Making the Most of Kitchen Corner Cabinets
Kitchen corner cabinets present a major storage opportunity if used thoughtfully. Rather than wasting valuable real estate, smart corner cabinetry streamlines workflow and adds functionality. The days of basic lazy susans stuffed haphazardly with pots and pans are gone. Today's innovations, like pull-out shelves, specialty organizers, and space-saving designs maximize every inch of corner space.
When remodeling your kitchen, don't ignore corner cabinets. Well-designed solutions tailored to your needs transform dead space into highly useful storage. Easy access to cooking essentials, small appliances, and pantry items is a game changer. Optimizing corner cabinets also complements the overall kitchen footprint for a cohesive layout.
Corner Cabinet Benefits for Your Kitchen
Upgrading to functional corner cabinets impacts your kitchen in several meaningful ways.
Maximized Storage
Smart corner cabinets double or triple your storage capacity compared to basic designs. Specialized pull-outs, roll-outs, and organizers ensure not an inch goes to waste. Strategic shelving also stores more items in less space.
Improved Organization
The right corner cabinet configurations banish chaos and clutter. Cookware, dishware, dry goods, and countertop appliances have a designated space instead of cramming into a disorganized pile. Contents stay neatly organized and easy to find.
Enhanced Workflow
Placing everyday essentials within closer reach cuts trips across the kitchen. Meal prep and clean up are more streamlined. Cabinet designs that maximize visibility also help you locate items faster.
Added Convenience
Easy access to corner contents provides convenience during cooking and clean up. Specialized pull-outs and roll-outs bring items right to your fingertips. No more digging to the back of dark cabinets.
Aesthetic Appeal
Corner cabinets with clean lines and concealed storage have a polished look. Smooth gliding drawers and doors maintain a sleek exterior. Strategic finishes, hardware, and styling integrate seamlessly into your design.
Maximizing Corner Storage with Smart Designs
The key to functional corner cabinets is choosing space-savvy configurations to optimize storage. From roll-outs to dividers, today's designs maximize usable space.
Pull-Out Shelving
Installing pull-out shelves or drawers allows full use of corner space versus standard cabinet designs. Customized pull-outs like tambour doors keep contents neatly tucked away while providing easy access. Some feature built-in dividers for optimized organization.
Lazy Susans
Lazy susans come a long way from basic single-shelf models. Multi-tiered lazy susans double or triple storage capacity. Stacked designs are great for dishes, sauces, or pantry items. Some feature a dedicated turntable just for spices.
Vertical Dividers
Vertical dividers segment the cabinet into organized sections for upright storage. This is great for cutting boards, baking sheets, or flat items that would otherwise stack in a messy pile. Dividers also allow you to group like items.
Blind Corner Storage
Blind corner organizers are designed for hard-to-access angular spaces. Roll-out trays, pull-outs, and storage towers bring contents forward so nothing gets lost in the back of cabinets. Custom-built blind corner storage fully optimizes the space.
Floor to Ceiling
Using the entire vertical space from floor to ceiling maximizes storage capacity. Upper cabinets can have adjustable shelves to accommodate large items. Base cabinets may feature full-height pull-outs for optimized space.
Specialized Storage Solutions
Beyond square footage, storage capacity depends on a cabinet's ability to accommodate what you need organized. Specialty designs cater to specific items like dishes, cookware, and more.
Dish Storage
Plate cabinets keep dishware organized while being easily accessible. Vertical dividers neatly store stacks of plates and saucers in a rotating design. Some models have dedicated space for mugs, bowls, platters, and other dishware essentials.
Pan Organizers
Keep pots, pans, and lids neatly arranged using slotted panels, vertical dividers, or custom inserts that slide out smoothly. Pull-outs with tiered storage prevent awkward digging for buried pans. Strategic designs also conserve cabinet space.
Appliance Garages
Keep small kitchen appliances right where you need them without taking up precious countertop space. Appliance garages have roll-up doors or tambour fronts to conceal your gadgets like a mixer, toaster oven, or Instant Pot.
Pantry Storage
While most pantries are freestanding, you can create one right in your corner cabinet. Pull-outs, roll-outs, and lazy susans create ample space for dry goods, while interiors organize spices and other kitchen staples.
Waste and Recycling
Keep trash and recycling bins concealed but easily accessible. Cabinetry designed specifically for waste and recycling fits bins of all sizes. Pull-out drawers allow you to neatly tuck containers out of sight.
Design Considerations for Corner Cabinets
Several factors impact the design and selection of corner cabinets. Keep these considerations in mind when planning your kitchen layout.
Existing Cabinetry
For a cohesive aesthetic, new corner cabinets should complement your existing cabinet style. Match finishes, hardware, and door styling for a seamless look. Corner cabinets can modernize older kitchens during remodels.
Kitchen Work Triangle
The work triangle between sink, stove, and refrigerator impacts placement of corner cabinets. Optimal position streamlines movement between key workstations. Proximity to the pantry or island are also considerations.
Kitchen Footprint
The shape and dimensions of your kitchen impact the size and design of corner cabinets. Measure wall space, ceiling height, and the corner angle during planning. This ensures proper fit.
Kitchen Usage
Factor in how you utilize your kitchen during cooking and clean up. This helps select specialized storage suited to your needs. Frequently accessed items should be most conveniently located.
Storage Requirements
Take stock of everything you need to store in your kitchen before designing corner cabinets. Dishware, cookware, appliances, pantry goods, and more impact the ideal layout.
Corner Cabinet Options to Fit Your Kitchen
With many possible configurations, select corner cabinets tailored your kitchen's specifications and storage needs.
Stock vs. Custom
Stock cabinets offer budget-friendly options available in standard sizes. However, custom cabinetry is built specifically for your kitchen's footprint, angles, ceiling height, and overall design.
Semi vs. Full Custom
Semi-custom cabinets modify stock designs with customized sizing, finishes, and features. Full-custom offers unlimited options for a personalized corner cabinet.
Prefab vs. On-Site
Prefabricated cabinets are built offsite then installed later. On-site construction allows cabinets to be built right in your kitchen for a true custom fit.
Materials
Corner cabinets come in various materials like wood, MDF, laminate, metal, or thermofoil. More durable options include solid wood, plywood, or metal.
Door Styles
Choose door styling to match your kitchen aesthetic. Recessed panel doors offer a traditional look. Euro or slab cabinet doors provide a streamlined contemporary style.
Select cabinet finishes that complement your color scheme and materials. From natural wood stains to sleek lacquers to bold, colorful paints, your options are virtually endless.