Creative Corner Kitchen Pantry Ideas

Tucked away in the corner of many kitchens sits an often overlooked space filled with possibility - the corner pantry. Though small, a cleverly designed corner pantry can transform into an organizational dream with the right storage solutions and design details. From pull-out drawers to custom shelving, there are countless ways to maximize every inch of a corner pantry. Read on for 18 creative ideas to make the most of this versatile kitchen space.

A corner pantry presents unique storage opportunities not found with traditional kitchen layouts. The angled walls lend themselves perfectly for installing storage solutions at various depths, allowing you to utilize every bit of available space. However, starting with accurate measurements and planning is essential for customizing your corner pantry design.

Measure and Organize the Corner Kitchen Pantry

Before installing any storage solutions or decorative elements, take detailed measurements of the full corner space, including width, depth and height. Note existing plumbing lines, electrical outlets and potential obstructions. Having these measurements on hand will ensure you select storage solutions that fit perfectly within the space.

It's also important to think about workflow when organizing your pantry. Frequently used ingredients and kitchen tools should be easily accessible, while seldom used appliances and extra dinnerware can be stored in harder to reach areas. Incorporating a variety of storage zones based on frequency of use will maximize convenience.

Choose Pantry Organizational Systems

When deciding on an organizational system, consider mixing closed and open storage elements. For example, open shelves neatly display jars, containers and baskets so ingredients are visible at a glance. Meanwhile, upper cabinets keep less attractive items concealed while also preventing dust build up.

Pull-out drawers and roll out trays allow you to access items in the back that might otherwise get buried. Turntables and lazy susans maximize corner dead space by providing easy access to spices, condiments and other small pantry items. Pegboards, mounted vertically or horizontally, present another open storage option for hanging kitchen tools.

Storage Solutions for Corner Kitchen Pantries

Finding storage solutions to fit the unique dimensions of a corner pantry can be challenging, but custom building storage is an effective approach. Mixing and matching storage elements also adds visual appeal while providing specialized spaces for various supplies.

Shelving Types

When selecting shelving, consider materials like powder coated wire shelves that resist corrosion and spills while allowing light to filter through. Wooden shelves provide a classic look and help corral small items when integrated with shelf lips. For a built-in look, have cabinets custom designed with angled shelves and doors specifically sized for the pantry's dimensions.

Pull-Out Drawers

Drawers maximize vertical storage space while allowing easy access to contents towards the back. Opt for wide and shallow drawers to keep bulkier kitchen tools organized or more narrow stacked drawers for storing smaller goods. Adding built-in dividers further helps keep contents sorted. Soft-close drawer slider hardware prevents noisy slamming.

Lazy Susans and Spice Organizers

By installing a lazy susan in that difficult to reach corner space, you can effortlessly spin to access all those canned goods and baking supplies. Lazy susans designed for corner storage maximize space while eliminating the black hole effect. For organizing spice collections, mounted racks or pull-out tray assemblies keep your most frequently used herbs and spices right at your fingertips.

Baskets, Bins and Containers

Incorporating baskets, bins and containers adds multifunctional storage for pantry staples like pasta, rice and baking ingredients. Labeling each container clearly displays contents eliminating the need to unpack boxes to identify items. Bins and baskets can be stacked vertically or arranged on shelves. Clear acrylic containers allow visibility of supplies without having to unpack boxes.

Design and Style Considerations

Creative corner pantry storage solutions properly organize while complementing your kitchen's design aesthetic. The style options for corner pantries are practically endless, whether your preference leans modern, traditional or farmhouse.

Door Styles

Door styles play a big role in the overall kitchen design scheme. Hinged cabinet doors with exposed hinges provide a modern or contemporary look. For a more seamless appearance, choose concealed hinges. Glass front doors lined with a metal frame and handle hardware infuse your pantry with light while showing off neatly organized ingredients and supplies.

Barn style sliding doors only require inches of clearance space, ideal for small kitchen layouts. You can also install cafe style curtains as a casual door alternative. Opt for durable fabrics like canvas that are easily washed.

Mix Storage Materials and Finishes

Layering storage solutions made from different materials and finishes prevents a cluttered look. For example, combine metal wire shelving or chrome drawers with solid wood countertops. Or, contrast deep espresso stained cabinetry with pure white quartz pull out shelves. The design options are endless.

If your kitchen design skews modern, incorporate sleek handles and knobs in polished chrome or matte black. Or go knobless with hidden push latches for a streamlined look. For traditional kitchen aesthetics, antique brass and nickel finishes add just the right amount of shine.

Lighting Features

Proper lighting is essential for functionality and illuminating every nook and cranny of storage space. For ambient lighting, install adjustable recessed cans on the upper perimeter of the ceiling. Light strips under cabinets provide directed task lighting so you can actually see what's on those shelves.

Battery operated motion sensor lights instantly illuminate when opened so you can easily find ingredients. For a soft glow, adhesive door lights automatically turn on and off as needed. Utilizing various lighting sources makes locating even small items in your pantry a breeze.

Hardware and Functional Pieces

Drawer pulls, knobs and hinges with clean lines blend form with function. Sleek cup pulls spaced appropriately provide grip points for opening doors and drawers of any width. While 1.5 inch diameter orb knobs accentuate a more traditional aesthetic.

Use corner shelves and vertical paper towel racks to take advantage of often neglected space right inside the pantry entrance. Mounted at eye level,quickly grab sheets to wipe up spills before putting groceries away. Hooks or towel bars mounted on the interior pantry door also help maximize usefulness of the space.

Creative Corner Kitchen Pantry Ideas

If the thought of a boring corner pantry has you yawning, liven up the space with storage solutions that wow. Unique shapes, unconventional arrangements and decorative accent pieces transform plain pantries into focal points.

Diagonal Shelving

Maximize storage potential by having shelves custom cut on the bias to fully utilize angled walls. Diagonal shelves can be stacked tightly or offset for displaying cookbooks and decor. Floating shelves with integrated lighting add modern flair while increasing storage capacity. Use risers to increase height between shelves.

Tiered Design

Incorporate height into your storage plan by building staggered shelves from floor to ceiling. Box shelving works perfectly for holding bulk items due to the deeper dimensions. Arrange appliances on lower tiers and small wares up high. The tiered effect adds appealing dimension to corner spaces.

Open Concept

Forego pantry doors completely to showcase an artfully designed storage space. Group ingredients and supplies on matching containers and coordinating shelves to cultivate a curated look. LED strip lighting broadcasts contents clearly. The open concept also promotes accessibility and ease of locating items.

Hidden Pantry Entrance

Conceal pantry contents behind cabinet facade doors that seamlessly blend with existing millwork. Press to release mechanisms pop open the disguised pantry space revealing organized shelving and baskets within. Keep the hidden pantry entrance flush with cabinet face frames for a built-in appearance and clever surprise.

A corner pantry presents unique storage opportunities to creatively corral kitchen supplies and ingredients. With accurate measurements and clever interior solutions in mind, you can cultivate a functional space filled with visual appeal. Diagonal shelves, tiered systems, slide-out drawers and more maximize every square inch while adding style. No matter the kitchen design aesthetic, a well organized corner pantry promotes efficiency in the heart of the home.