Making the most of corner kitchen cabinets can be a challenge. The awkward angles and hard-to-reach spaces often end up becoming wasted storage real estate. But with some clever solutions, you can transform those pesky corners into highly functional storage. Here are some foolproof ideas for maximizing corner cabinet storage.
Choose the Right Cabinet Design
The first step to corner cabinet storage success is choosing the right cabinet design. Here are some top options:
Lazy Susan
A lazy susan consists of shelves that rotate in a circular motion, making items easily accessible. This is one of the most popular designs for corner cabinets. The spinning shelves bring everything within reach.
Diagonal Corner Cabinets
These have shelves set at diagonals rather than square angles. This makes better use of the space and prevents wasted areas in the corners. The diagonal shape increases storage capacity.
Swing-Out Shelves
Cabinets with swing-out shelves allow you to pull each shelf out like a drawer for complete access. The swinging motion makes even the back area of the cabinet reachable.
Roll-Out Shelves
Similar to swing-out, roll-out shelves slide out smoothly on tracks. This full-extension sliding mechanism provides easy access to the contents of the entire cabinet.
When selecting corner cabinetry, opt for cabinets with functional designs that maximize storage space.
Optimize Shelving
The way you outfit the shelves also impacts storage efficiency. Follow these tips for shelf success:
- Install adjustable shelves at varied heights to accommodate different items
- Use cabinet inserts or shelf dividers to create compartments
- Add stackable shelf trays to hold small goods
- Try pull-out spice racks, towel bars, or specialized storage inserts
Customize the shelves to keep everything neatly organized.
Use Vertical Space
Don’t forget about making use of vertical storage space within corner cabinets. Solutions like:
- Pantry pull-out cabinets to store canned goods or baking supplies
- Multi-tiered holders for spices, condiments, etc.
- Vertical dividers for baking sheets and cutting boards
Add vertical storage units to take advantage of all available space from top to bottom.
Store Awkward Items
Corner cabinets are the perfect spot to stash those awkward kitchen items like:
- Pan lids
- Baking pans
- Large platters or serving dishes
- Bulky appliances like a blender or food processor
The angled space is ideal for fitting odd-shaped cookware and gadgets.
Embrace Blind Cabinet Storage
“Blind corner cabinets” have an angled space with no visibility or accessibility. Use this out-of-sight space for:
- Overflow pantry items or canned goods
- Infrequently used items like holiday servingware
- Kitchen linens, towels, aprons, etc.
Blind cabinet corners are great for extra storage of things you don’t access daily.
Use Smart Organizers
Specialty organizers can transform a jumbled corner cabinet into a model of efficiency. Consider using:
- Spice racks or condiment organizers
- Tiered shelves for canned goods
- Pan and lid racks
- Cutlery dividers
- Pull-out baskets for awkward spaces
The right organizers tailored to your needs make a huge difference.
Enhance Accessibility
It’s not just about fitting things into the corner cabinets – you also need to be able to easily access items. Improve convenience with:
- Cabinet door storage racks to instantly see contents
- Pull-out baskets to simplify reaching way back
- Turntables for easier access to lazy susans
- Under-cabinet lighting so you can see what’s inside
Prioritize accessibility so things don’t get lost in the depths of the cabinets.
Incorporate Multi-Purpose Furniture
For extra corner storage, incorporate specialized furniture like:
- Cabinet blind corner storage units
- Pull-out cabinet pantries
- Angled open shelving units
- Rolling utility carts for the corner
Custom furniture additions maximize usable space.
Maintain Organization
No storage solution stays effective forever without some maintenance. Remember to:
- Regularly sort through contents and purge unused items
- Clean shelves and cabinets to maintain hygiene
- Reassess storage when acquiring new kitchenware
- Rearrange to better suit evolving needs
Proper organization maintenance keeps corner cabinets functioning at their best.
Foolproof Corner Cabinet Storage Solutions
Here are some of the top foolproof storage options for corner kitchen cabinets:
Lazy Susans
Lazy susan turntables are a classic. The spinning design utilizes all spaces of a corner cabinet without any nooks and crannies going to waste. Open lazy susans provide an overview of everything while enclosed ones keep items concealed. Dual lazy susans double your storage.
Diagonal Cabinet Shelves
Diagonal shelves eliminate unusable dead space that square corner shelves create. The angled design means you can see and access the entire shelf easily. Stacked diagonally, they also increase overall storage capacity.
Swing-Out Shelves
Interior swing-out shelves let you pivot each shelf like a door for complete access to contents. The swinging motion creates open accessibility where fixed shelves would be partially blocked by cabinet walls.
Pull-Out Cabinet Storage
Pull-out storage comes in many forms – from basic drawers to deep pull-out pantries. The smooth slide-out motion makes contents totally visible and within reach. Pull-out corner storage is fantastic for containing kitchen goods of all kinds.
Cabinet Blind Corner Units
Specialized blind corner units install right into the inaccessible space between cabinets. Rotate them out to accessoverflow storage. Blind corner cabinets prevent the cabinet triangle dead zone from going to waste.
Tiered Racks & Holders
Make the most of vertical storage with tiered racks and holders. Spice racks, stacked bins, can organizers and more keep essentials visible and tidy. Angling racks and shelves diagonally adds even more space.
With the right gear, you can conquer the storage dilemma that corner cabinets present. Use these foolproof solutions to maximize your kitchen’s corner cabinet potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corner Cabinet Storage Solutions
Corner cabinets provide excellent storage space, but their angled design also poses some challenges. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about maximizing corner cabinet storage:
How can I access the back areas of my corner cabinets more easily?
Install shelves that pull out or swing open. Roll-out shelves, cabinet drawer organizers, lazy susans, and other designs provide full access to a corner cabinet’s entire interior space.
How should I arrange items on corner cabinet lazy susans?
Place frequently used items toward the front half of the lazy susan for easiest access. Keep taller items on the lower shelves so they don’t get lost behind other things on upper shelves.
What are some good ways to organize corner cabinet shelves?
Add adjustable shelves, specialized racks, shelf dividers, tray organizers, and other inserts to keep everything neat and compartmentalized. This prevents a jumbled mess of items.
How can I store very tall items in a corner cabinet?
Look for cabinet designs with extra deep shelves able to accommodate tall items like stand mixers and tall canisters. Diagonal shelves often provide more vertical room than square shelves.
What should I avoid storing in corner cabinets?
Avoid overflow or disorganized storage. Bulky items that require two hands to lift out should be avoided. Very heavy dishes that could unbalance a lazy susan are also not ideal.
How can I illuminate the dark interior of my corner cabinet?
Add battery-operated push lights, install puck lights, or choose cabinets with built-in lighting. This lights up the entire interior so you can actually see everything stored.
With some clever solutions, corner cabinets can be exceptionally practical and usable kitchen storage spots. The right organizational tools and routine maintenance will keep things functional.
Conclusion
Corner kitchen cabinets certainly present some storage challenges. But they also offer excellent potential for keeping kitchen necessities tidy, accessible and maximize unused space. With the right mix of specialized organizers, multi-purpose furniture and innovative cabinet designs, you can conquer the awkward angles.
Focus on solutions that enhance accessibility and visibility. Products like lazy susans, pull-out shelves, swing-out racks and tiered holders make the space work for you. Regularly editing contents and maintaining organization are also essential.
The key is to find functional solutions that suit your unique storage needs and kitchenware. Use every inch of wasted space. With some clever optimization, the pesky corners can transform into your kitchen’s storage highlight. The ultimate result is a kitchen where everything has a foolproof home.
