Give An Old Cabinet New Life By Upcycling It Into A Gorgeous Pantry

There's a simple way to store all your snacks, extra ingredients, and non-perishable groceries in style. But, if you don't have built-in food storage or the woodworking skills to DIY a freestanding pantry yourself, don't fret, because an old cabinet will be your new best friend. Upcycling an old cabinet into a pantry can be a stellar way to add space and style to your kitchen. Old cabinets, wardrobes, and similar storage units are all perfect for this project. Just go with any design and size that works for your kitchen. 

Likewise, tall and slender buffets are just as useful as short and wide consoles. Crucially, this is also a renter-friendly hack that's ideal for upgrading kitchenettes, outdoor kitchens, or even your basement's cooking area. It can also be a great place to store dishes or cookware instead of just food. Further, these furniture units are easy to blend into the rest of the room. You can match the DIY pantry to your existing cabinetry or let it stand out as a focal point. Most importantly, your goodies will have an organized place to live.

Getting your old cabinet to look brand new is the first step in upcycling the unit — unless you prefer the distressed vintage style, of course. Start by cleaning the cabinet with a soft sponge or cloth and a solution made up of 1 part dish soap to 5 parts water. Then, wipe dry. For wood pieces, sand the unit before adding your paint or stain. A coat of color is the easiest way to give the furniture a new lease of life and make it the kitchen's statement piece in the process. Adding wallpaper or contact paper to the shelves or walls inside the cabinet is another decorative touch that can also hide any faults. 

If it has glass windows, consider placing a curtain on the inside of the doors. You'll still get the elegant look of glass fronts without the pressure of your unpacked groceries needing to be dressed to impress. Don't forget about functionality. Fit spice racks, self dividers, trays, or turntables inside the cabinet to maximize space. You can also reuse empty jars and bottles as storage items to organize your pantry. Another way to upgrade the storage space is to add baskets on top of the cabinet or install hooks at the side of the unit. It'll hold more than you think. So, until you get that HGTV makeover with a walk-in storeroom, use an old cabinet as a gorgeous DIY pantry to expand your kitchen storage.