Pantry Dimensions: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Your Perfect Pantry

More than 80% of homeowners consider pantries crucial to their kitchen design. When choosing your pantry, consider your budget, available space, and desired style.

By knowing the dimensions of each pantry, you can create a space that elevates your kitchen’s functionality, charm, and elegance.

The Different Types of Pantries and Their Dimensions

We’ve compiled a list of the most popular kitchen pantry styles, together with the advantages of each. When deciding which pantry is right for you, think about creating a space that will flow well with the rest of your kitchen.

Walk-In Pantry: Spacious and Accessible

Walk-in pantries are a spacious storage area within or right next to the kitchen. They are designed for storing food, appliances, and other kitchen essentials. Walk-ins are large enough to walk around in, and feature lots of shelving for easy access and organized storage. They are sought after as the epitome of modern and elegant kitchen design.

Dimensions

Walk-in pantries start at about 5x5 feet at the smallest and expand to 10x10 and beyond. Shelving in walk-in pantries usually ranges from 12 to 16 inches deep. This depth allows for easy access to items without wasting space. We recommend a minimum walkway width of 36 inches to comfortably move within the pantry.

Advantages and Benefits

This type of pantry has many shelving and drawer options to fit your specific needs. It also offers extensive storage for bulk food items, appliances, and cookware. The spacious layout allows for easy organization, making it easier to see what you need.

A walk-in pantry also increases your home’s value due to its high desirability.

Design Tips

• Maximize vertical space- use floor-to-ceiling shelving.
• Optimize shelf depth- shelves that are too deep can cause items to get lost. An ideal depth of 12-16 inches will fit most items, while narrower shelves would be great for canned goods.
• Use lighting- consider undercabinet lighting to make it easier to find items.
• Add a work surface- if space allows, add a countertop for most used items or food prep.
• Incorporate Ergonomics- place items you use most at eye level, with lesser-used items on higher or lower shelves.

Designing your walk-in pantry takes careful consideration of both functionality and aesthetics. If your kitchen space allows for it, a walk-in pantry is a great option that can be tailor-made to your specific lifestyle needs.

Butler’s Pantry: Elegance Meets Utility

This pantry was historically used for storing silverware, china, and other dinnerware. Now, the butler’s pantry is a transitional space between the kitchen and dining area used as a prep area for meals. Modern butler’s pantries may include counters, sinks, storage, and appliances. They offer more prep and cleanup space while hiding kitchen activities from guests.

Dimensions

A butler’s pantry is typically between 4-6 feet wide, with the length varying between 6-10 feet. Shelving and cabinetry are customizable, but usually are around 12-18 inches deep.

Advantages and Benefits

The butler’s pantry can serve as the ideal spot for cleanup and meal prep away from the main kitchen area. This keeps the kitchen clean and tidy during entertaining. Its unique versatility makes the pantry more than a storage and prep area. It can incorporate a coffee bar or even a small home office space.

Design Tips

• Incorporate work surfaces- include plenty of counter space to use as a food prep area.
• Appliance integration- if space allows, include a dishwasher and microwave to boost functionality.
• Efficient layout- ensure a smooth workflow from storage, to prep, to cleanup.
• Display your tableware- use glass front cabinets to show off your beautiful china or glassware.
• Personal touches- add personal touches like your favorite art pieces, hardware, or light fixtures.

By using these design tips, your butler’s pantry will be both practical and stylish. It will be more than a storage area- it will become the highlight of your home. 

Freestanding Pantry: Versatile and Mobile

A freestanding pantry is a standalone piece of furniture designed for kitchen storage. They are versatile and mobile units that can be positioned anywhere in your kitchen.

Dimensions

Freestanding pantries range from about 18 inches to 36 inches wide. The depth varies from 12 inches to 24 inches. Height can vary as well, from about 30 inches (around counter height) up to 84 inches (like tall cabinets).

Advantages and Benefits

The freestanding pantry is ideal for renters, those with limited kitchen space, or those who want to increase their kitchen storage without permanent modifications. They feature a combination of shelves, drawers, and cabinets, perfect for easy access.

Design Tips

• Choose the right proportion- measure your available space and consider the height of the pantry to make sure it fits into your space.
• Match existing décor- ensure your pantry matches your kitchen’s décor. A cohesive look will make it feel like a part of the kitchen, and not as a freestanding structure.
• Consider mobility- some freestanding pantries come with wheels and can move easily. If you like to rearrange your kitchen layout now and then, a mobile pantry is a great option.
• Optimize organization- look for a pantry with adjustable shelves so you can adapt it to your storage needs.
• Use the top of the pantry- often overlooked, this space can be useful. Store infrequently used items in decorative baskets. Decorate with plants, cookbooks, and other pieces that add personality to the space.

It’s important to consider the available space in your kitchen, storage needs, and how the dimensions of the pantry will impact the flow of your space. When designed thoughtfully, it will flow seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen design.

Wall Pantry: Compact and Convenient

A wall pantry is a storage solution with cabinets or shelving units mounted against a wall in the kitchen. It utilizes vertical space to organize and store kitchen supplies. They may come with doors to conceal the items. This type of pantry is ideal for kitchens with limited floor space or for conveniently supplementing existing storage.

Dimensions

Wall pantries vary from 12-36 inches wide. The depth is typically 12-18 inches, and often extends floor to ceiling, from 84-96 inches. Common shelf spacing is around 10-12 inches apart.

Advantages and Benefits

A wall pantry is perfect for compact kitchens. It maximizes the space without requiring a large footprint. They blend well with existing décor, enhancing your kitchen's look without extensive remodeling. They are cost-effective, offering a budget-friendly way to expand your storage capabilities. It’s easy to organize your kitchen items with a wall pantry. You can create zones for baking supplies, spices, and more, ensuring every item has its designated place.

Design Tips

•  ·  Use adjustable shelving- this will customize storage for items of different sizes, allowing for greater flexibility.     
• Install doors- Consider adding doors to your wall pantry to keep the kitchen looking tidy and to protect stored items from dust and light.
• Opt for modular pantries- Choose modular shelving for a versatile solution that grows with you.
• Use the inside of pantry doors- Equip the inside of the pantry doors with racks or shallow shelves for extra storage.
• Add a pull-out workspace- If space allows, consider a pull-out counter or cutting board within the pantry for hidden prep space.

A wall pantry uses vertical space for extra storage, keeping kitchens clutter-free. Its customizable design matches any kitchen aesthetic, making organization simple and stylish.

Slide-Out Pantry: Sleek and Space-Saving

A slide-out pantry is a narrow, tall storage solution that fits into small spaces in the kitchen, like between appliances or cabinets. It has shelving or racks mounted on runners or wheels, allowing it to slide in and out. This design provides accessible storage for items like spices, canned goods, and other pantry essentials.

Dimensions

The width of a slide-out pantry is typically 4-12 inches, while the depth ranges from 18-24 inches, aligning with standard cabinet depths. The height varies greatly but is usually 48-84 inches. 

Advantages and Benefits

A slide-out pantry uses narrow spaces between appliances and cabinetry. It allows all the pantry items to be easily reached and neatly arranged. Slide-out pantries can integrate into existing cabinetry, hiding the pantry until it is in use.

Design Tips

• Uniform containers- Use the same style containers for dry goods to create a cohesive and organized look. Clear containers help in identifying contents and keep the pantry looking tidy.
• Use dividers- Incorporate dividers, baskets, and organizers to keep smaller items and packets neatly grouped.
• Under-shelf baskets- consider under-shelf baskets that slide in easily under the pantry shelf for more storage.
• Label everything- Apply labels to shelves, containers, and baskets for easy identification. This not only aids in quick access but also helps in maintaining order within the pantry.
• Secure mounting- Ensure that the slide-out mechanism is securely mounted and can support the weight of the pantry’s contents.

Although the pull-out pantry is a compact space, you can maximize its use with a smart and efficient design. By arranging the shelves to fit your items and labeling items, your pull-out pantry will be as beautiful as the rest of your cabinetry.

Open-Shelf Pantry: Stylish, Easy Access

An open-shelf pantry uses exposed shelving to organize and display kitchen essentials, and pantry items. Unlike traditional closed cabinetry or walk-in pantries with doors, open shelving keeps items visible and easily accessible. This fosters an airy and spacious feel in the kitchen. This type of pantry encourages organization, making it simple to inventory and retrieve items as needed.

Dimensions

The width of an open-shelf pantry ranges from 24-36 inches. The depth varies between 12-16 inches, which is large enough to store most kitchen items. The height between shelves is usually 12-18 inches, allowing for storage of tall items.

Advantages and Benefits

An open-shelf pantry enhances accessibility and visibility by keeping essentials within easy reach. You can showcase decorative items on the shelves, enhancing the kitchen’s ambiance. It is space-efficient, cost-effective, and has great customization abilities.

Design Tips

• Use decorative containers and baskets- this will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your pantry.
• Add a pop of color- paint the shelves in a bold color to infuse personality into your space.
• Use varied shelf heights- this can accommodate items of different sizes for visual interest.
• Create themed sections- organize your pantry into zones, like baking supplies and snack stations.
• Dedicate a shelf for art or personal décor- add personal touches like your favorite pieces of art for added charm.

An open-shelf pantry showcases your beautiful décor while housing your essential pantry items. Its practical, space-saving design is great for small kitchens.

What Not to Store in Your Pantry

It's important to know that not everything belongs in your kitchen pantry. Fresh produce, opened condiments, and highly perishable items like dairy should go in the fridge. Medications and vitamins need a cool, dry spot away from food. Pet food, oils, nuts, and bulk grains are better off in airtight containers to keep them fresh and pest-free.

 Avoid storing strong-smelling foods, cleaning chemicals, and open wine in the pantry to prevent spoilage and contamination. By storing these items outside the pantry, you'll keep your kitchen organized and your food safe.

Look at the sizes, benefits, and design options of every pantry before selecting the one for your kitchen. Knowing how much space you have and what you need to store helps you decide which pantry fits best, whether it's a versatile freestanding unit or a built-in that blends with your decor. By considering these factors, you can enhance your kitchen's functionality and style, making it both practical and beautiful.

Reach out to your local dealer to start designing the perfect pantry for your kitchen.