5 things that could be making your pantry look cheap, and what designers say you should do about them

The pantry is perhaps one of the areas of the kitchen that gets the highest traffic, it can also be quite separate from the main kitchen, out of sight and out of mind. These busy but hidden away spaces therefore can quickly become cluttered, and aesthetics get ignored. There are of course plenty of ways to approach organizing a pantry, but in general, making a pantry look luxe and expensive can be challenging.

But when considering pantry ideas and how you design and decorate your space, there are some common mistakes that can bring the look of your space down. That's why we enlisted the expertise of designers who have laid out the key things that they think make a pantry look cheap and, more helpfully, what you can do to avoid them.

1. Lots of exposed clutter

The number one culprit of a cheap-looking pantry has to be clutter; keeping pantry shelves organized is the foundation for a beautiful but not too busy space and this begins with collecting storage vessels.

'Exposed clutter is a surefire way to bring down the overlook of any space, be it pantry or penthouse!' explains Kathy Kuo, designer at Kathy Kuo Home. 'I always advise my clients and customers to invest in pantry storage solutions that not only look great, but also have an undeniable practical element. In a pantry, depending on the amount of space you have to work with, wall shelving, hutches, and storage baskets to slot into lower shelves are all great options.'

2. Doors that don't fit with the kitchen's design

Selecting the right pantry door can also determine its aesthetic, so experts suggest looking for one that will look uniform with the rest of your kitchen.

'A standard door, like one for bedrooms or bathrooms, can make a pantry look out of place,' says David Peris, owner of Sagrada Homes. 'You want the pantry door to blend seamlessly with your kitchen design, cabinets, and layout, rather than be an afterthought.

There are tons of options, and depending on whether your kitchen leans more rustic or modern, you might opt for double doors or French doors or something very sleek and integrated.

David continues, '"Hidden pantries" built with the same material as the kitchen cabinetry are a great alternative. I've built several of these in custom homes. Essentially, the pantry blends into the design rather than standing out. Finding paneling that matches the surrounding cabinetry will give your kitchen an elevated, cohesive feel. If you’re updating your home instead of building new, you can go for a double-door style, such as two 24-inch Dutch-style doors that open to the sides. For a sleek look, try flat or flush doors.'

3. Poor Lighting

Just as general kitchen lighting ideas are major contributing factors in making the space feel more elevated, pantry lighting should be thought of in the same way. Pantries are naturally dark, so ignoring the lighting scheme could result in the space looking cheap and just not properly thought through. Installing a solid lighting system is key to making them feel accessible and inviting.

David suggests the best way to light a pantry is to, 'Add a warm-toned sensor light that flicks on as you open the door. If your budget allows, LED lights on your shelving can illuminate the space and add a nice glow to the items throughout your pantry.'

4. Overuse of plastic

lookingWhile we mentioned containers earlier on, materials are crucial to prevent a pantry from lookin cheap. Namely, plastic containers should be traded out for more durable and luxe materials, such as glass (with stylish labels, of course).

'Excessive plastic storage solutions, especially if they’re cloudy, cracked, or mismatched, can make the pantry feel low-quality,' designer Nina Lichtenstein explains. 'Swap plastic bins for glass jars, ceramic canisters, or natural materials like bamboo and rattan. These options bring a refined appearance as well as durability to the space while staying eco-friendly.'

5. Bland walls

Not treating your pantry as you would any other room of your home, and adding some decorative elements is a surefire way to make it look cheap. Pantries may be functional, but that doesn't mean they should be neglected aesthetically. Of course, like kitchens, it can be tricky to know how to make a pantry feel more characterful when they have to work so hard, and you don't want lots of decor getting in the way. But the walls are prime real estate for adding in some personality without taking up any square footage.

'Bare walls in the pantry can make the space feel like an afterthought rather than a purposeful part of your home,' Nina states. 'Add character with a bold paint color, wallpaper, reclaimed wood, or even a tiled backsplash behind open shelves. A small pattern, interesting texture, or rich tone can elevate the entire pantry, turning it into a hidden gem.'

A pantry can understandably be neglected when it comes to anything aesthetic, but this sole focus on them being very practical spaces can result in them looking cheap and unconsidered. The best approach to ensure your pantry looks expensive is to design it in keeping with your kitchen, treat it like an extension of that main space, taking across the same colors, materials, and style.