A beautiful pantry isn’t just about hiding groceries—it’s about turning everyday storage into a space you actually enjoy using. I’ve built and refreshed a lot of pantries over the years, and the ones that feel the best always mix smart organization with warm wood details.
Build an Under-Stairs Pantry Nook
An under-stairs pantry is such a satisfying way to reclaim awkward space, especially with custom shelves that follow the slope. I’ve framed out a shallow wall in one before, and it turned dead space into the most talked-about storage spot in the house.
A few things you might like:
- Glass Storage Jars with Lids: Store dry goods beautifully and keep ingredients fresh while adding a cohesive, organized look to open shelves.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Baskets: Corrall loose items or linens in natural textured baskets to keep lower shelves tidy and hide clutter.
- Matte Black Cabinet Pulls: Update existing cabinetry or new builds with sleek hardware for a modern contrast against natural wood finishes.
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Wood Shelving
When I build floor-to-ceiling shelving, I always leave the bottom a little deeper for bulky items and the top tighter for backstock. The first time I went full height, I couldn’t believe how much visual “custom cabinetry” energy it added.
A few helpful options:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize your shelves with natural texture using these sturdy woven baskets, perfect for hiding miscellaneous pantry items.
- Glass Storage Jars: Display your dry goods beautifully while keeping them fresh with clear glass jars featuring airtight lids.
- Wooden Cabinet Knobs: Upgrade your existing cabinetry instantly with simple, classic round knobs that match natural wood finishes seamlessly.
Mix Closed Cabinets With Open Shelves
My favorite “pretty but practical” combo is lower cabinets for chaos and open shelves for the nice-looking jars and baskets. I did this in a pantry makeover and suddenly the room looked styled even on grocery day.
Items that may come in handy:
- Glass Jars with Wood Lids: Display your dry goods elegantly while keeping them fresh and visible on your open pantry shelving.
- Woven Hyacinth Storage Basket: Add natural texture to your shelves and neatly corral smaller items or linens in stylish woven bins.
- Ceramic Serving Bowl: Incorporate functional decor by placing a simple, high-quality ceramic bowl on display for easy access.
Add Pull-Out Drawers for Backstock
I’m obsessed with pull-out pantry drawers because nothing disappears into the back like it does on deep shelves. After building my first set, I realized I’d been “losing” entire bags of rice for years.
Products that could assist:
- Glass Storage Jars with Cork Lids: Upgrade your pantry aesthetics by transferring dry goods into these elegant containers for better visibility and freshness.
- Clear Refrigerator and Pantry Organizers: Keep smaller items sorted within your new drawers using clear bins to prevent clutter and shifting.
- Slide-Out Cabinet Organizer Shelves: Retrofit your existing deep cabinets with rollout shelves to instantly access everything stored in the back.
Tuck Baskets Into the Lower Zone
Woven storage baskets are my go-to for snacks, packets, and random pantry odds and ends. I keep a few identical ones on the bottom shelves so the pantry still looks tidy even when kids—or tired adults—are rummaging.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Large Woven Hyacinth Storage Basket: Corral your pantry essentials effortlessly with this sturdy, textured basket designed to slide neatly into lower shelves.
- Set of Airtight Coffee & Cereal Canisters: Keep bagged goods fresh and tidy by transferring loose items into these sleek, stackable organizational containers.
- Reusable Canvas Produce & Bulk Bags: Organize loose snacks inside your larger baskets using these eco-friendly pouches to separate small items effectively.
Create a Butcher Block Landing Counter
A small butcher block countertop inside the pantry is perfect for unloading groceries and staging meal prep. I’ve built these from glued-up strips before, and the warm wood tone makes the whole pantry feel more “room” than closet.
You might give these a try:
- Maple or Birch Butcher Block Countertop: Instantly add warmth and a durable workspace to your pantry by installing a pre-finished wooden surface.
- Food-Grade Mineral Oil Wood Conditioner: Protect your new surface from drying out and ensure it remains safe for food staging and prep.
- Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets (Black or White): Support your new landing counter securely with sturdy brackets that match the modern farmhouse aesthetic shown.
Back Shelves With Beadboard or Planks
A beadboard backsplash (or simple vertical planks) adds instant charm behind pantry shelves. I’ve nailed up thin boards as a weekend project, and it made even basic shelving look custom.
You might like:
- Peel and Stick Beadboard Wallpaper: Transform your shelves instantly without tools; simply peel and stick for that classic, textured vertical plank look.
- Oak Finish Furniture Paint: Refresh worn backing or match new planks to your shelving unit with a durable, warm oak-toned finish.
- Small Indoor Potted greenery: Break up the wood tones and add life to your beautifully backed shelves with realistic faux decorative plants.
Go Bold With Wallpaper in the Pantry
A pantry is where I’ll happily use bold wallpaper because it’s a small space that can handle big personality. I tried it behind open shelves once, and every time I grabbed pasta it felt like a tiny design moment.
May just do the trick:
- Peel and Stick Botanical Wallpaper: Transform your pantry instantly with a bold, leafy print that creates a stunning backdrop for shelves.
- Freestanding Open Wood Shelving Unit: Display your pretty pantry items on sturdy open shelves that let your new wallpaper shine through.
- Clear & Ceramic Storage Jars: Organize pasta and grains in uniform jars to keep the focus on your beautiful wallpaper backdrop.
Hide Clutter With Simple Cabinet Curtains
When cabinetry isn’t in the budget, I’ve used cabinet curtains to hide appliances and extra supplies, and it still looks sweet and finished. I love how fabric softens all the hard lines of shelves and jars.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Linen Curtain Panel: Soften your pantry space with these textured drapes, perfect for concealing clutter while adding a rustic, natural touch.
- Curtain Tiebacks: Keep your curtains nearly styled and accessible when needed with these simple, functional holdbacks for easy organization.
- Clip Rings for Curtains: Hang your new pantry curtains effortlessly without sewing; these clips make sliding panels open and closed smooth.
Try Glass-Front Upper Cabinets
Glass-front cabinet doors make a pantry feel airy and encourage you to keep things looking neat. I installed a set on a pantry refresh and suddenly my prettiest dishes stopped living in the dark.
A few suggestions:
- Freestanding Oak Display Cabinet: Showcase your favorite dishware and keep your pantry organized with a beautiful, airy wooden display cabinet.
- Glass Jars & Canisters: Store dry goods beautifully inside your cabinet using clear glass storage jars to maintain a tidy aesthetic.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Add natural texture and hide smaller pantry items neatly by placing woven baskets near your cabinet.
Turn a Vintage Cabinet Into a Pantry
When I’m short on square footage, I love using a repurposed furniture pantry like an old hutch or wardrobe for that built-in look without construction. I’ve refinished more than one thrifted piece, and the character it adds beats plain shelving every time.
These products might help:
- Glass Storage Jars with Lids: Display your dry goods elegantly while keeping ingredients fresh and easily visible through cabinet doors.
- Woven Seagrass or Wicker Baskets: Organize loose items on shelves to reduce clutter and add natural texture to your vintage cabinet setup.
- Freestanding Pantry Cabinet or Hutch: Create instant pantry space in any room with a standalone cabinet that mimics a built-in look.
Install Mesh or Slatted Wood Cabinet Doors
For a wow-but-still-practical look, I’ve built pantry fronts with mesh cabinet doors or slatted wood so you get airflow and texture. The first time I tried it, the pantry went from standard to showpiece without changing a single shelf.
A few choices to try:
- Freestanding Tall Slatted Pantry Cabinet: Upgrade your kitchen storage with this standalone unit featuring slatted doors for elegant airflow and organization.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Keep pantry items tidy and stylishly hidden behind your cabinet doors with these natural, textured organizers.
- Decorative Cabinet Door Hardware: Refresh your existing pantry doors easily by installing sleek, modern handles that complement wood finishes flawlessly.
Create a Secret Pantry Panel for Overflow
One of my favorite surprising upgrades is a hidden pantry compartment—like a shallow cabinet panel that blends into trim for overflow snacks or rarely used appliances. I built one into an end wall once, and I still smile every time I pop it open like it’s a little house secret.
Useful items to consider:
- Heavy-Duty Slide Drawer Hardware: Install sturdy slides to ensure your hidden panels or deep drawers glide smoothly, even when fully loaded.
- Clear Acrylic Pantry Bins: Keep your overflow snacks organized and visible inside hidden compartments with these sleek, stackable storage solutions.
- Solid Brass Cabinet Finger Pulls: Add a discreet, elegant touch to your secret panel with minimalist hardware that blends seamlessly into wood.
