Have you ever had difficulty maximising the corners of your kitchen? Most kitchens have those annoying corner spaces that either go empty or become messy. Kitchen corner cabinets have a clever suggestion for these storage spaces; they will turn these tricky spaces into convenient storage. They not only help to organise your kitchen, but they also help to style your kitchen as a whole.
In this guide, we have put together different styles of kitchen corner cabinets and also explained how to make the most of their storage functionality. With our simple tips, you can effortlessly select a design that suits your kitchen best. Let's help you make the most of your kitchen corners!
Top 12 Popular Types of Corner Cabinets
Your kitchen can greatly benefit from choosing the right corner cabinet style, based on your design and storage needs. For top kitchen cabinet manufacturers, check out our guide on the top 15 kitchen cabinet companies in the USA.
Below, we discuss some popular corner cabinet options.
1. Lazy Susan Cabinets
Lazy Susan cabinets have always served as an effective answer to the problem of storing items in the corner of the kitchen. These cabinets have a set of circular shelves that are divided into tiers and rotate like a turntable. The shelves are easy to use, and their design actively improves the storage capacity of the corner. For these items, it is ideal: pots and pans, canned goods, and spices.
This layout will minimise clutter as well as facilitate the storage of different items. In all case scenarios, the design works well for the retrieval of all items.
2. Blind Corner Cabinets
The part of the space that is hard to access behind a cabinet wall is called a dead corner, and this space can be accessed using a blind corner cabinet. Even though there is a substantial amount of storage that these cabinets provide, they can be a bit tricky to access without some sort of mechanism. A majority of the modern blind corner cabinets have pull-out or swing-out shelves, which make access far better.
3. Diagonal Corner Cabinets
These types of cabinets are also useful for ease of access to kitchen items that are required frequently. Placed at the corner of the kitchen, these cabinets can also take up to a 45-degree angle and are useful for a more stylish kitchen. Similar to other cabinets, they help in maximising the storage too. All in all, these cabinets are useful for both ease of access and the shape of the kitchen.
4. Pull Out Corner Cabinets
Like other cabinet designs, the pull-out corner cabinets have their own set of advantages, too. By providing the ease of access like that of drawers, they can also glide into place. As with the coordinated purchase of shelves, special baskets can be mounted to glide open, providing easy access to small items like tools and cleaning utensils. Special pull-out corner cabinets are also useful for storing items like small baking and cleaning tools. All in all, the addition of pull-out cabinet designs works with simplicity and aesthetic appeal.
5. Swing-Out Cabinets
The cabinet door opens to swing out cabinets that uncover shelves or trays stationed in the corner. The brilliance of the design is that the entire shelf unit can be fully pulled out. This greatly simplifies accessing items stored deep inside the cabinet. These designs are particularly effective for bulkier and heavier items, as they minimise the reach and item manoeuvring required to access items stored deep inside.
6. Diagonal Lazy Susan Cabinets
Diagonal Lazy Susan cabinets occupy the corner space at an angle. They have shelves that rotate for easy access to items. This is more efficient than traditional cabinets. No more deep digging is required to access items. It is very effective in utilising the corner space.
7. Magic Corner Cabinets
Magic corner cabinets feature an intelligent pull-out system. The shelves pull outwards when the door is opened. It provides access to items that are stored deep inside. They are ideal for stubborn corners. They help in maintaining the kitchen’s order and accessibility.
8. Corner Drawer Cabinets
Corner drawer cabinets employ corners with sliding drawers. They are more efficient than traditional cabinets. They can be utilised to store larger kitchen items such as pots, pans, and even small items. This allows kitchens to be easily maintained and organised.
9. Pull Down Corner Cabinets
Pull-down cabinets have the feature of the shelves being pulled to shoulder height for easy access. These cabinets are helpful for the elderly or people with mobility restrictions. This is an ergonomic design. It enhances the comfort while working in the kitchen. It is ideal for tall people as well.
10. Corner Open Shelving
Adding corner open shelving onto kitchen walls improves visual flow and makes the area feel more open. In addition to cookbooks, these modern shelves can showcase decorative items and contemporize the kitchen. Most importantly, they elegantly enhance functionality while utilising overlooked corners.
11. Corner Base Cabinets
Corner base kitchen shelves sit at the corner of the kitchen, exactly as the name suggests. The shelving is also placed right on the kitchen floor. These kitchen shelves use pull-out trays and angling shelving to better utilise space, which makes the shelves very useful. Base corner kitchen shelves are ideal for very heavy kitchen gear with less kitchen space, like pots and pans. It conveniently offers a very reliable traditional approach towards the design conundrum of awkward corners in a kitchen.
12. Glass-Front Corner Cabinets
As the name suggests, front glass corner cabinets are fitted with glass panels that enable the storage of items to be showcased. The cabinets elegantly make use of corner space while also providing the kitchen a stylish, airy look. They also serve the kitchen by dimming down the harsh light by reflecting some of the light that is poured into the kitchen, thereby brightening the kitchen. These cabinets are ideal for people with fine dishware and other collectables.
Creative Storage Ideas for Corner Cabinets
Although corner cabinets are sometimes considered the most difficult to organise in the kitchen, they are the most uniquely positioned to maximise space. With some attention and the right accessories added, it is possible to transform these dull spaces into highly organised storage nooks. If you’re looking for more kitchen cabinet options, explore our full range of kitchen cabinets to find more storage solutions that suit your space. Below are some of the innovative ideas to make full use of these cabinets:
Rotating Shelves and Trays
Accessing mugs, cooking utensils, and all other items stored deeper in the countertops will be simple with rotating trays or Lazy Susan countertops. Accessing a variety of spices, canned goods, and other items will be easier with the use of spinning shelves. Supper easy access will be provided by the spinning shelves to the stored cooking items.
Pull-Out Baskets and Organisers
Doing away with clutter in your corner cabinets can be easily achieved by adding pull-out sliding organisers and baskets. Baskets can be tailored to store anything from snacks and vegetables to cleaning items, and can be neatly arranged, thus making it easier to locate items from the neatly arranged baskets.
Adjustable Shelves
With the flexibility of adjustable shelves, items of various sizes can be easily stored within corner cabinets as the spacing can be changed easily. This is beneficial when trying to store different-sized containers and bottles or even bulky kitchen appliances in the corner cabinets.
Corner Pantry Solutions
If the kitchen features a walk-in pantry or a bigger walk-in pantry, the corner pantry cabinets with pull-out drawers or pull-out shelves should be added. These help in the organisation of the pantry while efficiently using the available space.
Incorporating Corner Drawers
Instead of cabinets, corner drawers come as a great innovative option. They are designed to slot into corners and to be deep and accessible, providing a lot of storage. This option is convenient for storing larger kitchen equipment, such as pots and pans.
Design Suggestions for Corner Cabinets
Choosing a fitting style for your corner cabinets will practically shape your kitchen’s beauty while serving your needs. Your cabinet size will also influence your sink size. How well the dimensions of your sink will fit the other elements is a factor to be thought deeply about. For further information, check our guide on sink dimensions.
Choose the Right Door Style
There are different styles of corner cabinet doors that include traditional hinged doors, bi-fold doors, and sliding doors. Bi-fold and sliding doors are practical as they do not require a lot of space to open and allow access to deep, unusable corners, and are convenient for cramped kitchens.
Blend Finishes with Your Kitchen
You can reduce your home’s overall decoration disruption by selecting cabinet finishes and colours that match or complement other elements in your kitchen. Your approach can be modern with laminates or classic with wood finishes that enhance the overall decoration.
Add Glass Doors or Open Shelves
The addition of glass-front doors and open shelving on corner cabinets helps break up sightlines and add visual interest or depth to the kitchen. Glass doors also serve to transform storage into design elements, displaying the beautifully crafted dishes or glassware they hold.
Add Lighting Inside Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets can benefit from the installation of LED strip lights or small puck lights that improve visibility. Good lighting while enhancing the kitchen’s ambience also helps you to find items easily, and strategic lighting can make a space feel elegant.
Consider Hardware Choices
Kitchens and cabinets both require handles and knobs with a similar theme to be used. Cabinets can be more user-friendly if soft-close hinges and soft-close drawer slides are used, since they require very little effort to close.
How to Make the Most of Small or Awkward Corners
In the kitchen, looking for ways to store cabinets seems like an untapped void. However, if creatively approached, they can be transformed into precious storage cabinets. Let’s take a look at some techniques to best use these places.
Tailor-Made Cabinets
In some cases, standard cabinets might not work for odd places. Tailor-made corner cabinets can be strategically constructed so that they fit into the odd spaces, enabling each inch to be utilised. These can be provided to include shelves and drawers, but also come in various shapes that can be customised to fit the contours of the kitchen.
Optimizing Accessories
Accessing some of the items that are kept deep inside the corner can be a hassle, but ordering pull-out shelves, rotating carousels, and swing-out racks can be space-saving help with hardware. These space-saving hardware accessories not only provide improved access to the items, but they also aid in the turn-taking pull and help with neatness, which improves accessibility.
Use Height As Storage
Desktop organisers and chef’s stands can also be used, which helps in utilising the corner cabinets in full. Investing in additional shelves and stacking organisers can assist in storing more at a given height. These items are a big help for the limited floored kitchens.
Illuminate the Corners
Incorporating lights in the dim corners not only enhances the brightness of the room but also serves the purpose of making the room more usable. Installing LED lights or battery-powered puck lights that are motion-activated is a great way to illuminate the corners without the hassle of rewiring.
Using Up Space Differently
When storage isn’t a necessity, open corners can be transformed into shelves for books, plants, or anything that brings life to the kitchen. This very small change can contribute to making the kitchen feel much more open, warm, and inviting.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Good maintenance and the right care of your corner cabinets improve their functionality and allow them to remain in good shape for years. For more on optimising your kitchen corner cabinets, visit our best kitchen corner cabinet solutions guide. Here are a few simple upkeep tasks for your cabinets:
Regular Cleaning
Dust, grease, and spills are easily removed with a gentle scrub using a soft cloth and a gentle cleanser. Ensure no harsh cleaning agents are used, as they will cause more harm than good.
Hinges and Hardware Inspection
Hinges, drawer slides, and handles should be checked from time to time for security and smooth functioning. Screws should be tightened and lubricated for moving parts that tend to squeak or stick.
Avoid Overloading
Avoid overstuffed drawers and shelved cabinets, particularly in corners. Weight in these areas can influence the alignment of doors and the longevity of the hardware. Make use of robust organisers to evenly distribute and stabilise weight.
Protect from Moisture
To avoid keeping your cabinets wet is to prevent warping or swelling damage. Use fans to vent out humid air while cooking, as well as instantly clean spills from water. If your kitchen is humid, consider using moisture-resistant material to help minimise damage.
Handle Repairs Promptly
Repairing touch-up damage and wear and tear should be addressed immediately to maintain quality. Using touch-up repair kits and professional repair services greatly prolongs lifespans.
Conclusion
Corner cabinets use space in the kitchen that is usually overlooked and make it stylish. With the right corner cabinet, your kitchen can look good and function better. You can try the corner cabinet styles that suit your kitchen best, from pullout shelves to lazy susans to custom-built designs.
Proper storage, clever design, good upkeep, and proper care all lead to an organised kitchen. Contact George Constructions to help you tackle the challenge to make your kitchen organised and beautiful, guiding you to the best corner cabinet tailored to your exact needs.
