My pantry is 4'6" x 4'4" and the door is set at an angle. I had my cabinet guy make me a corner cabinet to store all of my small applinaces and cookbooks in. He also built me 12" deep shelves coming off both sides. Now I have tons of room! I am goint to use on of those cool frosted glass pantry doors on it, 24" wide.

Here's a sketch of the layout:

And here's a couple of pictures from the doorway.

I would put it off center. Corners are usually more difficult spaces to use(although not in ccoombs gorgeous new pantry) Putting your door off center would maximize the long back wall with only one corner. You can use the blank wall space to place hooks for brooms or aprons.

Here's how a 30" x 50" pantry could be layed out. Door off to the side as laxsupermom suggests really does work better. The shelves as shown are 12" deep.

I agree with the off-center arrangement. I already have one pantry set up much like ccoombs minus the fancy cabinetry, but I'm putting in a second that will be set up more like this with the offcenter door and L-shaped shelves.

I would also do a combination of shallow shelves along one wall for food items, and deeper along the other for small appliances and such.

Another suggestion for the blank wall is a spice rack built into the wall between the studs. They sell these ready-made, or you can do a custom one.

One of the larger pantry discussions is linked below. It was helpful in planning my pantry.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread with great pantry photos

Thank you all so much.
I am officially sold on the off-center format,
but any thoughts as to what size door?
Preferences for single vs double?
Lovely diagram, ccoombsi-- I'm going to e-mail it to my contractor!

I understand the idea of off set doors but would you still do that if the interior is 57" x 42"? I could fit 12 inch shelves on each side instead of one 12" shelf and still have a 36 x 30 floor area. It seems like there would be a lot of wasted space in a pantry this size if the door was offset--or do you think the second corner even be more of a waste of space?

rhome410-- Thank you for the link!!
I've looked for ages,and didn't realize I had to get out of kitchen forum.....

kandt, If I had a space that large, I'd be tempted to put the door in the middle and wrap shelves on all 3 sides. Your space is deeper than saxxy's space so there is more room to step in. Here's what your's would look like with wrapping shelves....

My pantry is a little longer --60"-- but I put 24" shelving in and aftermarket rollouts. It's kind of a mix of shelves, my beverage fridge, a rolling cart with storage, and the "shelf reliance" can holder, but there is room for a lot, and the roll outs (just rev a shelf off the rack) make everything accessible. I understand the reluctance to put deep shelves in, and I've had uselessly deep shelves myself. But it may be something to consider. I have two doors on mine so everything is easy to get.

thanks ccoombs! That's what I was thinking too--the picture is a great reference! (love your pantry set up, but unfortunately, I can't put in a corner door)

claybabe--wow! love those doors! that's an intriguing idea about the roll outs--you'd really have a ton of space that way!

oh my, what to do, what to do!