Having an organized kitchen is essential for functionality. However, achieving this can be a challenge. The abundance of food, cooking tools, and appliances can quickly lead to a cluttered space with insufficient storage. One solution is to upgrade your kitchen with additional or larger cabinets to meet your storage needs. Another option is to introduce a walk-in pantry to store all your essentials. While these are effective solutions, they can be costly. A more budget-friendly alternative is to incorporate a pantry cabinet, which can help you create a well-organized kitchen. Unlike traditional pantries, pantry cabinets are tall units that can be installed as wall cabinets or used as standalone furniture with shelves for storage.
Should you build or buy a pantry cabinet?
Most cabinet pantries are between 24 and 36 inches wide, so they tend to take up less space. This makes cabinet pantries a good option for smaller kitchens or tighter layouts. Thankfully, cabinet pantries tend to come in the same standard depths as base cabinets, at 18, 24, and 36 inches. While a depth of 36 inches may seem like you'll have more space for storage, it can make it easier for items to get lost in the back of the cabinet. Instead, a depth of 18 or 24 inches can make it easier to stay organized while providing extra storage. However, size isn't the only factor to consider; with these tips, you can create or buy a pantry cabinet that makes the most sense for your space.
When adding a pantry cabinet to your kitchen, you have two main options: build or buy. To create your own, you can hire a fabrication company to make a custom cabinet or simply buy ready-to-assemble cabinets. RTA cabinets are usually the least expensive of the two. Home Depot, for example, has a pre-made framed, unfinished pantry cabinet for $270, which is great if you have some space at the end of a run of cabinets where you can easily install the pantry. Be mindful to choose the right kitchen cabinet style to match the current facade.
Hiring a fabricator to create a custom cabinet typically costs between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot. However, this option allows you to seamlessly match the other cabinets, and you can choose the size and layout. However, it's better if you're planning to replace all of your cabinets. Otherwise, adding a singular custom cabinet might not justify the cost of professional labor.
Customizations to consider for your pantry
As mentioned, pantry cabinet varieties are offered in standard cabinet dimensions. For smaller kitchens or tighter spaces, you may want to consider a width of 12 to 18 inches, but if you have more room to play with, 24 to 36 inches may work better. The standard depths are between 12 and 24 inches, though you can go deeper if desired. Pantry cabinets can be between 84 and 96 inches in height, the latter of which is the equivalent of 8 feet, the standard ceiling height for most rooms.
With a cupboard-style pantry cabinet, you'll want to match the door style as closely as possible so it blends in with your cabinetry. Then, you can stain or paint it the same color as the rest of the kitchen. However, this doesn't necessarily have to be the case if you choose a free-standing option. These can often act as a feature of the room, especially if you find a bold color or style.
Enhance Your Kitchen Storage with These Tips
When it comes to designing your kitchen cabinets, it's important to think about not just the aesthetics but also the functionality. One key aspect to consider is what you plan to store inside those cabinets.
For example, if you want to keep larger appliances like a blender or crockpot hidden away, you might opt for cabinets with more depth and space between shelves. On the other hand, if you're mainly storing plates or snacks, a standard cabinet configuration could suffice.
To make your storage even more efficient, consider adding drawers or pull-out shelves. These features can not only make your items more accessible but also help keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.
