10 Cost-Effective Pantry Design and Project Ideas

Key Points:

You can take care of your pantry by first cleaning it.
You can embellish your pantry to make it stylish and appealing by adding decorative tiles.
If you want more space in your pantry, you can remove the old shelving and replace it with a better and more spacious version.
You can set up a storage area for your dry goods by installing a hanging rack.
The best and easiest way to update your pantry is to change the paint color or add new shelves or cabinets.
You can also make your pantry fresher by changing the cabinet doors, most likely the only things left unchanged.
There are various pantry designs out there, and there are also many different ways to make your pantry look stylish and appealing. Some ways are adding new hanging solutions such as hanging chains, hanging a rack, and putting up shelves.

You may have overlooked your pantry. You fail to notice what it has done to you to save your cooking space. As a result, you tend to toss everything in it without considering making it more organized and look good.

An unorganized pantry is not only an eyesore. It is also a nuisance because you only have to go through miscellaneous items to find pepper. Thus, you have to end this.
Do not worry! We have foolproof solutions for you. Dive into these 10 cost-effective pantry designs and projects that will save the day. As always, Simphome presents you with the list.

10 Cost-Effective Pantry designs and Projects Poster

🔊10 Cost-Effective Pantry designs and Projects Video:

List Entries:

10. Pull-Out Pantry for Easy Access

You might think you have organized your pantry nicely because you have put everything in containers. Congratulations! You have made everything tidy.

But then, you will find it challenging when you have to take less-used items that you usually store in the back rows of your pantry. The only way to access them is by taking everything in the front rows, which is tiring and time-consuming. You do not have to do this if you install rollout shelves in your pantry.

These rollout shelves work like drawers. They have slides that allow you to pull them out easily to access the spices or condiments you store in the back rows. That way, you can use your time more efficiently. Even your kids will be able to grab their cereal in no time.

If you think you want to apply this idea, consider the type of slide you will use. Roller slides are usually affordable and easy to install. However, they can only extend three-quarters of their length, and the back of the shelf will stay in the pantry.

Ball-bearing slides may be a good option because they can extend fully, allowing you to have complete access to everything stored on the shelf. Unfortunately, they are not easy to install.

9. A DIY Industrial-Style Pantry Renovation

If you think your pantry is dull and messy, it is time for you to upgrade it. You can begin to take everything out of the pantry to start fresh.

Then, build the cabinet base and frame from 2x4s attached to studs.
After that, create the floating shelves. Now, here comes the fun part.
To create an industrial look, you can use faux brick panels, which are efficient and easy to install.
Then, paint the panels white to create the effect of whitewashed walls.
Next, install gas pipes along the edges of the top frame to hold the ladder.

General instructions:

Step 1: Prepare some isolation tape.
Next, add a level to measure the distance between the studs.
Do this to determine where to place the 2x4s for the cabinet base.
The measurements should be:
– 3″ space on one side of each stud
– 7″ space on the other side of each stud
– 1″ space at every bracket
Step 2: Measure and cut the 2x4s.
Step 4: After cutting, finishing, and sanding all your pieces, including 2x4s and plywood, check again if you have everything cut correctly.
Step 5: Attach 1 “x3” studs along the one side of each bracket by using a nailer. Then, mount two brackets on each end of the 2x4s to hold them securely.
Step 6: Place the brackets on the top frame and mark where to place them. Then, drill 1/2″ holes at every bracket to attach the 2x4s with nails.
Step 7: Attach the shelf to the wall with nails or screws. You can also use finishing nails to fasten and hide the shelf to the 2x4s.

You just have to paint everything and look like an industrial-style pantry!

8. Make Your current pantry more Stand Up

Baking pans, butcher blocks, and trays tend to take up a lot of space because of their length. You can only make them lie on a shelf, which is not practical. However, making them stand up is not possible either. Is it?

Try installing some boards to create partitions on your shelf. This way, you can store your baking pans, trays, and butcher blocks more easily and efficiently.

Relevant details:

You can use 3/4″ plywood or MDF for your partitions. You can also use 1″ x 6″ boards.
A 12″-wide shelf will be enough to accommodate most of the mentioned items.
Install the partitions on a standard shelf or on an island to add more storage space and make your pantry stand up!
You can even add shelf paper to your partitions. It will make the areas between them look polished.

7. Additional Racks Can Change Everything

You might think that a tiny pantry is not enough. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you can arrange everything properly, you will have plenty of space.

First, consider investing in clear containers to store cereal, pasta, flour, etc.
Then, purchase step shelf organizers that allow easy access to the back rows.
Now, where should you put measuring cups and mostly-used spices? Have you tapped into the pantry door? You only need to get some wire racks and attach them to the door.

6. A Hidden Walk-In Pantry

When you step into this kitchen, you may be wondering where the pantry is because all you can see are cabinets.
You might be surprised when you learn that this kitchen features a walk-in pantry.

You only need to open the doors next to the kitchen island, and that’s it!
This walk-in pantry has a unique design. The hidden doorway features the same layout and color as the cabinet and walls, making them flow into one being. No wonder you cannot find the pantry at first because it camouflages perfectly.

Step by Step instructions:

Step 1: Prepare some insulation to fill the sides of the doorway. You can use fiberglass for this task. Now, lay out the plywood on the floor and attach your insulation.
Step 2: Cover the insulation with the door using pocket screws or nails. Next, paint everything to match the main kitchen color.
Step 3: Before installing your cabinets, ensure that you have measured and cut all your pieces correctly!
Step 4: Install crown molding on top of your cabinets and nail it onto wall studs.
Step 5: Next, install the cabinets.
Step 6: Cut a piece of plywood to cover the bottom of your pantry, leaving a two-inch overhang on both sides. Then, attach it using cleats and nails.
Step 7: Install a laminate flooring kit in your new pantry and lay out some molding strips to finish the edges of your worktop.

Congratulations! You just built your very own walk-in pantry!

5. An ideal Storage Alternative for your Food stock

Organizing your pantry is not only about arranging spices and condiments. You will also have to make sure that the food you store is still in good shape. Therefore, choosing the proper containers is essential.

Clear containers are excellent for food storage. This way, you know where to get your cereal. Aside from being transparent, making sure that they are airtight is also important because airtight containers can keep food fresh and hold pests at bay.

Basic instructions:

Step 1: Get some clear containers and label them accordingly. Use stickers, fabric, or just simple labels.
Step 2: Before placing your food in the containers, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any stains. Also, make sure that your food is dry before using any stored items.
Step 3: Store mostly-used items in zippered bags for easy access and convenient storage
Step 4: Smaller items such as tea bags, sugar packets, and coffee grounds can go into trays or containers with lids.
Step 5: Enjoy the fruits of your labor by having a clear pantry where everything has its place!

4. An Efficient Pantry Idea with extra Lazy Susan

This is another innovative solution to reach the back rows of your pantry without taking everything out from the front rows – adding lazy susans. People usually use lazy susans to store their shoes in the closet. Now, you will apply the same idea to your pantry.

It is an easy project. You can even do it yourself, even if you are a complete novice.

You only need to get lazy susan kits.
Then, drill holes in the corner shelves.
After that, install the lazy susans.
Once you have installed lazy susans, you can set down canned food, spices, and others on each disk. The good part is that you can rotate the disks to get what you want easily.

3. A Smart Way to Organize Canned Foods

This can dispenser allows you to store as many canned foods as you wish without taking up the shelves in your pantry.

Do you want to make this can organizer?

You will need 1x3s, 1x2s, and a lot of screws.
You will also have to put a wedge piece at the bottom of each row.
Then, screw in an L-bracket on each wedge so that the can will not fall out on its own.
Finally, attach the organizer to the wall.

Improvement ideas:

You can better organize canned foods by adding labels and clear containers.
You can also use a shelving unit for this project as long as you ensure that it is strong enough to hold all your cans.
Invest in a better adhesive to make everything stick together better.
Purchase an organizer with a magnetic strip to keep cans in place!
Use a piece of fabric to make it look nicer.

2. Don’t Forget the Door

If you do not have much space in your pantry, the door has always been a savior. You will be surprised when knowing what your pantry door can do.

To make use of your pantry door, you need to purchase or build racks.
Then, screw them to the door. It would be better to install a dowel on each rack to prevent the containers from falling.

Lastly, Number 1. Colorful Pantry Makeover

When updating your pantry pops into your mind, do not miss the chance to make it look exquisite. You can make it happen by hanging wallpaper to spark some sort of style in your pantry. You can also do this by displaying colorful appliances or containers.

Another pantry makeover idea you can experiment with is by preparing a necktie rack. You will only need a tie to get your pantry revamped. You can also get creative and make your pantry like a storage closet by adding storage boxes and a shelf support system.

Other instructions you can follow to upgrade your kitchen pantry:

No 1. Prepare some scrap wood to make a doorstop-like shelf. Then, install it in your pantry.
No 2. You can also paint your door with a color found in your kitchen, such as bright red or burgundy.
No 3. Use different organizing systems to organize items of all shapes and sizes: plastic tubs, baskets, drawers, shelves, etc.
No 4. Apply hardwood flooring instead of laminate to add class and elegance to your pantry.
No 5. Add a layer of insulation underneath the floor before installing a layer of flooring. This step will help keep your food fresh and snug during summertime.
No 6. You can also add a light fixture or even a shoe rack!
No 7. Add some artwork, such as framed pictures, for decoration purposes and make your pantry pop!
No 8. Use a pellet stove to keep food warm during the winter and save money.
No 9. Lastly, choose wall and door frames made of hardwood or solid oak.

A happy tummy begins with a happy cook. And a gleeful cook needs a comfortable kitchen to start the day. For this reason, these 10 cost-effective pantry designs and projects will come in handy.

References:

10. Intelligentlabs.org, Familyhandyman.com
9. Hometalk.com
8. Fraicheliving.com
7. Homebnc.com
6. Familyhandyman.com
5. Thespruce.com
4. Decorchick.com
3. Amy-toby.blogspot.com, Budget101.com
2. Designertrapped.com
1. Designertrapped.com