Kitchen pantries provide valuable storage space, of course, but just because they're practical doesn't mean they have to be boring looking, and that's where these great pantry door ideas come in. Like any other decor, pantry door styles are abundant, and with vintage-inspired wooden doors, barn doors, double doors, and even a set of pocket doors, there are plenty of options to choose from.
“The goal is for the pantry to blend naturally with the rest of the kitchen and not become an intrusion into the space,” says Andrea Schumacher, founder of Denver-based Andrea Schumacher Interiors. “At the same time, it needs to provide value. This approach makes the pantry an integral part of the kitchen's design story, not an afterthought.”
Do pantry doors need to match your cabinets?
Pantry doors don't strictly have to complement your cabinets, but they should tie directly into the kitchen to some degree, says Marnie Oursler, founder of Marnie Custom Homes in Bethany Beach, Delaware. For example, if you don't want your doors to match your cabinets, consider matching them to the island color or window frames. “I like to get creative with pantry doors and stray from the style of the surrounding cabinetry,” adds Kate Figler, founder of Kate Figler Interiors in Nashville. In her work, she opts for fabric fronts, swinging doors, and even vintage pantry doors.
What type of door is best for a pantry?
The most important factor to consider when choosing the type of door to use for your pantry is functionality, says Figler. “It's a door that will be used a lot, and we don't want to incorporate details that are too precious and that can wear off over time,” she explains. Plus, be careful to choose a door that can seamlessly hide clutter. Figler adds, “Because these spaces can get messy, and no client likes to stare into the inside of their pantry, that's why we never specify clear glass-front doors.” If your kitchen is short on square footage, sliding doors are a great space-saving solution that's full of practicality, says Mann, adding, “They can also serve as a statement piece in the kitchen.”
What can I use instead of a pantry door?
If traditional pantry doors aren't your thing, there are other options. Instead of swinging doors, for example, Oursler prefers opting for sliding pocket doors, and suggests trying arched doors for architectural interest in your design. Mann appreciates the functionality of sliding doors, such as barn doors, commenting, “You can leave your pantry open to reveal the open shelves inside, or close them when you need to put things away.”
Below, we present 27 stylish pantry door ideas that will help you perfect your kitchen design: Whether you’re a minimalist, modernist, or belong to another camp altogether, you’re sure to find a door design that perfectly matches the aesthetic of your home décor.