Look at any dreamy kitchen on Instagram and there's a strong chance there's a larder in it. Once the preserve of large, hardworking kitchens in the basements of big country houses, larder cupboards are now essential parts of any new kitchen project. They are as important as an island, so it's worth considering how to make a larder cupboard work in your space.
Larders are usually for storing dried goods - pasta, rice, cereal and so on. But they can incorporate a marble shelf for keeping things cool - but not too chilled - such as a cake or cheese, or even a bottle of wine.
What's the difference between a larder and a pantry?
A pantry is the name given to a separate room, just off the kitchen. It can also refer to a walk-in cupboard. Lined with shelves, this is where you'd store all your dried goods, with harder-to-reach items on the top shelves and your go-to ingredients at a more accessible height.
A larder is essentially a large cupboard in your kitchen where you store dried foods, oil, spices and other condiments that don't need to go in the fridge. In fact, it's often referred to in full as a larder cupboard.
Learn how to make a larder cupboard with Gathered
Having a bespoke larder made to measure is a pricey undertaking. Even freestanding larder units will set you back the best part of a thousand pounds.
However, if you've got a wardrobe to spare (check sites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle), a few basic DIY supplies and a bit of time on your hands, you can make your own without spending much money at all.
How to upcycle a wardrobe into a larder
What you need
- Wardrobe
- Primer
- Paint
- Sealer
- Wood for shelves
- Brackets or battens
- Screws
- Drill
