Stand alone kitchen: Freestanding kitchens: 14 unfitted kitchen ideas and designs

alexxlab

Freestanding kitchens: 14 unfitted kitchen ideas and designs

Homes & Gardens is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us.

(Image credit: Future)

There has been a rise in incorporating freestanding kitchen ideas into modern designs. 

While fitted kitchens are unlikely to ever go out of style, there has been a gradual move towards more relaxed-looking kitchens.

Freestanding kitchens range from fully unfitted spaces to single pieces, such as a standalone pantry cupboard or island on wheels so they can move as your needs change, and even move homes with you. 

Not only is a freestanding kitchen more affordable than a traditionally fitted one, it’s an easy way to update an existing one. 

And if you’re looking for kitchen ideas with character and personality, adding freestanding elements will take the space from looking functional to fantastic.  

Freestanding kitchens can be fully fitted, too, but with an unfitted look that gives you the best of both worlds: an efficient use of space and a relaxed feel. Here, we explore all the options.

1. Opt for a farmhouse table 

(Image credit: Plain English)

When planning a kitchen, it is always very tempting to go for a kitchen island if you are fortunate enough to have the space for one. But far too often, islands can feel like a monolithic obstruction in the middle of the room. 

However, you can take a different approach to typical kitchen island ideas: a farmhouse table. ‘This can be all it takes to prevent kitchens feeling too fitted, while also proving extremely useful,’ says Merlin Wright, design director, Plain English . 

‘The addition of any freestanding piece is an opportunity to add texture and variety as a counterpoint to the kitchen’s fitted cupboards, be they vintage, antique or very crisp and modern; all add interest and personality. ’ 

2. Adopt a fully unfitted look

(Image credit: Michael Rygaard)

A fully freestanding kitchen has several benefits, starting with transportability. Taking it with you when you move makes the initial investment more attractive, so this could be the perfect option for people who rent in particular. 

As the cabinets are not physically attached to walls or floors, they can also work in properties where panelling or materials are protected or fragile. Few do fully freestanding better than Copenhagen-based Frama , which makes semi-customizable metal-framed pieces in painted and timber finishes. 

This approach might seem ideal for flexible kitchen layout ideas in a large, open-plan space. However, the only elements you will want to move once they are in place are lighter items or those on wheels. Anything else will be unwieldy and/or dependent on plumbing or electrics.

3. Raise your units on legs

(Image credit: Masterclass Kitchens)

Just because an island unit can’t be moved, doesn’t mean it can’t appear freestanding. Elevating the unit on legs allows light to flow underneath, creating an air of portability. 

Run power supplies for appliances inside or behind the legs to suspend the illusion. Plumbing can be concealed centrally in deeper island units. Don’t forget, the longer the legs, the less storage you’ll achieve so do balance the design to suit your needs.

4. Mix materials for a luxurious look

(Image credit: Alexander James)

Looking for a high-end, luxurious take on freestanding? This is particularly important in open-plan kitchens where you are combining a kitchen with a living space. 

The key when thinking about kitchen styling is to find commonality between each piece, so they match in spirit not precise detail, says Lanserring , makers of this kitchen designed by MWAI. 

‘By deliberately mismatching components, each item can be designed with precision as a stand-alone piece. However, when they are curated together the feeling is rich but less formal,’ explains Alex Beaugeard, director of design, Lanserring.

5. Add a splash of color in a neutral scheme

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

If replacing your kitchen isn’t an option at the moment but perhaps you are looking for kitchen color ideas to refresh it a little, a new freestanding piece can add both more storage and a splash of welcome color.

‘Freestanding elements can easily be painted to provide a pop of color and bright focal point in a neutral scheme,’ says Leisha Norman, designer, Harvey Jones . 

In the kitchen picture above, a standalone larder in Farrow & Ball’s zesty Charlotte’s Locks stands out against fitted cabinetry in cool Wimborne White. ‘Whether your style is naturally eclectic or more coordinated, incorporating just one eye-catching freestanding piece can make a big impact,’ she adds. 

6. Use portable furniture for versatility

(Image credit: Paul Craig)

‘Portable furniture is a helpful way to enjoy extra countertop or storage space as and when it’s needed,’ says George Forsyth, director, Drew Forsyth & Co .  

‘A freestanding chef’s table or butcher’s trolley, for example, can be brought in for those busy times, such as when entertaining, then moved out of the way when more floorspace is required.’ 

For portable kitchen island ideas like this one, request castors with brakes for easy mobility.  

7. Add a glass dresser to display personal pieces

(Image credit: deVOL)

‘We’ve definitely witnessed a slow move towards more freestanding kitchens over the last year or so, which, as our roots are firmly based in this look, is pleasing to see,’ says deVOL ’s creative director, Helen Parker. 

One of the simplest, and most useful, ways to take your kitchen in a more un-fitted direction, she adds, is by popping a freestanding dresser or larder at the end of the kitchen units. 

(Image credit: VIPP)

One design, one color, no fuss and no frills. Freestanding kitchens are generally less complicated than fitted but Vipp ’s modular collection deliberately boils down the complexities of planning for those who find choice overwhelming.  

Simply pick and mix from four modules – island, island with breakfast bar, wall and tall modules – add appliances and relax in the knowledge this timeless Danish-built design will last a lifetime. 

9.  Fit the same countertop to unify your separate units

(Image credit: Very Simple Kitchens)

One downside of an entirely freestanding kitchen is the lack of seamlessly fitted countertops, without crumb-trapping joints between or at the back of units. 

Solution one is to sacrifice flexibility in favor of hygiene by fitting worktops across multiple freestanding units. Or you can make the separation feel purposeful by leaving a generous, cleanable gap, as shown here. 

Add a generous island unit or butcher’s trolley to spread out while baking.

10. Create separate working zones for more efficiency

(Image credit: Bulthaup)

Inspired by a carpenter’s workshop, bulthaup ’s b2 range consists of three standalone modules: a workbench, tool cabinet and appliance cabinet.  

‘The beauty of this modern zoned set up lies in its incredible efficiency when cooking,’ explains Alex Saint, design manager, Kitchen Architecture .

‘For example, the tool cabinet hosts an impressive array of pans, utensils and glassware, making gathering everything you need a one-trip task.’

11. Source vintage furniture

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

This unique space was a collaboration between interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen at VSP and bespoke kitchen specialists Artichoke. It features a pair of hefty oak preparation tables, which have an air of portability and so appear more like decorative furniture than functional pieces. Above each table is a four-arm chandelier from Circa Lighting.

12. Introduce clever color combinations

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

Contemporary details combine with a classic design sensibility in this kitchen by interior designer Nicola Harding. She colored Plain English kitchen units in Summerset Mauve by Pure & Original and the island in Post Modern Mauve; this two-tone approach emphasizes the freestanding feel of the space. The walls are in Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster. ‘It works for any light level, any time of day, any time of year. Calm, warm, fresh, comforting,’ says Nicola.

13. Mix materials

(Image credit: Alexander James)

Tom Cox of HÁM interiors redesigned a cottage, adding a spacious kitchen in a vaulted barn extension. ‘For us, kitchens should include elegant pieces of furniture to add depth and interest,’ he says. ‘This custom-built island is made from sycamore, marble and copper.

14. Go for a look steeped in history

(Image credit: Max Rollitt)

Interior designer Max Rollitt collaborated with Plain English on this pantry in a Georgian rectory. ‘The room is given a sense of grounding with my selection of antiques, such as this Spanish table, mixed with Spitalfield cupboards in rich Tuscan Red.

How do I include a freestanding kitchen sink?

It is best to include a kitchen sink in a freestanding kitchen against a wall so that the plumbing can be conveniently and easily hidden.

However, this is not a must: kitchen sinks can be incorporated into freestanding kitchen islands, with the pipework hidden within or behind the legs.

Or drainage exiting straight down into the center of a larger kitchen island, where it can’t be seen – except if you were on your hands and knees retrieving something from beneath the island.

Can a kitchen island be freestanding?

Yes, freestanding kitchen islands are an excellent way of adding extra storage and countertop space in a kitchen, whether or not the rest of the cabinetry is fitted or freestanding. Freestanding kitchens can include elements such as hobs, ovens and sinks, with wires and plumbing hidden beneath. 

Otherwise, a freestanding kitchen island that incorporates smart kitchen island seating ideas, extra kitchen storage and countertop space can create a fabulous focal point in any kitchen, and act as a useful zoning device in open plan spaces.

If you want true flexibility, and at the other end of the scale, you can make them countertop and storage only, put them on wheels (with brakes) so you can move them about to suit your needs.

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. 

With contributions from

  • Busola EvansContributing Editor

Freestanding kitchens: 17 flexible ways to create a rustic look

Real Homes is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us.

(Image credit: Future)

Join our newsletter

Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox!

Thank you for signing up to Realhomes. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Love the look of a freestanding kitchen but not really sure where to start in designing your own? Well, we are here to help, with these tips and ideas that will inspire you to create your own flexible space that is filled with character. 

From what layout to choose, to where to find the best freestanding kitchen units, we have everything you need to create a gorgeous space in this guide. And with a freestanding kitchen, you should have all the space you need for all your essential kitchen appliances – such as your best coffee maker, or your best air fryer. 

And, if you are after anything else kitchen related, make sure you head over to our kitchen ideas page for more advice and inspiration. 

(Image credit: John Gruen)

17 freestanding kitchen options

Once you have the practical elements sorted, like the layout you are going for and what you want to include, it’s time for the best bit – making it your own. Below we have loads of ideas and inspiration so you can get decorating your freestanding kitchen. And be sure to take a look at our guide for how to design a kitchen, if you’re looking for guidance on completing your project.

1. Raid flea markets to furnish a freestanding kitchen

(Image credit: Future)

While fitted kitchens might seem like a better use of the space, once you have one, you’re committed to it – and it looks, well, fitted. With freestanding kitchens, the look is more relaxed, more individual, more original, and furniture can be moved around or even replaced if you find something that better suits the space, or as your tastes change. Old homes with their wonky walls can make fitting cabinets more difficult, whereas freestanding furniture works well and can be very adaptable.

Lending themselves to vintage furniture and flea market finds, freestanding kitchens can be a cost effective way of redesigning a kitchen and creating the perfect space. Flea markets often have some hidden gems, so they are a fantastic place to start when building your freestanding kitchen.

If you’re a fan of DIY or craft, you could also really make the project your own by upcycling furniture that you already own and repurposing it for your lifestyle. If all your vintage finds need a lick of paint, have a read through our step-by-step guide to painting furniture – or, if it’s a matter of restoring old wooden furniture, we’ve got a guide for that too. 

(Image credit: Neptune)

A freestanding kitchen is very easy to design yourself. Some people will opt for a few fitted units, and supplement the kitchen with freestanding pieces – such as freestanding kitchen islands – over time. This is a great way to spread the cost over time, if you’re designing a stylish kitchen on a budget.

If you do design your own freestanding kitchen, try an online tool to organize the space as accurately as possible. Be sure to measure the space thoroughly beforehand, including where doors and windows are located.

Consider how the room is going to be used, too – is it a space for entertaining as well as cooking in? It’s also a good idea to write a wishlist of priorities, highlighting which aspects of the kitchen are most important.

3. Know what to include in a freestanding kitchen

(Image credit: Laura Ashley)

Before assembling your freestanding kitchen, think about what kind of units you actually need.

Larders are becoming the mainstay of a freestanding design, to add to the traditional ‘cook’s kitchen’ feel. Companies are adapting these to include hideaway storage areas for kettles and toasters, for clutter-free worktops, or even fitting them with marble surfaces inside for pastry making or as hidden food preparation areas.

Vintage Welsh dressers are perfect if you have a big enough space. The shelves can be used to display your favorite kitchenware, while the cupboards provide space to hide away clutter. 

Open shelving or plate racks can be added elsewhere for additional freestanding kitchen storage. Wood is a classic choice, but stainless steel versions create a low-maintenance, industrial look.

A moveable kitchen island or butcher’s block can be used to increase workspace as needed. When prepping food, a surface that can be moved from the sink to cooker can be very useful, as opposed to an installed kitchen island.

Accessories in freestanding kitchens include towel rails and chopping board trays, cleverly stored on kitchen island units. Wine racks are popular, too, to make this area of the room more of a hub for entertaining instead of being purely functional.

4. Go for country cottage charm in a freestanding kitchen 

With their awkward angles and uneven walls, country cottages can benefit from freestanding kitchen cabinets which can be easily positioned to make the most of the space. Antique wooden pieces with their time-worn patina are a great complement to rustic timber beams and stone walls. 

Love this kitchen? You are going to love more of our traditional country kitchen ideas.  

5. Display on open kitchen shelves

(Image credit: National Trust)

 If you prefer fitted cabinetry, but like the relaxed look of an unfitted kitchen, a great compromise is to have fitted base cabinets, but to replace fitted wall cabinets with open shelving. Not only will shelves help enhance the feeling of space, they are a great place to display cookwareware and pretty ceramics.

If you are after more kitchen storage ideas though, go and have a read through our feature. 

6. Add texture with a real wood design

(Image credit: Clayton Cabinets)

Chunky real wood design furniture is ideal for a freestanding kitchen, as it will add texture and a quality feel to your kitchen, whether the rest of the items are also wooden or not.

In fact, adding traditional wooden pieces to a freestanding kitchen full of more modern items can create a really unique juxtaposition, as above.

7. Invest in a kitchen dresser

Thought to date back to the 17th century, the classic Welsh dresser has become a mainstay in freestanding kitchens, as mentioned above.  

A timeless piece, it’s worth investing in either a good quality antique version or new handmade version which will stand the test of time and can be passed down the generations. While the base cabinets and drawers offer ample kitchen storage for crockery and cutlery, the open shelves are ideal for displaying treasured pieces. 

If it’s farmhouse kitchens you love, check out our dedicated feature full of swoon worthy ideas. 

8. Go open-plan for a spacious freestanding kitchen

A mixture of stand-alone appliances and just two freestanding units helps create an open-plan kitchen that feels spacious; the homeowners in the image above cleverly created extra storage by converting a cupboard into a larder and choosing multi-functional bench box.  

9. Add a freestanding kitchen island

(Image credit: Colin Poole)

Whether your kitchen is fitted or freestanding, a moveable kitchen island is a great piece. A brilliant way to zone social and cooking spaces, they can be repositioned when extra space is needed, plus create extra workspace. Get more inspiration with our kitchen island ideas.

10. Make the most of an awkward space in a freestanding kitchen  

If you live in a old cottage, your home is likely to be filled with nooks and crannies that run the risk of becoming dusty, dead space. These areas are ideal for freestanding kitchens, because you can use these spaces to slot in a small cupboard or place a tall dresser behind a door. If part of your kitchen is fitted, you can even paint your freestanding furniture to match, or leave it bare to create a rustic contrast.

Have a snoop around these charming cottages for more ideas. 

11. Use kitchenware to create a display 

Kitchen storage doesn’t have to mean cupboards. You spend money on pots and pans, so why not have them on display? Create a rustic-style farmhouse kitchen by storing them on wooden tables with extra shelving underneath, or hang them in attractive displays on wall hooks. This will save on space, and your pots and pans will be closer to hand when you’re cooking too.

12. Introduce the butcher’s block to a freestanding kitchen

An old butcher’s block is the ideal item of furniture for a freestanding kitchen with a rustic or industrial feel. Butchers’ blocks can stand as an island in the middle of the room, or create another worktop or preparation area when pushed up against the wall. Paired with a couple of tall bar stools, they can even be used as a smart little breakfast table if you want.

(Image credit: Colin Poole)

You could also paint an old butcher’s block the same color as your kitchen cabinets to give it a more cohesive feel, almost like a built in island. We love the pale sage green of this block; try Farrow and Ball’s Vert De Terre if you are after something similar. Make sure you take a tour of the rest of this gorgeous former mill keeper’s house for loads more inspiration. 

13. Wall mount cabinets in freestanding kitchens

(Image credit: Darren Chung)

If you are lucky enough to have a period home with lofty high ceilings, then wall mounted plate wracks, individual cabinets and sheila maids mixed in with fixed cabinetry is a great way to make the most of your space and give your kitchen a flexible feel.  

14. Choose a contemporary industrial style in a freestanding kitchen 

Whether you’re looking for a modern decorating scheme, or trying to add a modern touch to your period home, reclaimed industrial furniture is the perfect way to add character to any space. With a freestanding kitchen like this you can mix antiques and modern additions seamlessly. If it doesn’t work, you can simply move the units around until it does.

For more industrial style kitchen ideas check out our gallery. 

15. Mix and match old and new kitchen furniture

Pairing fitted cabinetry with a few upcycled freestanding units is a great way to add a touch of unique style. Try refreshing ornate old dressers with chalky furniture paint in a contrasting color, as done here. And if you need any tips on how to paint kitchen cabinets, we’ve got a easy to follow step-by-step guide. 

16. Small kitchen? You can still go freestanding 

If you’ve only got a small kitchen, the obvious choice would be to maximize on space with fitted units, but this doesn’t allow for flexibility. Instead, a few well chosen, expertly placed freestanding kitchen cabinets can be a really clever use of the space. Make sure you’ve got room for everything you need, and if you find that there isn’t enough, just swap out a unit for something more useful.

For more tips of on designing a small kitchen have a read through our dedicated feature. 

17. Choose a practical freestanding larder

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

A well-stocked pantry is what kitchen dreams are made of. But you don’t need to fork out a load of money for a bespoke, fitted version. If you think about it, a pantry is just a glorified cupboard with some spices and tins in it, so really any cupboard can technically become a pantry. Choose a lovely vintage one with a few shelves (trawl eBay for a bargain), fill it with food and, just like that – you have a pantry. 

We’ve got lots of practical pantry storage ideas too, to make sure you make the most of that covetable larder. 

Inspired to create your freestanding kitchen? Keep reading.

..

  • How to plan and design your kitchen extension
  • Real kitchen: a kitchen transformed with freestanding furniture
  • 12 kitchen island seating ideas

Pippa is Style Editor for Period Living magazine and spends many a weekend exploring the Cotswolds for decorating shoot ideas. A collector at heart, she is currently looking for a vintage cabinet to store her favourite wares.

20 Wooden Free Standing Kitchen Sink

Time and time again, we have been creating lists about modular kitchens in different colors and materials – today, we have a list that pretty much sums up to be modular kitchens except that they’re not so much the same. Although it is but necessary to actually have the same cabinet and drawer sizes; free standing kitchen sinks is one of the kitchen appliances types that goes well with small size apartments – just like modular kitchens. It’s made in such a way that will be great for workbench sinks and it can fit to any type of kitchen spaces.

Unlike Corner Kitchen Sinks, Free standing kitchen sinks are mostly available in a wide variety of traditional ceramic sinks, and wooden stand become the famous part of it. Other material for free standing sink is stainless steel which can be very suitable for modern small apartment. Check out the photos we have below.

1. Acrylic Farmhouse Square White Vanity Sink

Elle Decor

A traditional approach to free standing kitchen sink. How do you like classic design on the cabinets and drawers?

2. Bespoke Sink Base Unit

John Willies | Country Kitchens

If you’re having a wooden free standing kitchen, why not have a colored one right? The design is rather simple but because of the color, this sink sure stands out.

3. Amazing Dark Brown Double Farmhouse Kitchen Sink

John Lewis

Dark brown always is a favorite for classic furniture lovers – not only is it sophisticated-looking but it is easier when cleaned and maintained.

4. Eco-Friendly Freestanding Kitchen Furniture

Deco | For Greener Interiors

Here is another contemporary move for a traditional-classic design for a free standing kitchen sink. I personally love the color combination of the cabinets and the countertop.

5. Double Stainless Free Standing Kitchen Sink

Elle Decor

Here is another contemporary touch to a traditional kitchen sink with a double sink. Love the red countertop.

6. Modern Freestanding Kitchen Sink

Hayneedle Furniture

This modern free standing kitchen is something I am sure anyone would love to have. It’s modern, functional and Instagram-worthy!

7. Free Standing Kitchen Sink Unit

Daniel McLaughlin Bespoke Furniture & Joinery

What’s great with our designers is their take on traditional materials used in our modern times. The design is simple and conventional but in a modern way.

8. Free Standing Kitchen Unit UK

SEARS

From this angle, we can see that this kitchen unit is pretty much modular – something you can actually purchase at your home depot. I love the fact that we have more kitchen designs available in the market!

9. Wooden Free Standing Kitchen

IKEA

This kitchen area can pass for shabby chic and even vintage – Iove the battered feel to the cabinets and drawers.

10. Freestanding Wooden Kitchen

John Lewis

The cool color used for this free standing kitchen is cute because it complements well with the cool feeling of the entire space.

11. Handmade Bespoke Furniture

Daniel McLaughlin Bespoke Furniture & Joinery

White furniture and fixtures will never cease to invade our homes with their classic beauty and sophistication – that’s for sure.

12. Pine Antique Furniture

Ministry of Pine

Ministry of Pine sure has a wonderful list of free standing kitchen that are more on the traditional and rustic designs. We love the simplicity and classic designs that they have.

13. Pine Free Standing Sink

Ministry of Pine

Here is another kitchen design from Ministry of Pine. Yay or nay?

14. Prague Style Freestanding Single Butler Sink Unit

The Bohemian Company

I’m not sure about you, but this butler sink is plain awesome!

15. Red Butler Sink

Warren Cabinets

I don’t think that I’ll be having a modular kitchen as stunning as this! If your color is red, this one is for you!

16. Varde Sink Cabinet

IKEA

This is one design anyone would love to have. Simple, classy and super functional.

17. Victorian Freestanding Kitchen Painted Pine Sink Unit

Old Creamery Furniture

Victorian can never go wrong for all its classiness and glam! Off white cabinets and brown counters, we love this one!

18. Wood Shed Devon – Bespoke Furniture

The Wood Shed

This is a portion of a kitchen you can get in the market. I think you can add this for your kid’s bedroom too!

19. Outdoor Freestanding Kitchen

LGTEK Outdoor Furniture

A contemporary-modern kitchen you can simply carry with you even when you transfer homes and redecorate a lot.

20. Yellow Free Standing Kitchen

Elle Decor

This is the last free standing kitchen in our list, and I should say, it looks divine! I hope you like it too.

These types of kitchen sinks are available in both the standing kitchen sink alone or integrated with dishwasher or water station which equipped with dual bowls. Some other stainless steel sink also integrated with sink erator, under sink storage and operated taps. Sinks like this will surely give your kitchen, whatever is the style a different look! Leave your comments below!

9 Best Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinets (2022)

Updated
03/23/2022

We may earn commissions on purchases made through qualifying links, at no extra charge to you. For more information about how we conduct reviews click here. For more information on how we make money, check out our  Disclaimer page.  

Ample kitchen storage is an absolute must, especially with a constantly evolving kitchen. It just so happens that the natural tendency is always to accumulate more “stuff” in the kitchen. Thankfully, there is a solution.

Freestanding kitchen pantry cabinets come in various sizes, styles and prices, but most importantly, they’re made to store. To make your search as simple as possible, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best freestanding kitchen pantry cabinets to date.

We’ve also put together a full guide to choosing the right pantry for your particular needs. Refer to the table of contents, and if you have any questions or comments, make sure and leave a note at the bottom of the page.

Enjoy!

Our #1 Pick

Home Styles Nantucket Freestanding Kitchen Pantry

The farmhouse design, variable sized cabinets and overall customer response really sold us on this Home Styles model. It offers a rustic ambiance and can fit seamlessly into most contemporary kitchens (there is also a white option). With over 200 Amazon ratings, this Home Styles model has maintained a 4.5 / 5 star review (as of 11/12/2021). 

Check Amazon

Instance 1

Top 3 Compared

Preview

Best Overall

Budget

Open Style

Color Options

White or Maple

Black, Salt Oak, Sienna Oak, and White

Charcoal brown, dark brown, rustic brown, light beige and vintage board

Wood

Hardwood solids and engineered wood

Engineered Wood

Medium density fiberboard

Price

$559. 99

$221.04

$99.99

Buy it Now

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Best Overall

Preview

Color Options

White or Maple

Wood

Hardwood solids and engineered wood

Price

$559.99

Buy it Now

Buy on Amazon

Budget

Preview

Color Options

Black, Salt Oak, Sienna Oak, and White

Wood

Engineered Wood

Price

$221.04

Buy it Now

Buy on Amazon

Open Style

Preview

Color Options

Charcoal brown, dark brown, rustic brown, light beige and vintage board

Wood

Medium density fiberboard

Price

$99. 99

Buy it Now

Buy on Amazon

Table of Contents

Most Visually Appealing (#1-3)

Budget Options (#4-6)

Pantry with Open Cubby (#7)

Open Shelving Style (#8)

Short and Stackable (#9)

Recommended Products

1) Home Styles Nantucket Pantry

  • Made of Hardwood Solids and Engineered Wood
  • Comes in White or Maple Finish
  • Sanded and Distressed Finish Providing an Aged, Worn Look
  • Each Storage Door Contains 2 Shelves
  • Antiqued Brushed Nickel Hardware
  • Dimensions: Size: 30″ Width x 16″ Depth x 71. 5″ Height
  • Assembly required

4.7 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

2) HOMCOM 72″ Freestanding Cupboard Kitchen Pantry

  • Recessed Door Panels w/ Brushed Nickel Hardware
  • Comes in White or Black
  • Colonial Theme
  • Made of Durable Wood w/ Reinforced Backboard (Medium Density Fiberboard and Particle Board)
  • Measures 30″ W x 16″ D x 72.5″ H and Weighs 117 Lb
  • 220 Lb Weight Capacity
  • Doors Open to 2 Shelves Each
  • Reasonable Price

4. 3 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

3) Arts & Crafts Cottage Pantry from Homestyles

  • Veneer gives a look and natural woodgrain feel
  • tapered legs offer a sleek style
  • 4 shelves
  • 4 doors
  • Product Size: 23.6”L x 12.8”W x 48”H (60 x 32.5 x 122 cm)
  • 128.7 pounds
  • 30 x 16.5 x 72 inches product dimensions

4.5 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

4) PrePac Elite 32″ Storage Cabinet

  • Color options of Espresso, Black, Grey and White
  • Measures 32″ W, 16″ D, 65″ H
  • European Style Adjustable Hinges
  • Weighs 112 Lbs
  • Optional topper (extends the height)
  • Bargain Price

4. 2 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

5) Sauder Homeplus Storage Cabinet 

  • Framed Door Panels
  • Comes in Black, Salt Oak, Sienna Oak, and White Color Options
  • 4 Adjustable Shelves
  • Cord access on Backside
  • Measures 23.25″W x 17″D x 71. 12″H and Weighs 99 Lb
  • Simplicity Focused
  • Adjustable Base Levelers
  • Budget Item

4.4 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

6) Sauder 419496 Storage Cabinet 

  • Full Width Upper Shelf
  • Comes in Cinnamon Cherry, Highland Oak or Soft White Colors
  • 4 Adjustable Shelves
  • Measures 16. 02” W x 29.61″ D x 71.5″ H and Weighs 79.58 Lbs
  • Simplicity Focused
  • Budget Item

4 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

7) HOMCOM Traditional Kitchen Pantry Cabinet w/Cubby

  • Color: White/Oak
  • 4 Shelves
  • Weight Capacity: 154 Lbs
  • Weight of Pantry: 117 Lbs
  • P2 Grade MDF Particleboard
  • Dimensions: 29.25″ W x 15.5″ D x 72″ H
  • Middle Compartment Dimension: 26″ W x 14.25″ D x 11″ H
  • Low-Mid Price range

4. 2 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

8) Mr IronStone Vintage Kitchen
Bakers Rack

  • Made of Medium Density Fiberboard, Metal, and Steel
  • Comes in Charcoal Brown, Dark Brown, Light Beige and Vintage Colors
  • Works Well as a Kitchen Storage Shelf, Microwave Stand, Baker’s Rack, Spice Rack Organizer and Kitchen Island 
  • Fast Installation and Easy Cleaning
  • Professional Customer Service Will Respond Within 24 Hrs
  • Versatile (Can take it out of the kitchen and it fits well everywhere)
  • Overall Size: 35. 5″ W * 15.75″ D * 52″H
  • Product weight: 37.48 lbs

4.9 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

9) Sauder HomePlus Base Cabinet (Sienna Oak Finish)

  • Stackable Unit (up to 2 times)
  • Adjustable base levelers
  • Adjustable Shelf 
  • Back panel offers cord access
  • Weighs 66.6 Lbs
  • Cabinet Dimensions: 29 5/8″ W x 17″ D 37 3/8″ H
  • Material: Engineered wood

4.4 of 5 Stars

Check Amazon

Learn More

Qualities to Consider

1) Size?

Size is by far the most important variable when considering which pantry cabinet to go with. To make the search simple, we’ve placed our top reviewed models in order of decreasing size. Our tallest models start at approximately 73″ tall (just over 6 feet) and our shortest at 32″ tall (just under 3 ft).

If you’re unsure how tall you want to go, consider what you’ll be putting in the pantry.

Is it just for food? Will you be storing pots, pans, or kitchen appliances in it? We always recommend going a little bigger than the storage space you anticipate using. This will help prepare you for the never ceasing accumulation of “stuff” in the kitchen. 

2) Closed or Open?

There are both closed, open and partially open pantry cabinets to choose from.

Closed Pantries – Good solely for shelf stable foods and items you want out of sight.

Partially Open – Great for both shelf stable food, fruit bowls, microwaves, coffee stations, etc. Good for those who want options down the line.

Fully Open – Best for fruit bowls, microwaves, coffee stations, etc.

3) Material?

You’ll find the majority of the cabinet pantries to be made of medium density fiberboard. MDF is made by taking the wood chippings and sawdust of various industrial plants, heating them to great temperatures, and compressing them until they form a somewhat uniform material.

While some people argue this material to be “cheap” and “fake,” it’s ultimately the greatest way to make durable furniture without charging people an arm and a leg. MDF is also much lighter than your typical oak and maple, making it easier to maneuver. 

4) Price?

One of the most important variables in our decision is finding a reasonable price for a stellar product. You’ll find the price range for all the models below to vary between $80 and $600. We know that everyone has a different budget, and we do our best to find quality products no matter the price.

5) Anti-Toppling Device?

You’ll find some of the models below have an anti-toppling device. This just means the cabinet has some kind of extra security to keep it from falling. Most of the time, the manufacturers will include something to secure the cabinet pantry to the wall. We recommend it only to help diminish the chance of an accident. 

Best Freestanding Kitchen Pantry Cabinets

1) Home Styles Nantucket Pantry

  • Cost: Average-High
  • Amazon Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars (11/12/2021)  
  • # Reviews: Over 850 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Specs

  • Materials: Made of Hardwood Solids and Engineered Wood
  • Weight: 146 pounds
  • External Dimensions: 30″ Width x 16″ Depth x 71. 5″ Height

Unique Features

  • Comes in White or Maple Finish
  • Sanded and Distressed Finish Providing an Aged, Worn Look
  • Each Storage Door Contains 2 Shelves
  • Antiqued Brushed Nickel Hardware
  • Assembly required
  • “Reasonably Priced and Beautiful”
  • “Holds Much More than Anticipated”
  • “Put it Together in about an Hour” (2 People)
  • “Part Fit Like a Glove”
  • “Very Heavy and Sturdy”
  • Off White (Not White)
  • Has a Strong Scent that Diminishes Over Time
  • Pieces May Need Some Tweaking to Line Up Perfectly
  • Divider Boards a Bit Cheap

Summary:

There’s a bargain to strike when looking for a freestanding pantry. You can go real wood and expect a VERY high price range…

Or

You can go with Fiberboard/Engineered wood and have the nice aesthetic without the overwhelming price tag. While all of us would opt for the real wood if we had the money to throw at it, most of us just want something that has sufficient storage that aesthetically fits well in the kitchen.

This Home Styles model fulfills both of these criteria beautifully

Also, a lot of people commented on how well-packaged this pantry was and how it showed up damage free. Considering damage is the most common complain when it comes to shipping pantries, this is definitely a commendable feat. 

Keep in mind, the white colored unit is off-white. Some people were expecting plain white and were a little displeased to say the least. 

2) HOMCOM 72″ Freestanding Cupboard Kitchen Pantry

  • Cost: Average
  • Amazon Reviews:  4. 0 / 5 Star (11/12/2021)
  • # Reviews: Over 60 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Specs

  • Material: Particle Board and Medium Density Fiberboard
  • Weight: 117 Lb
  • External Dimensions: 30″ W x 16″ D x 72.5″ H

Unique Features

  • Recessed Door Panels w/ Brushed Nickel Hardware
  • Comes in White, Black or Brown
  • Colonial Theme
  • 220 Lb Weight Capacity
  • Doors Open to 2 Shelves Each
  • Need to Be Assembled
  • Very Reasonable Price
  • “Really Good Instructions”
  • Beautiful, Colonial Theme with Smooth Black Matte (or white) Finish
  • Adjustable Shelves to Accomodate Different Sized Items
  • Big Enough to Solve Most Storage Issues
  • Amazing Customer Service if You Struggle with Assembly (Response from a Lot of Customers)
  • Somewhat Difficult to Put Together (Takes 2 Hours on Average)
  • Instructions Have Pictures Only (No Words)
  • Not High Quality Wood (Expected for the Price)

Summary:

This is the HOMCOM 72″ Colonia Style pantry cabinet. It is big, beautiful and somehow reasonably priced. While the low price made us suspicious at first, we checked the reviews and found that the vast majority of customers were very happy with their pantry.  

The 3 most common responses were praising the large amount of storage available, the beautiful, smooth finish, and the overly helpful customer service.

If you purchase this pantry cabinet and for some reason have any issues with assembly, they have a team of reps who have received nothing but praise for their helpfulness. Customer service is a variable we take very seriously when reviewing a product, and the HOMCOM team has more than proven themselves in the customer responses.

A few things to note:

This is a very big pantry. If you only need a little extra storage, we wouldn’t recommend going this route. There are smaller variations that will offer you similar perks without taking up as much kitchen real estate.  

This shelf is also made primarily from medium density fiberboard. It is the middle ground between conditioned, heavy duty oak, and cheap particle board. This only makes sense though, right? You can spend thousands of dollars on a nice, heavy duty wood model, but if you’re just looking for some extra storage with a stylish look, this pantry cabinet fits the bill nicely.  

3) Arts & Crafts Cottage Pantry from Homestyles

  • Cost: Avg-High
  • Amazon Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (11/09/2021)  
  • # Reviews: Over 200 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Specs

  • Materials: Hardwood (frame) materials
  • Weight: 128. 7 Lbs
  • External Dimensions: 30 x 16.5 x 72 inches

Unique Features

  • Cottage oak finish
  • Tapered legs offer a sleek style
  • Veneer gives a solid look and natural woodgrain feel
  • 4 Doors 4 shelves, 6 compartments
  • Black finish on hardware to give an elegant style
  • The adjustable shelves can be used to hold pans, pots, and other small appliances.
  • The Cottage oak finish gives an inviting and traditional look.
  • People were generally very happy with the appearance
  • Complaints about instructions
  • Hard to decipher whether it’s hardwood or high quality particle board

Summary:

Homestyles Art & Crafts Pantry is known for making your kitchen cleaner and less cluttery by providing you with space with an elevated level of elegance.  

Vertical storage allows you to make the most of small spaces by stacking the storage behind four big doors. The top wooden veneers and the engineered wood provide an extremely durable storage solution that will stand out in your kitchen.

The construction is made of solid hardwood (we think, impossible to know for sure unfortunately) and veneers that have an attractive, rustic oak finish. Ample storage is available with two cabinet doors, each with two shelves that can be adjusted.

The cabinet is adorned with matte black hardware and is built to support bulky items like large cereal boxes. Arts & Crafts Pantry by Homestyle accentuates traditional mission style by displaying framed doors that showcase the lattice moldings, raised wood, and slightly flared legs.

4) Prepac Elite 32″ Freestanding Pantry

  • Cost: Low
  • Amazon Rating: 4. 4 / 5 Stars (11/08/2021)  
  • # Reviews: Over 7500 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Specs

  • Material: Finish in Espresso Laminate
  • Weight: 112 Lbs
  • External Dimensions: 16 x 32 x 65 inches

Unique Features

  • 4 Shelves
  • European style hinges
  • Optional 32″ topper
  • Drawers 1/2″ thick
  • 16″ Depth as opposed to the usual 12″
  • Rich espresso color
  • Doors are made of high-quality European-style hinges with 6-way adjustability, which can be set to open either the left or right
  • “Sturdy, Heavy Cabinet”
  • Solid MDF doors with an elegant edge that is profiled
  • Solid, durable handles in the classic nickel brushed
  • 16 inch Deep adjustable shelves offer ample storage space
  • The laminate’s surface is fragile and delicate

Summary:

This cabinet storage unit has a depth of 16 inches instead of the standard 12 inches, which gives you 34 percent more storage space. You can use this cabin as is or add an option of a 32″ topper to expand to 89″ high storage vertically. 

The cabin offers heavy-duty drawers half an inch thick on the bottom and sides made of metal that move over smooth rollers, making it ideal for storing heavy-duty objects such as tools or kitchen appliances. 

This is the ultimate solution to the short-term storage needs of many different kitchen areas. It has two shelves that can be adjusted and one fixed shelf. The adjustable shelves can be used for easy access to items used frequently in the kitchen. 

There are also pantry color options for black, espresso, white, and light grey.

Overall, Elite’s premium features include soft-edged doors, elegant hardware, appealing finishes, and European-style hinges. As you can see, this storage solution is simple and cheap, yet elegant. We recommend it to those who are looking for a nice look without the heavy price tag. 

5) Sauder Homeplus Storage Cabinet

  • Cost: Low
  • Amazon Rating: 4. 5 / 5 Stars (11/12/2021)  
  • # Reviews: Over 7400 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Specs

  • Material: Engineered wood with Sienna Oak Finish
  • Weight: 99.2Lbs
  • External Dimensions: 3.31 x 17.01 x 71.18 inches

Unique Features

  • Framed Door Panels
  • Comes in Black, Salt Oak, Sienna Oak, and White Color Options
  • 4 Adjustable Shelves
  • Cord access on Backside
  • Simplicity Focused
  • Adjustable Base Levelers
  • Budget Item
  • “looks of built-in without the price”
  • “It’s a nice, clean simple look”
  • “All the shelves are adjustable/removable and it really holds a lot of stuff”
  • “The cabinet was easy to put together. “
  • “we really loved the fact that the parts were separated in compartments and labeled”
  • Complaints of cabinets showing up damaged (Usually shipping company issues)
  • “It’s a little wobbly”
  • Cheaper than alternatives

Summary:

Ample kitchen storage without the price tag, simple as that. For roughly a quarter of the market price, Sauder offers a large, yet simple freestanding kitchen cabinet.

While it may not feature the elegant design of some of its competitors, it isn’t ugly. In fact, a reoccurring response from buyers was how much they loved the look for the low price.

Customers also continually touched on how great the storage capacity was. Made of engineered wood and several color options to match your kitchen, if extra storage is your prerogative, there’s really no reason to look any further.

However, if you’re looking for a higher-end model, we understand this may not be the cabinets for you. It will fit in a nice kitchen seamlessly, but the material is a little flimsier (to be expected for the lower price). 

6) Sauder 419496 Storage Cabinet

  • Cost: Low
  • Amazon Rating: 4.3 / 5 Stars (11/12/2021)  
  • # Reviews: Over 8600 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Specs

  • Material: Recycled Material (most likely engineered wood)
  • Weight: 79.58 Lbs
  • External Dimensions: 16. 02” W x 29.61″ D x 71.5″ H

Unique Features

  • Full Width Upper Shelf
  • Comes in Cinnamon Cherry, Highland Oak or Soft White Colors
  • 4 Adjustable Shelves
  • Simplicity Focused
  • Budget Item
  • “The handles are a brushed-chrome finish and the hinges are heavy duty as well”
  • Most said it was an easy assembly (A few customers said otherwise)
  • “The price was awesome for the product”
  • “It’s the perfect size and looks fantastic. “
  • Not heavy duty (thin particle board)
  • Flimsy (said some)
  • Complaints of blemishes and paint chipped

Summary:

A slightly larger (slightly flimsier) version of the Sauder model above with a few unique qualities. We say flimsier because there were a few reoccurring responses describing how thin the materials were compared to other Sauder cabinets.

With that being said, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the high priced models available, this model does it’s primary function well…

It stores like a champ.

The overall customer response was positive (check the Amazon ratings above) which usually means that the people who had realistic expectations for a $150 pantry cabinet likes what they got.

People continually spoke on how well the cabinet look despite the low price and how easy it was to put together (with the exception of a few confused customers). 

If you’re looking for something simple and easy to put together, we can’t recommend this model enough. Sauder continues to make the budget cabinets worth buying. 

7) HOMCOM Traditional Kitchen Pantry Cabinet w/Cubby

  • Cost: Low-mid
  • Amazon Rating: 4.1 / 5 Stars 11/09/2021)  
  • # Reviews: Over 90 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Specs

  • Materials: P2 Grade MDF, Particleboard
  • Weight: 116. 7 pounds
  • External Dimensions: 29.25″ W x 15.5″ D x 72″ H 

Unique Features

  • Two door cabinet storage, a middle drawer and a cubby
  • 3 level adjustable shelves
  • Inner Size of Drawer: 21.75″ W x 12.25″ D x 4.75″ H
  • Top Shelf Dimensions: 26″ W x 14.25″ D x 8.75″/9.25″ H
  • Middle Compartment Dimension: 26″ W x 14.25″ D x 11″ H
  • Bottom Shelf Dimensions: 26″ W x 14.25″ D x 7.25″/7.25″ H
  • Elegant colonial style cabinet
  • 3-level adjustable shelves in cabinetry for indoor storage
  • Stable Design (Install Anti-Toppling Device to Wall)
  • Durable engineered wood and a reinforced anti-tilt device design
  • Easily Assembled (long process but straightforward)
  • It is not made up of substantial wood
  • Complaints of parts missing occassionally
  • Long assembly times (but positive reviews regarding instructions)

Summary:

Make your kitchen tidy and neat by using this tall storage cabinet from the colonial period from HOMCOM.  This storage cabinet for kitchens has two doors with shelves that can be adjusted and a large drawer, and a middle storage compartment with ample storage space for cutlery, dishes, and other kitchen items. 

The large compartments are ideal to use for toaster/microwave ovens.

With its sleek design and generous storage capacity, this kitchen cabinet is the ideal match for your daily routine. It’s not just an item of furniture, but also an effective aid to help you improve your living quality.

The company provides two colors that you can choose from; Oak and White.

8) Mr IronStone Vintage Kitchen 
Bakers Rack

  • Cost: Low
  • Amazon Rating: 4. 8 / 5 Stars (11/12/2021)  
  • # Reviews: Over 10000 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Dimensions

  • Materials: Made of Medium Density Fiberboard, Metal, and Steel
  • Weight: 37.48 lbs
  • External Dimensions: 35.5″ W * 15.75″ D * 52″H

Unique Features

  • Comes in Charcoal Brown, Dark Brown, Light Beige and Vintage Colors
  • Adjustable Feet
  • 10 Steel Side Hooks
  • Works Well as a Kitchen Storage Shelf, Microwave Stand, Baker’s Rack, Spice Rack Organizer and Kitchen Island
  • Fast Installation and Easy Cleaning
  • Professional Customer Service Will Respond Within 24 Hrs
  • Dedicated Toast Timer (60 Minute) with Stay On Function
  • Versatile (Can take it out of the kitchen and it fits well everywhere)
  • “Super Sturdy and Great Quality”
  • Great For Appliance Storage
  • “Easy to Put Together”
  • Customer Service Very Responsive
  • Great for a Cluttered Kitchen
  • Organized and Open
  • Great Price
  • Some Microwaves are Too Big
  • Random Parts Missing (But Customer Service Very Good)

Summary:

We Love This Kitchen Rack! While we attempt to be impartial, sometimes we just have to let it out. We were immediately drawn to this open kitchen pantry for its sleek look, it’s versatility (includes a hanger, shelves and a drawer), and its incredibly high Amazon ratings. If you didn’t read the section above, this model has sustained a 4.8 / 5 star review (as of 08/11/2020) after over 2000 reviews.

Hopefully we don’t need to convince you of the significance of such a staggeringly high review, but just in case, here it goes.

People who are unhappy with a buy are far more likely to write reviews. Negative emotions tend to promote action far quicker than positive ones (for most of us, unfortunately). With such a high level of reviews, the odds are in much greater favor of a good product reviewing moderately, and a moderate product reviewing negatively. It is why even relatively good products have a short life in today’s online driven world. 

A 4.5 / 5 star rating is a very good rating, but a 4.8 / 5 star review (after over 2000 reviews) is absolutely insane. We don’t want to force an impulsive purchase here. Take the time to make sure this cabinet is the right size and fit for your particular needs, but if your worried about quality, customer service, or ease of assembly, we’re pretty confident you have nothing to worry about. Worst case scenario, you get the wrong part, and the company goes above and beyond to satisfy their wrongdoing. This would have been our #1 pick had it filled the kitchen pantry category a little better. We understand it’s a bit unorthodox. Either way, we’re fans.

9) Sauder HomePlus Base Cabinet (Sienna Oak Finish)

  • Cost: Low
  • Amazon Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (11/10/2021)  
  • # Reviews: Over 600 Amazon reviews

Check Amazon Price

Dimensions

  • Materials: Engineered wood
  • Weight: 66. 6 lbs
  • External Dimensions: 29 5/8″ W x 17″ D 37 3/8″ H

Unique Features

  • Stackable Unit (up to 2 times)
  • Adjustable Shelf
  • Adjustable base levelers
  • Back panel offers cord access
  • Base Cabinet is constructed from an eco-friendly material known as engineered wood.
  • Adjustable shelf
  • A lot of positive remarks regarding ease of assembly
  • Good quality for the price
  • Overall positive customer service response
  • The door of the base cabinet does not open more than 90 degrees
  • Some complain of damage during shipping (rare however)

Summary:

The Sauder base cabinet is a practical and flexible design that lets you organize your house without taking up too much space.  The simplicity of the design makes this cabinet an ideal option for any room in your home, whether it’s the utility room, living area, kitchen, or bedroom.

Built from engineered wooden blocks, behind the framed doors is a storage space with an adjustable shelf. You can move to various heights, offering you the flexibility to design spaces for objects of different shapes and dimensions. 

The large top surface is a perfect place to keep and display your furniture and other household objects. You can stack 2 of these cabinets ontop of one another to create a unique storage solution.

Other options include adjustable base levelers as well as cord access via the back panel enclosed. The storage cabinet is available in sienna oak finish color to give your home the appearance you desire with the features you require.

Concluding

Kitchen storage is critical for most of us. Take the time to find a free standing kitchen pantry cabinet that fits your kitchen seamlessly. We hope this was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

We always try to respond within 24 hours.

Cheers,

Michael 

Founder of Robust Kitchen

About the author

Michael spends his days eating, drinking and studying the fascinating world of food. He received his Bachelors Degree in Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis and spent much of his time at the school brewery. While school proved to be an invaluable experience, his true passion lies in exposing the hidden crannies of food for the cooking laymen.

9 Freestanding Pantry Options to Accentuate Your Kitchen

Kitchen Storage

Modified: May 12, 2022

Written by: Vivette Helen

Organize your kitchen utensils and ingredients in accordance to their function with any one of these hassle-free freestanding pantry cabinets!

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

A freestanding pantry is one of the best solutions to a kitchen that keeps evolving. The kitchen is the only place in a home where you would want to keep on stocking many things. So once you run out of space for your things, the best thing to opt for is a freestanding pantry.

 

 

There are various freestanding pantries you can get. They come in numerous shapes, sizes, and colors. So all you need to do is purchase one that blends well with your kitchen. Of course, you wouldn’t want your kitchen to look odd with some weird-looking cabinet, so go for the one that makes your kitchen look dainty and wonderful.

 

 

We have curated some finest freestanding pantries for your kitchen! Let’s dive right into it.

 

 

This top-rated product from Sauder comes with four adjustable shelves. As it is made with recycled materials, you will be supporting green living. The four adjustable shelves provide ample space for your items in the kitchen. Plus it has an oak finish, so it is remarkably durable and sturdy. It may not be totally appealing in its appearance, but it can serve you really well for years to come.

Key Features
  • Made of recycled material
  • Has four adjustable shelves
  • Has highland oak finish
Specifications
  • 29.61 inches x 16.1 inches x 71.1 inches
  • 73.6 lbs
Pros
  • Shelves can be adjusted
  • Highly durable
  • Sturdy
Cons
  • Not an appealing design

Home Styles always get it right when it comes to pantry storage. This freestanding pantry is no exception. Even the look of it would coax you to go for it without any qualms. If the product is from Home Style then you never have to think twice about the durability, it is a sure winner in that aspect. It is made of engineered hardwood and the distressed white finish of the freestanding pantry cabinet gives it an elegant look. So when you have it in your pantry, it will make heads turn like never before.

Key Features
  • Made of engineered wood
  • Has a storage drawer, two cabinet doors, and two adjustable shelves
  • Hardware made of nickel
Specifications
  • 16 inches x 30 inches x 71.5 inches
  • 125.7 lbs
Pros
  • Appealing design
  • Made of highly durable engineered wood
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Very heavy

This simple freestanding pantry cabinet is one of the finest freestanding kitchen pantries on our list. It’s a stand-alone pantry that is definitely a good investment! You can stock up all the kitchen utensils inside this good tall pantry cabinet and clear a lot of countertop space. We do not want a cluttered kitchen this free-standing cabinet is a great addition.

 

 

It is made of good quality wood that will last for years and as it is sturdy, you can store some heavy items in it. It’s a product that is worth every penny!

Key Features
  • Has 4 shelves
  • Made of high-quality wood
  • Can store canned food, utensils, cookbooks, etc
Specifications
  • 12.5 inches x 24 inches x 59.5 inches
  • 64 lbs
Pros
  • Simple and elegant design
  • Can be used for multiple purposes
  • Sturdy
Cons
  • No cons to mention.

This is another marvel from Home Styles. Just like any other freestanding kitchen pantry from Home Styles, this one is exceptional in terms of design and durability. It comes with two cabinets that have four adjustable shelves, but it’s the timeless oak finish that makes this tall pantry cabinet truly unique and elegant.

 

 

The distressed look gives the tall pantry cabinet a vintage vibe. Guests will rave about it and even you would realize that it was one of the best investments you ever had.

Key Features
  • Made of superior quality wood
  • Has two cabinets with four adjustable shelves
  • Oak finish
Specifications
  • 16 inches x 30 inches x 72 inches
  • 133 lbs
Pros
  • Elegant design
  • Highly durable
  • Very sturdy
Cons
  • Not lightweight

The Crosley furniture Tara pantry comes in elegant distressed grey and distressed white colors. It fits well with homes that are in a farmhouse style, so if your kitchen is designed so, then you will never regret having this pantry.

 

 

Made in high-quality wood, this stand-alone pantry is highly durable and will serve you for many years. It comes with two cabinets that have double doors and magnetic closures.

Key Features
  • Made in good quality wood
  • Has two large cabinets
  • Has magnetic closures
Specifications
  • 70 inches x 18.5 inches x 9 inches
  • 73.6 lbs
Pros
  • Excellent design
  • Has adjustable shelves
  • Very sturdy
Cons
  • No cons to mention.

A tall pantry cabinet has always been at the top of freestanding pantry cabinet ideas. This one from Elegant Home is a multifunctional freestanding cabinet that can be one of the best investments in recent times. The benefit of having a tall freestanding pantry is that it will never take too much space in your kitchen.

 

 

The shelf inside this freestanding cabinet is adjustable. So, if you want to keep some tall utensils, you can remove the adjustable shelf and place the utensil inside it without any difficulty.

Key Features
  • Made of engineered wood
  • Has an adjustable interior shelf
  • Comes in 2 colors
Specifications
  • 15 inches x 15 inches x 63 inches
  • 42.8 lbs
Pros
  • Excellent captivating design
  • Can be easily assembled
  • Long-lasting and sturdy
Cons
  • No cons to mention.

This has the most simple but most unique design out of the freestanding cabinets that we have mentioned here. There are two transparent doors on the top of the cabinet and a space for a toaster or microwave in between. You could find so much use for the drawer and the shelves with doors that come with this pantry cabinet.

 

 

When you have this amazing small pantry cabinet in your kitchen it will give a unique and positive ambiance to your kitchen. Your kitchen will no longer be cluttered and there will be a proper place for your essential appliances. What more do you want in a good freestanding cabinet?

Key Features
  • Made in good quality wood
  • Has a multiple storage spaces
  • Has a space to keep the microwave or toaster
Specifications
  • 15.75 inches x 23.85 inches x 70.86 inches
  • The product weight is 89 lbs
Pros
  • Great design
  • Can be used for multiple purposes
  • Great for home and office kitchen
Cons
  • No cons to mention

This freestanding cabinet from Hodedah may look like any other cabinet, but its functionality and durability will prove otherwise. You can load it with all the kitchen items such as cookbooks, canned food, kitchen utensils, etc. It is sturdy enough to hold most of the items you keep together.

 

 

If you are not that keen on the cherry color, it also comes with four other attractive colors. We are sure you will find the one that will blend perfectly with the interiors of your kitchen.

Key Features
  • Made in cherry wood
  • Comes in 5 colors
  • Has 4 door storage cabinet with 4 shelves
Specifications
  • 16 inches x 24 inches x 72 inches
  • 88 lbs
Pros
  • Simple and elegant design
  • Multipurpose
  • Middle shelf acts as a divider
Cons
  • Difficult to assemble

Sometimes all you need is a small pantry cabinet that can store your extra utensils. This is one of the freestanding pantry cabinet ideas that have become a sure-fire hit in most of the kitchens these days. Well, it’s not surprising as it’s made of good quality engineered wood and can serve you for a long time.

 

 

It’s multipurpose and versatile as it neatly blends with any home style. It is also small, so it does not require much space. All you need to do is put it in any nook and it will remain there, giving you no trouble and serving you silently.

Key Features
  • Made of engineered wood
  • Has a maple finish
  • Comes with 4 shelves
Specifications
  • 15.69 inches x 18.19 inches x 60.25 inches
  • 51 lbs
Pros
  • Simple and elegant design
  • Compact
  • Perfect for small kitchens
Cons
  • No cons to mention.

We hope these freestanding cabinets will create a storage miracle that will get rid of your kitchen storage problems. Get the one that will fulfill your needs and will look the best in your kitchen. We are sure you will feel light and content with the purchase!

Freestanding Cabinets Offer a Classic Kitchen Look

What Was Once Old Is New Again

By

Lee Wallender

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Editorial Process

Updated on 07/15/20

From the 1950s onward, standard kitchens have usually consisted of stock cabinets with finished front faces and rough sides and backs. The units are joined end-to-end and anchored to walls along the backs to form the illusion of a seamless line of cabinetry. Recently, though, the popularity of large kitchen islands has prompted a resurgence in a form of cabinetry that was once the norm in kitchens up to the early 1950s—the freestanding cabinet that stands on legs with finished faces on all four sides. 

A Brief History of Kitchen Cabinetry

At one time, you had no choice: every kitchen was a freestanding kitchen. In most pre-World War II kitchens, all items were free-standing and moveable: table, pantry, refrigerator, stove, and storage cabinets. Only the sink was fixed in place, and that was because it was attached to the house by plumbing.

During the 1940s, continuous metal kitchen cabinets began to appear in American kitchens, the result of innovations in mass production brought about by the war materials industry. Post World War II, these wraparound cabinets, with their seamless countertops, were found in newer kitchens nearly everywhere. If you had freestanding cabinets, you were deemed highly impractical–or worse, seriously out of fashion.

The 1950s saw the rise of kitchen remodeling—both do-it-yourself and pro-hired—as a favorite American pastime. As homeowners, often armed with copies of Popular Mechanics, began to personally take control of the look of their kitchens, installation professionals were no longer craftsmen who designed and built free-standing cabinets, but rather installation specialists who sized and installed factory-built stock cabinets—cabinets that were manufactured with the aim of low cost. The standard cabinets were no longer freestanding units with four finished sides, but simple box carcasses with finished front faces only, resting on the floor and anchored to walls. 

What Was Once Old Is New Again

In the early part of the 21st century, home design began to call for larger kitchens, and the widespread use of kitchen islands came into play. In some homes, these islands became large enough to represent a majority of the kitchen workspace. Large islands these days may incorporate the kitchen sink, the cooking range, eating countertop space, and a good portion of the cabinet storage territory.

In such a kitchen configuration, standard stock cabinets with only a finished front face are no longer practical, since three sides, or sometimes even all four sides of the cabinets may be exposed. This has given birth to the concept of the freestanding kitchen—which is often defined as a kitchen in which a large island is the center of the design. Many kitchens these days make use of freestanding cabinets not only for the center island, but also around the perimeter, where the freestanding cabinets are butted together side to side in the same manner as stock cabinets. 

Although rare, freestanding cabinets also give homeowners the option of shifting up the layout of a kitchen, much the way living room furniture can be rearranged from time to time.  

Thus, kitchens have gradually returned to a prewar aesthetic, in which the freestanding cabinet is once again at the forefront of kitchen design. Many kitchens lean even further toward that aesthetic, using old-style subway tile backsplashes, wide-plank floors, and other accouterments of old-style kitchens. 

Advantages of Freestanding Cabinets

Freestanding cabinets offer several advantages in a kitchen:

  • Classic style. Most homeowners choose freestanding cabinets because they want their cabinets to impart a traditional style. 
  • Easier cleaning. Because they stand on legs and have no toekick space, these cabinets make it possible to mop or dust all the way beneath the cabinet. 
  • Layout flexibilty. Many (but not all) manufacturers produce these cabinets as true pieces of furniture, finished on all sides. This means that you can back them up to a wall or place them in the center of the room. Conventional cabinets, by contrast, have a particle board or thin plywood backing that is not suitable for viewing. These cabinets can also be moved about, should you ever want to change the layout of your kitchen. Normally, major kitchen remodeling requires that old cabinets be discarded, but when revising a freestanding kitchen, it is often possible to reuse the existing cabinets.

Disadvantages of Freestanding Cabinets

There are, of course, disadvantages to a freestanding kitchen. 

  • Cabinetry is more expensive. Because all four sides have finished faces, the cost of materials and construction labor is more expensive with freestanding cabinets. Freestanding cabinets always tend to be more expensive than conventional cabinets. 
  • Selection is limited. There are both fewer manufacturers offering freestanding cabinets, and relatively small product line selections available from those companies that do offer freestanding units.   Ready-to-assemble (RTA) companies, one proven avenue for finding cheaper cabinets, tend to have paltry freestanding offerings or none at all.

Installation of Freestanding Cabinets

While conventional cabinets are actually easier to install than most people realize, installation of freestanding cabinets is even easier. Leveling of freestanding cabinets is usually done by screws located within the cabinets that are adjusted by means of an Allen wrench. For cabinet-to-cabinet connections after leveling, some manufacturers provide special fasteners that positively lock the two pieces in place while minimizing marring. If no fasteners are provided, cabinets can be joined using screws driven between adjoining cabinets from the inside. If desired, cabinets can also be anchored to the back wall, much the same way as is done with conventional cabinets. 

Manufacturers and Retailers

Once available only from specialty manufacturers, many of them European and often sold for very high prices, freestanding cabinets are gradually becoming available in a limited selection at big box retailers, made by the companies that manufacturer stock cabinets. But the best selections will still be from companies specializing in freestanding kitchen cabinetry, including: 

  • Lizell Mill Studio: Lizell’s tagline is “Innovation By Simplicity.” This Pennsylvania-based company makes cabinets using “old-fashioned, traditional construction methods such as mortise and tenon joinery and dovetailing,” according to their website.
  • Chalon: UK-based Chalon produces gorgeous, unique, handcrafted freestanding units (among other pieces). 
  • GD Arredementi. This company makes the Fortuna line of freestanding cabinets, designed by Luciano Dal Bello. 
  • Colombini. Offers Italian-style freestanding cabinets in several lines. 
  • Gamadecor. An Italian manufacturer offering several lines of modern freestanding cabinets. 

 

How to arrange an isolated kitchen: 10 examples with photos

Apartments

We often talk about combining spaces and the complexities of zoning the kitchen, living room and dining room. This time we decided to talk about individual kitchens, which are still quite common in Russian apartments and houses.

Over the past hundred years, the kitchen has come a long way, turning from a utility room into a full-fledged living space. This was facilitated by the replacement of coal stoves with gas stoves, and the growth of the middle class, and the emergence of powerful hoods. In most of the interiors that we publish, the kitchen is part of the living room. But not everyone likes this layout. Hypersensitivity to smells, features of the apartment or just everyday habits – we will not analyze the reasons. Let’s talk about what a separate kitchen can be in a modern interior.

An English-style family home is a stronghold of tradition, and it is only natural that such a house has a kitchen hidden from view, where a guest chef or cook works. But modern trends cannot be avoided: in the classical interior designed by Guli Galeeva there is a “grand” kitchen for family members. And on it, obviously, they not only cook, but also eat – the round table is proof of this. For more solemn occasions, of course, there is a dining room in the house, it is located in the next room, behind swing doors with glass inserts. This is the best solution for those cases where the kitchen needs to be insulated only from time to time.

House designed by Guli Galeeva in the Moscow region. Kitchen. Headset, Smallbone; the table is made to order; chairs, Soane; chandelier, Charles Edwards; mosaic panel based on ancient Roman drawings is made to order.

In the country house designed by Inna Zavyalova, the kitchen with double doors leads to the dining room, and immediately behind it is the living room. The kitchen island, the chandelier above the dining table are on the same axis, the space seems to open room by room. The doors may close, but obviously the kitchen is not a place that is deliberately hidden here. And here’s the funny thing: both in this project and in the interior of Galeeva, kitchen sets in a classic style are actually created according to the same principles as the “Frankfurt kitchen” by Margarethe Schütte-Lihotsky, who made at 1926 year a real revolution in the interior. Before it, kitchen furniture was freestanding, and there were no built-in wardrobes of standardized sizes, to which we are all so accustomed. And now without them nowhere.

The same idea, but in a modern version, and not in a separate house, but in an apartment, which was taken care of by Dina Salakhova. There is no separate dining room, but the kitchen is very similar to the one we saw at Gulya Galeeva’s: it is isolated from the living space with transparent doors and has a round table in the center. Pay attention to the floor – it is the same everywhere. Perhaps parquet is not the most practical material for the cooking area, but with the doors open, the space looks solid, the flooring does not crush it. This option is good not only because it helps to remove smells from the living room – partitions make the space more complex and interesting.

Duplex apartment in Moscow, 300 m². View from the living room to the kitchen. Dining table, Porada; chairs, Philipp Selva; kitchen, Aster; household appliances, Gaggenau; the kitchen countertop is made of granite; on the kitchen apron – quartz agglomerate. Chandelier over the table, Santa & Cole. Vases on the table, “Atelier of ceramics”; photographs, Yellowkorner Russia.

The apartment designed by Marina Filippova was conceived and made as a front door, showing the status of the owners – with good art, sophisticated decoration and custom-made furniture. Putting a kitchen in the middle of the living room in such an interior would probably be strange. But here, too, the cooking zone is isolated with a certain degree of conventionality: it is separated, but by no means hidden. The dining room is located in the same space with the living room and, at the request of the owners, grows into a kitchen. But even in the case when the sliding doors are closed, the SieMatic kitchen set is clearly visible. An important detail: double doors create symmetry, and ideally, the situation in the kitchen should also be symmetrical. At least that part of it that is “in the frame” of the door portal.

Apartment with author’s furniture designed by Marina Filippova in Moscow, 300 m². View of the dining room from the living room. Smoked glass sliding doors are made according to the sketches of the decorator by the Alchemy company. Dining table, Bolier; chairs, Liaigre; sconce designed by Marina Filippova, Cesare Ferrari; carpet made to order, Ice Rugs & Carpets. In the background is the kitchen, SieMatic. Chandelier, Venini.

Victoria Skorobogatko made this apartment for an elderly couple, and older people, for obvious reasons, gravitate towards a more traditional layout – with an isolated kitchen. The designer solved this problem in a rather unusual way: behind a wooden partition, she hid that part of the kitchen where the sink and hob are located (that is, the place where the most active cooking takes place), but left the round dining table and oven in sight. So the living room has received additional depth, and the whole prose of life has been successfully hidden from view. By the way, in the living room there is another, large dining table – the apartment is ready for different scenarios.

Apartment for an elderly couple in Moscow, 120 m². View of the kitchen from the living room. Cabinet and showcase, Le Fablier; vases, BoConcept. The wall with wooden trim was made by the carpentry workshop “Kateya”.

A kitchen in a “cage” made of glazed partitions is a technique typical for small interiors (we will talk about them later), but here it appeared in an apartment of 160 m², because it is more convenient for the owner Irina Khristenko. Together with architect Andrei Sidorkevich, they made the cooking area lapidary and functional, with a separate entrance from the hallway and laconic black cabinets. The trick is that the transparent partitions in this interior not so much open as hide the kitchen: at certain angles, the living room windows and the dining table are reflected in the glass, and the outlines of the black cabinets become indistinguishable.

Apartment on Malaya Pirogovskaya, 160 m². View from the living room to the kitchen. Lamp, Moooi; table, Crate and Barrel; chairs, Marie’s Corner; sofa, Maxalto; partition, MV Production, made according to the drawings of Andrey Sidorkevich; carpet, Poliform.

The apartment designed by Alma-Ata designer Elina Musakulova turned out to be eclectic. The interior has a lot of classical style items (for example, chandeliers), but the approach to organizing space is rather modern. But the spacious kitchen with open shelves, a sideboard and panels looks very traditional, there is something rustic in it. And the opportunity to separate it from a more elegant living room suggests itself stylistically. Sliding doors with frosted glass (they have the same deglazing pattern as the window frames) certainly do an excellent job with this task. By the way, in theory, a large kitchen island with bar stools can be turned into a workplace if necessary – this is another argument in favor of doors. But look at the width of the doorway – there is a feeling that the owner of the apartment is still more inclined towards living in an open space.

Apartment in Alma-Ata, 157 m². Lunch group. Table, IKEA; chairs, Ton; chaise longue, sconce and ceiling lamp – the property of the owner of the apartment.

And you have gas in your apartment. This means that there can no longer be any talk of a kitchen-living room, these are the rules dictated by security. At the same time, the owners of the apartment, who entrusted its interior to the care of Katya Chistova, dreamed of combining the kitchen with the living room. The designer came out of the situation by making a window and a transom above the door in the interior partition. In terms of practicality, the kitchen even benefited from this: another closet stood under the window. And the beautiful glasswork is reminiscent of old dachas and is very fitting for this apartment in an old pre-revolutionary house, in the setting of which there was a place for a family collection of art and antique furniture.

Apartment in a Moscow pre-revolutionary building, 72 m². Dining area of ​​the living room, view of the kitchen. Dining table Saarinen, Knoll; chairs, Victoria Ghost; table lamp Vertigo, Petite Friture; glass partition, Luxury Floors; kitchen, Leicht Moscow; tiles on the floor and on the backsplash, Equipe, from Termokit.

The same problem with gas, but a different solution – in the project of Numi Design. Their customers got an apartment in a 1954 building on Stroiteley Street, and in those days, happy owners of separate housing, as a rule, also ate in the dining room – it is no coincidence that even in fairly spacious Stalin-era apartments, the kitchens are tiny. So the designers zoned the space in the spirit of the time when the house was being built. It looks all the more harmonious as the rest of the interior is designed in retro style. The main thing is that practicality has not suffered: swing doors do not interfere with the prompt delivery of ready-made food to the dining table standing at the entrance to the kitchen.

Apartment with history in Moscow, 64 m². View from the living room to the kitchen. The poster with ducks (to the left of the swing door) was bought by the owners in an antique shop in Florence.

The only example in our selection, in which the door between the living room kitchen is not transparent, but completely blank. But the truth is that it is mostly open – look how the dining table stands, right on the edge of the premises. Here we again have a forced decision, and again the reason for everything is gas. But Iason Gobejishvili of the Artechnology bureau turned the need into a creative technique: the same sliding partitions separate the bedroom as well. When opened, they are removed into the walls, and this is the basic state of the apartment, but if desired, the owner can model the space as he pleases.

Apartment with hidden volumes, 54 m². Fragment of the common area. To save space, the architect installed a sliding wooden partition at the entrance, which can be hidden in the wall.

Photo: Press archive

Open, separate or semi-open kitchen? – Scavolini Magazine



Open, separate or semi-open kitchen? – Scavolini Magazine

Select language:

English

German

Spanish

U.S. English

French

Russian

Greek

Italian

Chinese

Find a Reseller After Sales Service

Magazine

3 Options (Plus 1!) for Kitchen Interior Open space, a separate room or adjoining rooms allow you to personalize your kitchen to the maximum!

From the first moment you start thinking about your kitchen, how to decorate it and the must-have electrical appliances that will make it functional, you create a perfect and unique project. When the idea collides with reality, individual and original combinations are born. Here are the most popular suggestions for creating open, separate kitchen or semi-open kitchen leading to the living room !

Everything in view with open space

Envisioning a kitchen opening onto other rooms in the house means starting the search for the perfect harmony between the cooking area and other spaces in the home, be it the living room or the bedroom. This idea is fascinating and disturbing, because each zone must be pre-designed for the functional organization of living space. It is important to consider that the open space needs to be taken care of in every detail: from the floor most suitable for various functions, and household appliances with impeccable aesthetics, to versatile furniture with finishes on both “sides” of the room.

Formalia is a model that combines the versatility of furniture and the modernity of finishes in one proposal. The Status wall system allows you to furnish a room with open solutions, which can also be configured as dividing elements to be placed in the center of the room.

With an open kitchen, the room becomes more spacious and brighter, making use of every centimeter available. Fewer walls also means fewer obstacles during cleaning, but also a greater need for order in the entire environment.

To organize the living area and hide the open kitchen, you can choose concealed built-in kitchen , which will be hidden behind the elegant doors of the furniture from the BoxiLife collection. Thanks to this solution, the kitchen will become part of the open space, while remaining invisible. A compromise solution for small spaces to keep the clutter at bay!

Single room

Closed kitchen with island , dedicated to cooking and where you can fully immerse yourself in your culinary creativity, is a desire based on tradition. Once upon a time, a separate kitchen was the only possible configuration to contain the spread of smells and noise inside the room. By closing the door separating the kitchen from the living room or hallway, any clutter could be hidden. A very practical solution when there is no way to quickly clean the room. This configuration also made it possible to decorate the interior of different rooms without necessarily coordinating them in the same style!

Today, existing interior design options allow you to separate the kitchen from the rest of the house and still get even more benefits. Thanks to low-energy appliances and high-performance materials, the kitchen can be made even quieter and more professional!

If you want to talk to people in the living room or watch children play in the room, this division of space may not be optimal. But there is one trick: you can choose closed kitchen with a transparent or translucent window to create a partial communication between the rooms. Sophisticated and minimalistic solution!

Open kitchen or semi-open kitchen?

Whatever you want to call it, partly opening into living room or sleeping area , the open kitchen meets the most creative demands of space and allows you to divide the functions of a single living environment, marking the separation between the kitchen area and the rest of the house. There will be no need to invent a way, how to hide the kitchen from the entrance or the living room. Thanks to a peninsula with a breakfast bar or a partition without a door, the adjoining kitchen remains partly hidden. In this way, you can create a homogeneous and elegant environment in which you can move and talk freely!

Which offer intrigued you the most: open or closed kitchen ? Or do you prefer the elegant semi-open kitchen ? Learn more from authorized retailers!

Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Is the kitchen closed or shared with the living room? Choosing a solution

Separate kitchens are rare in modern construction. Some people like to combine two rooms, and they are happy to arrange a kitchen in the living room. Others do not approve of this layout. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions?

Kitchenette

When looking for a house or apartment, we must decide whether the open kitchen (combined with the living room or dining room) or the kitchen is closed. Luckily, the available solutions in kitchen design and layout allow you to tailor the space to your needs, space, floor space and financial resources.

The kitchen is connected to the living room

The most important thing when setting up an open kitchen is to harmoniously combine it with the rest of the rooms. This should be the perfect addition to the whole interior of the apartment.

Closed kitchen

When designing a closed kitchen, we have more options for decor and accessories. We don’t need to focus on arranging the interior in harmony with the living room and outdoor space. We can use decorative elements that are different from those in the living room and play with colors.

The kitchen is open to the living room, decorated in white

In the kitchen, open to other rooms, it is worth choosing a “safe” white color. In the interior of the kitchen-living room or kitchen-dining room, it is universal, because we easily adjust other finishing materials, small items and decorative details to it.

The white color scheme is suitable, among other things, for wood, stone, ceramic tiles. In addition, this color visually expands the space – which is valuable in small spaces.

Which of these options is actually more convenient – is the kitchen closed or connected to the living room? Here are the pros and cons of both solutions.

Advantages of a separate kitchen

• The smell of dishes does not penetrate into the living room.
• Cleaner living room furniture and walls.
• An elegant dining room with no visible cooking area.
• The sound of cooking (frying) and extractor does not disturb us in conversations at the table in the living room or while relaxing.
• No visible mess, such as unwashed dishes.
• Ideal if you don’t like to clean up immediately after cooking. When relaxing in the living room, we do not see dirty dishes, so it is easier to relax.

• Reducing the humidity in the living room that occurs in the kitchen during cooking. It does not spoil furniture and prevents the formation of fungus, and also prolongs the life of electronic equipment.
• A rare need for renovation to freshen up the interior of the living room.
• Nobody looks at the person cooking (although for some this may be a disadvantage rather than an advantage.
• More safety for children playing in the room.

Disadvantages of a separate kitchen

• During holidays and events, the person preparing the food is left alone in the kitchen most of the evening, not joining the conversation in the living room, thus not fully entertaining the guests.
• More space is required, so it is not very convenient for a person to work in small interiors.
• A window is needed, but takes up space where there is no countertop.
• The kitchen also takes up space in the corridor up to the door and visually reduces the interior due to additional walls.
• Inability to watch children playing in the living room.

Benefits of having a kitchenette in the living room

• Space saving – especially valuable in small apartments.
• An ordinary family feast does not exclude that the cook is with the guests.
• Ability to care for children at play.

• The impression of more space, both living room and kitchen.
• Better access to natural light and a generally brighter kitchen than a private room.
• A wide range of building materials to create the perfect layout for the kitchen and living room.

Disadvantages of a kitchenette combined with a living room

• The need to maintain a regular order.
• Penetration of aromas into the rest of the interior. Even the best extractor or odor absorber cannot fully compensate for cooking odors.
• The absence of a clear boundary between zones creates an impression of disharmony.
• Anxiety of other family members, when you just want to relax in a state of rest.

Opinions are really divided as to which option is better. Therefore, many people choose indirect solutions, choosing a semi-open kitchen that can be divided by sliding doors, a screen, a breakfast bar, a small partition, or even an island (in small apartments, on a peninsula). Let us be guided above all by our own preferences and comfort, and the cuisine we choose in any form is sure to be happy for years to come.

Furnishing a kitchenette

When designing the kitchen and living space, it is important to divide them into separate zones while maintaining the integrity of the interior style.

Separate kitchen. In Perm, public catering is growing in interest in the dark kitchen format

Perm catering establishments show interest in premises for individual kitchens. This helps to save on rent and comply with sanitary standards. But experts note that there are very few suitable premises in the city.

Pandemic times have forced cafes and restaurants in Perm to look for new ways to work. Then the dark kitchen format gained popularity. Market participants say that in Perm it is in its infancy, but its development is proceeding rapidly.

The dark kitchen format usually means that the kitchen will only work for delivery – without self-pickup and seats. Customers do not see the premises of the restaurant, which saves on choosing a place for the establishment and its design.

Denis Schmidt, owner of Panasian Food and Ramen Shop, says that because of the coronavirus, many cafes and restaurants have been forced to temporarily turn into dark kitchens. Almost all establishments one way or another began to carry out delivery or self-delivery. For at least a year, many offline establishments have worked in this format. Then many people got to know him personally.

“This format is of great interest to entrepreneurs. It implies a minimum investment package and a small talent pool,” explains Denis Schmidt.

Interest in delivery is not fading among customers of establishments. Dmitry Saulin, founder of SaulinSchool and owner of SaulinCoffee, notes that after the pandemic, the revenue of good delivery services has become even higher. At the same time, according to him, the revenue of offline establishments grew more significantly – by 20-30%.

Sergey Bolotov, director of development for Smoky Dog, Sheamus and Cheshire cat bars, says that for establishments that did not have delivery, trying to maintain the online segment was a test.

“For example, we didn’t succeed in grasping both: the kitchen was too busy during peak hours. If we create delivery in the future, it will either be a dark kitchen or an establishment with a small seating area, more geared towards delivery,” Sergey Bolotov explains.

He also notes that not everyone will be comfortable with this format – not every dish survives delivery well. Sergei Bolotov adds: “Now some dark kitchen establishments are opening as restaurants, while others are separating delivery from the main kitchens to reduce the load. Everything is very individual.”

Where to stay?

Denis Shmidt says that dark kitchen establishments usually rent premises, as this ensures minimal investment in the project – the purchase increases the payback period of the project by several times. However, finding a suitable location is a challenge.

“In Perm, there are few vacant detached buildings that could accommodate a kitchen. They are mainly engaged in retail. And those commercial premises that are located in residential buildings are problematic. Many owners do not want to put up with such a neighborhood,” explains Denis Schmidt.

Elena Denisova, General Director of Trumens Group Management Company, confirms that there are not very many premises in Perm suitable for organizing catering shops.

“Among other things, the engineering infrastructure for cooking that meets the standards is important: a certain capacity of the electrical network, plumbing, sewage, grease traps, and so on. It is important not to cross the sanitary protection zones of other industrial enterprises. There are many conditions, and they require additional investments. But the rent can really be low,” says Elena Denisova.

Sergey Bolotov clarifies: if you move away from the first line in search of a production facility, prices become more comfortable. You can achieve a noticeable difference in the rental rate, but everything will depend on the specific situation.

At the same time, if it is possible to place a kitchen in a restaurant, then this is usually the best option, notes Elena Denisova. “It happens that because of the desire to stay in a good place where there is no technical possibility, the establishments make the main preparation of the dish at a separate facility, and in the restaurant they only prepare it. But more often they still try to tie it to one of the restaurants in order to avoid unnecessary costs for logistics and equipment,” she explains. That is, in Perm, restaurants can often choose the option with a “kitchen” separate from the establishment, not because of savings on rent, but to comply with the standards, Elena Denisova believes.

“There are probably only a few large and expensive cities in Russia where this is economically justified, for example Moscow and St. Petersburg. Therefore, it is unlikely that such a format will be actively developed in Perm,” she suggests.

Dmitry Saulin, on the contrary, considers the dark kitchen format promising. At the same time, he stipulates that the cooperation of several establishments on the site of one workshop will be beneficial for business.

“The trend, in my opinion, is towards collaborations of different dark kitchen establishments in one kitchen. A large workshop in which several delivery establishments coexist. With this form of work, there is difficulty in internal communication, but some costs are blurred, which improves the marginality of each business,” explains Dmitry Saulin.

Living room kitchen – principles of zoning and layout from PlazaReal in St. Petersburg

To create a beautiful and functional combined kitchen with a living room, you need to know the basic rules for zoning and designing open interiors. This will help the advice of designers and tried-and-tested techniques.

Pros and cons of a combined kitchen-living room

The kitchen gathers guests and owners of the house in its area no less than the living room. Therefore, more and more often in modern open-type apartments they are not separated, and when starting a major overhaul of an old apartment, they are trying to equip a combined kitchen with a living room. This solution has many advantages:

  • Eliminates the need to “spin” between the walls and the corridor when receiving guests.
  • It is easier to arrange a large area in one style, to implement interesting modern ideas.
  • You can get by with one TV, which is located in the zone of view of the kitchen and the sofa.
  • The open space becomes brighter, the windows will illuminate one room.
  • Frees up space for a comfortable dining area.

The kitchen and living room together is a convenient layout option not only for a small apartment or studio. It was appreciated by the owners of large elite apartments, as well as country cottages. Tastefully designed combined seating area becomes the center of attraction for all the inhabitants of the house.

However, if you try, this option can be found and cons. Since it is impossible to equip the living room kitchen without demolishing the walls, the redevelopment will have to be coordinated with the housing supervision authorities. Get ready for the cost of a good hood and air conditioning system so that “kitchen smells” do not soar throughout the apartment.

Before deciding whether to combine the kitchen and living room, you need to objectively weigh the pros and cons. You will have to clean and wash the dishes immediately, leaving it in the sink will no longer work. Again, it is unlikely that someone will be able to comfortably take a nap on the couch with the sounds of a working microwave and other appliances.

Kitchen and living room zoning: original solutions

Combining does not mean mixing, functional areas should be visually highlighted. Therefore, the task arises of how to divide the kitchen and living room into zones so that it becomes convenient for both work and leisure. To do this, designers use many techniques. Which one to choose depends on the size and configuration of the apartment, as well as the chosen style direction.

Partitions

This is the easiest way to zone space. A stylish sliding partition between the kitchen and the living room, made like a compartment, makes it possible, if necessary, to retire in the kitchen or, on the contrary, expand the space when guests gather.

The glass partition between the kitchen and the living room allows light to pass through, and at the same time allows you to create a certain sense of “privacy”. Frosted glass, with stained-glass windows, photo printing in itself is an interesting element of decor.

Even a narrow drywall partition between the kitchen and the living room, slightly receding from the walls, serves as a good “separator” to indicate the work area. It can be as high as the ceiling or the upper border of kitchen cabinets, or low, at the level of the countertop.

Arches

A beautiful arch between the kitchen and the living room also divides the space well, although this option is more suitable for a classic interior. In some cases, it fits well into the country setting.

Fake walls

To separate the kitchen and living room, you can use “incomplete” walls. For example, when decorating a loft-style apartment, decorative brick is very popular. It is easy to lay out a stepped wall from it, or a low one, on which to equip a countertop or a bar counter.

A well-known technique is the zoning of the kitchen and living room with a rack on which books, paintings, flowers are placed. This is also a kind of false wall that separates the recreation area from the place of cooking.

Furniture: zoning options

Unobtrusively and naturally create borders large pieces of furniture. So, a large sofa, straight or corner, is usually placed “facing” to the guest part of the room. In this case, you need to choose a model upholstered with decorative fabric on all sides.

There is no question in the case of a kitchen with an island combined with a living room, since the table successfully acts as a “separator” of space. Ideal when using a U-shaped kitchen set.

In modern youth apartments, especially studios, a living room kitchen with a bar counter is often equipped – it goes well with high-tech, minimalism, techno styles. The hosts cook little, preferring to eat out, so they don’t need a dining area. Enough space for a light snack or a friendly party. This layout looks stylish, besides it saves square meters. Visually, the space becomes lighter if the bar counter between the kitchen and the living room occupies a corner.

Decorative elements

When combining a kitchen and a living room, large decorative elements are often used as a boundary between zones. For example, it can be a fireplace with an artificial heater or a tall, narrow aquarium framed by green plants.

Wall and ceiling trim

The common space dictates a single style of apartment design. However, the color of the walls in the living room combined with the kitchen does not have to be the same. It can be chosen in harmonious, or, if the chosen style allows, in contrasting shades.

It is easy to mark the boundaries of zones with the help of floor finishing. For example, laminate and ceramic tiles. When combining a kitchen with an island and a living room, the boundaries of the zones are often emphasized with the help of ceiling lighting. Lamps are placed in a row on a table or bar counter.

Cozy kitchen-living room in any style

When considering how to design a living room kitchen, do not focus on ensuring that all furniture items are perfectly matched in color and style. The main thing is that they correspond to the general direction that is chosen for interior design. A combination of a heavy massive table, an airy crystal chandelier and trendy modern chairs can look quite stylish. The correct arrangement of furniture in the combined living room with kitchen frees up maximum space and is comfortable for life. At the same time, it is worth adhering to the features and nuances characteristic of a particular style.

Scandinavian

In the northern interiors, simple solutions are used: brick-like finish, the walls are most often painted white, high narrow skirting boards are characteristic, the floor is lined with a “deck” board. Accordingly, the Scandinavian-style living room kitchen is decorated in light shades, the windows are often left open, without curtains, or simple white curtains are used.

There is little furniture, and each item performs several functions. Almost always, the middle of the room remains free, the sofa and the set are placed around the perimeter. If the area of ​​​​the room allows, only the dining area is located in the center. In fact, this is a kitchen that passes into the living room – separate zones are almost not distinguished at all.

Provence

How to separate the kitchen and the Provence living room in one room, because in the traditional version, the French country does not imply such a combination? Premises for cooking have always occupied a separate place in the house, as well as a hall for receiving guests. In this case, you will have to abandon such decorative details as frying pans, pots on open shelves, jars of spices. It is better to choose cabinets with closed or lattice doors, in the same style as the living room furniture. A bright-colored sofa, turned back to the working area, will help to properly zone the space.

Contemporary

Designing a living room kitchen in modern style is one of the latest trends in interior fashion. Bright, expressive, cheerful style creates a festive atmosphere in the house. It involves large intricate ornaments, exquisite complex furniture. Typically, in such an interior, the emphasis is on the recreation and reception area, kitchen furniture should be discreet, and the work area should be subdued.

Classic

The traditional kitchen living room in a classic style is strict symmetry, classic closed cabinets, paneled or glazed doors, decorated with stained-glass windows. Carving, beautiful bronze fittings give the furniture a respectable look. Most often, such an environment is chosen for a large room, so a combined kitchen-dining room-living room is built. Here, a separate dining area with an oval table and beautiful upholstered chairs will be in place.

Neoclassical

A calm interior that does not provide for overly flashy details (stucco cornices, pilasters, columns) – this is the neoclassical living room kitchen, which is distinguished by a moderate combination of traditional and modern elements. Unlike the classics, where natural shades predominate, the facades of the headsets can be of any color, matte or glossy. In such an interior, a kitchen with a separate island is appropriate, cabinets are usually made closed, and household appliances are discreetly built into the work area.

Minimalism

A stylish kitchen living room in a minimalist style is not at all what you thought: empty and somewhat boring? Not at all. Minimalism does not involve numerous or small decor items, but emphasizes expressive colors and lines.

The best way to go with it is the kitchen, connected to the living room. The condition is strictly fulfilled: no extra items and trifles on the tables. One or two paintings, a vase of flowers, an extravagant souvenir – yes, but pillows, napkins will be superfluous here. The main decoration is a beautiful view behind the large panoramic windows.

Hi-tech

High technologies, or high-tech, have changed the modern kitchen beyond recognition. Luxurious appliances, original storage and lighting systems, new materials: artificial stone, ceramics, vinyl tiles, chromed metal and mirror facades! Another hi-tech living room kitchen is more like a spaceship cabin than a modest cooking room.

In the furniture of this direction, all innovative techniques and types of finishes are welcome. At the same time, the transfer of the kitchen to the living room practically does not change the appearance of the room, and such a solution is quite compatible with the comfort and luxury of this graphically clear, elegant space.

Color solutions for the living room kitchen

The main tools in the designer’s arsenal are color and texture. With their help, you can select zones for various purposes, and sometimes deliberately camouflage them. So if you want to create a “hidden kitchen” in your living room, here are two practical tips. The first option: choose kitchen facades that perfectly match the color of the walls. The second is to choose furniture in one of the shades that are often repeated in the interior of the apartment. It will be better if the decorative partition is made in the same color.

When creating an eco-style home decor, small pieces of furniture or green accessories should certainly be present. It can be an ottoman, a pair of pillows or upholstery for chairs. The classic tends to natural sand, caramel, brown shades. Hi-tech – black, gray, white, brown with a sheen of metal and glass. Kitchen-living room in a modern style: minimalism, neoclassic allows for any shades of the color palette.

Some tips for furnishing

  • Make the most of your furniture. Quite successfully they can perform such a task as separating the kitchen from the living room, a bookcase, a sofa with a high back.
  • A low podium in the kitchen area will help hide communications and visually create an invisible border from the main part of the room.
  • A living room kitchen with an accordion-shaped partition is the most convenient compromise option for space zoning.

In conclusion: the living room kitchen has both pros and cons. The latter are much smaller, but in general, you need to build on the lifestyle of the owners of the house. If a large company often gathers in it, parties are held, then this is quite a suitable option. At the same time, in a small apartment, the combined layout of the living room kitchen helps to get rid of unnecessary walls and free up space for living.

Back to tips list

Who needs a separate kitchen in a studio apartment

Tags

Housing Interior Apartment Kitchen

The kitchen in the studio apartment is not separated from the rest of the living space, and many do not like it even on a subconscious level. After all, we managed to get used to the fact that the kitchen is, albeit a tiny, but separate room where you can create any culinary masterpieces.

Today edition “So Easy!” offers to talk about whether the kitchen in the studio apartment needs to be insulated or not. And what are the benefits restless hosts receive in each case.

© Depositphotos

  1. “For me, any apartment without a separate kitchen is not an apartment. You will enter any studio and feel like you are in a hotel. I can’t imagine how one can live in such conditions. In any case, there should be an additional room where you can retire. To work or read while the other person sleeps. Although if the studio apartment has a separate bedroom, then the kitchen may not be separated.

    © Depositphotos

  2. “My husband and I are under 40, we live on 30 squares. We have lived here for many years. Moreover, the kitchen was isolated with a wall almost immediately, the door was not installed. I am an introvert, and I somehow feel more comfortable when no one is looking at your back while you are cooking. Yes, and the light does not interfere if one sleeps, and the second has an early breakfast (or a late supper).

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by INTERIOR DESIGN (@elmi_interiordesign)

  3. “It seems to me that it is more reasonable to separate a sleeping place, and not a kitchen. Now there are enough interesting layouts, when the room is divided by a wall almost to the very window. And it turns out that on one side there is a bed, and on the other – a kitchen. And already at the window, due to the armchairs and the TV, you can equip something similar to the living room. The only question is what is the size of the studio.

    © Depositphotos

Benefits of not insulating the kitchen

  1. Refusal to isolate the kitchen has a positive effect on the visual perception of space. Housing seems more spacious and modern. In addition, it makes the apartment brighter due to natural light from the window.
  2. If you don’t separate the kitchen, you save not only additional space, but also save money that would go to install partitions.
  3. At any meal (and even when cooking), you can watch your favorite TV shows or have a conversation with guests and family members.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Repair•interior•decor (@valentina_na_na)

Benefits of insulating the kitchen

  1. Easier to keep organized. After all, even with a good hood, when cooking, fat settles on the surfaces of the kitchen.