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Should a Pantry Have a Door?

By

Zakhar Ivanisov
Published: October 26, 2021
Updated: October 30, 2023

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Although we don’t spend a lot of time in pantries, they still require planning if you want to maximize their function. That may include deciding whether or not your pantry needs a door. Doors are generally used for privacy and creating a clear division between rooms. Well-organized food and appliances may not demand privacy as they sit on the shelves, but a pantry door offers more than concealment.

So, Should a pantry have a door? Yes, most pantries should have a door. While there are pantries that do without it, a door provides a plethora of benefits, such as hiding an unorganized space, climate control, maximizing storage space, and keeping nosy pets out. Additionally, a pantry door can be a great place to show off your interior design style! The type of pantry you have, your style goals, and the space in your home will ultimately decide if a pantry door is right for you.

Here are a few key factors to take into consideration when deciding on whether or not your pantry should have a door.

01
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Pantry Doors are an Easy Way to Conceal Clutter

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: adventuresindecorating1

When you’re rushing around the kitchen preparing a meal, organization isn’t always a top priority. If you know that your pantry tends to get messy, a door is a great way to conceal clutter. Plus, you can keep those doors open when your pantry is in tip-top shape!

02
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Pantry Doors Keep Pets Out of Your Food

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: antiquefarmhouse

Whether you have a dog with an insatiable appetite or a nosy cat, adding doors to your pantry provides the perfect barrier between your pet and its food, saving you headaches.

03
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Pantry Doors Provide Extra Storage Space

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: cutertudor

Using the back of a door to hang small shelves or hooks is an easy way to boost your pantry’s storage and keep everything organized. Generally, narrow storage options work best on the back of a door so it doesn’t interfere with interior shelving. Look for storage options that can hold small items like spices, brooms, aprons, small cans, and bottles.

04
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A Pantry Door Is a Great Place to Show Off Your Style

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: redbrickfauxfarmhouse

A stylized pantry door may be the answer for kitchens that lack a focal point or flair. Try a sliding barn door to infuse your space with a signature farmhouse feel. Go with a stained glass option for some art deco inspiration. Prefer something that marries vintage and modern? A repurposed French door painted an eye-catching shade is always an option.

05
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Pantry Doors Help Provide a Cool, Dark Place for Food

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: ourwintonhome

Putting a door on your pantry may help your food last longer. A door keeps your pantry staying cool and dark, which is the optimal storage condition for most dried goods.

06
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A Pantry with Doors is Less Dusty

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: blessed_and_farmhouse_obsessed

A pantry with a door is less likely to get dusty since it’s a closed-off area. This means less time spent cleaning!

07
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A Glass Door Can Visually Expand a Pantry with Its Airy Aesthetic

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: simple.joy.at.home

If you want a pantry door but are worried it’ll look too bulky, consider going with a glass door. A glass door will maximize the amount of light that flows through the space and can make it feel more expansive. However, will also show off any pantry messes. If you know your pantry can get a bit messy disorganized, choose a frosted or stained glass door. You’ll still get the chic aesthetic and benefits of the extra light a glass door offers, but it will block off any pantry disasters.

08
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Sliding Pantry Doors Take Up the Least Space

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: ourrusticparadise

Using either a door on a track or a pocket door will save you from a space-gobbling swinging door. Since these doors glide along a wall instead of swinging in or out, you’ll never have to worry if there is enough clearance around the pantry for it to comfortably open. This is also a great design choice if you want to maximize walking space in your kitchen.

09
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Split Pantry Doors Take Up Less Space Than a Single Swinging Door

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: makinghomematter

Don’t have the wall space for a sliding door? Consider using two doors or a bi-fold door. These doors will stick out half as much when they’re open so they won’t need as much clearance.

10
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A Door Isn’t Feasible for Freestanding Pantries

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: bigfamilylittlefarmhouse

A pantry door has many benefits, but for some pantries, it just isn’t an option. In those cases, consider freestanding pantries such as a kitchen shelf or cart.

11
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Butler Pantries Don’t Need a Door

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: cottagestyle

A butler pantry with its larger size and layout often feels more like a living space than storage, so a door isn’t necessary. However, you can use one if you like the aesthetic. You may want to consider a French door or a similar glass door that creates privacy and blocks out noise but still allows a line of sight to flow through.

12
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Skipping the Pantry Door Means Organization is a Must

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: caldtothefarm

If you’re opting for a pantry without a door, don’t skimp on organization. Items like shelves, baskets, buckets, and crates are perfect for creating easy storage options.

13
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Pantries Without a Door Require a Design Plan

Should a Pantry Have a Door?

Photo: antiquefarmhouse

To make an open pantry work, you need to make it feel like an extension of your home. This may mean adding a few accessories or signage among the shelves. At the very least, any storage (baskets, canisters, bins, etc.) should fall in line with the style of the rest of the surrounding areas. The idea is to make the pantry fit in effortlessly with the rest of your kitchen.

Picture of Zakhar Ivanisov

Zakhar Ivanisov

Meet Zakhar Ivanisov, a Seattle-based entrepreneur and design enthusiast at the helm of Soul & Lane. With a heart full of passion, Zakhar blends his business acumen and a keen eye for aesthetics to create spaces that are as inviting as they are stylish. His venture into the world of home decor and organization reflects a unique fusion of entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine love for transforming living spaces.

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