28 Pantry Shelving Ideas to Organize Your Stockpile

Pantry shelving that is adapted to your space and your storage needs will help you organize your pantry so that everything is accessible and visible, and nothing will go to waste. Whether you're looking to upgrade an existing storage space with store-bought shelving or plan to build your own pantry shelving, these pantry shelving layout and decor ideas in a range of styles and sizes will inspire you to get your stockpile in order.

Modern Farmhouse Pantry Shelving

Mindy Gayer Design Co. added simple wood shelving painted the same color as the shiplap walls in this modern farmhouse family that is accessed through a door with a glass window and visible from the kitchen. Simple glass jars with wood tops keep pantry items clearly on display and keep the space looking neat and tidy.

Pantry Door Shelving

Adding a pantry door organizer to an existing cabinet or cupboard adds extra storage for spices and other small items, like the built-in pantry door shelving in this space from deVOL Kitchens that is painted in forest green and finished with brass guard rails so nothing falls out.

Free-Standing Pantry Shelving

If you live in an apartment or a house without a pantry, you can create an open pantry using freestanding shelves, like this Scandinavian kitchen from Fantastic Frank. Keeping the decor in black, white, and silver gives the space an industrial farmhouse vibe.

Open Pantry Shelving

Even the most spacious kitchens don't always include designated pantry storage rooms. This light and airy space from deVOL Kitchens created an above-counter pantry using open shelving and a motley assortment of labeled storage jars that give it a homey feel that isn't too calculated. Keeping goods on display makes them easy to find and ensures that nothing will go to waste.

Ceiling-Mounted Pantry Shelving

Kate Marker Interiors added a ceiling-mounted brass shelf to complement the built-in pantry storage wall containing every conceivable type of storage. The decorated shelf fills the blank space on the subway tile wall and is used for decorative glassware and grab-and-go morning coffee mugs and bowls.

Pull-Out Pantry Shelving

A narrow pull-out set of shelving helps optimize every last inch of space in this pantry from Emily Henderson Design.

Mixed Open and Closed Pantry Shelving

Mindy Gayer Design Co. used a mix of open and closed shelving in this pantry. Open shelving is equipped with wire baskets that allow items to be grouped and make them look more decorative than supermarket shelves.

Floor-to-Ceiling Pantry Shelving

Michelle Berwick Design maximized vertical space in this kitchen pantry with floor-to-ceiling shelving that doesn't waste an inch of square footage in the bonus space.

Narrow Pantry Shelving

Most Lovely Things added a mix of shelving to this small pantry space, with free-standing Ikea shelves to house large glass storage jars and narrow custom-built shelving that makes it easy to see and grab items. A chalkboard for keeping a grocery list adds a practical and homey touch for keeping grocery lists in view.

Painted Pantry Shelving

Moody blue paint on the walls, cabinets, and open shelving of this pantry from Emily Henderson Design gives the space an atmospheric feel that mixes well with black countertops and creates a backdrop for a mix of practical and decorative items.

Mini Kitchen Pantry

In a smaller space, turn a spare kitchen drawer into a mini kitchen pantry by storing goods in identically sized Mason jars with glass tops that will allow you to easily see what's inside, like this space from deVOL Kitchens.

Vintage Pantry Shelf

Inspired By Charm added a vintage stained wood wall-mounted shelf for grab-and-go pantry items that complements the built-in shelving.

Bonus Space Pantry Shelving

The countertop and open shelving hidden behind the built-in cabinetry doors in this space from deVOL Kitchens store everything from small appliances to extra tea supplies, and a top shelf that keeps alcohol out of reach of the youngsters.

Two-Tone Pantry Shelving

Pluck Kitchens painted the inside of this royal blue built-in pantry in a contrasting shade of bright yellow that lifts the spirits every time you open the doors.

Butler's Pantry Shelving

Thistlewood Farms added wrap-around U-shaped shelving painted white and stacked with all-white dishware that accommodates a stockpile of items without looking cluttered. Small appliances are stacked on the countertop to create a spot for breakfast prep and using items that aren't located in the main kitchen space.

Open Shelving With Staggered Storage

On an open shelf or a deeper pantry shelf, using a set of storage containers in staggered heights can help keep everything visible, like this pantry shelf from Emily Henderson Design.

Pantry Shelving With Lazy Susans

Neat By Meg added a mix of storage containers—from risers for canned goods to lazy Susans that make it easy to grab condiments—that maximize the corner shelving in this small bright pantry.

Coffee Station Pantry Shelving

Emily Henderson Design created a coffee station in the corner of this pantry with everything the house barista needs, organized within easy reach.

Light and Airy Pantry Shelving

Neat Method NYC installed shelving that starts around counter height and reaches to the ceiling, leaving the bottom half free and clear so that the visible kitchen pantry retains an uncluttered feel.

Pantry Wall

Thistlewood Farms devoted a wall of shallow built-in shelving to a kitchen pantry that is organized by categories and keeps everything easy to find.

Microwave Pantry Shelf

Emily Henderson Design added a designated microwave shelf to this kitchen pantry that can be hidden by retractable cabinet doors.

Small Pull-Out Pantry Shelving

Tight but deep shelving maximizes every inch of this small and narrow kitchen pantry from A Beautiful Mess.

Shallow Pantry Shelving

You can add extra shelving to a rental pantry with a metal door-mounted pantry organizer like this one from Rush Me Home.

LED Lit Pantry Shelving

Immaculate Touch Inc added LED lighting on the underside of the shelving in this closet pantry that gives it a backlit look and makes everything easy to see.

Glass Shelving

This small butler's pantry from My 100-Year-Old Home has built-in cabinetry that houses a large collection of dinner plates, wine glasses, and serving trays. Transparent glass-front doors on upper cabinetry reflect light and keep the compact space from feeling cramped and, inside, glass shelving houses a collection of stemware to host a crowd.

Slide-Out Pantry Shelving

This vintage butler's pantry from My 100-Year-Old Home has curvy wooden shelving that stores a lifetime collection of serving plates.

Baking Pantry Shelving

This baking pantry from A Beautiful Mess has a section devoted to a collection of colorful sugar cookie toppings displayed in glass jars on risers that make everything visible and accessible.

Angled Shelving

This small walk-in pantry from A Beautiful Mess has angled built-in open shelving that aids flow while maneuvering in and out. White wire baskets with wood handles, risers, baskets, and air-tight storage containers keep everything protected but visible. And a coat of blush paint gives the functional space a lift.

What type of shelving is best for a pantry?

The best type of shelving for your pantry depends in part on the size and layout of the pantry, and what you plan to store in it. In a very small pantry, shallow or narrow shelving can save space while keeping everything visible and accessible. In a wide and deep pantry closet, risers for canned goods and storage containers of staggered heights can help keep everything visible so that things don’t get pushed to the back and lost. In a spacious walk-in pantry, you can include multiple types of shelving that are adapted to storage for food, spare cooking equipment, dishware, or whatever else you plan to store. The best materials to use for pantry shelving are durable and strong solid wood or stainless steel, or you can choose more affordable MDF which will do the trick but will not stand up as well over time.

How deep should your pantry shelves be?

Experts generally recommend that your shelving isn’t deeper than about 12 inches so that pantry items don’t get hidden from view and lost. But you can make deeper shelves work by using risers for canned goods or storage containers of staggered heights, or installing pull-out drawers if space allows.

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