19 Walk-In Pantry Ideas for a More Functional, Organized Space

If you're lucky enough to have a walk-in pantry, you know that keeping it organized and clean is only half the battle. Even with a ton of room, it's still possible to feel like you're running out of storage space and can't find certain items, making it impossible to know what to keep and what to toss. The goal is to have a walk-in pantry space that's organized, designed well, and both functional and stylish. And, thanks to these expert tips, that goal is pretty achievable.

Maximize Shelving and Storage

Whether you are dealing with a walk-in pantry or any other sort of large storage space, you're going to want to maximize shelving and storage. "Use adjustable shelving to fit items of all shapes and sizes, reaching for the stars, or at least the top shelf," says Jane Stoller, productivity and organizing expert, and the author of Decluttering for Dummies. "Add pull-out drawers, wire baskets, or bins for those pesky, small items that always seem to disappear. Don't forget built-in racks for your army of spice jars and canned goods."

Consider Layout

Designing a walk-in pantry involves consideration of various elements to ensure functionality, organization, and aesthetics. "Choose a layout that allows easy movement and access to shelves and items," says Liz Toombs, certified interior decorator with PDR Interiors. Toombs recommends considering U-shaped, L-shaped, or galley layouts based on the available space, and what items you plan to place in the pantry. Some homeowners only store food, while others like to include appliances in their pantry. Sizing is important. "For it to be a good walk-in pantry, a minimum of 5x5 feet is a good starting point," says Toombs.

Keep It Accessible

It is crucial to make the most of your walk-in pantry space by ensuring that everything is easily accessible. "This can be achieved by maximizing visibility and minimizing clutter behind closed doors," says Phillip Thomas, a New York-based interior designer. "Open shelving units on the upper half of the panty allow you to easily see and reach everyday items. They also provide a quick visual inventory of your supplies, which can help with meal planning and grocery shopping," says Thomas who also recommends drawers for the lower half of the pantry for storing items like snacks, or smaller items. "They allow for a clear view of the contents and are easier to access than deep shelves," says Thomas.

To enhance the user-friendliness of your walk-in pantry, try drawers with different depths. This design choice can be very practical. "Shallow drawers are ideal for organizing smaller items such as spices, condiments, or utensils," says Thomas. "They prevent these items from getting lost in the back of deep shelves. Deeper drawers are great for storing larger items like pots, pans, kitchen appliances, or bulk goods." They ensure that these items are readily accessible without having to bend or strain to reach them.

Install Task Lighting

"Proper lighting helps you find that elusive can of tomatoes at the back or the spilled bag of oats," says Stoller. "Install under-cabinet lights or, if you're feeling fancy, motion-activated ones to make your pantry glow." LED strip lights are another good option to consider.

Utilize Clear Containers

"Transparent, airtight containers are like the glass slippers of pantry organizations," says Stoller. "They keep your dry goods fresh and let you see when it's time to replenish. Don't forget to play matchmaker and label them with contents and expiration dates."

Try Zones

Don’t forget to create dedicated zones. Imagine your pantry as a grocery store, and you're the shopper. "Divide it into zones—the baking aisle, the snack corner, the canned goods section, and the spice bazaar. Group similar items together, and you'll save a lot of time," says Stoller.

First In, First Out

Use the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system. "Place the fresh arrivals behind the veterans, ensuring that older items get used first. Remember, even canned goods can get stale," says Stoller.

Create Stations

Stations are always a hit if you have the room. Your walk-in pantry can have its own mini coffee bar or snack bar. "Hang mugs on hooks, install a small shelf for your coffee maker, and let labeled bins house your caffeine collection," says Stoller. "Snack stations are also a hit as they keep grab-and-go goodies in one place, and prevent your pantry from becoming a snack warzone."

Maintenance Matters

Don't neglect regular clean-outs. Pantries are notorious for hiding secrets like expired foods, rogue crumbs, and forgotten treasures. "Avoid your pantry becoming the Bermuda Triangle of your kitchen by dedicating time for monthly or quarterly clean-outs and system assessments," says Stoller. "You never know when a new diet or lifestyle change might inspire a pantry makeover or refresh to align with your new lifestyle."

Consolidate Appliances

When it comes to keeping your pantry tidy, make sure that you only keep the appliances and cooking items you actually use. "This will allow ample space for storing your food," says Jessica Litman, an organization expert and author of Home Sweet Organized Home. "Ask yourself if this item can be replaced with another item you already have. Maybe you have a rice maker and a Crock-Pot. Can you combine the two and use just the Crock-Pot for all your cooking needs?"

Add Liners to Wire Racks

Smooth those wire shelves to make them easier to use for storage and organization. "If you have wire shelves in your walk-in pantry, I suggest using shelf liners to create a smooth surface that is both affordable and beautiful. I prefer the Duck brand liners with Clorox as they provide a smoother surface for things to sit on," says Litman

Include Turntables in the Corners

"Using turntables or lazy Susans in the corner of your walk-in pantry allows items to not get lost behind things," says Litman. "Grab an oversized turntable, line items up on the turntable, and never have a canned good go missing in your pantry again."

Try Shelf Risers

Use shelf risers for canned goods. "If you don't have a corner in your pantry, using shelf risers is a great option for canned items," says Litman. "Find a riser that is large enough for your canned goods and line them up like you would find at a grocery store."

Use Labeling

Label your shelves to stay on top of what you have and where it is. "This sounds silly, but it really does help everyone keep the pantry tidy," says Litman. "Start by grouping like items together based on category. Then label each shelf with a label. When you get items from the store, you can easily put things away without thinking about where they need to be stored."

Add a Catch-all Category

Having one container for your "meal prep" items can be really useful. "This can be for things like taco seasoning or onion dip," says Litman. "Or the small amounts of rice or pasta you have remaining. This container can hold all those items so they don't spill or get lost in your pantry."

Don’t Forget Style

Don’t forget the design on your pantry. "Yes, it’s utilitarian, but it’s still a part of your home and its design," says Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer, Marian Louise Design. "Plus, if it’s cute, it makes you happy to walk in." Think about things like your pantry door design, for instance, maybe choosing a stylish pantry door to hide the contents of your walk-in pantry, or opting for something like pocket doors if space doesn't quite allow for a traditional door.

Add Some Color

Color and brightness changes everything, including a walk-in pantry. "I love to add a pop of color in the pantry with wallpaper, colorful baskets, or antique serving pieces," says Meacham. "Unexpected items like a cute lamp, antique bread cupboard, or fun coffee cups can also add interest to this much-used space."

Install Roll-Out Shelves

Roll-out shelves are the unsung heroes of pantry organization. "These shelves add an element of accessibility, ensuring that no ingredient is left behind in the dark corners of your pantry," says Liz Williamson of Lifestyle Management Co. Doing this is the perfect method for storing items such as canned goods, and a really practical solution for both keeping things looking neat and tidy but also convenient.

Customize Your Shelves

Embrace the power of shelf customization. "Taller shelves for bulk items and shorter shelves for spices and condiments—tailor your pantry to your needs," says Williamson. This personalized approach is a great way to optimize a walk-in pantry space but also help the design to feel a tad more sophisticated.