20 Small Pantry Ideas With Open Shelving To Make Your Kitchen More Organized

This post shows you the best small pantry ideas with open shelving to try today.

My pantry used to be a mess. Finding a spice jar took ages, which made cooking a nightmare.

Frustrated by the chaos, I decided to reorganize my pantry.

First, I replaced the wire racks with custom shelving.

Once the shelves were up, I borrowed ingenious space-saving organization tips from a friend.

Here are 20 small pantry ideas that revamped my pantry and, by extension, kitchen.

Pin it for later! ⤵️

Create a counter space

Counter space acts as additional shelving.

You can place appliances and frequently used items.

You can also use it as an extra worktop to mix spices or run appliances.

Use vacuum-sealed storage containers

Vacuum-sealed storage containers are a popular solution for cereals.

They prevent moisture and air from damaging your food.

Additionally, they’re transparent, adding visual interest and texture to your pantry.

Wrap your pantry in right-angled shelves

Right-angled shelves fill dead corner space.

These shelves, for instance, wrap around this pantry, providing ample storage space.

Use jars, containers, and baskets to maximize these shelves.

Use translucent storage bins

These translucent storage bins let light through, reducing visual clutter.

However, they’re not see-through, so you can store random items that don’t have a specific home.

You can also use them to store small appliances and extra kitchen supplies.

Use clever corner solutions

Lazy Susans are an ingenious way to capitalize on corner space.

These round organizers are perfect for sauces and canned items.

They’re also an excellent way to get to items at the back without messing up your organized shelf.

Incorporate cabinets

Cabinets complement shelves.

They provide a way to hide clutter and reduce the items on your shelf.

Plus, you can use them to hide bulky items and large appliances that won’t fit on your shelf.

Use jars

Jars are a staple in any pantry.

You can use them to store cereals, spices, and dried fruit.

Similar-sized jars emphasize uniformity, while differently-sized jars create visual interest.

Incorporate a white shiplap backdrop

This white shiplap backdrop accentuates the clean lines from the pantry shelves.

Its white color reflects light, making the pantry feel airy and bright.

The lines also add depth to the space.

Don’t let the shelves go up to the ceiling

Stopping short of reaching the ceiling provides ample vertical space above the top shelf.

You can use this for large, less-used items or spare kitchen essentials.

Alternatively, leave it empty to create the illusion of spaciousness.

Delineate your pantry into sections

You can use different storage containers to delineate zones in your pantry.

This pantry, for instance, uses mesh containers for fruits, jars for cereals, and short bins for other items.

Pair up similar containers to create a uniform and aesthetic layout.

Let your shelves reach the ceiling

Floor-to-ceiling shelves let you use your entire pantry.

You can place frequently used items in the middle and bottom shelves and less-used items at the top.

Use pull-out drawers and storage bins to delineate your pantry.

Use rolling bins

Rolling bins let you access items at the back without messing up the front.

They’re an excellent addition to your spice rack and middle shelves.

Additionally, they hide clutter, making your pantry more organized.

Use a dark backdrop

This dark wall accentuates the light wooden shelves and their contents.

It makes the items pop, creating an aesthetically pleasing pantry.

You can further capitalize on it by using brightly colored storage bins.

Incorporate vertical shiplap

Vertical shiplap makes the pantry’s ceiling seem taller.

Consequently, the open shelves don’t look cramped, even if they are.

Take it further by using transparent jars on the shelves to reduce visual clutter.

Find unique shelf organizers

This pantry uses a two-tier shelf organizer for fruits and vegetables.

This organizer maximizes the shelf’s vertical space.

It’s also easily movable, and you can use it to store other items.

Use mesh storage containers

These mesh storage containers are see-through, which removes visual barriers and makes the pantry feel spacious.

You can use them to store similar items and reduce clutter in a small pantry.

Additionally, they’re versatile since you can move them around to match your organization’s style.

Stand out with these wooden containers

These wooden storage boxes are unique.

They’re deep enough to hide visual clutter and versatile enough to move around.

Also, their grain patterns add visual interest.

Hide clutter in baskets

Storage baskets are a popular shelf organizer.

They let you hide clutter, making your pantry neat.

Additionally, their texture and color infuse charm and character into your pantry.

Get stuff off the ground

These cylindrical storage baskets are perfect for bottom shelves.

You can use them to store kitchen essentials, appliances, and other bulky items that would otherwise clutter the bottom shelf.

They also ensure you don’t waste vertical space.

Incorporate square-shaped shelves

These square cubbies provide much-needed space for larger appliances

. Their size limits them to one or two items, ensuring a clutter-free pantry.

Additionally, their central location doubles as a focal point that adds visual interest to the pantry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I maximize space in a small pantry with open shelving?

Maximizing space in a small pantry starts with organizing your items by category.

Use baskets, jars, or bins to group similar items together, such as baking supplies or snacks.

Opt for stackable containers to save vertical space and make it easy to grab what you need without creating clutter.

Consider using the walls or even the inside of the pantry door for additional hooks or shelves for smaller items like spices or utensils.

The goal is to keep everything visible and within reach while maintaining an organized flow.

2. What are the best containers to use on open pantry shelves?

Clear containers are ideal because they allow you to see the contents, helping you quickly find what you need.

Glass jars with airtight lids work great for dry goods like pasta, flour, and sugar.

Baskets or fabric bins can be used for less attractive items while still keeping things organized.

For snacks or grab-and-go items, small trays or bins with labels make it easy for everyone in the family to stay organized.

Choosing uniform containers can also create a cleaner, more cohesive look for your open shelving.

3. How do I keep my open pantry shelves looking tidy?

Regularly decluttering your pantry is essential to keeping it looking tidy.

Start by removing any expired or unused items, and wipe down the shelves to keep them clean.

Group items by category, and keep often-used products at eye level for easy access.

Using matching storage containers or baskets can make everything look visually pleasing, while labels help maintain order.

Make it a habit to reorganize your pantry once every few weeks to ensure it stays neat and functional.

4. Are there any design tips to make open pantry shelves look stylish?

Yes, combining functionality with style is key to making open pantry shelves look appealing.

Stick to a consistent color scheme with your storage containers, jars, and baskets.

You can also add decorative touches like small plants or cookbooks to bring a personal touch to the space.

Incorporating labels that match your kitchen’s aesthetic, such as chalkboard or wooden tags, adds to the cohesive look.

Open shelving gives you the opportunity to showcase your kitchen essentials while maintaining a stylish display.

5. How can I prevent open pantry shelves from looking cluttered?

To prevent clutter, avoid overfilling the shelves and stick to storing only essential items.

Use a combination of containers and baskets to hide any less visually appealing packaging.

Rotate out seasonal or specialty items to make room for everyday staples, and keep similar products grouped together.

Adding labels will help everyone know where things belong, reducing the likelihood of clutter piling up.

Remember, the key to an organized open pantry is maintaining balance between functionality and simplicity.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Kitchen Storage” board.