Pantry Cabinet vs. Cupboard: What’s the Difference?

Seth Carter 09/05/2025

In the world of kitchen storage, “pantry cabinet” and “cupboard” are two terms that often get used interchangeably. Whether you are renovating your kitchen, concocting the plans for an entirely new one, or just seeking more storage space for your current setup, understanding the difference between a pantry cabinet and a cupboard can help you make the best choice. While both offer essential storage abilities, structure, purpose, and placement differ.

So let’s dive into the differences between a pantry cabinet and a cupboard, and how to determine which one is the best fit for your home.

Introduction to Kitchen Pantries and Cupboards

Whether you live in a historic farmhouse in the country, a modern condo in the city, or a cozy suburban ranch, how you organize your kitchen and dining areas greatly affects the aesthetic and entire flow of your style and decor. Storage is not just about utility; it shapes the look and feel of your space.

Cupboards and pantry cabinets are two of the most essential and adaptable storage solutions you can bring into your home. They anchor your kitchen layout, provide designated homes for everything from dry goods to dinnerware, and upgrade the space’s layout, if you choose wisely.

So read on and allow yourself to make the most informed decision.

Pantry Cabinet vs. Cupboard: Key Differences

Feature	Pantry Cabinet	Cupboard
Height	Typically 60″–84″	24″–42″
Primary Use	Food, bulk goods, small appliances	Dishes, cookware, general storage
Common Placement	Kitchen, pantry, mudroom, laundry room	Kitchen, bath, hallway, office
Mobility	Can be freestanding or built-in	Often built-in or wall-mounted
Customization	Highly customizable	Custom options vary

The History of Pantry Cabinets and Cupboards

Tall Kitchen Cabinet with Pull Out Drawers

Pantry Cabinet Origins

Pantry cabinets’ roots are traced to butlers’ pantries and sculleries of the 18th and 19th centuries. These spaces were designated to hold food items, dishware, and serving tools. Eventually, as kitchens became centralized in the home, pantries evolved into built-in cabinetry.

Cupboard Origins

The term “cupboard” dates back to medieval times and was initially used to describe a board or shelf for storing (displaying) dishes. As cabinetry evolved, the name stuck to enclosed storage throughout the home. In colonial America, freestanding cupboards were standard, often doubling as storage and display in one.

What is a Pantry Cabinet?

A pantry cabinet is a tall (60″-84″), often freestanding or built-in furniture designed to store food, dry goods, small appliances, and kitchen supplies. Think of it as a vertical storage solution for your kitchen. It’s often placed near the main cooking area or the refrigerator for quick and easy access.

Key Characteristics

Usually 60″ to 84″ tall
May include fixed or adjustable shelves, drawers, or even pull-out trays
Designed to store canned goods, cereals, snacks, and sometimes dishware
May have a single door or a double door, depending on the width
Can be customized to match cabinetry or stand out as a statement piece

Common Pantry Cabinet Features

Pull-Out Trays and Shelves
Vertical Dividers
Adjustable Shelving
Soft-Close Drawers
Interior Lighting

Amish Spicy Lux Traditional 4-Door Pantry Cabinet

What is a Cupboard?

A cupboard is a general term for any cabinet with doors used to store dishes, cookware, cleaning supplies, or other household items. Cupboards can be base units under countertops, wall-mounted above the counter, or standalone pieces.

Key Characteristics

Can be upper or lower cabinets, sometimes wall-mounted
Shorter than a pantry cabinet (typically 24″ to 42″ tall)
Ideal for dishes, glasses, small appliances, or utensils
May include interior shelves or drawers
Common in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even hallways

All pantry cabinets are cupboards, but not all cupboards are pantry cabinets.

Where Can I Put a Pantry Cabinet or Cupboard

Entryway: Use a tall pantry cabinet for coats, bags, and umbrellas. You can use a cupboard bench for shoes.
Dining Room: Hutches and cupboards store dinnerware, table linens, and seasonal decor.
Bedroom: A cupboard can be a linen closet; a slim pantry cabinet may hold accessories.
Home Office: Use cupboards for supplies and files; tall pantry-style units store electronics and gear.
Mudroom/Garage: They are excellent for bulky or seasonal storage.

Pantry and Cupboard Styles

Farmhouse Appeal: Distressed finishes + barn-style doors
Modern Minimalist: Clean lines + matte finishes
Color Contrast: Painted finishes like sage or navy
Open Combo: Mix closed storage with open shelves
Glass Fronts: Show off decorative jars or dinnerware

Design Considerations for Small Spaces

Sliding Doors: Save space in narrow walkways
Tall/Narrow Builds: Make the most of vertical space
Multipurpose Cabinets: Store everything from food to books
Corner Units: Optimize awkward angles

Pantry Cabinet vs. Cupboard: Buying Guide

Before choosing your storage solution, ask yourself:

What am I storing?
- Due to the vertical space, a pantry cabinet is the way to go for storing canned goods, snacks, or small appliances like blenders. A cupboard might be the best choice for dishes and glasses.
How much floor space do I have?
- Pantry cabinets need more space since they are bigger. Some cupboards are small enough to fit under cabinets or be mounted on the wall.
Do I want the option to move it?
- Freestanding cupboards and pantry cabinets can be easily rearranged, however, if you are going with a built-in option for either one, make sure you are happy with the location. Built-in units are more difficult to move but can offer a smooth, seamless aesthetic.
What’s my budget?
- Cupboards are generally less expensive, mainly because they are smaller and require less construction material. Our Amish-made cupboards and pantry cabinets are heirloom quality, so make sure you get what you need for your kitchen. The investment will last for generations.
Do I want to match existing cabinetry?
- DutchCrafters offers customizable options such as premium hardwoods, stains, and hardware. You can choose storage pieces that match your kitchen or stand out with their own style.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a pantry cabinet and a cupboard?

A pantry cabinet is tall and made specifically for food storage, while a cupboard is more general-purpose and often smaller.

Is a cupboard better for dishes?

Yes. Wall-mounted or base cupboards are ideal for dishes, glasses, and cookware.

Can I use a pantry cabinet in a laundry room?

Many people use pantry cabinets for cleaning supplies, towels, and extra linens.

Do your pantry cabinets include adjustable shelves?

Yes. Most designs allow you to adjust shelf height or include pull-outs for easier organization.

What styles are available?

Mission, farmhouse, modern, shaker, rustic, and more. All are made to order.

Are your pantry cabinets customizable?

Yes. Wood type, stain color, size, hardware, and internal layout can all be customized.

What Our Customers Say

DutchCrafters Amish kitchen pantry in a kitchen

I felt very confident with DutchCrafters and would highly recommend them to anyone. We were sent samples of the stain, and it was incredibly easy to go through the process of returning the samples. It made our chosen pantry the perfect complementary color in our kitchen. Excellent company!

-Jeff H. From ME

Our new pantry is one of the nicest pieces of furniture we own. The craftsmanship is like the engineering of a Mercedes Benz. Gorgeous stain as well. Could not be happier with the product and with DutchCrafters experience.

-James S. from IL

Conclusion

While pantry cabinets and cupboards may seem similar, they serve distinct roles in your home’s storage strategy. Pantry cabinets offer spacious storage for food and bulk items, making them ideal for kitchen organization. On the other hand, cupboards provide versatile storage for dishes, linens, and household essentials in various rooms.

Choosing the right one depends on what you need to store, how much space you have, and the look you want to achieve. Many homes benefit from having both, working together to keep things tidy and stylish.

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Pantry Cabinet vs. Cupboard: What’s the Difference?

Table of Contents

Introduction to Kitchen Pantries and Cupboards

Pantry Cabinet vs. Cupboard: Key Differences