Living Room Corner Storage Cabinets
Finding adequate and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions for living rooms can be a challenge. The living room tends to accumulate items like media components, books, decor pieces, blankets, games, and more. Fortunately, corner storage cabinets provide an excellent way to neatly tuck away many of these items while opening up floor space. Strategically placed in wasted corner space, storage cabinets offer form and function.
Benefits of Corner Storage Cabinets for Living Rooms
Living room corner cabinets offer distinctive advantages over traditional storage furniture:
- Maximize wasted space - Corners rarely get used and corner cabinets effectively utilize this dead space.
- Increase storage capacity - Corner units feature uniquely angled interiors with shelves, drawers and racks to hold more items.
- Save floor area - Corner storage conserves open floor space since items get organized vertically.
- Flexible functionality - Can store media, books, decor and more while providing display space.
- Designer options - Contemporary styles and finishes that seamlessly blend into living room decor.
Corner Cabinet Styles for Living Rooms
Corner cabinets come available in a range of configurations to suit any living room layout and storage needs:
- Floor-to-ceiling - Taller cabinet with shelves reaching ceiling for max storage.
- Wall-mounted - Installed right onto wall studs to conserve floor area.
- Freestanding - Features side panels and legs for movable storage piece.
- Glass-front - Tempered glass doors beautifully display decorative items.
Ideal Items to Store in a Corner Cabinet
The unique dimensions of corner cabinets allow you to neatly tuck away items of various sizes. Perfect for storing:
- Media components like cable boxes, routers, DVD players
- Games, puzzles, craft supplies
- Books, magazines, reading glasses
- Decor pieces, vases, candles, baskets
- Extra controllers, batteries, electronics accessories
- Office supplies, notepads, pens
- Out-of-season blankets, pillows
Maximizing Living Room Storage with Corner Cabinets
Strategically designed corner cabinets effectively increase living room storage capacity. The angled interior design takes advantage of wasted corner space to organize your belongings neatly and efficiently.
Concealed Storage
For a streamlined, clutter-free aesthetic, choose a closed-front corner cabinet. Items get neatly tucked out of sight behind wooden cabinet doors or tempered glass fronts. Try using a corner cabinet to discreetly house media components and accessories.
Display Storage
Display your decorative items beautifully with a glass-front corner cabinet. The clear glass lets your loveliest decor shine while keeping dust at bay. Or select an open-front cabinet to show off your book collection or media library.
Specialized Storage
Some corner cabinets offer specialized storage features to optimize the unique dimensions. Look for adjustable angled shelves, lazy susans, file racks, built-in media racks and extra-deep drawers to make the most of the space.
Choosing the Best Corner Cabinets
With many size configurations and style options available, selecting the ideal corner storage cabinet for your living room involves a few important considerations:
Measure Carefully
Get exact corner measurements first, accounting for baseboards or crown molding. Jot down the height from floor to ceiling. Consider existing furniture layouts when selecting cabinet size so doors can fully open.
Match Your Style
Choose a corner cabinet finish and design that integrates nicely with your living room look. Glass-front contemporary pieces pair well with modern decor, while wooden cabinets with distressed finishes complement country cottage styles.
Estimate Needed Capacity
Decide which items you'll want to store and approximate how much space is required. Prioritize frequently used items you want conveniently accessible. Account for future storage needs too.
Seamlessly Incorporating Corner Cabinets
Skillful installation of your corner cabinet builds a unified, custom look:
- Ensure the piece is level using shims underneath as needed
- Secure tightly into wall studs with long screws to prevent tipping
- Test all doors and drawers for smooth operation after mounting
- Add matching trim pieces to transitions for a built-in, seamless appearance
The right proportions, placement and angles are key for optimal use of corner real estate when installing cabinets. An expert can help finesse finishes for a tailored built-in look.
Maintaining Corner Cabinets
Always use care when operating storage furniture to prevent damage over time. For corner cabinets, be sure to:
- Dust surfaces and interiors frequently using a microfiber cloth
- Immediately clean up spills and water marks on exterior and interior
- Check hinges, glides and handles for loose screws or hardware and tighten as needed
- Open/close doors gently to avoid cracking and splitting wood over time
By regularly inspecting for dents, gouges or leaks and addressing issues promptly, your corner cabinet will stay beautiful and fully-functional for years to come.
Creative Corner Cabinet Storage Ideas
Beyond standard media storage, corner cabinets can provide specialized functionality for living rooms. Get creative with your extra corner space!
Built-In Bookcases
Maximize corner space by constructing floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving tailored to neatly hold books and accessories. Add task lighting overhead for a stunning focal point.
Concealed Clutter Storage
Stash kids toys, pet supplies, cleaning products or exercise gear neatly behind closed cabinet fronts. Hide life's clutter to maintain living room serenity.
Stylish Cabinet Bar
Entertain in style by installing a corner bar cabinet with counter space for serving cocktails garnishes, glassware and bar accessories. Add mini fridge and sink for convenience.
TV Component Hiding Spot
Minimize visible media peripherals for a cleaner look. Tuck all DVD players, gaming consoles, routers and streaming devices discretely out of sight while keeping them easily accessible.
Potential Corner Cabinet Challenges
While corner designs optimize space uniquely, the angled configuration can present a few issues to consider:
- Restricted ergonomics make shelves difficult to access
- Measuring and cutting precisely for installation is imperative
- Dust and dirt tends to rapidly accumulate
- Disorganization happens easily since items get buried out of sight
Solutions to these common corner cabinet challenges include installing sliding shelves, adding racks or bins, including doors/drawers for concealed storage, building with quality materials and crafting with durable finishes.
Alternatives to Corner Cabinets for Living Rooms
Standard cabinetry isn't the only option for living room storage. We also recommend:
Wall-Mounted Shelving
Floating shelves make a modern statement while displaying select decorative objects.
Storage Ottomans
Lift-top coffee and side table ottomans handily stow everything from blankets to books to board games.
Bookcases
Tall bookcases with adjustable shelves smartly organize media, files, accessories and reading material.
Media Consoles
sprawling media credenzas organize it all from gaming equipment, cables and DVD collections behind closed doors.
Frequently Asked Corner Cabinet Questions
More details to note when shopping for corner cabinets:
Are corner cabinets more expensive?
Quality construction and specialized storage features may cost a bit more. However, the extra usable square footage storage payoff is worth the investment over time.
Do I need special skills to install them?
Proper measuring, leveling and securing practices are key due to the angled shape. Some choose to hire a carpenter ensure proper custom finishing.
What items work best?
Media components, books and decorative objects are conveniently stashed. Avoid overly heavy or frequently used kitchen/dining serving pieces best kept in adjacent rooms closer to their point of use.
Clever corner storage cabinets allow you to reclaim awkward angled space that typically gets neglected in living room layouts. The vertical storage approach opens up floor area for better furniture arrangements and traffic flow while neatly organizing everything from media components to office supplies.
Corner cabinets offer form and function and are available in many contemporary styles. Add specialized interior fittings like pull-out shelves, glass fronts and display lighting to make the most of the unique dimensions available. By incorporating corner storage cabinets, you can finally conquer clutter while showcasing your design style!