It took me about two months after building, painting, and adding an antique mirror to this IKEA Hemnes cabinet to turn it into a usable pantry for our small kitchen, but the project is finally finished: the pantry is organized. I’m honestly surprised at how big a difference a few thoughtful containers and systems made.
For a long time the interior didn’t live up to the cabinet’s exterior, but now everything has a clear place. Having order in the kitchen has been such a relief, and this pair of updated Hemnes cabinets has made our limited storage feel much more functional.
If you’re considering converting an IKEA Hemnes cabinet into a pantry, here’s a concise tour of what worked for us and the organization choices I’d recommend.
Wire Baskets
One lesson we learned quickly: woven baskets can hide items, which often leads to food being forgotten and eventually wasted. When items are out of sight, they’re out of mind—so choose containers that let you see what’s inside.
Wire baskets or clear bins make it easy to scan contents at a glance and reduce food waste. They may not be the most decorative option, but visibility and practicality are more important in a pantry.
Practical sizing matters—choose baskets that fit your shelves while leaving room to slide items in and out easily. We use eight mid-size wire baskets across the middle shelves, and taller items go on the lowest shelf.
Lanyard Tag Labels
Labeling each basket with a small tag clarifies what belongs where and keeps like items together: canned goods, paper products, condiments, breakfast items, meal bases, savory snacks, and sweet snacks. Simple lanyard-style tags are inexpensive and easy to read.
These tags are useful for many storage situations beyond the pantry; they’re sturdy and easy to change if your system evolves. Anything too tall for the baskets—cereal boxes, protein powder canisters, large baking items—lives upright on the bottom shelf.
Turntable Organizers
Small lazy susans are a game changer for tight spaces and shelves full of small items. They let you rotate to the item you need without pulling everything out, and many designs include removable bins that are ideal for baby food pouches, supplement bottles, and single-serve snacks.
Because the bins lift out easily, loading and unloading is simple, and the rotation helps maximize shelf depth without sacrificing accessibility.
Airtight Food Storage Containers
Airtight containers are incredibly useful for snacks and frequently used ingredients. I chose sizes that fit the cabinet drawers perfectly so snacks are grab-and-go: open a drawer, pop a lid, and you’re out the door.
While I’m not usually a fan of too many containers, these particular sizes match the drawers and keep items fresh and visible. They also reduce clutter from loose bags and boxes.
Embossing Label Maker
Labeling further refines the system. An embossing label maker gives a clean, old-school look to tags and containers. They’re inexpensive and simple to use, and the tactile labels are durable and easy to read at a glance.
Once you start labeling shelves and bins, everything feels more intentional and easier to maintain.
Potato Bin
For root vegetables like potatoes and onions, a shallow metal pan or baking tray repurposed as a storage bin works surprisingly well. It keeps them contained, allows air circulation, and is easy to slide out when needed.
Table Linen Storage
If you use cloth napkins and runners for holidays or special dinners, dedicate a shelf for table linens so they stay neat and easy to find. Folding sets and stacking them by occasion keeps these items out of the way but ready when you need them.
That’s a quick tour of how a few practical choices turned our Hemnes cabinets into a functional pantry. I aim for order but allow room for everyday life, so these systems help keep our family organized without being rigid.
Have your own pantry tips or favorite organizers? With limited storage space we’re always open to new ideas to improve function and reduce waste.
