DIY Pantry Makeover: Small Pantry Remodel on a Budget
It’s time to reveal our budget friendly DIY pantry makeover! What used to be a messy builder grade pantry is now beautiful, organized, and easy to maintain. Grocery shopping is easier because we can see what we have, which also helps prevent food waste. My kids can reach all of their own snacks–hallelujah chorus–and I’ve been making healthier snack choices too. Am I overselling this pantry remodel?! Haha. I’m just so happy with how it turned out. Keep reading for inspiring before and after pantry photos and all of the details.
In addition, here are more posts about our pantry!
This post may contain affiliate links.
DIY Pantry Makeover Before
Here is our pantry “before” with builder grade wire shelves.
Before the pantry remodel, we were using plastic baskets for organization but they weren’t very functional. We couldn’t see what was inside the baskets, and they were usually overflowing with plastic packaging. In addition, the cereal boxes were wobbly on the wire shelves and my kids couldn’t reach them!
I spent a lot of time researching the best pantry shelves and storage containers. And I’m so happy with how our DIY pantry makeover turned out! Ready to see it?
DIY Pantry Makeover After
Pantry containers are linked in this post!
I still can’t believe this is the same pantry after the remodel. It is so much more functional and pretty! I will share a cost breakdown and DIY pantry makeover ideas below, but first–here are some more photos. What do you think?
If you are interested, I shared all of our pantry containers and how much food they hold here!
DIY Pantry Makeover Cost Breakdown
I already shared detailed cost breakdowns in this post and this post, but here is the grand total:
- Pantry Shelves: $217
- Pantry Containers: $540
- Tax: ~$53
- Pantry Makeover Total Cost: $810
For comparison, the Elfa pantry I considered was over $1,400 just for shelving, no containers included.
While I wouldn’t consider this project cheap by any means, it was a budget friendly option for us compared to a top of the line shelving system or custom pantry. I am so pleased with the balance of value and quality for this pantry remodel!
DIY Pantry Makeover Ideas
Here’s a recap of how I completed our DIY pantry makeover. I will link to all of my other blog posts that give more details!
1. Replace Wire Pantry Shelves
I started this DIY pantry makeover last month by replacing our wire shelves.
After researching different options, I chose affordable track shelving from The Home Depot. Check out the post for a cost breakdown and new pantry shelving installation tips.
2. Paint Pantry Walls (or Install Wallpaper)
In the process of replacing the shelves, I also painted the interior of the pantry. I used Village Green by Behr in satin finish because I had some leftover from our powder room. Another option is to use peel and stick wallpaper in your pantry. Here is a beautiful example by my friend Tiffany!
3. Update Pantry Containers and Organizers
To finish up our pantry refresh, I researched the best pantry storage containers and organizers. This included cereal dispensers, airtight food storage containers, baskets, labels, etc. Check out the post for a cost breakdown, plus tips for how much each container holds by volume or weight.
This project has been a month in the making but it was worth it! I hope you found all of the blog posts helpful and inspiring.
I’m Caitlin.
A creative homebody on a mission! Since 2017, I’ve been dreaming up ways to make our builder grade house feel like home. Blogging every step of the way, my goal is to help you create a space that is cozy and functional. I write about decorating, organizing ideas, and DIY projects, plus occasional gift guides. Grab a cup of tea and let’s make home cozy!
I love how the pantry came out!! The color is perfect! Thanks for all the info in this post, it’s really helpful! The labels are perfect too! I have a closet in the kitchen that I hope I turn into a cute pantry. : )
Thank you
Thank you so much Lizette! I’m so glad to hear that you found the post helpful and inspiring 🙂
Beautifully organized pantry! I am inspired!!!
Where did you get the labels?
Thanks so much Lisa! Here are the labels!
Can you please send the link for the containers?
Hi Sheila! All of my pantry containers are linked in this post. Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂
Good morning! I just stumbled upon your post via Google because I’m looking to redo our pantry. Yours turned out beautifully. For reference, how big is your pantry?
Thank you so much for the info.
Hi Kelly! Thanks so much for the comment 🙂 Our pantry is 52″ wide x 18″ deep. The doorway opening is 36″ wide x 81″ tall. I put the highest shelf at about 78″ so that we could still access it. Hope that helps!
This is seriously so inspiring! I love the idea of painting the pantry a different color than the rest of your kitchen. I am definitely adding this onto my to-do list when I remodel my kitchen. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi will you please help me to get same thickness shelves and tell me where did you order them and the brackets from too? It looks soo good my husband and his cousin did mine after pulling wire shelves out like you did and hate it. They bought very thick shelves and they look like garage ones I’m so upset for weeks and don’t know how to find thinner ones that look horrid and bulky… I love them in yours thank you in advance.
Donna
Hi Donna! My exact shelves are currently out of stock, but these shelves are the same size and look very similar! You can find all of the exact products I used in this post. Hope that helps!