10 Clever Kitchen Pantry Design Ideas: Creative solutions from my 10+ years transforming small kitchens into organized perfectionMarla GreeneJan 20, 2026Table of ContentsIdea 1 Slim Pull-Out CabinetsIdea 2 Glass Jar Display ShelvesIdea 3 Door-Mounted RacksIdea 4 Vertical Basket SystemIdea 5 Rolling Pantry CartsIdea 6 Hidden Under-Stair PantryIdea 7 Lighting Within ShelvesIdea 8 Open Pantry WallIdea 9 Corner Carousel ShelvingIdea 10 Pantry Above Counter LevelFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI still remember one client who insisted her pantry must hide at least 50 jars of homemade jam — in a studio apartment kitchen the size of a walk-in closet! That project taught me two things: creativity beats square footage, and pantries can be beautiful even in the tiniest spaces. In this post, I’ll share my top 10 kitchen pantry design ideas, all drawn from real projects, where small space inspired big creativity. (And yes, we found a spot for all her jams!) If you want to visualize ideas quickly, tools like kitchen layout planner have saved me countless hours in the planning stage.Idea 1: Slim Pull-Out CabinetsThese are lifesavers in narrow kitchens. Between your fridge and wall, a 6-inch-wide pull-out can store spices, oils, and snacks. The best part? You won’t lose items to the dark back corners. Installation requires precision, and custom builds can add cost, but the space gained is worth every penny.save pinIdea 2: Glass Jar Display ShelvesClear glass jars make your pantry look like a boutique shop and help you instantly see what’s running low. I’ve used them in both rustic and modern kitchens. Just be mindful — they need regular cleaning to stay Instagram-ready.save pinIdea 3: Door-Mounted RacksDouble the storage by using the inside of your pantry door. Perfect for spices, foil, or cleaning supplies. While budget-friendly, tall items can get in the way of door closure, so measure carefully.save pinIdea 4: Vertical Basket SystemFloor-to-ceiling baskets are great for potatoes, onions, and snacks. They let things breathe and keep a casual look. In tight spaces, this approach can replace an entire cabinet, especially when using smart 3D mockups from a free floor plan creator to fine-tune placement before installing.save pinIdea 5: Rolling Pantry CartsA rolling cart can be tucked into an unused corner or even a hallway. I used one in a micro-apartment where the kitchen and living room shared space — it became part of the decor.save pinIdea 6: Hidden Under-Stair PantryIn one remodel, we turned the space under a staircase into a pantry with staggered shelves. It’s a conversation starter and maximizes awkwardly-shaped zones. The challenge is the custom carpentry, but the result is one-of-a-kind storage.save pinIdea 7: Lighting Within ShelvesLED strips under pantry shelves make food labels easy to read and add a cozy glow. It’s an often-overlooked detail that changes the mood completely. Just remember to pick lights with a high CRI so food colors stay true.save pinIdea 8: Open Pantry WallRemoving doors for an open shelving system makes your kitchen feel bigger. Styling matters here; messy shelves can ruin the effect. I recommend grouping items in matching containers, something I’ve prototyped with clients using a 3d floor planner to get the proportions right.save pinIdea 9: Corner Carousel ShelvingThose deep kitchen corners can swallow items forever. A rotating carousel brings everything within reach. It’s slightly less space-efficient than fixed shelves but far easier on the back.save pinIdea 10: Pantry Above Counter LevelInstead of the traditional below-counter base cabinets, consider placing a small pantry cabinet above counter height. It keeps essentials at eye level and leaves space below for appliances.save pinFAQ1. What is the best kitchen pantry design for small kitchens?Pull-out cabinets and door-mounted racks are great space savers without major remodeling.2. How deep should a pantry shelf be?Ideally 12–16 inches for most foods, according to NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) guidelines.3. Can I put a pantry in my hallway?Yes, with rolling carts or slim cabinets — just ensure easy access and ventilation.4. Are open pantries practical?They can be if you maintain order; use matching jars and containers to keep things cohesive.5. How do I add lighting to a pantry?LED strip lights under shelves are simple to install and energy efficient.6. What’s a budget-friendly pantry design?Door racks, repurposed bookshelves, and second-hand cabinets are cost-effective options.7. Can I combine pantry and laundry space?Yes, just separate food storage from laundry detergents for safety and hygiene.8. How can I plan my pantry layout online?You can use design tools like the kitchen layout planner to visualize it before committing to changes.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE