How to organize your pantry: everything you need to know
Designing modern spaces requires attention and a meticulous design vision, especially when every centimeter counts. The pantry is therefore a strategic area for storing food, utensils, and small appliances. It helps optimize the space, creating a harmonious workflow in which aesthetics and functionality are fully integrated.
Below is a comprehensive guide to planning your pantry and unlocking the full potential of this feature, with practical solutions and thoughtful design insights.
Table of contents
What is a pantry for and what are its ideal dimensions?
In interior design, the pantry is the designated area for storing food supplies, some utensils, and household provisions. It responds to the need to keep everything within reach without overloading the worktop or the main kitchen cabinets.
The ideal size of a pantry is not fixed: a large family will have different needs compared to a couple, but this doesn't mean one must forgo the possibility of a more generous or compact pantry. In fact, beyond its practical function, the pantry is a highly aesthetic element capable of enhancing any living space with its appealing presence.
As for depth, the most common standard for integrated pantry units is around 60 centimeters, aligning with the rest of the kitchen furniture. This measurement strikes a good balance between capacity and accessibility, allowing a substantial quantity of goods to be stored while remaining within easy reach.
Types of pantries
The pantry adapts to the personality of the home and its residents, taking on multiple configurations and helping to define the character of the entire kitchen. Among the more discreet solutions are units that integrate seamlessly into the kitchen layout, featuring well-designed shelving and pull-out systems that offer full access to the interior.
- Pull-out pantry columns
- Built-in cabinets
- Equipped tall units
In larger spaces, or when a dedicated room is available, a separate pantry room offers exceptional convenience. Located adjacent to the kitchen or in another area of the house, this setup allows for the organized storage of food, small appliances, and bulk supplies.
There are also options where visibility becomes the focal point:
- Open pantry with shelves and exposed compartments
- Standalone cabinet
- Custom-built closures for corners or niches in the wall
How to organize the pantry
The first step in organizing your pantry is to use transparent containers. Transferring pasta, rice, cereals, and dried legumes into uniform jars not only protects the food but also allows you to instantly see the remaining quantities and creates a neat, visually pleasing mosaic. Labeling each container helps manage supplies intelligently and reduces waste.
The second step is to group foods by type and by package size. Sorting similar items together—such as canned goods in one area and flour in another—makes retrieval faster and more logical.
The third step involves optimizing the depth with ergonomic solutions that bring contents forward, such as baskets and sliding shelves. Additionally, the back of the door or cabinet panel can be used to hang spices, small utensils, or kitchen aprons.
Smart ideas that make a difference
A well-organized pantry is defined by its thoughtfully planned details. The door opening, for example, is essential: if it opens outward, it may obstruct movement; if inward, it could reduce usable space. A smart alternative is to choose sliding, pocket, or folding doors to facilitate kitchen flow.
Lighting is another key factor. Even a pantry with a window benefits from well-placed artificial light to illuminate every corner and add a refined touch. Air circulation, humidity, and temperature control are equally important to protect food.
Finally, shelf accessibility should be considered. To reach the highest shelves, it is helpful to have a step stool or a ladder on rails.
How to arrange food items
Food arrangement inside the pantry should follow a logical system that combines visibility, ergonomics, and effective inventory management. Items used most frequently should be placed at eye level and within easy reach, while less commonly used goods can occupy harder-to-reach areas:
- Top shelves are ideal for long-life products and rarely used supplies.
- Eye-level shelves should store frequently used items such as pasta, rice, condiments, and spices. This is also the best area for light utensils and small appliances.
- Lower shelves are best for heavier and bulkier goods like water crates or sacks of vegetables.
This layout facilitates easy retrieval without unnecessary effort. To manage expiration dates effectively, new items should be placed behind existing ones, ensuring the older products are used first.
Conclusion
Planning and organizing the pantry is a crucial design phase that helps create a space aligned with daily routines and personal needs. A well-structured interior ensures items are visible, accessible, and easy to identify, simplifying food prep and daily tasks.
A well-designed pantry also becomes a visual feature, decorating the kitchen with its orderly display and curated appearance.
At Berloni, we apply these principles in designing systems that adapt to both large and small environments, evolving over time with your habits. If you're looking for a personalized solution, book an appointment at our Atelier to make the most of your space.
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