Closet vs. Pantry — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Closet is a small enclosed space typically used for storing clothing or household items, while a pantry is a room or cabinet where food, dishes, and linens are stored.
Difference Between Closet and Pantry
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A closet is primarily designed for storing clothing, often featuring rods for hanging items and shelves or drawers for other personal or household objects. On the other hand, a pantry is specifically tailored for storing food and related kitchen essentials, often including shelves spaced to accommodate items like canned goods, boxes, and cooking supplies.
Most homes incorporate closets in bedrooms, hallways, or entryways, providing convenient access to everyday items such as clothes and cleaning supplies. Whereas, pantries are typically located near the kitchen to allow easy access to food and cooking materials during meal preparation.
The interior setup of a closet can vary widely, ranging from simple hanging spaces to elaborate systems with built-in organizers for shoes, accessories, and other personal items. Conversely, pantries are more straightforward, focusing on maximizing storage space with rows of shelving that are easily accessible and visible.
In terms of customization, closets can be highly personalized, reflecting an individual's wardrobe needs and style preferences. On the other hand, pantries are more utilitarian and are usually designed for functionality over style, prioritizing the efficient organization of food items and kitchen tools.
The terms themselves also imply different usage contexts; 'closet' has a broader application, sometimes used metaphorically (e.g., 'skeletons in the closet'), while 'pantry' specifically refers to food storage and is rarely used metaphorically.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Storing clothes and accessories.
Storing food and kitchen supplies.
Typical Location
Bedrooms, hallways, or entryways.
Near the kitchen.
Interior Setup
Rods, shelves, drawers.
Shelves, sometimes drawers.
Customization
High; can be tailored.
Low; focused on functionality.
Usage Context
Broader, sometimes metaphorical.
Specifically for food storage.
Compare with Definitions
Closet
A tall cabinet or wardrobe used for storage.
The hallway closet is used for storing linens and towels.
Pantry
A service room between the kitchen and dining room.
The butler's pantry is used for preparing the table settings.
Closet
A small room or compartment for storing clothing or household items.
She organized her closet to make room for her new shoes.
Pantry
A small room or closet in which food, dishes, and utensils are kept.
She stocked the pantry with essentials for the winter.
Closet
A space with a door used for storage in a home.
He installed new shelves in the closet under the stairs.
Pantry
Historically, a place where bread and other baking was kept.
In old houses, the pantry often has a cool shelf for bread.
Closet
An enclosed space in a building.
The tools are kept in the cleaning closet.
Pantry
An area for storing cooking supplies near the kitchen.
The pantry was full, so putting away groceries was a challenge.
Closet
Metaphorically, a term indicating hidden aspects or secrets.
He came out of the closet about his past.
Pantry
A storage space specifically designed for food and kitchen items.
They remodeled the kitchen to include a walk-in pantry.
Closet
A closet (especially in North American usage) is an enclosed space, with a door, used for storage, particularly that of clothes. Fitted closets are built into the walls of the house so that they take up no apparent space in the room.
Pantry
A pantry is a room where beverages, food, and sometimes dishes, household cleaning chemicals, linens, or provisions are stored. Food and beverage pantries serve in an ancillary capacity to the kitchen.
Closet
A tall cupboard or wardrobe with a door, used for storage
He has a closet full of designer suits
Pantry
A small room or closet, usually off a kitchen, where food, tableware, linens, and similar items are stored.
Closet
Secret; covert
A closet smoker
Pantry
A small room used for the preparation of cold foods.
Closet
Shut (someone) away, especially in private conference or study
He returned home and closeted himself in his room
He was closeted with the king
Pantry
See food pantry.
Closet
A cabinet or enclosed recess for linens, household supplies, or clothing.
Pantry
A small room, closet, or cabinet usually located in or near the kitchen, dedicated to shelf-stable food storage and/or storing kitchenware, like a larder, but smaller.
Closet
A small private chamber, as for study or prayer.
Pantry
(Hong Kong) A break room.
Closet
A water closet; a toilet.
Pantry
An apartment or closet in which bread and other provisions are kept.
Closet
A state of secrecy or cautious privacy
Two days before the election, the candidate suddenly came out of the closet and denounced the proposed law.
Pantry
A small storeroom for storing foods or wines
Closet
To enclose or shut up in a private room, as for discussion
Closeted themselves with their attorneys.
Closet
Private; confidential
Closet information.
Closet
Being so or engaging only in private; secret
A closet proponent of a tax increase.
A closet alcoholic.
Closet
Based on theory and speculation rather than practice.
Closet
A small room within a house used to store clothing, food, or other household supplies.
Closet
(obsolete) Any private space, particularly bowers in the open air.
Closet
Any private or inner room, particularly:
Closet
(obsolete) A private room used by women to groom and dress themselves.
Closet
(archaic) A private room used for prayer or other devotions.
Closet
A place of fanciful contemplation and theorizing.
Closet
(archaic) The private residence or private council chamber of a monarch.
Closet
(obsolete) A pew or side-chapel reserved for a monarch or other feudal lord.
Closet
A private cabinet, particularly:
Closet
(obsolete) One used to store valuables.
Closet
(archaic) One used to store curiosities.
Closet
(figuratively) A secret or hiding place, particularly the hiding place in English idioms such as in the closet and skeleton in the closet.
The closet can be a scary place for a gay teenager.
Closet
(slang, uncommon) closet case.
Closet
Any small room or side-room, particularly:
Closet
One intended for storing clothes or bedclothes.
Closet
(obsolete) nodot=a, water closet: a room containing a toilet.
Closet
(heraldry) An ordinary similar to a bar but half as broad.
Closet
A sewer.
Closet
A state or condition of secrecy, privacy, or obscurity.
Closet
(obsolete) private
Closet
Closeted, secret (especially with reference to gay people who are in the closet)
He's a closet case.
Closet
Denoting anything kept a secret or private.
Closet
(transitive) To shut away for private discussion.
The ambassador has been closeted with the prime minister all afternoon. We're all worried what will be announced when they exit.
Closet
(transitive) To put into a private place for a secret interview or interrogation.
Closet
(transitive) To shut up in, or as in, a closet for concealment or confinement.
Closet
A small room or apartment for retirement; a room for privacy.
A chair-lumbered closet, just twelve feet by nine.
When thou prayest, enter into thy closet.
Closet
A small apartment, or recess in the side of a room, for household utensils, clothing, etc.
Closet
To shut up in, or as in, a closet; to conceal.
Bedlam's closeted and handcuffed charge.
Closet
To make into a closet for a secret interview.
He was to call a new legislature, to closet its members.
He had been closeted with De Quadra.
Closet
A small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
Closet
A toilet in England
Closet
A tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
Closet
A small private room for study or prayer
Closet
Confine to a small space, as for intensive work
Closet
(of information) given in confidence or in secret;
Closet information
This arrangement must be kept confidential
Their secret communications
Closet
Indulging only covertly;
A closet alcoholic
Closet liberals
Common Curiosities
What is the main function of a closet?
A closet is mainly used for storing clothing, accessories, and sometimes household items.
What do you store in a pantry?
A pantry is used to store food items, kitchen supplies, and sometimes small appliances.
What is the difference in customization between a closet and a pantry?
Closets can be highly customized to fit personal storage needs, while pantries are generally more utilitarian.
How can you maximize storage in a small closet?
Maximizing storage in a small closet can be achieved by using multi-level hanging rods, shelves, and organizers.
How does one keep a pantry tidy?
Keeping a pantry tidy involves regular cleaning, grouping similar items together, and using containers to prevent spillage.
Can a closet be converted into a pantry?
Yes, a closet can be converted into a pantry if it's near the kitchen and adapted with appropriate shelving.
Is a pantry always part of the kitchen?
While typically adjacent to or part of the kitchen, pantries can also be separate rooms designed for large storage needs.
What types of shelving are best for a pantry?
Adjustable shelving that can accommodate different sized items is ideal for a pantry.
How do the locations of closets and pantries differ in a home?
Closets are found throughout the home for various storage purposes, whereas pantries are usually located near the kitchen to aid in food preparation.
Can a pantry have items other than food?
Yes, pantries can also store kitchen tools, dining linens, and small appliances.
What are common closet types in homes?
Common closet types include walk-in closets, reach-in closets, and wardrobes.
What is a butler’s pantry?
A butler’s pantry is a service space between the kitchen and dining room, traditionally used for storing silverware, china, and preparing for serving meals.
What makes a pantry efficient?
An efficient pantry has well-spaced shelves for easy access and visibility, and zones organized by food types or usage.
How do you organize a walk-in closet effectively?
Organizing a walk-in closet effectively involves using sections for different types of clothing and accessories, and employing boxes, bins, and drawers for smaller items.
Are pantries common in all types of housing?
Pantries are common in houses and large apartments but may not be present in smaller apartments or studios.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
