2 Pantry options to maximize kitchen storage space
Apr 2026In this article:
The pantry option that offers the most space for storage goods
Advantages of a tall pantry unit
An alternative pantry solution for small spaces and kitchens with sloping ceilings
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Supplies in the kitchen
Sprawling pantries and dedicated storerooms are a thing of the past in most homes. Today, functional cabinets provide storage space for all kinds of items, including dry goods and other pantry staples.
The amount of storage space required depends on several factors, including, for example, the number of people in the household and their grocery shopping habits.
Depending on the size of the kitchen, storage space needs and design preferences, one pantry unit option may be a better fit than the other. But no matter which option you choose, both of them ensure ergonomic access and provide a clear view of storage goods.
Planning for pros
Concept 1: The tall cabinet
In spacious kitchens, a tall cabinet can be installed as a pantry unit. This solution offers generous storage space to store supplies such as pasta, rice and flour, as well as bottles and canned goods.
Blum developed the SPACE TOWER for this pantry concept to ensure all items are within easy reach. And with complete control over the cabinet dimensions, the drawers in this tall cabinet can be as wide or narrow as the space allows.
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The SPACE TOWER pantry unit from Blum offers full visibility of storage items.
SPACE TOWER at a glance
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Full extension drawers can be opened individually, giving the user easy access to contents from the left, right and front of the drawer.
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The doors can open up to 155 degrees so that they are almost parallel to the wall or neighboring cabinet. Even in narrow kitchens, the open cabinet doors stay well out of the way.
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Thanks to a zero-protrusion hinge, the drawers can fully clear the cabinet without bumping the door. Each drawer is fully visible from above, making it quick to locate and remove items.
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Positioning the bottom door hinge higher in the cabinet means the bottom drawer can be planned right at the bottom of the cabinet, transforming the last few inches into valuable storage space.
Whether a minimal amount of storage space is needed for a small family or a sophisticated system is required for a passionate amateur chef, SPACE TOWER is the ideal solution for anyone who wants an ergonomic and convenient pantry unit.
The unit can be customized to fit a variety of heights, widths and depths. For units wider than 30", we recommend using two narrower doors instead of a single door to prevent it from protruding too far into the space surrounding the cabinet.
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Unlike a pull-out pantry unit, which is often installed in a tall cabinet as a storage solution, each drawer in SPACE TOWER can be opened individually. This means there's no need to move the entire contents of the cabinet every time you need something.
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People who want to organize their pantry units like a pro use an additional organization system, such as AMBIA-LINE or ORGA-LINE. These systems keep things clearly in view, make it possible to remove items easily and ensure that supplies such as flour, sugar or rice won't tip over in the drawer.
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Individual drawers can be spaced apart as needed so that more space can be left at the bottom for tall items such as bottles, for example. Shallow drawer space higher up in the cabinet is ideal for shorter items such as canned goods and jars. By adjusting the drawer spacing, SPACE TOWER can be perfectly customized to the homeowner's needs when planning the kitchen.
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Each drawer can support up to 125 pounds, meaning that even full glass bottles and heavy items can be stored safely and securely.
Concept 2: Base cabinet with drawers
The tall cabinet designed specifically for pantry storage is not the best solution for every application. For example:
In kitchens with low sloping ceilings, there is often no room for a tall pantry unit.
Smaller apartments generally have less total space in the kitchen.
If an existing pantry is already available, only the supplies required on a daily basis need to be stored in the kitchen.
In these cases, the experts at Blum recommend a base cabinet with drawers. These cabinets are either already outfitted with drawers, or they can be retrofitted.
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A base cabinet can also be used to store supplies in a well-organized way.
Planned to perfection: maximize the base drawer pantry unit
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Drawers that can be pulled out completely provide convenient access – right to the farthest corner. The drawers should have high side panels so that nothing falls out.
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Add an organization system to keep items corralled, upright and easily within view. Shown here with AMBIA-LINE from Blum.
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Blum's box systems can be adjusted according to the available space and personal needs of the user. Drawers can be as wide or tall as needed.
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Even large and heavy items can be stored in a base cabinet pantry. Blum's box systems can hold up to 125 pounds per drawer.
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At a glance: two ways to optimize the pantry unit
A tall cabinet as a pantry unit provides the most storage space for all kinds of supplies.
The SPACE TOWER pantry unit is equipped with drawers that can be customized to suit individual needs – so that all items have their own space and can be quickly removed from three sides.
A great alternative for smaller spaces is a base cabinet with drawers.
Organization systems such as AMBIA-LINE or ORGA-LINE from Blum help to keep supplies neatly organized.
Drawers with high, closed sides are ideal to keep taller items from tipping out of the drawer.
Blum drawers can support weights of up to 125 lbs and open and close easily, even when heavily loaded.
The width and height of both pantry solutions are completely adjustable.
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