How to get that “custom pantry” look for under $100

A well-organized pantry looks high-end, but you don’t have to hire a designer or spend hundreds to get the same effect. The trick is focusing on affordable upgrades that make everything look uniform and functional while stretching your budget. With a few smart buys and some rearranging, you can make your pantry look styled, organized, and easy to maintain—all without crossing the $100 mark.

Use matching clear containers

Switching bulky boxes and bags into clear containers instantly makes your pantry look more organized. You don’t need to buy an expensive set—many budget-friendly options come in packs for under $30.

Choose sizes that work for your staples like pasta, rice, and cereal. Matching containers not only give you that uniform look but also make it easier to see when you’re running low.

Add peel-and-stick labels

Labels make your pantry look intentional, and they don’t cost much. You can find pre-made sets for under $10, or grab a label maker if you want flexibility.

Clear labels on uniform containers add to that custom feel while keeping your family from mixing up flour and powdered sugar. It’s a small detail, but it pulls the whole pantry together.

Bring in a lazy Susan for tricky spots

Corners and deep shelves often turn into black holes. A lazy Susan solves that problem and makes your pantry look more functional.

You can usually find them for $10–$15, and they’re perfect for oils, condiments, or baking supplies. It keeps everything visible and easy to grab while adding a polished look.

Add wire baskets or bins

Grouping loose items into baskets instantly cuts down on visual clutter. A set of three wire or plastic bins usually runs around $20–$25.

They’re great for snacks, small bags, or grab-and-go items. Having categories inside your pantry makes it look intentional, and you don’t need custom shelving to get that effect.

Use tiered shelf organizers

Cans and spices are hard to keep neat on a flat shelf. A tiered organizer lets you see everything at once and keeps rows tidy.

For under $15, you can pick up one or two organizers and make your shelves look more structured. It’s a budget-friendly upgrade that makes your pantry both better-looking and easier to use.

Switch to glass jars for baking staples

Even if you don’t replace every container, a few glass jars for flour, sugar, or coffee instantly give your pantry a styled look.

You can find them for $5–$10 each, and they add a touch of uniformity while being practical. Jars also seal tightly, which keeps ingredients fresher longer.

Hang over-the-door storage

If you’re short on shelf space, an over-the-door rack is a smart solution. You can find sturdy options for around $25, and they provide extra room for spices, snacks, or small items.

It makes your pantry look more custom by using every inch of space. Plus, it keeps clutter off the main shelves so they stay looking neat.

Decant snacks into smaller bins

Individually wrapped snacks or open bags can make a pantry look chaotic. Putting them into smaller clear bins instantly makes the space look organized.

You can usually get a few bins for $10–$15. Not only does it look better, but it also makes it easier for kids (and adults) to grab something without rummaging through messy packaging.

Stick to a color scheme

Even with budget bins and containers, choosing a consistent color palette makes your pantry look styled. Black, white, or natural wood finishes are easy to find and usually inexpensive.

When everything matches, it creates a cohesive look that feels higher-end—even if you only spent $50–$100 on the whole setup.

Add lighting if it’s dark

Poor lighting makes any pantry feel cluttered. For under $20, you can add stick-on LED lights that brighten up the space.

Good lighting makes all your organizing efforts stand out and gives your pantry that finished, custom feel without a big investment.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.