8 Brilliant Organizing Ideas From Real-Life Pantries

8 Brilliant Ideas From Real-Life Pantries
|

While some may fantasize about gorgeous kitchen renovations, there's one dream feature that's within reach: An organized pantry. Whether yours is the size of a closet (or just a cabinet), we've rounded up inspiring examples that have one thing in common -- neatness.

Glass jars are always a good idea... Because there's no point in stashing away kitchen staples if you can't see what you're storing in no time at all.

...as are labels. A fantastic way to keep track of your inventory, labels also add an element of uniformity and character in a pretty standard spot.

Baskets are a safe bet when organizing. Whether wire or woven, catch-alls of any kind work to not only store bulkier products but to mask a mild hoarding problem as well.

And hanging anything always helps to carve out more room. Haplessly stacking pots and pans is so yesterday -- try hanging that heftier cookware that tend to get lost in a heap or take up too much room.

Pantries aren't just one-color-fits-all... As much as we love a classic white kitchen, adding a pop of color to the pantry makes a bold statement and gives new life to the entire room.

...and they don't have to be one-size-fits-all. While every homeowner probably dreams of the perfectly organized, walk-in storage center, that may not work in your space or add the element of character you had hoped for. Enter Exhibit A.

The key is making the most of the space you have. And if the open shelving unit doesn't quite do the trick, enter Exhibit B -- the mudroom or kitchen entryway turned into a pantry.

And don't forget the command center. As previously indicated, the kitchen is the quintessential home command center, so if you're looking to enhance this feature, accent the pantry with a chalkboard for grocery lists or menus and decorative elements like aprons and twine.

Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

**

Are you an architect, designer or blogger and would like to get your work seen on HuffPost Home? Reach out to us at homesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com with the subject line "Project submission." (All PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

6 Ways To Fix Your Kitchen In 2 Days
1. Put Up Some Lightweight Curtains(01 of06)
Open Image Modal
Our first order of business involves an easy window treatment. With spring underway, you'll want to let more of that light breeze and sunshine spill into your kitchen, so why not replace heavier fabrics with something airy, like linen or cotton. If you already have a rod installed, just simply slip on the new ones, plug the rod back into the mount and secure the screws. And if you don't already have existing hardware installed, here's a tutorial from eHow that will help you set one up. (credit:Shutterstock)
Paint Your Kitchen Walls(02 of06)
Open Image Modal
Part of what makes painting so tedious is the amount of preparation that goes into the project. But delegating this task to the weekend is efficient, less stressful and an all around strategic plan of attack. But before you start painting, be sure to lay down plastic sheeting or drop cloths to protect your floors, open and mix your paints advance to avoid spills and always work on your walls from the top down. For more useful tips on how to paint a room correctly, check out Do-It-Yourself Network's step-by-step tutorial. (credit:Shutterstock)
Create A Wall Shelf For Cookbooks(03 of06)
Open Image Modal
The wonders of a simple wall shelf never cease to impress us. They break a vast, empty wall; they add character; and, most importantly, they serve as storage without taking up floorspace. Which is why installing a bookshelf in your kitchen is a weekend project worth looking into. We recommend that you use pre-packaged shelves if you'd prefer avoiding using big tools. Ikea's Lack Shelf is one of our favorites. First, make the appropriate measurements to ensure it's aligned properly. Then, install the anchors, followed by the screws and voila, your kitchen shelf is complete. For more detailed information, head over to this awesome YouTube tutorial. (credit:Shutterstock)
Install A Spice Rack(04 of06)
Open Image Modal
Spice racks ought to be a staple in any household kitchen. They're useful, pretty to look at and remind us that salt and pepper aren't the only flavors our dishes should be seasoned with. And with so many different spice racks to choose from, you can virtually install one anywhere. Our favorite is a pull-down version from Rubbermaid. Choose an upper cabinet, placing the rack on the lower shelf, and secure it with a drill. For more information about this particular model, head over to Rubbermaid's assembly instructions. (credit:Shutterstock)
Partition Your Pantry Items Into Separate Containers(05 of06)
Open Image Modal
Pantry items come in all kinds of packages and when we store them away after grocery shopping, it's like playing a game of Tetris to figure out the best way to arrange them. So instead of scouring for your items, partition them in clear containers. Head over to Ikea (or any organization store) and pick some up. You can store cereal, pasta and miscellaneous grains (among other items) for easier access. And make sure to buy air-tight jars--they'll preserve your food longer! (credit:Shutterstock)
Clean Your Oven(06 of06)
Open Image Modal
Yes, we know this is a beast you've been putting off, but what better time to tame it than during the weekend? Cleaning the oven (like all cleaning projects, really) can be a fun experience with the right attitude. So suit up, blast this cleaning playlist we've put together and get to work! And if you want to tackle those oven knobs, here's a good tip that will help you out. (credit:Shutterstock)

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE