Ask homeowners what they wish their kitchen had, and a walk-in pantry is near the top of the list. Bulk groceries from the warehouse store, small appliances that crowd the counters, holiday platters, snacks, paper goods and the coffee setup all need a home. When the kitchen cabinets cannot hold it all, the counters end up cluttered.
Adding a walk-in pantry during a kitchen remodel solves that problem at the source. It gives your kitchen a dedicated storage room, frees up cabinets and counters, and often adds real value to the home.
This guide explains how Chicago and south suburban homeowners can find space for a walk-in pantry, how big it needs to be, what to put inside, how it fits into a larger remodel and what affects the cost.
A walk-in pantry is usually created by borrowing space from a nearby closet, mudroom, laundry area, dining room or underused corner during a kitchen remodel. A compact walk-in can work in roughly 5 by 5 feet, while larger pantries allow shelving on three walls and a counter for appliances. Plan shelving depth, lighting and outlets before construction, and expect permits if walls are moved. Cost depends mostly on whether walls, doors, electrical and flooring change.
Planning a kitchen with more storage? Call (708) 979-3298 or contact us for a free in-home consultation.
Why Homeowners Want a Walk-In Pantry
- More storage: Food, small appliances, cookware and supplies in one place.
- Clear counters: Toasters, air fryers, mixers and coffee makers can live in the pantry instead of on the counter.
- Better organization: Open shelving makes it easy to see what you have.
- Bulk buying: Room for larger quantities of household staples.
- Entertaining: Space for serving pieces, platters and holiday items.
- Home value: A pantry is a feature many buyers look for.
Pantry Types Compared
| Pantry Type | What It Is | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet pantry | Tall pull-out or door cabinets within the kitchen | Smaller kitchens without room for a separate space |
| Reach-in pantry | A shallow closet with shelves and a door | Moderate storage in a small footprint |
| Walk-in pantry | A small room you step into, lined with shelves | Families who buy in bulk and want clear counters |
| Butler’s pantry | A passage between kitchen and dining room with cabinets and counters | Entertaining and staging food and drinks |
| Scullery or working pantry | A secondary prep area with a sink or appliances | Hiding mess from an open kitchen |
If a separate room is not possible, a wall of tall pantry kitchen cabinets can still add a lot of storage. Our guide to the kitchen features homeowners never regret adding explains other storage upgrades.
Where Does the Space Come From?
Most Chicago-area homes were not built with walk-in pantries, so the space usually comes from somewhere nearby. Common options include:
- A hall or coat closet next to the kitchen, expanded into a pantry
- A mudroom or back entry reorganized to share space with a pantry
- A laundry area relocated or reconfigured
- Part of a formal dining room that is rarely used
- An awkward corner of a large kitchen that does not work well for cabinets
- A small addition or bump-out when there is no interior space to borrow
Each option has tradeoffs. Taking space from a dining room may open up the kitchen, while moving a laundry area adds plumbing and venting work. Our guide on whether to change your kitchen layout covers these decisions in more depth.
Before moving walls: Some interior walls are load-bearing or hide plumbing, ductwork and wiring. A contractor should confirm what is inside a wall before your pantry plan is finalized. Our article on hidden problems found during kitchen renovations explains what can turn up.
How Big Should a Walk-In Pantry Be?
Size depends on how much you need to store and the shape of the available space.
| Approximate Size | Typical Layout | What Fits |
|---|---|---|
| About 4 to 5 feet deep | Shelving on one or two walls | Food storage and a few small appliances |
| About 5 by 5 feet | Shelving on three walls, a small open center | A compact true walk-in for most families |
| About 6 by 8 feet or larger | Shelving on three walls plus a counter | Appliance station, bulk storage and serving pieces |
Leave enough open floor space to step in, turn around and reach every shelf comfortably. A pantry that is too narrow becomes a closet you cannot use well.
Designing the Inside of the Pantry
Shelving
- Shallower shelves, roughly 12 to 16 inches deep, keep food visible and easy to reach.
- Deeper shelves near the bottom suit small appliances and bulk items.
- Adjustable shelving adapts as your needs change.
- Pull-out baskets or drawers help with produce and snacks.
Appliance counter
A counter inside the pantry is one of the most popular upgrades. It becomes a place to keep the coffee maker, toaster, air fryer or mixer plugged in and ready to use, without cluttering the main kitchen.
Electrical and lighting
- Add outlets at counter height if appliances will be used in the pantry.
- Plan bright, even lighting so labels are easy to read.
- Consider a door switch or motion sensor so the light turns on automatically.
Explore lighting options on our kitchen lighting and fixtures page.
Doors
Pantry doors range from standard swing doors to pocket doors, barn-style doors and glass-panel doors. A pocket door saves floor space in tight layouts, while a glass door adds a decorative touch.
Flooring
Extending the kitchen flooring into the pantry creates a seamless look and makes cleaning easier. See our kitchen flooring options.
Planning the Pantry With the Rest of the Kitchen
A walk-in pantry works best when it is designed as part of the whole kitchen, not added afterward.
- Location: Place the pantry close to the fridge and main prep area.
- Cabinet count: With a pantry, you may need fewer upper cabinets, which can open the kitchen visually.
- Appliances: Decide which appliances stay on the counter and which move to the pantry. Our appliance planning guide can help.
- Island: A pantry can free the island from storage duty so it can focus on seating and prep. See our kitchen island customization service.
- Materials: Continue cabinet finishes or countertops into the pantry for a cohesive look. Browse kitchen countertops.
Permits and Timing
Moving or adding walls, doors and electrical circuits usually requires a building permit in Chicago and in most suburbs. Permits add time to the schedule, so plan for them from the start. Our guide on how long a kitchen remodel takes in Chicago explains a typical timeline.
What Affects the Cost of a Walk-In Pantry?
Cost varies widely depending on how much construction is involved:
- Converting an existing closet is usually the most affordable option.
- Moving or adding walls adds framing, drywall, paint and possibly structural work.
- Relocating plumbing, such as a laundry area, adds significant cost.
- Electrical work for outlets and lighting adds moderate cost.
- Shelving and cabinetry range from simple wire shelves to custom built-ins.
- Flooring, doors and finishes vary with your selections.
- A bump-out or addition is the largest investment.
For an overview of budgets, see how much a kitchen remodel costs in Chicago and our tips to save money without compromising.
Is a Walk-In Pantry Worth It?
For many families, yes. A pantry improves daily life, keeps counters clear and makes the kitchen feel bigger. It can also make your home more attractive to buyers. The value is highest when the pantry is well located, well lit and designed around the way you shop and cook. Read more in our guide on whether a kitchen remodel is worth it.
Walk-In Pantries Across Chicagoland
We add walk-in pantries as part of kitchen remodels in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Oak Lawn and across Chicago. See our recent work in projects.
Ready for a kitchen with real storage?
We will look at your floor plan and show you where a pantry can fit.
Call (708) 979-3298 Request a Free ConsultationExploring a full remodel? See our kitchen remodeling services.
Walk-In Pantry FAQs
How much space do I need for a walk-in pantry?
A compact walk-in pantry can work in roughly 5 by 5 feet with shelving on three walls. Larger pantries allow a counter for appliances and more storage.
Can I add a walk-in pantry to an existing kitchen?
Often, yes. Space is usually borrowed from a nearby closet, mudroom, laundry area, dining room or corner. A contractor can show you which options work in your home.
What is the difference between a walk-in pantry and a butler’s pantry?
A walk-in pantry is a storage room. A butler’s pantry is usually a passage between the kitchen and dining room with cabinets and counters for serving and entertaining.
How deep should pantry shelves be?
Shelves around 12 to 16 inches deep keep food visible and easy to reach. Deeper shelves near the bottom work well for small appliances and bulk items.
Should I put outlets in my pantry?
Yes, if you plan to use appliances such as a coffee maker, toaster or air fryer in the pantry. Outlets should be planned before walls are closed.
Do I need a permit to add a pantry?
Moving or adding walls, doors and electrical work usually requires a permit in Chicago and most suburbs. Converting an existing closet with new shelving may not.
What type of door is best for a pantry?
Pocket doors save space in tight layouts. Swing doors, barn-style doors and glass-panel doors are also popular, depending on the space and style.
Is a cabinet pantry a good alternative?
Yes. Tall pantry cabinets with pull-out shelves add a lot of storage when there is no room for a separate walk-in space.
Can a pantry be added as part of an addition?
Yes. When there is no interior space to borrow, a small bump-out or addition can create room for a pantry, though it is the largest investment.
How much does a walk-in pantry cost?
Cost depends on how much construction is involved. Converting a closet is usually the most affordable, while moving walls, plumbing or adding space costs more.
Does a walk-in pantry add value to a home?
A well-designed pantry is a feature many buyers look for, and it makes daily life easier, which adds value both in use and at resale.
Should the pantry be close to the refrigerator?
Yes. Placing the pantry near the fridge and main prep area makes it easier to put groceries away and grab ingredients while cooking.
Give Everything a Place
A thoughtfully designed walk-in pantry during a kitchen remodel can transform how your kitchen works. Find the right space, size it for how you shop, plan shelving, lighting and outlets, and design it alongside the rest of the kitchen.
Chicago Kitchen Renovations designs and builds kitchens across Chicago and the southwest suburbs. Call (708) 979-3298 to start planning yours.
