Storage space in most kitchens is at a premium. Maximizing every inch of your kitchen cabinets is essential for creating an efficient, organized cooking space. Good storage can make or break a kitchen’s usability and determine whether it’s enjoyable to cook in or a nightmare of awkward ergonomics.
Why then is the corner space where two banks of kitchen cabinets come together often neglected or even completely unused? While it can be challenging to design a well-thought-out kitchen corner space, it’s absolutely worth doing. Below, we share top-rated corner cabinet ideas to transform unused spaces into valuable storage solutions.
What is a "blind corner cabinet"?
When you start researching kitchen cabinet design and corner cabinets, you will probably see the term “blind corner cabinet” being used. A blind corner is the space that is created where two perpendicular lines of cabinets meet. In less efficient cabinet designs, this space, which isn’t accessible by any cabinet door, is often left inaccessible or “dead.” To reclaim this space, many homeowners opt for blind corner cabinets, which are designed to extend beyond the corner and utilize the hidden area.
The drawback of a blind corner cabinet is that it can be difficult to access the items at the very back because there is no door opening directly to that part of the cabinet. It requires long arms and a fair bit of groping around for what you’re looking for in the back. While functional, they’re not always the most convenient option.
In this post, I’ll run through six modern solutions for using the space that are better than basic blind corner cabinets or simply letting the space go to waste.
See also: Kitchen Cabinet Colors: Trends for 2019
How to Make the Most of Your Kitchen Corner Cabinet: Innovative Solutions and Ideas
1. Lazy Susan: A Classic with Modern Updates
Most of us are familiar with the idea of a lazy susan. These spinning shelves maximize storage while enhancing accessibility. Lazy susans can be an alternative to traditional upper cabinets, enhancing accessibility and space utilization. Reaching into the back of a corner cabinet is challenging and results in wasted space. With the lazy susan feature, you’ll have spinning shelves that allow you to reach every part of the shelf without straining. This is a great option when storing pans and similar items. All contents will be reachable by spinning the shelves so this is a simple but effective solution to using this space well.
Lazy susan systems come in three major variations.
- Pie-shaped trays: These work with a folding door for seamless access.
- Full-circle trays: Positioned behind a diagonal door for more storage space.
- Integrated doors: The doors attach directly to the trays, spinning with them for quick and easy access.
This third solution is what I have in my own kitchen. It’s a relatively old design, but I really like the speed at which I can access items on the trays, without having to pause and open a hinged door. In fact, I’ve gotten so used to my lazy susan that I can spin it with my foot to quickly access items anywhere on the trays. It’s efficient, user-friendly and ideal for maximizing corner storage.
See also: 25 Genius Ways to Organize Your Small Kitchen
2. Cornered Drawers: Smart and Stylish
Cornered drawers are a game-changing design for modern kitchens. Unlike traditional cabinets, cornered drawers are built into the corner cabinet and then easily pulled out. The corner drawers are typically divided into smaller compartments as they are not the conventional shape and size of typical cabinets. The shape of these drawers makes them a good option for utensils or unusually-sized items which may be challenging to fit into a standard draw.
Pro Tip: Add dividers to keep the contents organized and optimize the storage space.
See also: Face Frame Cabinets Are Back
3. Diagonal Cabinets: A Timeless Solution
This solution is not new, but it remains a popular choice for blending function and aesthetics. The cabinets can be paneled in order to blend into the other cabinets in the kitchen. This cabinet is typically smaller than a regular cabinet, but they're often paneled with glass to allow you to see the contents. This option may be available in a pre-fab kitchen although it can also be a specialized request. Consider using this space for small dishes or specialty items that will add to the appearance of the kitchen. They're also good for cookbook storage.
See also: How to Design a Timeless Kitchen: 10 Things to Consider
4. Floor-to-Ceiling Storage Options
To get the most out of this corner space, consider using up the entire wall from floor to ceiling. Mix and match storage solutions, such as lower drawers, open cubbies, open shelves, and upper cabinets.
Ideas for customization:
- Install pull-out drawers below for pots and pans.
- Use open shelving for cookbooks, decorative items, or small appliances.
- Reserve upper cabinets for items you use less frequently.
This approach provides both storage versatility and a cohesive, modern look.
See also: Where to Put the #%$@ Microwave? Microwave Placement in the Kitchen
5. Trash and Recycling Drawers
Of all the corner cabinet ideas in this article, dedicated trash and recycling drawers might be the most underrated. The lower kitchen cabinets in the corner usually have depth that's often wasted due to a lack of accessibility. This is an issue that can be addressed by using the lower drawers to store larger items. Since most people want to keep their trash out of sight, consider installing a pull-out trash and recycling drawer for this space. While the above arrangement will get the job done, it is not ideal because the pull-out trash drawer is positioned to bump into the drawers on the perpendicular wall.
Pro Tip: To prevent interference with adjacent drawers, ensure the pull-out system has a streamlined design or opt for a rotating lazy susan for trash bins,as in the dated-looking photo below. (We don't recommend installing carpeting in your kitchen, or periwinkle wallpaper, for that matter!)
6. Magic Corner Cabinet
German engineering at its finest! The Magic Corner II system by Hafele is a standout solution for blind corner cabinets. This innovative hardware allows multiple trays to slide out smoothly, making even the deepest spaces accessible. I have the previous version of this product in my cabin, and I'm kind of amazed every time I use it.
6. Rounded Cabinetry: Contemporary Appeal
Okay, the above cabinets are not for those who are squeamish about contemporary design. For those who love a bold design statement, rounded cabinetry offers a sleek and innovative way to use corner space. These will swing open and maximize the storage space in that area. The true benefit is the appearance of the doors. Instead of a sharp corner, the rounded shelves give a unique and contemporary touch to the kitchen space.
TL;DR Corner Cabinet Ideas for Every Kitchen
Corner cabinets can be designed in various ways to maximize storage space and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Here's a recap of design ideas to consider:
- Angled Cabinets: Angled cabinets create a seamless look in the corner of your kitchen. They can be designed with a hinged door or a pull-out mechanism, making it easy to access the contents without straining.
- Open Shelves: Open shelving in the corner adds a decorative element and provides easy access to frequently used items. The open shelving design is perfect for displaying beautiful dishware or keeping everyday essentials within reach.
- Corner Drawers: Corner drawers are a smart solution for utilizing corner space. These drawers can be designed with a pull-out mechanism or a hinged door, providing additional storage space for utensils, pots, and pans.
- Pullout Drawers: Pullout drawers in the corner cabinet offer easy access to the contents. They can be equipped with a soft-close mechanism to prevent the drawers from slamming shut, ensuring a smooth and quiet operation.
- Blind Corner Pull-Outs: Specifically designed for blind corner cabinets, these allow for easy access to the contents without having to reach into the back corner. These pull-out drawers make the most of the otherwise hard-to-reach space.
Ready to design a solution to the corner cabinets for your kitchen?
Corner cabinet space often goes wasted, but with no good reason. In the kitchen, efficiency is key and it is possible to maximize storage and display areas in this space. These solutions provide a variety of options to get the most out of every area in the kitchen without having to sacrifice the aesthetic. Feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss a redesign of your Seattle-area kitchen. We love design challenges and maximizing space and utility in the kitchen.
