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Everything You Need to Know About Larder and Pantry Cupboards

The History of Larder Cupboard and Pantry Cupboard

While we now use the terms “larder” and “pantry” interchangeably, they were not always used interchangeably.

Larder cupboards and pantry cupboards have a long and rich history that dates back hundreds of years to when they first began as small outhouses used by households to store their food items. Over the centuries, these practical yet versatile storage solutions eventually evolved into a type of enclosed furniture made from wood and glass. Not only were people able to store foodstuffs for longer periods of time due to their design, but they were also increasingly appreciated for their aesthetic qualities.

With the emergence of large self-service stores in the 20th century, the prevalence of larder and pantry cupboards started to decline; nevertheless, these pieces remain popular today thanks to their timeless design and ability to hold various food items in an orderly manner.

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Larder Cupboard

White larder cupboard with open doors and full of food
Larder cupboards

Traditionally, a larder is a cool area for storing food that keeps best at lower temperatures. For centuries, they have been used to store provisions such as butter, milk, pastry, and meats.

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The term “larder” comes from the fact that they were originally used to store raw meat covered in lard (fat) to keep it fresh.

Larder shelving and worksurfaces are typically made of thick stone (usually marble) or slate. These are frequently built into external walls, which maintain a cooler temperature. Original larders are typically located on the north or west sides of the house, where there is less sunlight.

Pantry Cupboard

Full of food walk in pantry with cupboard inside
Pantry cupboards

When pantries were first used hundreds of years ago, they were bread stores. The term “pantry” is derived from the French word “pain,” which means “bread.”

Pantries became more popular for storing tableware over time, while the food was kept in rooms simply referred to as “storerooms.”

Pantries have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and they are typically used to stock storecupboard foods that do not perish.

What is a Larder Cupboard or Pantry Cupboard?

Long pantry cabinet with no doors and has open shelves filled with food jars
Variety of cupboards
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Because of the design of modern homes and the trend toward more open-plan living, few kitchens now have walk-in pantries. However, families still require a convenient location to store food and other kitchen necessities.

Larder cabinets are an excellent compromise for modern living. They don’t take up the space of an extra room but can still provide enough storage for even the largest families.

Aside from the practical benefits of having a larder cupboard, they also add a lovely design element to your kitchen. They may appear to be similar to your other cabinets from the outside, but when you open them, they reveal a plethora of elegant storage features.

What Is The Difference Between A Pantry And A Butler’s Pantry?

White pantry with open shelves and white drawers below them
Pantry design ideas

The pantry is a small storage area or dedicated cabinet for dry goods and food. Whereas the butler’s pantry will usually have additional features such as an extra sink, countertop space to prepare meals on top of appliances like coffee machines, and microwaves that can be used inside it too! You’ll also find ample amounts of crockeryware stored away in these closets, so they’re always ready when needed around your house.

Which Is Posher, A Larder Or a Pantry?

Wooden floor walk in pantry with white open shelves full of preserved food
Walk-in pantry

While larders and pantries have some overlapping characteristics, there are a few distinct differences between the two. Larders have traditionally been used to store non-perishable food items such as cured meats, cheeses, and smoked fish. Meanwhile, pantries can be used for various items, from canned foods to dry goods and spices.

Furthermore, many consider larders the more ‘posh’ option mainly due to their association with affluence throughout history; high society families often employ entire staff members dedicated solely to temperature controlling, stocking, and organizing the larder. However, in practicality, both larders and pantries make great additions to any home – whether one is looking for a luxurious touch or simply extra storage space!

Kitchens are an investment, so investing in something that will last is important. A larder cupboard with stone worktops and shelving is likely more expensive than one made from other materials like steel or concrete because they come equipped with features such as adjustable shelves, which increase its functionality while also making your life easier when cooking at home (isn’t this why you bought them?). Yet many kitchen designers offer pantries/cupboards similar enough for all needs without any extra expense; talk about getting value!

What Food Goes In A Pantry?

Bright lighted walk in pantry with shelves filled with preserved food
Storing food in pantry
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You’ll find everything from canned vegetables and meat to preserves in the pantry. There may be a bin for flour or sugar as well! If there’s an old spice cupboard inside your home’s kitchen area – don’t forget about it either; some people even use these spaces creatively by hosting coffee grinders inside them instead of having separate ones nearby.

Storage Within a Larder Cupboard

Wooden larder cupboard with storage bins on its shelves
Larder cupboard ideas

Larder cupboards can be configured in various ways to meet your storage needs. Here are a few examples of features that can be included:

Shelving in The Larder Cupboard

An in-built larder cupboard is an incredibly useful addition to any kitchen, offering a great solution to storing items that may take up a lot of space. Shelving inside the storage area makes it easier to organize your belongings and provides those items with added protection for the occasionally open door.

While any shelving used will depend on the items you wish to store, there are a variety of solutions available, from bottom-to-top removable shelves to sturdy fixtures adapted for heavier and larger items. Whether you are aiming for practicality or style, customized shelving within your larder cupboard can perfectly accommodate your wishes with minimal effort and fuss!

Pull out Drawers or Baskets in The Larder Cupboard

Shallow drawers are ideal for storing small items such as herbs. Deeper drawers or baskets are ideal for storing vegetables or bread.

Cool Shelf in The Larder Cupboard

This is a stone shelf (usually marble) that naturally maintains a temperature below room temperature. This centuries-old storage method is ideal for products that require a slightly lower temperature, such as butter and eggs.

Spice Racks in The Larder Cupboard

The best larder cupboards use every inch of space, including the inside of the doors. Racks can be used to store spices, vinegar, oils, smaller food packets or even your tin foil!

Is the Larder Same as the Pantry?

Walk in pantry open shelves hung on the walls and white counter
Differences between larder and pantry

The pantry is a storage area in the home where people put their food. It used to be two different rooms with very specific functions, but now they’re often combined into one space that can hold anything from flour or canned goods all across your kitchen shelves!

What are larder cupboards?

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The larder cupboards are a must for any kitchen. They can store all your dry goods, long-life food, and drink in one place, so you don’t have to search around the house whenever someone needs something! These handy cabinets either stand-alone or get built into an island if they’re too big of their own accord – though there is always room on top where more storage could be used instead (especially since we already use up so much real estate).

What is a pantry cupboard?

Pantries come in all shapes and sizes – some are just for food, while others offer the storage of dishes or cleaning supplies. The most important thing to know about a pantry is that it’s there as extra space if you ever need it!

A pantry cupboard is indispensable storage furniture for any modern home. It provides a convenient place to store various kitchen items, especially ones that are rarely used yet important. Pantry cupboards offer organized, easy-to-access shelving and compartments that help keep food items organized and readily available while still being out of sight and tucked away.

They also provide insulation to keep sensitive food items fresh and uncontaminated. Having a pantry cupboard can make your kitchen feel more organized and efficient while eliminating the time-consuming problem of looking through multiple cabinets and trying to find needed ingredients or items. Whether you need extra space for larger supplies or want the convenience of having essential items close by, a pantry cupboard is an essential piece of furniture for the contemporary home.

Are larder cupboards worth it?

Larder cupboards are a genius solution for modern homes. Not taking up much space, they offer plentiful storage rooms even to large households. Moreover, these pieces add an aesthetic touch of beauty to your kitchen décor!

Is a larder cold?

Derived from the French word ‘lardier’ a larder is traditionally an airy, refrigerated room wherein bacon (or “lard”), meat, and game are stored alongside perishable items such as eggs, milk, and vegetables.

What type of room is a larder?

A larder is a place of storage that contains food. This classic term dates back to an era when people would store rendered animal fat (lard) in order to cook with it and grease pans. Whereas earlier generations kept bacon and lard within their cabinets, now we house our potato chips, cookies – you name it! With the aid of a well-stocked larder, keeping your kitchen shelves stocked has never been easier.

What is the difference between a pantry and a cupboard?

A pantry is a dedicated storage space, often a separate room or walk-in closet, designed to store food, kitchen supplies, and sometimes small appliances. Pantries typically feature shelves, drawers, and other storage solutions to accommodate various items and are designed to keep ingredients organized and easily accessible.

A cupboard, on the other hand, is a type of cabinet with doors, usually mounted on walls or integrated into other furniture pieces. Cupboards can be used in various rooms, including kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms, to store a wide range of items. In the kitchen, cupboards are commonly used to store dishes, glassware, cookware, and non-perishable food items.

What can I use as a pantry cupboard?

To create a pantry cupboard, consider using one or more of the following options:

  1. A freestanding cabinet or armoire: Choose a piece with adjustable shelves, drawers, or compartments to accommodate different types of pantry items.
  2. A tall bookshelf or shelving unit: Add bins, baskets, or containers to organize and store food items and kitchen supplies.
  3. A repurposed wardrobe or closet: Install shelves, hooks, and other storage solutions to transform an existing wardrobe or closet into a pantry cupboard.
  4. Custom-built cabinetry: Design and install custom cabinets tailored to your specific pantry needs and available space.
  5. An unused corner or alcove: Add shelves and storage solutions to turn an underutilized area of your kitchen into a functional pantry cupboard.

What is a cabinet vs cupboard?

Both cabinets and cupboards are types of storage furniture with doors, but they have some differences in usage and design.

A cabinet is a general term for storage units, often featuring doors, shelves, and drawers. Cabinets can be found in various rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms, serving different storage purposes. They can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or built-in, depending on the specific design and function.

A cupboard is a specific type of cabinet, typically with doors and shelves, used to store various items, including dishes, glassware, cookware, and non-perishable food items. Cupboards are most commonly found in kitchens but can also be used in other rooms for different storage needs.

How to design a pantry cupboard?

To design a pantry cupboard:

  1. Assess your storage needs: Determine the types of items you plan to store in your pantry cupboard, such as canned goods, dry goods, spices, and kitchen supplies.
  2. Measure your available space: Take accurate measurements of the area where you plan to place the pantry cupboard, considering the width, depth, and height.
  3. Plan your layout: Designate specific areas within the cupboard for different categories of items, ensuring that frequently used items are easily accessible.
  4. Choose appropriate storage solutions: Opt for adjustable shelves, bins, baskets, or containers to organize and store items efficiently. Consider using airtight containers for dry goods to maintain freshness and prevent spills.
  5. Customize the design: Select materials, finishes, and hardware that complement your existing kitchen décor and suit your preferences.
  6. Consult with a professional carpenter or cabinetmaker if necessary to ensure proper construction and installation of your pantry cupboard.

What is the difference between a pantry and a larder?

While both pantries and larders are used for storing food, historically they had distinct functions. A pantry is typically a small room or large cupboard where food, beverages, and sometimes crockery and tableware are stored. A larder, on the other hand, is a cool and dry area specifically designed for preserving perishable food items like meat and dairy products. In contemporary usage, the terms often overlap, but a larder is more associated with food-focused functionality, often featuring shelves and drawers for organized storage.

What is the British word for pantry?

In British English, the term “larder” is commonly used to refer to what is known as a pantry in American English. However, the precise definition can vary, and some people may use “pantry” and “larder” interchangeably. It’s also worth noting that the term “larder” originally referred to a storage place for meat and other perishables, a usage that is still occasionally found.

What is a larder in a kitchen?

A larder in a kitchen is a dedicated storage space for food. It is designed to be cool and dry, making it ideal for preserving food items. Larders often feature shelves, drawers, and sometimes even integrated appliances for optimal food storage. They provide a practical way to keep kitchen supplies and appliances organized and within reach. In modern kitchens, larders have become a stylish and functional feature, offering ample space for storing a variety of items from dry goods to fresh produce.

Author
Jessica holden

Experienced Executive Assistant with a demonstrated history of working within the furniture industry. Skilled in furniture styling, visual communication, project management, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Strong arts and design professional with a (BA) Creative Direction for furniture design focused on Industrial Design from School of the Art Institute of Chicago.