Understanding the best pantry dimensions for different types of pantries is an important tool in building the most efficient space. With so many ways to organize your space, from walk-in pantries to small corner pantries, it’s hard to know where to start.
Designing your pantry from scratch provides the ideal opportunity to maximize your space. You should strive to create areas that are efficient, user-friendly, and space-efficient at the same time.
Here are some design tips and tricks to help you do just that.
Tips for determining pantry dimensions
Before deciding on the best pantry dimensions and design, consider the following factors to determine which style of pantry is right for you.
- available space – When designing a pantry from scratch, it is common to allocate space to be used for the pantry from the kitchen area. Considering your kitchen flow and the amount of space you can allocate to your pantry is the first step in deciding which type of pantry is right for you and your space.
- Pantry use – Some people use their pantry just for food storage, while others want to use it as a separate prep area, additional appliance storage, or coffee bar space.
- Budget – Consider your budget. If you’re on a budget, your pantry can be outfitted with countertops, cabinets, and hooks. In this case, you’ll need a larger area to start.
- People at home – If you have many people in your household, you may need a larger pantry area to store extra food and accommodate more people in the pantry at one time.
- Position – If possible, try to plan a kitchen pantry near the food preparation area. A general rule for the most efficient kitchen design is no more than 48 inches.
Pantry dimensions by type
Pantry dimensions are standardized for each type as experts determined the space required to design efficient and user-friendly panties.
Average walk-in pantry dimensions
Experts say the average pantry size should be at least 5 feet wide and 5 feet long. This provides plenty of space on the shelf (and countertop if you choose) to allow a minimum of 36 inches of aisle for one person. If more than one person uses the pantry at one time, ensure aisles that are at least 44″ or 60″ wide for wheelchair access.
This average pantry size allows you to create a U-shaped pantry as it is the perfect storage shape for this size. This allows storage on the sides and back of the pantry while still providing plenty of walking space.
Large walk-in pantry dimensions
A large walk-in pantry is a convenient luxury. With a large floor plan and enough budget, you can even create an extra food prep room or coffee station. Large kitchen pantries come in a variety of sizes.
If your floor plan allows, consider pantry sizes that are 6-8 feet wide and 6-8 feet long. These kitchen pantry dimensions allow for custom cabinetry, shelving, and ample additional storage.
small walk-in pantry dimensions
If you want to create a walk-in pantry in a small area, you need an area that is at least 4 feet wide and 4 feet long. Smaller pantries require smarter storage options.
If you want at least 36 inches of aisle, cabinets along the sides and back may not be suitable for this space. Instead, opt for stowage along one side and back wall.
narrow walk-in pantry dimensions
A narrow rectangular floor space can be transformed into an effective pantry. Make sure your most efficient narrow pantry size has a size that is at least 3-4 feet wide and 5-6 feet long. Use only one side and the area along the back as a shelf.
corner pantry dimensions
A corner pantry is a good option if your kitchen has limited floor space.
- average size of corner pantry – A popular corner pantry size is 48 inches from the back corner along each wall that extends from it. The pantry shelf is 10-12 inches deep with plenty of room for maneuverability.
- Small corner pantry size – If you have a small corner that you want to turn into a pantry, make sure there is at least 45 inches of length along each vertical wall extending from the corner. Reduce pantry shelf depth to 8-10 inches.
- Large corner pantry size – Large walk-in corner pantry dimensions range from 5 to 6 feet from the corner along each vertical wall. This pantry size allows you to maximize your shelving depth and add a narrow countertop if needed.
Reach-in pantry dimensions
Some kitchens have a long narrow area near the kitchen, but not large enough for a narrow walk-in pantry. In this case, a reach-in pantry is suitable for this design. Most reach-in pantries are about 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep. The size of this type of pantry may vary, but these standard dimensions are a good place to start.
Other pantry options
Some kitchens may not have a separate area to use for a separate pantry space. Alternatively, you can choose a built-in or free-standing pantry option. Today, cabinet manufacturers create special cabinet options that allow you to maximize every cabinet pantry space.
- Batwing Cabinet – Batwing cabinets resemble French refrigerator doors, with a double door design that opens in the middle above the lower cabinets. Manufacturers place small shelves behind doors to help maximize available space. Even if you don’t have built-in cabinets, the shelves behind the doors can be used as walk-in closet space.
- Pull-out cabinet – Pull-out cabinets feature a design that allows the shelves inside the cabinet to be pulled out. This allows you to make the most of the space in the back of the cabinet and maximizes the use of the cabinet.
- Freestanding cabinet – Opt for freestanding hutches or cabinets rather than using built-in cabinets in your pantry. This works well in historic and traditional style kitchens.
- corner cabinet – Corner cabinets are suitable for use in corner pantries or to create pantries from built-in cabinets.
There are many design considerations that need to be taken into account when designing the ideal pantry. Some of these are the size and depth of the shelves and the style and size of the pantry doors.
pantry door sizes
The size and style of pantry doors depend on the pantry type and design style. You can choose hinged doors or barn pantry doors. If you use hinged doors, you should consider out-opening or inward-opening doors. The most common hinged pantry door is the outswing option. Opening the pantry door outwards requires more floor space in the room outside the pantry.
- standard pantry door size – If you are using a single pantry door, the most common pantry door width is 24 inches. Other width options to consider are 28, 30, 32, and 36 inches. Standard door height is 80 inches.
- Double pantry door size – For large pantries or reach-in pantries, double doors are the way to go. We do not have standard double door sizes, but we do have double doors in widths of 60, 64 and 72 inches and heights of 80 inches.
- Corner pantry door size – A corner pantry can use standard size doors, but these doors are set at a 45 degree angle. Unless you have a lot of wall space, barn pantry doors aren’t a good option because there isn’t enough adjacent wall space to open the door all the way.
pantry shelf size
Determining the number, depth, and placement of pantry shelves is one of the most important considerations for optimizing use.
- Standard pantry shelf depth – Standard pantry shelves are 16 to 20 inches deep. This depth depends on the location of the shelves and the overall dimensions of your pantry. For tall shelves, for example, use shelves that are 12 inches deep for easy access. If your pantry is small in size, you can use shallow shelves to maximize space and aisles. If you have a shelf of just spices, you only need 6 inches deep.
- Pantry Shelving Height Options – The height of the shelves depends on what you store. Leave at least 18 to 24 inches on the floor before starting the first shelf. This way you can store appliances and heavy bulky items on the floor under the first shelf. For other shelves, consider 18 to 20 inches high for shelves that hold large items, 14 to 16 inches for cereal boxes, and 6 to 7 inches for canned goods.
