Open shelving has been a trend for quite some time, mainly as a way to showcase our china, collectibles, or other kitchen decor. Now, the trend of open shelving has made its way into our pantry. Our pantries used to be a place to hide away our snacks and cereal boxes, but now, they are becoming part of our home decor. With open shelves and beautiful organization, our pantry not only gives us the kitchen storage we need but also adds to our overall design. But, nailing the open pantry trend can be tough — if you are used to throwing your non-perishables into the pantry and walking away, you'll need to change your approach.
As we move away from the hidden pantry trend and enter into our open era, there are a few things to consider. Mainly, you need to figure out what, exactly, will be going into your open pantry and how you will style it. Here are some tips for making your open pantry look gorgeous and functional.
How to do open pantries the right way
Open pantries are a great way to showcase your kitchen decor and keep everything organized. Here are some tips on how to do open pantries the right way:
- Choose the right shelving: Opt for sturdy and visually appealing shelves to display your items.
- Organize strategically: Group similar items together for a cohesive look and easy access.
- Add decorative elements: Incorporate baskets, jars, and labels to enhance the visual appeal of your pantry.
- Maintain regularly: Keep your open pantry clean and organized to maintain its aesthetic appeal.
Open pantries are a beautiful trend that can bring life into your kitchen, but if not done right, they can be chaotic and feel messy. To avoid this, you need to consider your lifestyle. As one user said on Reddit, if you are always rushing to put your food away (e.g. you have little ones running around), you may want to consider bins and baskets over air-tight containers that you need to organize every time. The StorageWorks Pantry Baskets from Amazon for $36.99 are a good option for those who prefer to just throw their items into the pantry without things looking messy.
When it comes to designing your pantry, consider using reclaimed wood for your shelves, or if you plan to use the open pantry for dishes, opt for an all-white pantry to help them blend in seamlessly so you can spend less time organizing.
One user on a popular organization forum suggested a strategic approach to setting up an open pantry. They advised creating a plan beforehand by mapping out what items you want to store and where they will go. By measuring items and adjusting shelving heights accordingly, you can optimize the space in your pantry. Additionally, they recommended using a lazy Susan for better visibility in tricky corners and placing heavier items at the bottom for stability. If you have extra space, consider designating a second pantry or cabinet for items that don't fit in bins or containers, or for items you prefer to keep out of sight.
