Have you ever walked into someone’s home and found a kitchen that was so meticulously laid out? A type where everything has a place in the pantry – Every shelf is lined with clearly labeled containers, and every inch has a purpose.
If you haven’t seen it in person, you’ve probably seen it online. After watching so many kitchen organization videos, I’ve been desperate to learn how to create the same effect in my own home.
On my mission to change Pantry design From clutter-free to clutter-free, I asked storage and decluttering experts to share the key things that will make this space look and feel more put together.
1. Clean the container
Clear containers are the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to make your pantry look more polished, especially if you have Walk-in pantry Instead of half-open packets cluttering the design, this simple addition creates a uniform look.
Not only do they look great and help you see exactly where everything is, but by choosing an airtight option (like the one from Amazon below), you’ll also extend the shelf life of your food and keep out unwanted pests, such as The Pantry Mothand the bay.
“My recommendation is to decant everyday dry ingredients into a clear airtight glass container so the contents are visible at a glance,” says Jessica Rose, founder of BE ART. “This creates a cleaner aesthetic and also helps reduce food waste by making it easier to see what you already have.”
Jessica Rose is the founder of British design brand BEKUNST, which combines natural stone and glass to create sculptural luxury storage objects. With a background in business and management and interior design, she is passionate about how thoughtful design can transform everyday routines into moments of calm, organized and intentional living.
Shop our favorite clear containers
These airtight glass jars have silicone lids that help keep food fresh.
Perfect for storing pasta and cereal, these tall jars are made from BPA-free glass with bamboo lids.
2. Labeled categories
It may seem like overkill, but organizing your pantry by category and adding labels will make cooking easier – especially when someone is helping you and isn’t familiar with your kitchen.
“I recommend grouping ingredients by category, such as baking essentials, grains, pastas and snacks, and keeping the most-used items at eye level,” says Jessica Rose.
“Simple additions like labels for oils and spices, tiered shelf organizers and turntables can make a significant difference in both accessibility and day-to-day functionality.”
These pre-printed pantry labels make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
3. Adjustable shelves
Adjustable shelves are a must have in each Think pantry – Especially for those looking to optimize storage in it Small kitchen pantry. Not only can they be removed for easy cleaning, but because they can be moved up and down, they can be tailored to your needs and the items you buy.
“I think this is really overlooked in most planning discussions,” says Justin Brown, a storage expert. Wooden shelves. “I used to be able to fit eight tins on one shelf in my pantry, but with the addition of risers, I now fit 14 tins on one shelf with no cluttered areas or hard to reach places.”
“They double the usable space on a single shelf without any installation, which works especially well for canned goods and spice jars that might otherwise sit in a flat layer.”
Justin Brown is a shelving and storage expert and founder of Timber Shelf, which creates custom solutions for kitchens, pantries and utility spaces. He redesigned his pantry last year using a combination of solid wood shelves and some key organizing products.
Shop adjustable shelves
This versatile shelving unit has adjustable shelves and height, making it custom-fit to your space.
This four-level storage unit ensures that everything is in its place, thanks to its adjustable shelves.
4. Pull-out drawer system
If you’re lucky enough to have a large pantry, it’s worth investing in a pull-out drawer system, as shown in the photo above, to optimize the available space and make everything easy to reach.
“Typical 600mm deep cupboards often have the back third unused because they are too far to comfortably reach. A pull-out system instead brings the entire depth within arm’s reach,” says Justin Brown.
“I made one out of solid oak for my pantry. For me, this is the upgrade that has really made the biggest difference in how the pantry functions day-to-day.”
Pull-out drawer
Featuring three sizes – Small, medium and large – These pull-out drawers utilize the entire cabinet space.
5. Door-mounted shelves
I dream of having a walk-in pantry, but for now, my simple cupboards will have to do. If you’re organizing even a small space, I recommend door-mounted shelves for storing small items like spices.
My multi-tiered rack (like the one below) is conveniently placed in the cupboard under my hob, making it easy to reach my favorite herbs and spices while I’m cooking, rather than letting them get lost in the back of the cupboard.
While I use mine as a spice rack, you can also use it to store salt and pepper shakers, cling film, foil, or any other kitchen essential that you find on a regular basis.
These budget-friendly shelves can be mounted to any door using no-drill adhesive strips or screws (included).
These simple ideas prove that you don’t need a lot of space – Or spend a fortune – To achieve an organized pantry.
For more advice, read our guide How to design a pantry in a small kitchen Or see how our A content director created a built-in pantry for just £350.
