What can I do with my open pantry?

Doe
by Doe

I have a open pantry & I’m not very handy. I have wire shelving that I hate.

Here is the top, my fridge is next to the sight.

Bottom

  11 answers
  • Easy way would be to run coordinating ribbon through the wire shelves. Another option would be to get a tension rod and curtain clips and buy a shower curtain (if long enough) or purchase a length of fabric long enough to reach the floor. Use iron on stitch witchery to hem the raw edges - no sewing required!

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 01, 2019

    LIke Naomie's suggestion of a tension rod and shower curtain. That would make it easy to take down and wash. Also easy to change the look with a different shower curtain. Check out amazon.com they have hundreds (if not more) of shower curtains to choose from. You would most likely want one that is 36 inches wide.

  • DD DD on Jan 01, 2019

    Doe I am guessing at the height of the opening but I agree with Naomie a tension rod with an 84" curtain panel will work but will need to be shortened at least 4 inches or you can make a curtain as suggested. As for the shelves which I also hate, I cover ALL mine with foam board that I get from the dollar store. I cut the foam board to the size of the shelf and ten cut a short piece for the front I use decorative duct tape to join the 2 pieces. or you can use packing tape and then cover with contact paper but contact paper is not my friend :) that should take care of looking at the wire shelves

    Good luck with your project would love to see pictures when you finish!

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Jan 02, 2019

    I think you cold use a piece of fabric or a curtain to hang over the opening. I'd also switch out the big bulky baskets for smaller, lighter ones. This might make it a little easier to get things in and out. Maybe add a lazy susan so you can easily reach the smaller items like spices.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jan 02, 2019

    A tension rod and shower curtain would work well, we did exactly that and so much better, you can be so creative in your selection or go to the dollar and store and get on that is fairly decent on the cheap. If the shower curtain is too long you could shorten it by cutting and hemming,

    if too short, just lower the tension rod to where it is a level of coverage you are happy with. Maybe add an additional tension rod contrasting color valence at the top as a feature to compensate for the lowered of the curtain.

    As for the wire shelving, you could use foam board which DD suggested or maybe even sturdy wall paper

  • I would replace the wire shelving with stained wooden shelving. Make a feature out of that space!

  • Judy in Canton. Judy in Canton. on Jan 02, 2019

    Those are quick easy fixes but I would consider installing a folding closet door panel. Add a cork on top top (painted and /or decorated) and black board chalk on bottom.


  • Susan Harris Seeley Susan Harris Seeley on Jan 02, 2019

    I would take out the shelves and spray paint them an oil rubbed bronze (Rustoleum) and make them look industrial.

    another idea, is to get a swing arm curtain rod, mount to the inside of the jamb and get a bamboo type shade or panel, and hang on it, then you can swing it open out of the way to access your closet.

  • Bijous Bijous on Jan 02, 2019

    Hi. that is a deep, narrow spot. Take out the shelves and build a pvc pantry on wheels that goes from top of closet to bottom. The pictures attached give you an idea. Working with pvc is easy; it's cut and glue.

    - Invest in a pair of pvc cutters and the work is a breeze!

    - You can install rollers, and as you see in the picture, just use pvc joints to put it together.

    - I'd have a quarter inch piece of plywood cut to size (big box stores will do this for you) for the front and paint it to match your mouldings.

    - Use a drill and nuts and bolts to attach the wood to the pvc.

    - I would also attach a nice handle or knobs (if you use knobs you'll need two) to pull out the pantry to get things.

    - For shelves you can re-use the wire or use the rest of the quarter inch plywood (again the wood can be cut to the size you need. If you decide to use the wire and it's too big,you can cut the wire down with a wire cutter (another great investment).


    *click on pix to expand.


    Happy DIY'ing!

  • Debi53 Debi53 on Jan 02, 2019

    You said you are not handy, so here is a way to change your pantry that even a novice can do. Replace your wire shelves by installing adjustable shelving. You can buy these at any home improvement store. Mount the shelving strips to the back or sides of your pantry. Either way will work, it depends on the particular style you choose. Then have pre-made shelves cut to fit your pantry. Go with your pantry measurements in hand. Use drywall anchors (https://www.homedepot.com/p/E-Z-Ancor-Twist-N-Lock-50-lb-Drywall-Anchors-with-Screws-25-Pack-25200/100133106) to screw the shelf supports into the wall and make sure that some of the screws go into studs--those going in the studs will not use the anchors. Then simply lay the shelves on top of the supports. You can screw them in, but you probably won't need to. (I never do.) Then you can adjust your shelves as your needs change. If you want your pantry to look pretty, take items out of boxes and bags and use clear airtight containers to pour your cereals, pasta, sugar, flour, etc. in. Use attractive labels to identify your containers. Stack canned goods by categories and face all labels to the front. You can also contain snack bags and small boxes (like jello) in larger flip top clear containers so they are easily accessible, but will stay contained.