Home: How to repurpose a wardrobe as a pantry cupboard

Satisfaction: Organised pantry shelves. File picture

First of all, find the right height and width of wardrobe or armoire for your space and always choose quality. Two doors (hopefully without a smiling warp) will intrude less into the space than a single one. 

Consider which way the doors will open in your kitchen. Solid wood varieties of storage in soft or hard woods will last beyond your lifetime, whereas rock-n-rollers in cheap laminates and MDF will look just that — cheap. 

Ensure the 'robe is stable and not moving across its height. Any DIY level carpenter will be able to use a few blocks and screws to put this right. 

Consider what you need in terms of shelving and stagger them to stage your dry foodstuffs and or smaller appliances before setting up new supports and boards. 

Check that the thickness of the board and the width of the supports are up to the load without bowing. 

Sand off obvious imperfections, check for worm and ensure there’s no proud screws or nails, but don’t over-tidy the exterior — its slightly scuffed history is much of its charm. 

Ombre kitchen armoire in Annie Sloan's Oxford Navy and Athenian Black, Chalk Paint in Barcelona Orange.

Thinking about colour? Go for a two-tone with white or a pale colour inside that will be revealed when you swing the doors open in a wipe-friendly water-based paint intended for the breathing and movement of wood. Paler colours allow light to reflect around the cabinet, increasing visibility. 

If you’re using chalk paint, a wax will add protection to the exterior finish. Where you have a bottom drawer, it’s likely to grate open. Therefore, fix it, or use it for occasional pieces like cloth napkins and your smart tablecloths. 

Always use L-brackets or some sort of screwed in support to secure significantly taller pieces of vintage or antique furniture to the wall. For inspiration, check out hundreds of clever pantry flips on Instagram and Pinterest.

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