5 Small Walk In Pantry Shelving Ideas To Maximize Your Storage Space

Small walk-in pantries can be tricky to organize. You might feel like you don’t have enough space for all your stuff. But with the right shelving ideas, you can make the most of every inch.

Good shelving can turn your tiny pantry into a storage powerhouse. It’s all about using smart solutions to maximize space. Let’s look at 5 clever ways to set up shelves in your small walk-in pantry. These ideas will help you keep things tidy and easy to find.

1) Sliding basket drawers

Sliding basket drawers are a game-changer for your small walk-in pantry. They make the most of every inch of space and keep things tidy.

You can install these drawers on existing shelves or as part of a new system. They come in different sizes to fit your needs.

With sliding basket drawers, you can easily see and reach items at the back. No more forgotten cans or packages hiding out of sight!

These drawers are great for storing fruits, veggies, snacks, and small items. You can group similar things together, making it simple to find what you need.

Choose wire baskets for better air flow, or solid ones to contain messes. Some even come with dividers to keep things extra organized.

Labels on the front of each drawer help you remember where everything goes. This makes putting away groceries a breeze.

Sliding basket drawers are perfect for lower shelves. You won’t have to bend down and dig around anymore. Just pull out the drawer and grab what you want.

2) Adjustable wire shelving

Adjustable wire shelving is a great option for your small walk-in pantry. You can easily move the shelves up or down to fit items of different sizes. This flexibility lets you make the most of your space.

Wire shelves are easy to clean and maintain. Food spills won’t get stuck in cracks or crevices. You can simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.

These shelves allow air to circulate, which helps keep your food fresh. The open design also makes it easy to see what you have at a glance. No more forgotten items hiding in the back!

You can find wire shelving systems in various widths and depths. This makes it easy to fit them into any size pantry. Some systems even have add-ons like hooks or baskets for extra storage.

Here’s what I use and recommend for wired shelving unit for the pantry

Installing wire shelves is usually pretty simple. Many come with all the hardware you need. You can often set them up yourself without calling a pro.

Consider adding some clear plastic bins to your wire shelves. They’ll help keep smaller items organized and easy to grab. Plus, they’ll stop things from falling through the gaps in the wire.

3) Pull-out spice racks

Pull-out spice racks are a game-changer for small walk-in pantries. They make it easy to see and grab what you need without rummaging through cluttered shelves.

You can install these nifty racks on existing shelves or in custom cabinets. They slide out smoothly, bringing all your spices into view at once.

Organize your spices alphabetically or by how often you use them. Put your go-to seasonings at eye level for quick access.

Some pull-out racks have adjustable shelves. This lets you fit tall bottles and small jars on the same rack.

Look for racks with sturdy construction and smooth glides. They should hold up well under daily use.

I highly recommend these pull-out spice racks

Consider getting racks with raised edges. These keep bottles from falling off when you pull the rack out.

You can also use pull-out racks for other small items like cooking oils or baking supplies. This keeps your pantry tidy and makes the most of your space.

4) Corner shelving units

Corner shelving units are a smart way to use every inch of space in your small walk-in pantry. These units fit snugly into corners, turning unused areas into valuable storage.

You can find corner shelves in various styles to match your pantry’s look. Some have a curved design that wraps around the corner, while others form an L-shape.

Consider adjustable corner shelves. They let you customize the height between each shelf, making room for tall items or creating more shelves for smaller things.

Lazy Susans work great on corner shelves. Put one on each level to easily reach items tucked in the back. This setup is perfect for spices, condiments, or canned goods.

For a budget-friendly option, try wire corner shelving. It’s affordable and allows air to circulate, keeping your pantry fresh. Plus, you can see through the shelves, making it easier to spot what you need.

Don’t forget about the space above eye level. Install a corner shelf unit that goes up to the ceiling to maximize vertical storage in your small pantry.

5) Under-shelf baskets

Under-shelf baskets are a game-changer for small walk-in pantries. They make use of often-wasted space beneath shelves, giving you extra storage without taking up floor area.

These handy baskets slide or clip onto existing shelves. You can use them to store lightweight items like bags of chips, bread, or packaged snacks.

They’re perfect for keeping fruit and veggies off your main shelves too. Just grab a basket and pull it out when you need something.

Metal wire baskets are popular because they let you see what’s inside. But you can also find plastic or fabric options if you prefer.

Installing under-shelf baskets is usually pretty easy. Many just clip on, no tools needed. This makes them great for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to drill holes.

Here are some under-shelf baskets that are my choice

Consider getting different sizes for various needs. Smaller baskets work well for spice packets or tea bags, while larger ones can hold bulkier items.

Remember to measure your shelves before buying. You want baskets that fit snugly without bumping into items below.

Optimizing Your Pantry Layout

A smart layout makes your small walk-in pantry more functional. Let’s look at ways to use every inch of space and reach those tricky spots.

Maximizing Vertical Space

Go up, not out! Use tall shelves that reach the ceiling. Add adjustable shelves so you can fit items of different sizes. Put lighter stuff on top shelves and heavier items down low.

Try over-the-door organizers for spices or snacks. Hang baskets on the walls to hold produce or bread. Stack clear containers to see what’s inside easily.

Don’t forget the floor space. Use rolling carts that fit under lower shelves. They give you extra storage and can be pulled out when needed.

Accessing Hard-To-Reach Areas

Corner spaces can be tricky. Install lazy Susans to spin items into view. Or use pull-out drawers that extend fully, bringing back-corner items forward.

For high shelves, keep a sturdy step stool nearby. Better yet, add a sliding ladder for safe, easy access to top shelves.

Use clear bins for upper shelves. Label them clearly so you know what’s inside without climbing. Group similar items together in these bins for quick finding.

Consider pocket doors to save space. They slide into the wall, giving you more room to move and reach items.

Choosing the Right Materials

Picking the best materials for your small walk-in pantry shelving can make a big difference. Good choices will help your pantry stay organized and last longer.

Wood vs. Metal Shelving

Wood shelving gives your pantry a warm, classic look. It’s easy to paint or stain to match your kitchen. Pine is cheap but can warp. Oak and maple are stronger but cost more. Wood shelves are great for dry goods and canned items.

Metal shelving is super strong and won’t sag. It’s easy to clean and looks modern. Chrome wire shelves let you see items easily. Solid metal shelves hold more weight. They’re perfect for heavy appliances or bulk items.

Both wood and metal come in different styles. You can mix them to get the best of both.

The Benefits of Adjustable Shelving

Adjustable shelving is a game-changer for small pantries. You can move shelves up or down to fit tall or short items. This helps you use every inch of space.

Look for shelving with holes or slots along the sides. These let you change shelf heights quickly. Some systems use pegs or clips to hold shelves in place.

Adjustable shelves work great for seasonal items. You can make room for holiday baking supplies, then switch back for everyday use. They also grow with your needs as your family changes.

You can find adjustable options in both wood and metal. They cost a bit more but are worth it for the flexibility.