10 Small Kitchen Pass Through Ideas: Clever Ways to Transform a Small Kitchen Pass Through for Style and FunctionElena HartwellSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Add a Slim Breakfast Bar2. Frame It with Wood or Metal3. Install Bi-Fold Shutters4. Glass Shelving Across the Opening5. Go for a Serving Hatch Style6. Integrate a Wine Rack7. Pair It with Pendant Lighting8. Use Sliding Glass Windows9. Add Hidden Storage Below10. Combine it with Open ShelvingFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client asked me to design a pass through so wide it practically became another room — which totally defeated the point in her tiny galley kitchen. That’s when I realized: pass throughs in small kitchens are not just about opening a wall, they’re about opening possibilities. And trust me, small spaces can push your creativity way more than a huge open-plan home ever will. Today, I’ll share 10 small kitchen pass through ideas that I’ve used in real projects, blending beauty with everyday function.1. Add a Slim Breakfast BarA countertop that extends slightly into the next room turns your pass through into a casual dining spot. I once used room planner software to find the perfect overhang so stools tucked under without blocking walkways. The magic is in balancing depth with elbow room.save pin2. Frame It with Wood or MetalAdding a trim or frame around your pass through creates a more intentional design element. Wood warms up the look, while metal can feel industrial chic. But be warned — bold frames can visually shrink the opening, so keep proportions in mind.save pin3. Install Bi-Fold ShuttersThese are practical if you sometimes want to close off the kitchen, but keep it airy most of the time. Great for messy cooks (including me on pasta night) who want to hide chaos without sealing themselves away.save pin4. Glass Shelving Across the OpeningI’ve added slim glass shelves inside a pass through for display and storage. It keeps the line of sight open while giving a home to plants or pretty dishware. Just make sure the shelves are deep enough to be useful but not so deep they visually clutter.save pin5. Go for a Serving Hatch StyleThis nod to vintage design works beautifully in retro-inspired homes. It’s perfect for passing drinks and snacks without creating a full visual connection between spaces.save pin6. Integrate a Wine RackOne couple I worked with wanted a bar feel, so we built a slim wine rack right into the pass through base. Planning it with a free floor plan creator helped ensure the bottles fit snugly while keeping the area stylish.save pin7. Pair It with Pendant LightingHanging small-scale pendants above the pass through not only provides task lighting but also visually marks the space as special. Just avoid oversized shades that overpower the opening.save pin8. Use Sliding Glass WindowsThis works wonders for kitchens that connect to outdoor dining spaces. You can completely open it for serving or keep it shut for weather control. The sleek motion is also fun — I’m guilty of sliding it back and forth just because.save pin9. Add Hidden Storage BelowUnderneath the pass through counter, consider adding slim cabinets or pull-out drawers. I’ve tucked away baking trays and extra spices this way in tiny kitchens where every inch matters.save pin10. Combine it with Open ShelvingPairing open shelves with your pass through adds vertical storage and draws the eye upward, making a small kitchen feel taller. I recently used a kitchen layout planner to align shelf heights perfectly with the window ledge for a clean, built-in look.save pinFAQ1. What is the main purpose of a kitchen pass through?It’s designed to make serving food and interacting between rooms easier, while allowing light to flow through small spaces.2. Can a pass through make a small kitchen feel bigger?Yes, by opening part of a wall, you create visual continuity and increase natural light exposure.3. How wide should a small kitchen pass through be?Typically 3–4 feet works well, as this allows usability without compromising wall stability.4. What materials work best for framing a pass through?Wood for warmth, metal for modern edge, or drywall for a seamless look. The choice depends on your overall style.5. Is it expensive to add a kitchen pass through?Costs vary, but simple drywall and trim work are usually affordable compared to full wall removal.6. Can you put cabinets above a pass through?Yes, slim or glass-front cabinets keep storage without blocking light — a trick I’ve used in several compact kitchens.7. Does a pass through work in an open-plan home?It can, especially if you want a partial division between cooking and living areas.8. Where can I find inspiration for designing my kitchen pass through?Look at design magazines, Pinterest boards, and professional portfolios; Architectural Digest offers some great visual references.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