My pantry is right off my kitchen under the stairs. I’m grateful for the storage space, but I’ll be honest- it’s become a big mess. Sure- I could declutter. But I want to create a new system and build some DIY pantry shelves so I can store everything in a beautiful and efficient way! Here’s the before- 

This is how the shelves looked like when we bought the house. They were fine, but because they didn’t go to the ground, that area became a catch-all for clutter.

The shelves weren’t a good height for our storage containers and I knew it could be better!

how to build diy pantry shelves

Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:

If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. It’d mean so much if you’d watch the video! I’m trying to get better at my video skills so I can grow my YouTube channel. If you have a few minutes to watch this and/or subscribe, I’d so appreciate it.

SUPPLIES for diy pantry shelves

• 2×6 lumber (I used 6 of the 8′ pieces)
• Wood Corbels (small)
• 2×10 lumber (I used 1 piece)
• Wood Corbels (large)
• Tongue and Groove Bead Board  (I used 25 pieces)
• Fluted Casing (I used 5 pieces)
• Frosted Sage Paint
• Counter-sink Drill Bits
• Screws
• Caulk
• Wood Filler
• Shaker Pegs (for the peg rail)
• 1/2″ Spade Drill Bit
• Wood Glue

Paint colors for Rainbow Shelves-

• Beloved Pink
• Shy Smile
• Priceless Coral
• Charismatic
• Corn Stalk
• Sparkling Brook
• Frosted Sage
• Tinted Ice
• Early September

Supplies for the Pantry Curtains-

• Old Fashioned Cake Fabric 
• Curtain Rod 
• Curtain Rings 
• Pleat Tape 
• Drapery Hooks 

Shelves between studs- step 1

In our pantry, we decided to remove the drywall so we can get to the studs.

Then, we can add shelves between the studs. Because this is in the walkway to the basement stairs, it’s important to have as little impeding the stairs as possible (since our basement is for storage).

Here’s how to do that-

1. Start by removing all the drywall (or layers of drywall and wood if you’re in an old house like us)
   • Decide where you want the shelves to be placed. Mark these locations using a pencil and level to ensure they are even.
   • Measure the width between the studs. Subtract a little from the measurement to allow for fitting, as walls are not always perfectly straight.
2. Install Bead Board between the studs
   • For the backing of my shelves, I like the look of Tongue and Groove Bead Board. So we cut that to size and screwed it between the studs. This adds instant character and feels true to our 1905 house. Wallpaper would also be a cute option.
3. Cut the Shelves to Size:
   • Cut your 2×6 lumber to the measured width between the studs. I’m using 2×6 lumber because that’s the same size as the studs. That way they’ll be flush.

Shelves between studs- step 2

1. Install the Shelves:
   • Next, place the cut shelves between the studs. Use Counter-sink Drill Bits to attach Screws to the studs to hold them in place.
   • Spacing: Consider the height of the items you plan to store to determine the spacing between the shelves.
   • This makes great shelves AND adds stability the studs. I love how narrow these shelves are- deep shelves allow for items to get lost and messy.
2. Add Trim:
   • The studs in my pantry are rough. So to make them a little more uniform looking, we nailed up Fluted Casing to the front of each stud. This gives a finished look (that might not be necessary if you’re working on a newer home).
   • 
3. Finishing:
   • Use Wood Filler to cover up any screw or nail holes. Sand smooth. Apply Caulk to any seams for a clean look.
   • Paint or stain the shelves and supports to match your pantry décor. I decided to paint the shelves with 9 paints for a rainbow look. Here’s the colors I used- 
     • Beloved Pink
     • Shy Smile
     • Priceless Coral
     • Charismatic
     • Corn Stalk
     • Sparkling Brook
     • Frosted Sage (used on the front of the shelves and trim too)
     • Tinted Ice
     • Early September
     • 

pantry counter top – step 3

And now, I have one wall that is blank to the right of the pantry shelves. For this area, it was impossible to use the space between studs because that’s where our water heater is mounted and there’s lots of pipes in the wall. So we’ll be installing a counter top and peg rail shelves. First, we installed bead board and built in a little storage space between the studs.

Let’s begin with the DIY countertop-

1. Attach the Bracket to the Wall:
   • Choose the placement of the countertop. I want mine 36″ above the ground. Use Screws to attach the wood brackets to the wall.
   • 
2. Measure and Cut the Countertop Board:
   • Use a miter saw to cut a 2×6 piece of lumber to fit over the brackets.
   • Then, use Screws to attach the countertop to the brackets.
   • As you can see, below the countertop, there’s a small opening between the studs. That’ll be used for extra storage that’ll be hidden by a curtain.

pantry peg rail- step 4

For this area, I really want to attach a peg rail. Since we have SO many more shelves than before, we have space to do some decorative stuff. Which I live for!

To make a pantry peg rail, follow these steps-

pantry cook book shelf- step 5

For the top of my pantry, I want a deeper shelf where I can store my cook books. The rest of the shelves are too narrow for cookbooks. Which is fine, because we need to keep the area clear so it’s easy to store items in our basement. But I do want a deeper shelf, so let’s put that together.

1. Attach the Bracket to the Wall:
   • Choose the placement of the shelf. Use Screws to attach the Wood Corbels to the wall.
2. Measure the Shelf:
   • Use a miter saw to cut a 2×10 lumber to fit over the brackets.
   • Then, use Screws to attach the shelf to the brackets.
3. Sand and Finish:
   • Use Wood Filler to cover up any screw or nail holes. Sand smooth. Apply Caulk to any seams for a clean look.
   • Sand the entire board and pegs to remove any rough edges.
   • Paint or stain the peg rail to match your décor, if desired. I’m painting everything the color Frosted Sage.

pantry curtain- step 6

Finally, I want to make pleated curtains to hang below my DIY pantry shelves. I’m using this Vintage Cake Fabric that I illustrated and had made into fabric. I think cakes are perfect pantry decor! Start by hanging a Curtain Rod below the counter. Here’s how to make the pantry curtain-

1. Measure & Cut Fabric: Measure the width of the pantry. Mine is 32″. A pleated curtain needs 2x the width of the area it’s covering. So I’m cutting two panels that are both 40″ wide by 36″ tall. That allows for hemming to get the perfect width and height.
2. Hem the Edges: Use an iron to fold over a 1/2″ hem on all for sides of each panel. Fold the hem over and iron it down again. 
3. Add Pleat Tape: Cut some Pleat Tape to the same width of the curtain panel (40″) and pin it in place.
4. Sew the hem: Take the curtain panels and sew along each edge to finish the hem. Sew the top and bottom of the pleat tape to hold it in place. Make sure the strings on the pleat tape are stitched down on one side and loose on the other side.
5. Create Pleats: Pull the strings on the pleat tape and this will automatically make pleats! It’s super easy. I suggest having a measuring tape out so that each curtain panel can be made to 1/2 the width of the desired area.
6. Tie off the Pleats: Once the curtain is the correct width, tie a knot in the pleat tape strings. Cut off the excess strings.
7. Attach Curtain Hooks: Add Drapery Hooks evenly across the pleats by pushing the pointy part into the pleat tape.
8. Finish with Curtain Rings: Finally, put Curtain Rings on the Curtain Rod and then attach the hooks to the rings. I used 14 rings and hooks for my 36″ wide drapery and that was a good amount.

after

The pantry shelves are done! Can I tell you- I love it so much! It’s so clean and easy to see everything!

My favorite part is probably the peg rail wall. Probably because that area is more about seeing my pretty stuff and less about function- lol! 

The rainbow shelves are great too. The color is fun and I love how the narrow shelves perfectly hold everything. I hung a little art in the middle and you know? Maybe all pantries should have art!

I do have to apologize because it is HARD to photograph this area. There’s no natural light so getting the color right is next to impossible for me. But please believe me that it’s charming and so special!

I’m also really pleased with how the pleated curtains turned out. I’ve never made pleated curtains before! And they hide some storage of overstock food that doesn’t currently fit in the pantry containers. I also have a tray back there for when we eat outside. It’s so nice to have everything have it’s own place!

price breakdown

I thought it’d be interesting (and hopefully helpful) to write down exactly how much building and painting the DIY pantry shelves cost-

• 2×6 lumber (I used 6 of the 8′ pieces) $49
• Wood Corbels (small) $8
• 2×10 lumber (I used 1 piece) $15
• Wood Corbels (large) $40
• Tongue and Groove Bead Board  (I used 25 pieces) $199
• Fluted Casing (I used 5 pieces) $65
• Frosted Sage Paint $37
• Counter-sink Drill Bits $14
• Screws $12
• Caulk $10
• Wood Filler $15
• Rainbow paint $25
• Shaker Pegs (for the peg rail) $10
• Vintage Cake Fabric $18 (I had a credit or it would’ve been $50)
• Curtain Rod $15
• Curtain Rings $12
• Pleat Tape $5
• Drapery Hooks $9

Total- $558

I know that’s expensive. But this is a house I want to own forever. So investing in the storage areas is really worth it for me. The floors aren’t done yet, so check back for when we do those in a few weeks!

In conclusion, I love how the DIY pantry shelves turned out! They’re the perfect combination of functional and pretty. It feels so much more spacious. And everything in order is really nice. What is your favorite part? Do you have any questions? If so, let me know in the comments.

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