6 Corner Pantry Kitchen Layout Ideas to Increase Your Storage Space

Most kitchens can never have enough storage space, especially when it comes to being both functional and efficient. One way to enhance your room’s appeal without sacrificing space and style is with the addition of a pantry closet. Whether you prefer a walk-in reach-in or open shelf design, there are ways to make the most of that awkward space by using one of these corner pantry kitchen layout ideas.

Classic L-Shaped Kitchen Layout with Corner Pantry

With its deep reach-in shelving this L-shaped kitchen design with corner pantry helps keep important items organized and helps keep things easily accessible when needed.

Floor Plan Details: With its L-shaped design and corner pantry and an island this setup is perfect for a busy family. The corner pantry makes the most of what could be wasted space, offering deep shelf storage for all of your dry goods and food items. The range sits along the upper wall with plenty of counter space on either side for food prep. You’ll find the double-basin sink on the right side with lots of workspace, and the fridge is just steps away, making it easy to grab food ingredients while preparing to cook. The heart of this kitchen is its center island, which gives you extra counter space to work. With an overhang it could also be used for eat-in dining and conversing with family and friends. The distance between your main work zones. the sink, range, and fridge are all within a few feet, and perfect for efficiency. 

Why This Design Works: An L-shape kitchen with island and reach-in pantry in the middle of the work triangle is effective for cooking, keeping things organized and minimizing steps within the space.

Design Tips:

• For a reach-in pantry, make sure to use adjustable shelving that can be changed depending on your needs. (i.e small appliances, food containers.
• Keep 10″ to 12″ between each shelf containing canned goods and 15″ to 18″ for shelves with cereal boxes or small appliances.
• Consider LED strip lighting inside the pantry to ensure even lighting throughout paired with overhead recessed fixtures for great results.
• Place the sink and dishwasher together to maximize efficiency while cleaning up.
• Install the sink below the window to enhance views and satisfaction while working at the sink.
• The island should be 3 to 4ft wide and 5 to 7 feet long is space permits for a useful worktop.
• If you want seating at the island allow for an overhang of 15″ for best results.
• Ensure proper island placement that provides adequate space of 42″ between it and nearby cabinets for a clear walking path.

Kitchen With Corner Walk-In Pantry Layout

With a walk-in pantry that offers more storage space than regular cabinets or a reach-in closet, this setup is perfect for those who want an organized place for larger quantities of food items inside their kitchen.

Floor Plan Details: This attractive U-shaped kitchen layout has an effective work flow with the sink situated in the center under the window with the range and refrigerator on opposite sides of each other. The dedicated closet could include a mix of wrap-around shelving and pull-out bins for storing a variety of dry goods and small appliances. Due to its size its recommended for larger kitchen spaces, (12×12 ft) that have adequate square footage. For those who want an island a room size of 14×14 is recommended.

Why This Design Works: This balanced design alleviates unnecessary walking around the space, and increases overall efficiency. Having the walk-in closet allows for more food items to be stored and its close proximity within the kitchen space helps ensure smoother meal prep.

Design Tips:

• Install floor to ceiling shelving in the walk-in to maximize storage potential.
• Consider back of the door storage racks for spices or other cooking utensils.
• The typical closet depth is 3.5 to 5ft depending on your available floor space.
• The shelving depth should be 12″ to 16″ depending on your needs and space.
• Create better organization by using pull-out baskets or tiered racks where you can have like items in one place.

Walk-In Corner Kitchen Pantry With a Hidden Cabinet Door

Having the pantry doors hidden behind a facade that resembles the rest of the cabinetry is a stylish move that adds a hint of drama and luxury to the kitchen.

Floor Plan Details: This enclosed kitchen space includes a classic work triangle with the range located directly across from the refrigerator, and the double sink in the middle. On the opposite wall from the sink sits the walk-in pantry with a hidden door leading to deep shelving for storing all of your essential dry goods nearby. The hidden pantry doors are designed to resemble the rest of the cabinetry to ensure a seamless and appealing look. This style is recommended for those looking for a contemporary or minimalist kitchen design.

Why This Design Works: The walk-in pantry layout maximizes storage space and helps to reduce the clutter otherwise found in the cabinets. In addition, its close proximity to the main countertops and size, offers less movement to get the food ingredients you need while preparing meals and cooking.

Design Tips:

• Match the custom closet door materials with the surrounding cabinets and hardware to maintain a cohesive look.
• Using at least a 4×4 ft space for the closet with provide adequate storage space and avoid feeling too cramped.
• Consider installed motion activated LED lighting that turns on and off automatically for ease of use.
• Avoid placing the pantry too close to the refrigerator to prevent any congestion.
• Ensure doors open and close properly without interference with other appliances or cabinets. (36″ of clearance in front)
• Consider L-shaped shelving or pull-out drawers to optimize the closet space.
• When planning consider using adjustable shelving. (See the organization planning guide below)
• For storage spaces consider installing adequate ventilation and climate control, especially if storing perishable items.

Kitchen With Corner Open-Shelf Pantry Design

By carefully organizing your items in labeled bins, baskets or jars one can create a rustic or farmhouse style kitchen design that is functional and stylish.

Floor Plan Details: This design has a standard work triangle with the sink, range and refrigerator all within easy reach of the open-shelf pantry. The setup works by providing visible, accessible storage shelves instead of a closet with doors to help grab items quickly. It works best for compact kitchens that don’t have room for a dedicated closet with doors. To get the look right, and avoid appearing too chaotic, its important to use a variety of storage containers that fit the decor and style of the room.

Why This Design Works: A kitchen with an open-shelf pantry without any doors can be a challenge to avoid looking over-cluttered. To get around this problem, I advise combining your open shelving with tastefully curated bins, baskets and jars that can help store the items while still allowing them to be grabbed easily.

Design Tips:

• Instead of a traditional pantry door, use open shelving for  different decorative containers.
• One can choose between woven baskets, glass jars, and labeled canisters for sorting and organization.
• Use painted or matching wood shelving that goes with the rest of the kitchen’s style.
• Consider using matching containers for a cohesive look.
• Keep your labeling consistent to maintain a clean appearance.

Kitchen Floor Plan With A Sliding Barn Door Pantry In The Corner

By eliminating the door swing, a sliding barn-door can save space for room inside the closet where it’s most needed.

Floor Plan Details: This kitchen design places the sink in the opposite corner to the closet, with the refrigerator in-between and the range located on the opposing side. The addition of a sliding mechanism on the closet rather than a swinging door prevents the loss of space making it better for smaller rooms, while boosting its aesthetic appeal. Using a sliding barn door goes with a country, rustic, industrial or modern/farmhouse theme.

Why This Design Works: The combination of a pantry with a sliding door work together to save floor space, keep the kitchen open and uncluttered and add a decorative element that can match your kitchen’s style.

Design Tips:

• Choose a barn door style that matches your kitchen. (Reclaimed/or natural wood for rustic or painted/frosted glass for modern farmhouse.)
• Ensure proper wall clearance for the sliding door and that it does not interfere with the opening and closing of the appliances and cabinetry.
• A slider normally requires 36″ to 42″ or wall space to allow the door to completely open.
• The track length should double the door width for it to open all the way.
• Use hidden, recessed or low-profile hardware on the slider to avoid it from snagging you while walking by.
• Consider decorative features on the outside of the door such as chalkboard paint or glass panel inserts to add charm.

Classic U-Shaped Kitchen With Reach-In Pantry In the Corner

With countertops on three sides, this U-shaped kitchen with reach-in pantry is a well-organized and designed to be efficient for a busy household.

Floor Plan Details: This U-shape design is optimized for cooking efficiency with its work triangle and nearby pantry in the corner. Best for small to medium sized kitchen layouts, this setup provides dedicated work zones that make it easier for more than one person to operate. The U-shape offers an abundance of countertops to facilitate movement between different tasks and traffic flow.

Why This Design Works: The reach-in pantry makes the most out of the corner space, and keeps food items separate from other elements for better organization. 

Design Tips:

• Use matching closet doors to that of the cabinetry for a cohesive style.
• Consider installing a Lazy Susan or swing-out shelving for the hard to reach areas in the reach-in.
• Using angled corner shelving rather than straight shelves can improve reach-ability.
• Install pull-out shelves to better access items in the back of the space.
• An over-the-door spice rack, wire baskets or hanging storage pockets can help expand the capacity.
• Use under cabinet strip or puck lighting to brighten darker corners.
• To add a sense of style use wallpaper or a contrasting color inside on the back wall.

Tips For Dedicating Zones for Organization

• Top shelves: Best used for bulk storage items and containers. (flour, sugar, large containers)
• Middle shelves: Often used for everyday items. (snacks, cereals, canned goods)
• Lower shelves: Easiest place to store heavy items. (small appliances, and large pots)
• Group like items together in sections for better efficiency. (for example, baking essentials, canned goods, snacks and spices)
• Use clear containers with labels for dry goods stored in the closet.

Organizing by Frequency of Use

• Everyday Items: Place things you use the most at eye level. (spices, coffee, grains)
• Occasionally Used Items: Store these less used items on higher shelves. (seasonal baking items, bulk goods)
• Heavy Items: Place hard to lift items on the lowest shelves. (flour, sugar, kitchen appliances)