What is the Standard Size of a Pantry? [by Pantry Type]

Do you want to add a pantry to your living room? If this is the case, you’re probably wondering what the average size of a pantry is; you’ve come to the right place. If you have questions about pantry sizes, we scoured the internet for a quick guide to pantry dimensions.

Here is a list of pantry types and their standard dimensions:

Reach-in Pantry: 5′ wide x 2′ deep
Walk-in Pantry: 5′ wide x 5′ deep
Butler’s Pantry: 5′ wide x 6.5′ deep minimum

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Pantry Shelf Sizes

Although you can customize the dimensions of your pantry to meet your needs, there are other factors to consider, such as shelf sizes, the shape of your pantry, and how it will be used. Continue reading for more tips to help you with your design ideas and to spark your imagination.

White pantry cabinet with open shelves
Pantry types

Pantry Types: Innovative Storage for Easy Access

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Pantries must have pull-out storage to make it easy to access items. Our shelves can get cluttered when we look for an item all the way at the back or when our pantries get full of clutter. After all, pantries are ­­­­­­­easy to access. Install pull-out kitchen cabinets or a two-tiered Lazy Susan to expand your available shelf space. Separate items are usually bundled together by placing risers in cabinets.

Wall mounted pantry cabinets above a kitchen counter
Pantry sizes

Designate Zones in The Pantry for Different Uses

Designing your pantry is a lot like designing a house. At the pantry design stage, you must consider different design aspects, such as storage and shelf depth. So, to ensure you select the correct storage and shelf depth, it’s important to plan for them at the design stage. If you have a pantry that accommodates a wide variety of items, you can free up space by installing a spice rack or door-hung spice rack around the pantry walls.

Use a color coding system to make finding items in your pantry quicker.

Standard Sizes of Pantry Types

Labeled food jars on pantry shelves
Types of pantries

Standard Size of a Reach-In Pantry

A reach-in pantry restricts your shelves to a smaller space, usually a cabinet or small closet-type area, with the shelves taking up the entire space. This can be a great option for homes with limited space or for people who don’t require a lot of extra storage. The advantage of these types of pantries is that your items are more consolidated and easier to find.

The pantry type you choose for your kitchen remodel can significantly impact how much usable space you have. Reach-in pantries are a popular choice due to their typically large size that can provide plenty of storage. The standard size for a reach-in pantry is 5′ wide x 2′ deep, made with adjustable shelves so you can adjust it to suit your specific needs. With the right pantry design in place, you’ll be able to make the most of your pantry space and enjoy more efficient storage solutions moving forward.

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Many reach-in pantries can be built into existing cabinetry; some have drawers for storage, while others have no doors and are entirely made up of rows of shelving on a single wall. There are numerous options for reach-in pantries, and these are almost always the best choices when working in a small space.

Repurpose an old China hutch as a reach-in pantry; there are some great standalone options, such as this lovely hutch.

Reach in pantry type in a kitchen with white drawers
Reach-in pantry sizes

Standard Size of a Walk-in Pantry

A walk-in pantry provides tons of storage space; there is typically enough room for one person to access the area and ingredients easily. The walls are lined with shelves or cabinetry for storage; some even have counters. Large pots, pans, and small appliances are stored in these pantry types, in addition to the standard food necessities.

Pantry type and size are often determined based on what works best for a home’s floor plan – particularly in the case of walk-in pantries. Even though pantry sizes can vary greatly depending on individual preferences, there is an accepted standard size for walk-in pantries. Generally, a walk-in pantry should have an internal length and width of 5′ wide x 5′ deep, with the height coming in at about 82 inches. Of course, these dimensions can always be adjusted to meet your specific needs and provide additional space for storage. Setting up a functional walk-in pantry has never been easier – so take advantage of this spacious pantry option!

When designing a walk-in pantry, consider larger items such as dog food, recyclables, or small appliances. Otherwise, you may run out of floor space. If you intend to store cleaning supplies such as a broom and detergents, make sure to designate a space for these items that is a safe distance away from the food and appliances, so plan ahead.

Keep your cleaning supplies separate from your food by using a cart like this.

Wooden walk-in pantry with shelves full of jars
Walk-in pantry sizes

Standard Size of a Butler’s Pantry

Preserved foods in jars on a wooden shelf
Size of pantry types

While pantries can come in various sizes, a butler’s pantry is generally larger than other pantry types. The standard size for a butler’s pantry is 5′ wide x 6.5′ deep. These pantries provide generous room to store beverages, glasses, and other entertaining items such as flatware, trays, and more. As the host of any event or gathering, having ample storage space allows your guests to enjoy themselves as you handle all the necessary preparations with relative ease.

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Investing in a larger pantry can benefit busy households because it can hold everything from bulk goods and pantry staples to ingredients needed for special recipes. Additionally, a butler’s pantry provides a convenient solution that makes meal prep quick and efficient while creating an enjoyable cooking atmosphere.

Narrow Walk-In Pantry Dimensions

Narrow walk-in pantries are much longer than they are wide. A narrow walk-in pantry is at least 3 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet deep. A narrow walk-in pantry can be as long as you want (and have the space for) and may even be wider. They’re commonly thought of as being at least 4 feet wide. The length of the pantry is longer than the width. Narrow walk-in pantries are a fantastic way to add extra storage to your kitchen, yet you may have to get a little creative in how you organise things if you choose this choice. Make sure you keep this in mind, though.

Size and Depth for a Walk-In Pantry and Adjustable Pantry Shelves

All-purpose walk-in closets are usually around 5 feet wide and 5 feet tall and may be constructed of U-shaped open shelves or cabinets and finished with or without a countertop. Bottom shelves should be 16 to 18 inches deep and spaced 18 to 24 inches apart to accommodate heavy objects. Items such as cereal boxes and canisters can be equipped with shelves 12 to 14 inches deep and spaced 14 to 16 inches apart. To get items into and out of the shelves easily, you’ll need at least 2 inches of vertical space.

Standard Size of a Butler’s Pantry

A butler’s pantry is a room designed for the wealthy’s homes in the 18th century. The room was used to connect the kitchen and dining room, allowing servants to serve food to guests more easily while remaining out of sight as much as possible. This room also served as a storage area for large pots and pans, as well as a safe haven for the family’s valuable silverware.

Butler’s pantries serve a slightly more humble purpose in modern times. While they are primarily used for storage, they can also be used as a prep area if counter space is included. They have even been converted into full kitchenettes in some cases, complete with sinks, refrigerators, and cooking appliances.

This wine refrigerator would be a great addition to any butler’s pantry.

Tips for Determining Pantry Dimensions

Light colored pantry shelves in a kitchen
Kitchen pantry sizes

When determining pantry dimensions, consider the pantry type you intend to create and how much storage space is necessary. Most pantries are floor-to-ceiling shelving units with a few cabinets for items that need to be hidden away, but pantry types can range from roll-out baskets and racks of canned foods to open shelves with added drawers and doors.

Think about how many shelves are needed, what width they should be, and the length of the pantry overall. This will provide the basic idea of pantry size, while optional hooks and racks can add extra storage capacity. It’s also helpful to factor in any special items that need to be stored or incorporated into pantry design – such as cookbooks or a kitchen scale – which may affect pantry width and height. Ultimately, pantry dimensions should fit space constraints and storage needs for optimal organization.

Narrow kitchen wooden pantry
Small pantry types

Use a Pantry Door to Its Full Potential

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Your pantry doors may provide you with a wealth of ideas when designing or improving one. Covering up the inevitable clutter is a must whether you have a small or large walk-in pantry. Whether you choose a pantry door is dependent on its function. You may, for example, use it to turn your doors into storage or chalkboards for family members to write sweet notes or grocery lists. The only exception to the rule is when you have a small kitchen and want to install a sliding barn door to save space. The only time pantry doors may not be used when you have a small kitchen and want to install a sliding barn door to save space.

Wall-To-Wall Pantry With Sliding Barn Doors

Pantry cabinet with preserved food jars
Pantry shelves

Organizing pantry items to ensure space efficiency and an aesthetically pleasing pantry is made easier with a wall-to-wall pantry complete with sliding barn doors. Now all pantry items are quickly accessible while also concealed behind these barn doors, giving even more opportunities to be creative with pantry storage. In addition, the sliding barn doors require less space while they open and close, allowing for extra kitchen storage that can be used in other areas.

Wall-to-wall pantries are perfect for any home due to their convenience and style, allowing for revolutionizing pantry storage within a single space.

Consider building open shelves if you have a windowless kitchen wall or a nearby hallway or mudroom. Open shelves are convenient because you can grab what you need, but they also attract clutter and dust.

Pantry Shelf Spacing

Kitchen pantry with a lot of shelves full of food in jars
Open shelves in pantry

Here are some guidelines for creating an effective pantry shelf spacing: Each shelf must have the necessary floor space. The bottom shelf must be at least 20 to 24 inches from the ground. You may also increase the amount of space for storing heavy objects such as paper towels or pet food by elevating the shelf. For example, when storing or obtaining items from the shelf, you must either raise or lower them. It provides you with accessibility without consuming excess space. It additionally helps you save wasted area. All of these recommendations are valid.

The next example demonstrates how to set up a shelf for canned goods: The shelves for cereal boxes should have a minimum of 14 to 16 inches of space. You may set up a shelf for large objects like potatoes that has a minimum of 18 to 20 inches of surface area.

You may follow these guidelines when planning a shelf for canned goods: In general, here are the guidelines you may follow: Set up shelves between 6.5 and 7 inches high for canned goods. You may set up a shelf between 14 and 16 inches wide for cereal boxes. You may also allocate between 18 and 20 inches for a shelf for large items like potatoes.

Conclusion

The process of designing a new pantry is exciting. Make it a point to have fun with it. Take the time to properly plan your project and allow yourself enough space to meet your requirements. Whether you choose a stand-alone reach-in pantry or a luxurious butler’s pantry, make the journey enjoyable.

What Is the Size of a Corner Pantry?

Corner pantries are available in both reach-in and walk-in configurations, so the dimensions are flexible. The available space in your home determines the overall dimensions. Reach-in corner pantries can be as little as 2′ deep. Corner walk-in pantries are typically 48″ wide but can be much larger.

How Narrow Can A Pantry Be?

Pantries can be installed in the most unexpected places. If your kitchen has a windowless wall, you may be able to remove the drywall or paneling and use the studs in your interior wall to accommodate a pantry. A pantry of some kind will fit into almost any available space. If you choose a narrow pantry, you may not be able to store larger items such as cereal boxes, bags of potatoes, or appliances that you want to keep hidden.

If you have limited space, these pull-out cabinets can be a great solution.

Is A Corner Pantry A Good Idea?

When done properly, a corner pantry can be a fantastic option. Good design is essential for a functional corner pantry. Plan out the pantry thoroughly, determine what you need to store there, and designate a location. While this is sound advice for any pantry, it is especially important for a corner pantry. If the pantry’s design disrupts your workflow in any way, it will become frustrating.

Most people enjoy their corner pantries, and the consensus appears to favor them. Those who dislike this style acknowledge that it results from poor design. Another common complaint for corner pantries is a lack of storage space due to angled shelves.

Corner cabinets like this can help you make the most of the space in your corner pantry.

What is a good size for a pantry?

The walk-in pantry provides an excellent way to organize and maximize your storage space. The traditional design allows for one person per 36″ section, so if you’re planning on having more than 1 visitor at once enter through the door, then be sure that there is enough room!

What is the average size of a walk-in pantry?

The pantry should be at least 4 feet wide and long enough for storage. But if you have the space, it would make things easier on yourself (and less crowded) with an 8-foot wide walk-in closet!

What is the minimum depth for a walk-in pantry?

Because of their size, it is important to keep walk-in pantries at least 16 inches deep. This will allow for a minimum shelf width and ensure that the space remains clear during use by pedestrians or those with disabilities who need assistance getting around in your home.

Are Walk-In Pantries a Waste of Space?

You can learn about the average size of a walk-in pantry to learn about different applications. However, the main issue is: are walk-in pantries really a waste of space? Some people will say that they are a waste, while others will say they are not. Some people don’t have much extra space in their kitchen, so they don’t think this is an issue. They can keep their pantry items in a few cabinets rather than a large walk-in. On the other hand, other people will say that walk-in pantries are definitely not a waste of space. They will argue that keeping clutter out of the kitchen is worth the extra square footage.

How Deep Should A Kitchen Pantry Be?

The standard size of a reach-in kitchen pantry is 5′ x 2′; however, this is only a guideline. Your pantry can be as deep or shallow as your space allows or as you require. Some pantries can even be several inches deep, allowing for the storage of mason jars, cans, and other small items.

These lovely storage jars can fit into tight spaces to help you stay organized.

How Deep Should A Walk-In Pantry Be?

A walk-in pantry, with standard dimensions of 5′ wide x 5′ deep, provides plenty of storage space. 36″ is the traditional width of a walkway for one person. Because the standard shelf depth for pantries is 16″, a 52″ pantry should be sufficient if only one person is using it at a time. If two people frequently access the pantry at the same time, the recommended size would increase to 58-64″. If the walk-in must be wheelchair accessible, the pantry must be at least 64″ deep. Consider this if you want to incorporate deeper shelving to store larger objects or cabinetry.

Shelves like these can help you make the most of your space while providing additional storage.

What is the Minimum Size for a Walk-In Pantry?

You don’t want to spend your time designing the walk-in pantry of your dreams if you don’t have the space for it, after all. You must have at least 12 square feet of space to work with.

How much space do I need for a pantry?

The amount of space needed for a pantry depends on your individual storage requirements and the available space in your home. A minimum pantry size of 2 feet deep and 4 feet wide is sufficient for basic storage needs in smaller homes or apartments. However, if you have a larger household or require more storage, consider allocating a space measuring 3 to 4 feet deep and 6 to 8 feet wide for a more spacious and functional pantry.

How wide are standard pantry shelves?

Standard pantry shelves typically range from 12 to 16 inches in width. This width provides enough space for most food items and storage containers while ensuring easy access and visibility. However, it’s important to consider the specific items you plan to store in your pantry and adjust the shelf width accordingly to accommodate larger or bulkier items if necessary.

What is standard shelving space?

Standard shelving space refers to the typical dimensions used for shelves in various storage areas, such as pantries, closets, or bookcases. In a pantry, the standard shelf spacing is usually between 12 to 18 inches apart in height, allowing for ample room to store a variety of food items and containers. The width of the shelves typically ranges from 12 to 16 inches, providing enough space for most items while maintaining accessibility.

How high is a standard pantry from the floor?

A standard pantry typically extends from the floor to the ceiling, taking advantage of the full height of the room. However, the bottom shelf of the pantry should ideally be raised 4 to 6 inches above the floor to reduce the risk of damage from spills and make cleaning easier. The height of the top shelf will depend on your ceiling height and personal preferences, but it should be within reach using a step stool or ladder, if necessary.

What are Common Pantry Sizes?

Common pantry sizes vary depending on the type of pantry and the available space in the kitchen. A standard walk-in pantry typically measures around 5 feet by 5 feet, while reach-in pantries often measure around 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Pantry cupboards can range between 24-36 inches wide and 12-18 inches deep.

What are Standard Pantry Door Sizes?

Standard pantry door sizes often match the standard interior door sizes, which usually measure around 80 inches tall. The width can vary, but it’s typically between 24 to 36 inches. The size might change depending on the design and size of the pantry.

What is a Good Size for a Butler’s Pantry?

A good size for a butler’s pantry provides enough space for storage and counter workspace. This often means a space that is at least 6 to 7 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet deep. However, the size can vary based on the homeowner’s needs and the available space.

How Big Should a Hidden Pantry Be?

The size of a hidden pantry can greatly vary depending on its purpose and the available space. It could be as small as a cabinet that blends with the kitchen cabinetry or as large as a walk-in pantry hidden behind a full-size door.

What is the Minimum Size of a Pantry in Meters?

The minimum size of a pantry in meters would depend on its type and function. However, a small walk-in pantry could be around 1.5 meters by 1 meter or 1.5 meters by 1.5 meters.

How Deep Should a Pantry Be?

The depth of a pantry should ideally be between 16 to 20 inches for the bottom shelves, where bulky items are stored. Shelves at eye level should be shallower, around 12 to 14 inches deep, for easy visibility and access.

How Do You Measure a Pantry?

To measure a pantry, you’ll need to get the height, width, and depth. Use a tape measure to get the dimensions from floor to ceiling for the height, side to side for the width, and front to back for the depth. Don’t forget to measure the door opening if you’re considering a reach-in pantry.

What is the Standard Butlers Pantry Width?

The standard butler’s pantry width can vary, but it often falls between 5 to 7 feet wide to accommodate storage and workspace. However, the size can be adjusted based on the homeowner’s needs and available space.

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.