20 Small Pantry Shelving Ideas For Creating A Clutter-free And Efficient Kitchen Space

This post shows you the best small pantry shelving ideas.

Have you ever entered a pantry and wondered how the owner managed to find anything?

This happens to me a lot, especially when I visit a small pantry.

This is because pantries usually store a lot of things, from cutlery to food condiments.

If not organized carefully, a pantry can look more like a cluster than a storage area.

So here are 20 small pantry ideas that will help you optimize the available space in your kitchen.

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Baskets on the shelves

If you are looking for an organized space-saving idea in your pantry, this might be ideal for you.

Place several baskets on the shelves and put various things of the same purpose in each basket.

Use adjustable shelves

A small pantry can be left with a very small space after the shelves are built.

Adjustable shelves can come in handy in such a situation.

Place the adjustable shelves in any idle space to optimize the available space.

Incorporate a butcher block

A butcher block is a flat wooden surface.

The butcher block has more space than regular shelves since it has no partitions.

After installing two rows of shelves, install a butcher block on a lower level, which can be used for storage or as a space to accommodate more stuff.

Arrange products categorically

This means that you should arrange spices in one area and cereals in a different place, yet together.

This reduces the illusion of clustering. It also helps a person easily spot what they are looking for.

You can also place items that are used more frequently within close reach.

Utilize corner spaces

Corner spaces are often neglected, yet they can be used to create space for a pantry.

You can utilize the corner spaces fully by ensuring the shelves reach up to the corner rather than only being in the middle of the wall.

Label and pile containers

If you are using containers in your pantry, this idea might be a perfect space-saving technique.

Label containers with stickers indicating what each contains.

This makes them very easy to find. Small containers can be piled on top of each other to save space.

Countertops

Countertops in a small pantry can seem like a waste of space.

However, the open space can accommodate anything from baskets and containers to kitchen appliances such as a blender.

Install the countertops on a low, accessible level after, say, three rows of regular shelves.

Labeled deep bins on the shelves

If you want to use the space on your shelves optimally while still being organized, this idea might be ideal for you.

Deep bins can hold a handful of things, making them easily traceable.

Place a few deep bins on the shelves, label them, and put similar things in each bin.

Add shelves in vertical spaces

Vertical spaces are often neglected in many rooms, not only the pantry.

To ensure you use all the space available, you can install shelves on the vertical space, even if the columns are not many.

Install shelves on the doors

This idea can be implemented in the case of a walk-in pantry.

It involves installing a few rows of shelves on the inside of the doors of the walk-in pantry.

Since the doors are two and they can be locked, this addition can be very useful.

Try styled shelves

Styled shelves are shelves that are not square or rectangular, just like normal shelves.

You can install shelves that have, say, an X shape.

A styled shelf can be used to store drinks, and it can accommodate more than the regular shelf.

Drawers

You can incorporate drawers in the last two bottom rows of the shelves.

Drawers are very space-saving since they can be packed with a lot of things that will still fit and not spill over compared to the regular shelves.

Corner shelves

Instead of building straight rows around the corner, you can install shelves.

Corner shelves are installed by placing a piece of wood at 45 degrees, covering the corner.

This idea ensures the corner space is fully utilized.

Rectangular metallic organizers

Metallic organizers are also a form of space-saving on your shelf.

Adding one or two rectangular metallic organizers in one row can help you put similar items together in one place, and it has the advantage of being transparent, so you can spot your items easily.

Multiple row and column shelves

The more rows and columns, the more space.

If you use small storage equipment, you can utilize and save lots of space using this technique.

Even if the shelves are small in size, they are many, so they can accommodate a lot.

Place everything in baskets

This idea only enables the storage of items in baskets, not individually on the shelves.

Place at least four baskets on each row and categorically place your items.

If you want your pantry to look clutter-free, then this idea might be perfect for you.

Use rows only

Install shelves that only have row partitioning.

This allows you to store your items all across the shelves, which gives the illusion of a raised countertop due to the large and free space it provides.

Small column partitioning

Traditional shelves have similar row and column partitioning.

This means the full piece of wood used to create one row is the same piece of wood used to create one column, hence creating perfect rectangular shapes.

Install rows and use small pieces of wood to separate columns.

Place items towards the front of the shelves

Even though space is limited, do not place items at the back of the shelves to occupy almost all the space.

This technique makes the pantry seem cluttered.

To avoid this, place all the items in an orderly manner, close to the front section of the shelves.

Explore a pull-out pantry

A pull-out pantry is a shelf that can slide in and out just like a drawer.

It is very space-saving since it does not occupy much space. It can be slid back in after use, unlike regular shelves that cannot be adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of shelving are best for a small pantry to maximize space?

For small pantries, adjustable and floating shelves are lifesavers! Adjustable shelves let you customize the space depending on the height of your items, which is perfect for fitting everything from tall cereal boxes to shorter jars.

Floating shelves are sleek and keep things visually uncluttered.

Wire shelves are another great option—they allow airflow, are easy to clean, and can be paired with baskets for a stylish yet functional look.

Opt for tiered shelves to create more levels and easily see everything at a glance.

2. How can I organize my small pantry shelves for easy access and a clutter-free look?

To keep your pantry shelves organized and clutter-free, start by grouping similar items together—think categories like baking supplies, snacks, or canned goods.

Use labeled baskets or bins to keep loose items corralled and tidy, which also makes it easy to find what you need.

Clear, stackable containers are a game-changer for dry goods like flour, pasta, and grains.

Try placing everyday essentials at eye level, while rarely-used items can be stored higher up.

A tiered shelf organizer is perfect for spices or smaller jars so nothing gets lost in the back!

3. What are some budget-friendly pantry shelving ideas for small spaces?

You don’t have to splurge to create efficient pantry shelving! One affordable option is to use tension rods as dividers—they can hold cutting boards, baking sheets, or even stackable baskets.

Look for stackable wire shelving units or plastic risers that are both budget-friendly and instantly add more space between shelves.

Repurpose magazine holders to store canned goods or packets upright, keeping them organized and easy to grab.

You can also find affordable peel-and-stick hooks to hang lightweight items, like utensils or small baskets, on the side of pantry shelves.

4. How can I add more shelving to a small pantry without making it feel cramped?

To add shelving without cramping your pantry, think vertical and make use of every available inch! Install narrow floating shelves or small corner shelves for storing smaller items like jars, spices, or mugs.

If the space above your door is free, add a shelf to store less-used items like bulk goods or party supplies.

Using pull-out or sliding shelves allows you to tuck away items neatly, but they can still be easily accessed when needed.

For the back of the pantry door, over-the-door shelving is perfect for lightweight storage that doesn’t take up floor space.

5. How can I make my pantry shelves look Pinterest-worthy while staying functional?

To make your pantry shelves both functional and Pinterest-worthy, focus on uniformity and aesthetics.

Start by investing in matching storage containers, especially clear ones, so you can see exactly what you have while keeping a cohesive look.

Labels are a must—they not only help with organization but add that curated, polished touch.

For a stylish twist, use natural materials like wicker or wire baskets to store loose items.

Finally, keep your most-used items in easy reach, but create a display-like arrangement by adding a mix of heights and textures for that beautiful, yet practical, look.

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