In a compact kitchen, storage can often feel like a bit of a negotiation. Worktops get cluttered, cupboards overflow, and the idea of squeezing in a pantry can seem wildly optimistic. But the truth is, a pantry doesn’t have to be a grand, walk-in room to earn its keep. In fact, some of the hardest-working pantries are hidden behind slim doors, tucked into awkward corners or built into the main kitchen run.
With thoughtful planning, a small kitchen pantry is definitely achievable. From tall, pull-out larders and concealed breakfast stations to clever shelving that works with how you actually cook, these must-have features are all about doing more with less.
Below, kitchen designers share their smartest small kitchen pantry ideas, proving that even the most compact spaces can accommodate storage that’s both practical and beautifully considered.
1. Design a small pantry around daily habits, not aesthetics
When planning a pantry in a small kitchen, it’s tempting to focus on how much you can store, but how you actually use the space matters far more. According to David Blako, CMO at Wren Kitchens, this is where many designs fall short.
“A common issue with small pantries is that they’re planned around how much they can hold, rather than how people actually shop, cook and restock,” he says. “This often results in awkward layouts where frequently used items are hard to reach, while less useful things take up prime space.”
David recommends designing with real routines in mind: “Keep daily essentials at arm’s height, place heavier items lower down, and reserve higher shelves for bulk or backup goods. When the layout reflects how the space is used, organisation becomes much easier to maintain.”
That sentiment is echoed by Mike Biddulph, founder of Goldfinch Furniture: “Take time to define exactly what you need from your pantry before you buy or design it,” he recommends. “We ask our clients questions like, ‘Is it just for kitchen storage? Only dry goods? Mops and brooms? Do you want a small prep surface?’ There are so many options, it’s easy to end up with one that doesn’t fit what you actually need.”
If there’s one takeaway Mike stresses, it's don’t rush the planning stage. “If in doubt, plan, plan and plan again,” he advises. “The biggest mistake is designing a pantry around a beautiful image rather than real-life use. In a small pantry space, every shelf and pull-out needs a purpose.”
Top tip: Design from the inside out. “Start with your habits and what you'll be storing – dry goods, appliances, cleaning items, a breakfast setup – then build the internal layout around those needs while still achieving the look you want," says Mike.
David Balko brings over 25 years of brand, design and client-side experience to his role as CMO at Wren Kitchens. With deep knowledge of kitchen retail, production and omnichannel strategy, he helps bring functional, aspirational kitchens to real homes.
Mike Biddulph is the founder of Goldfinch Furniture, where he combines bespoke kitchen craftsmanship with social purpose – training young apprentices and championing ethical, made-in-Britain design.
2. Integrate a small pantry into your main kitchen run
Pantries tend to work best when they’re fully integrated into the existing kitchen layout, rather than added on as a separate feature. According to Mike Biddulph, this approach can actually make a kitchen feel more spacious overall.
“In a small kitchen, it can be easy to assume that including a pantry cupboard is an inefficient use of space. However, opting for a slim pantry with internal pull-outs or drawers maximises storage while keeping circulation space clear," he explains.
While this may mean sacrificing a small section of kitchen worktop, Mike believes the trade-off is often worth it. “That space is often where everyday clutter accumulates,” he says. “By relocating those items into a dedicated small pantry zone, you gain a cleaner, more functional workspace. The result is a kitchen that feels calmer, more efficient, and – counterintuitively – more spacious.”
3. Keep a small pantry close to the action
Emily Newmarch, design consultant at Kitchens by Holloways says that getting the location of your pantry right is the key its success: “In a small kitchen, the smartest way to introduce a small pantry zone is to think creatively about proximity and flow rather than size,” she explains. “It doesn’t need to be a full walk-in pantry to be effective.”
She suggests looking beyond traditional setups: “Step-in pantries, corner pantries, under-stair storage or well-designed breakfast cupboards can all deliver the same functional benefits without sacrificing worktop space or circulation. The key is ensuring your small pantry sits close to the main kitchen so it supports daily use, and that its layout is tailored to what will actually be stored.”
Emily is a design consultant at Kitchens by Holloways, a design-and-build company specialising in bespoke kitchens, carefully planned interiors and home extensions.
3. Choose a tall, slim pantry to maximise vertical space
When floor space is limited, going vertical is often the smartest move. “A tall, slim pantry is a smart solution for compact kitchens,” says Ali Nash, kitchen designer at Tom Howley.
With thoughtful internal planning, these small pantry ideas can take on much more than you might expect. “Chopping boards and spice jars are often left on the worktop, but they can all be stored neatly out of sight, freeing up precious counter space,” Ali explains.
He adds that bespoke interiors can make all the difference. “These tall units can be tailored to your exact needs – from integrated knife blocks and clever pull-outs that reveal two drawers in one, to spice racks built into pantry doors or drawers. For added convenience, a hidden tech drawer allows phones and tablets to charge out of sight while you cook.”
Ali Nash is a senior kitchen designer at Tom Howley’s Beaconsfield showroom, with over 12 years of experience in kitchen design. In 2025, he was named Tom Howley’s Kitchen Designer of the Year, recognising his consistently high standard of work.
4. Opt for pull-out larders for full visibility
If you’re worried a tall pantry might feel too dominant in a small kitchen, pull-out designs offer a flexible alternative.
“Pull-out larder drawers and swing-out tall larder cupboards are designed to maximise vertical storage while keeping everything accessible when you open the door,” explains David Blako from Wren Kitchens. “So if a full-height unit feels too imposing, a pull-out pantry tower can be a far more adaptable option."
These designs are also surprisingly versatile. David notes that they’re available in a wide range of widths, with some as narrow as 30cm – roughly the width of a toaster – and even slimmer base-unit pull-outs measuring just 15cm, making them suitable for almost any layout.
Pull-out drawers aren’t just for bespoke small pantry units, either. Many freestanding designs and standard cupboards can be upgraded with internal pull-outs, making them easier to organise and far more user-friendly.
5. Use lighting to make small pantries feel bigger
Lighting can completely change your small pantry ideas for the better. In smaller or enclosed spaces, poor lighting can make even the best storage feel awkward and overlooked. “Sensor lighting ensures the space is functional without feeling dark or forgotten,” explains Emily Newmarch, which is particularly important in windowless pantries or tall cupboards where shelves can quickly disappear into shadow.
Layered lighting is especially effective. Adding subtle accent lighting in a kitchen or discreet shelf lighting makes it easier to see what you have at a glance, while also giving your pantry a more 'polished' feel.
This modular LED strip kit is ideal for pantry lighting, offering bright, low-energy illumination that can be tailored to shelves and cupboards, making contents easy to see while remaining quick and simple to install.
6. Add storage to the inside of a small pantry door
It’s often the subtle details that make the biggest difference to your kitchen design. For example, making use of the inside of pantry doors doesn’t require any extra space but it can instantly improve how hard the pantry works for you.
“If space allows, installing shallow shelves on the inside of pantry doors for frequently used items can be a smart move,” says Mike Biddulph. While this approach may slightly reduce the depth of pull-out drawers, he notes that “the gain in day-to-day convenience is often worth it, especially for items you reach for constantly, such as spices, oils or snacks."
This wall-mounted spice rack includes four individual 28 cm racks, providing ample storage space for a large spice and herb collection.
This storage rack features adjustable basket spacing to accommodate items of different heights and it can be hung on the door or mounted on the wall.
7. Make the most of shallow pantry shelves
When space is limited, the proportions of your shelving become just as important as the amount of storage itself. “In compact pantries, shelving works best when it’s shallow enough to keep jars, tins and packets visible, but deep enough to store boxed goods without wasted space,” explains David Blako. “Overly deep shelves can quickly become impractical.
Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport,agrees, adding that mixing shelf types is often more effective than a uniform layout. “Instead of defaulting to identical shelving throughout, the internal design should reflect how a household shops, cooks and stores food,” he says. “That might mean shallower shelves for jars and spices, door racks for frequently used items, and deeper sections reserved for bottles or bulkier goods."
Richard Davonport is a luxury cabinetmaker and designer, and the founder and Managing Director of kitchen specialists Davonport. Renowned for his craftsmanship-led approach, he is known for creating beautifully detailed kitchens that balance traditional techniques with modern functionality.
8. Convert awkward or unexpected spaces into pantry zones
When square footage is tight, it pays to look at your kitchen with fresh eyes. Steve Larkin, CEO of Kitchen Door Hub, suggests rethinking overlooked areas that could easily become pantry space:
“Alcoves are a great place to start,” he explains. “If you have an alcove that doesn’t currently serve a purpose, it can be converted into a pantry. Custom-built shelves or drawers can help make the most of these awkward shapes.”
Other options include installing floor-to-ceiling shelving to maximise vertical space, converting an unused cupboard into a pantry with added shelves or hooks, or even removing doors altogether for an open, accessible feel.
For renters or those after flexibility, Steve say "a wheeled cart can double as a mini pantry and be moved when needed, keeping essentials close at hand without taking up permanent space.”
Steve Larkin is the co-founder and CEO of Kitchen Door Hub with years of experience in kitchen design, carpentry and fitting. Kitchen Door Hub are passionate about helping homeowners craft their dream spaces and is with them for every step of their renovation journey.
Keep your pantry essentials neatly organised with this convenient and compact rolling trolley, featuring three spacious tiers, each with a 3kg capacity.
This roller-shutter cabinet features two height-adjustable shelves and can be wall-mounted or stand on a surface to offer additional storage.
9. Embrace a freestanding small pantry design
In certain layouts, a freestanding pantry can be a smart – and often overlooked – design choice. Rather than treating a pantry as a separate room, thinking of it as a standalone piece of cabinetry can make it far easier to incorporate into a smaller kitchen.
"Designed as a tall cupboard, a freestanding pantry can slot neatly into an awkward corner or an unused stretch of wall, creating highly practical storage without increasing the footprint of the kitchen,” explains Richard Davonport.
It’s also a surprisingly generous option. “These pantries are often deeper and more accommodating than standard units,” he adds, “allowing a significant volume of food to be stored in one place while keeping the main run of cabinetry lighter and easier to navigate.”
This oak pantry cupboard is a great choice if you’re after generous storage with timeless appeal. Adjustable shelves, handy door racks and deep drawers make it easy to organise everything from dry goods to bulkier kitchen essentials.
This 140cm pantry unit is a practical pick for everyday kitchen storage. With ample shelving and a clean, versatile design, it’s great for organising dry goods, cookware and pantry staples while keeping counters clutter-free.
10. Install pocket doors where space is limited
When floor space is at a premium, traditional hinged doors can quickly become a nuisance. Pocket doors offer a clever alternative, sliding neatly out of sight and allowing full access to pantry storage without blocking walkways or worktops.
This type of door is particularly useful for small pantry cupboards or coffee stations. By tucking away neatly, they help keep the space feeling calm and uncluttered, even during busy moments. Visually, they’re a great option too, as they allow you to conceal storage when you want a streamlined look, without the door swing that can make small kitchens feel crowded.
11. Use colour, tiles or curtains to give a small pantry personality
Even the smallest pantry space can become a design moment with the right finishes. “In a compact pantry, flooring has an outsized influence on how the space feels and how confidently it can be used,” explains Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
“Patterned or richly coloured tiles are particularly effective here, as they introduce character without relying on square footage,” she says. “Because pantries are often enclosed or partially hidden, they’re one of the few areas where homeowners can embrace bolder tile choices.”
Colour and texture play a role too. “Soft fabric curtains instead of solid doors bring a domestic, layered quality,” Grazzie adds. “When colour, pattern and texture are considered together, the floor becomes the anchor of the space – grounding the design and making even the smallest pantry feel intentional.”
Grazzie has worked in the interiors industry for more than a decade. At Ca’ Pietra, one of the UK’s leading stone and tile brands, she heads up creative, overseeing product collections as well as the company’s distinctive brand, look and feel.
12. Turn open shelving into a makeshift pantry to avoid wasted space
If a full pantry cupboard feels too bulky for your space, open shelving allows you to create a “pantry zone” without enclosing it, keeping sightlines open and the room feeling airy.
Open shelving works especially well for everyday essentials, as well as keeping everything visible at a glance. It also encourages a more intentional approach to storage because when items are on display, there’s less temptation to overbuy or let clutter build up unnoticed.
Top tip: Decanting ingredients into matching containers, using woven baskets or introducing a few decorative pieces can help shelves feel curated rather than purely functional. For renters or those after a low-commitment solution, open shelving is also easier to install, adapt or remove over time.
Display food essentials with glass storage
These small storage jars have a traditional design and are ideal for storing dried foods such as sugar, rice and herbs. They're also available in medium and large sizes.
This set of three glass canisters are crafted of high quality lead-free sodalime glass and feature airtight lids to keep contents fresher for longer.
Featuring clear glass and a wooden lid, this set of 3 jars is perfect for keeping your ingredients fresh and your pantry organised
13. Fit a small pantry into a corner cupboard
Corners are often one of the trickiest areas to plan in a small kitchen, but with the right design, they can become some of the hardest-working spaces in the room. A full-height corner cupboard can transform an underused area into a compact pantry that feels purposeful rather than leftover.
By extending storage floor to ceiling, a corner pantry with wraparound shelving ensures items remain easy to access rather than disappearing into the back of deep cupboards.
And in some designs, a slim internal work surface can also be incorporated, creating a discreet spot for small kitchen appliances like a coffee machine or toaster. The result is a small pantry that feels almost walk-in, without encroaching on the main kitchen footprint.
This glazed cabinet is an affordable way to make the most of an unused corner. It’s divided into two distinct storage zones, with a glass-fronted upper section featuring adjustable shelving, and a lower cupboard fitted with a single adjustable shelf designed to accommodate bulkier items.
If you’ve noticed food in your pantry spoiling faster than it should, poor ventilation could be the culprit. Keeping a pantry cool and understanding how to ventilate a pantry helps extend the life of dry goods and prevents the space from becoming overly warm.
