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Should You Choose a Pantry or a Larder?
Topping the wish list of many kitchen renovations, larders and pantries have seen a resurgence in popularity over recent years. The key to clutter-free living, these space-saving solutions provide storage for dried goods, spices and even kitchen appliances.
Incorporating a kitchen pantry or larder cupboard into your space can help you achieve a clean, organised and elevated aesthetic. But, what are the differences between the two and why should you consider having one in your home?
Our handy guide shares the basics of these clever storage spaces, including what pantries and larders are, their key features and benefits, and some of our favourite modern variations.
What is a pantry?
A staple of the home for hundreds of years, a pantry is a small room or large cupboard used to store food, drinks, crockery, cutlery and other excess kitchen essentials. Originally used to store bread in medieval times, the modern-day pantry has come a long way.
Now a key element in any kitchen, pantries can be built into your space as part of clever cabinetry design, or as part of the overall kitchen architecture to help the main kitchen area remain clutter-free.
Modern pantries are commonly used to store:
- Dried foods such as pasta, rice and cereals
- Tinned and jarred goods
- Baking ingredients
- Snacks and drinks
- Small kitchen appliances
- Crockery, glassware and serving pieces
For homes where space is limited, thoughtful storage design can help create pantry-style organisation without requiring a separate room. Features such as internal shelving, pull-out storage and compact cabinetry can maximise every inch of space. If you're designing a small kitchen layout, explore our range of compact kitchen solutions for inspiration.
What is a larder?
Larders are space-saving solutions, usually built into your kitchen design. They are incredibly functional and can be designed to suit your needs, with an array of features available to make the space work best for you. From pan drawers and open shelving to wine racks and spice drawers, a larder cupboard is a perfect addition to enhance the practicality of your kitchen.
Historically, a larder was a cool room used for storing perishable foods before the invention of refrigeration. Today, the meaning of a larder has evolved, and the term is most often used to describe a tall kitchen cupboard designed to store food, cooking essentials and small appliances in one convenient place.
A modern larder cupboard combines practical storage with beautiful design. Adjustable shelving, internal drawers and door-mounted racks help keep ingredients visible and organised, making meal preparation simpler and more enjoyable.
For smaller kitchens, a larder can also provide additional storage without taking up significant floor space. Explore our range of kitchen units with doors to discover storage options that work around your lifestyle.
The differences between a pantry and a larder
While some people often use the terms interchangeably, there are several differences between pantries and larders. Here are some of the main ones:
Keeping it cool
Larders tend to be cool, dry areas, making them great for storing different types of food, while pantries are often small rooms or cupboards, so the temperature is less regulated. As such, pantries are typically used to house non-perishables, beverages, crockery, cutlery and any other miscellaneous kitchen item that needs a home out of the way.
A question of space
The available space you have is often a deciding factor when it comes to choosing between a pantry or larder. Larder cupboards are a fantastic way to add practicality to your kitchen layout, as they allow easy access to all products, but within the design of your current kitchen space. If you're working with a narrower layout, combining a larder with our shallow depth units can help maximise storage while maintaining comfortable circulation throughout the room.
A pantry is usually a larger space, added through clever use of architectural features such as spare rooms or partitioned spaces. This walk-in storage option may not be achievable in every home due to the space required, but where possible, the separation can free up extra room in the kitchen for cooking, dining and relaxing.
Design decisions
Larders can be purchased separately and seamlessly incorporated into your kitchen design, without the risk of compromising on style. You also have more design freedom with a larder as these come in a variety of finishes, materials and hues to suit your kitchen colour palette and mood board. A pantry requires more long-term planning as this space must be built into the architecture of a kitchen, whether in the form of personalised cabinetry or a walk-in cupboard.
Pantry and larder trends for modern kitchens
While both pantry and larder storage have their roots in traditional kitchen design, they've become some of the most sought-after features in modern homes.
Today's homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to create calm, clutter-free spaces that support everyday living. Walk-in pantries offer dedicated storage away from the main cooking area, while larder cupboards provide easy access to ingredients, appliances and kitchen essentials within the heart of the kitchen.
From hidden storage and bespoke organisation systems to statement cabinetry and open shelving, there are countless ways to incorporate these features into your kitchen design.
For more inspiration, explore our 2026/27 Trends Guide, featuring expert insights on pantry design, larder cupboards and the storage solutions homeowners are choosing right now.
Organise your kitchen with a pantry or larder
While there are some key differences between larders and pantries, they both offer the same benefits when it comes to improving the way you use your kitchen space.
The phrase ‘tidy home, tidy mind’ is well-known for a reason! Keeping clutter and excess equipment neatly stored away helps elevate your kitchen from a space of functionality to a space for enjoyment. Not only this, but larders and pantries can become design statements. The growing trend for ‘decorganizing’ - involving decanting long-life goods into beautiful glass jars, bamboo holders and neatly labelled containers - means that your larder or pantry doesn’t have to become another dumping ground; instead, it could be Pinterest paradise!
Larders and pantries
Find your favourites among our wide range of storage solutions
Think a pantry or larder could be the solution to your organisational woes? If so, our Magnet designers can help you decipher which is best for you during a free, no-obligation design consultation.
Not quite ready for a design consultation? Don’t worry, Request a Callback to ask questions and talk through your storage needs. If a larder or pantry isn’t the right option, our range of other innovative kitchen solutions might just be what you need. Or, take a look at our blog for more storage inspiration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a kitchen cupboard and a pantry?
A kitchen cupboard is a general storage unit used for a wide range of kitchen items, from cookware to food. A pantry is specifically designed for food and household storage and often includes dedicated shelving and organisation features. Pantries may be walk-in rooms, large cupboards or purpose-built storage zones within the kitchen.
What is the difference between a larder, pantry and a scullery?
A pantry is primarily used for storing food and kitchen essentials, while a modern larder is usually a tall cupboard that provides organised food storage within the kitchen itself. A scullery is a separate utility space traditionally used for washing dishes and food preparation. In contemporary homes, a scullery often functions similarly to a utility room or secondary prep kitchen.
Is a pantry worth having in a small kitchen?
Yes. While traditional pantries were separate rooms, modern pantry storage can be incorporated into compact kitchens through clever cabinetry, pull-out storage and multifunctional cupboards. A well-designed pantry can help maximise storage and reduce countertop clutter.
Can a larder cupboard replace a pantry?
For many households, yes. A well-designed larder cupboard can provide organised storage for dry foods, small appliances and cooking essentials without requiring the space needed for a walk-in pantry.
Do pantries add value to a kitchen?
Storage is consistently one of the most desirable features for homeowners. A thoughtfully designed pantry or larder can improve kitchen functionality, support organisation and enhance the overall appeal of the space. For more inspiration, explore more kitchen storage ideas to discover clever ways to make every cupboard, corner and drawer work harder.
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