitted secondary kitchen used for messy food preparation and cooking, out of sight from the main living areas. It can include refrigerators, ovens, sinks, and dishwashers.
- Butler’s Pantry: Traditionally, a space for the maintenance and storage of dinnerware, fine china, and serveware. It’s where items would be laid out for parties, and it includes ample, often customised, storage. Today, it often includes additional prep areas and appliances.
- Walk-In Pantry: An enclosed space primarily for storing food, dry goods, and small appliances. It is functional for storage and typically does not include plumbing or larger appliances.
What material is best for pantry shelving?
The best materials for pantry shelving are durable and strong, solid wood or stainless steel. While more affordable MDF can work, it may not hold up as well over time.
How deep should your pantry shelves be?
Experts generally recommend that your shelving isn’t deeper than about 12 inches to ensure pantry items don’t get hidden from view and lost. However, you can make deeper shelves work by using risers for canned goods or storage containers of staggered heights, or by installing pull-out drawers.
Does a butler’s pantry add value to a home?
Yes! According to Angi, a butler’s pantry may increase resale value by attracting buyers who frequently entertain and will make extensive use of this extra feature. Converting an existing small room can cost as little as $5,000, while building from scratch might be upwards of $15,000.
Are all butler’s pantries pass-through spaces?
While traditional butler’s pantries connected the kitchen to the dining room, today they often connect to adjunct spaces such as mudrooms, laundry rooms, enclosed pantries, or back kitchens. They can also have pocket or swinging doors for the option to close them off.
The Verdict: Your Perfect Pantry Awaits!
As you can see, from the historical larder to the contemporary slide-out unit, the world of kitchen pantries is incredibly diverse, offering 21 different types of kitchen pantries to consider. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just looking for clever storage hacks, there’s a solution that will make your kitchen life so much smoother.
The ultimate goal of any pantry, regardless of its type, is convenience, visibility, and accessibility. Your pantry should be near your food prep area, allow you to see everything at a glance, and enable you to remove items without having to move everything else around first.
Choosing the right pantry solution depends on your home’s size, your storage needs, and your style. Whether you opt for the expansive storage of a walk-in pantry, the seamless integration of cabinet pantries, or the versatile practicality of pull-out units, investing in smart storage is one of the best ways to enhance your kitchen’s functionality and beauty.
So, go forth and explore the possibilities! Imagine a kitchen where every ingredient has its place, where clutter is a distant memory, and where your inner chef can truly shine. Your perfect pantry isn’t just a dream; it’s a perfectly organised reality waiting to happen!