Corner kitchen cabinets are one of the best space savers in compact kitchen layouts. However, they're often overlooked and underutilized. This blog aims to shine light on how to configure and manage your corner kitchen cabinet, ensuring your corners work smarter and not harder!
Understanding Corner Kitchen Cabinets
A corner kitchen cabinet—sometimes known as a larder—replaces the dead corner space with storage. This kitchen storage solution utilizes the L-shaped corner space that’s typically left unused. Corner cabinets optimize this space for your kitchen tools, dishes, appliances, and more.
Types of Corner Kitchen Cabinets
There are several types of corner kitchen cabinets that you might consider depending on the dimension of your kitchen, and the functionality you require:
- The Base Blind Corner: Base blind corner cabinets provide ample storage, while not letting the corner obstruct the kitchen pathway.
- Diagonal Corner Cabinets: Diagonal cabinets work by granting access across the full width of the corner. They are an exceptional way to bring aesthetic value and practical storage to your corner kitchen space.
- The Lazy Susan: Named after its rotating functionality, Lazy Susans offer full visibility and easy access to items with a simple spin.
Tips to Optimize Your Corner Cabinet Storage
Now that you're familiar with types of corner kitchen cabinets let's discuss ways to fully optimize them.
Increase Visibility with Lighting
Lighting can make a massive difference in visibility and accessibility. Consider installing LED strip lights or puck lights inside your cabinets. This will drastically enhance your kitchen's aesthetics while making it easy to find items.
Retractable Drawers and Shelves
Retractable drawers and shelves are ultimate game changers. They offer users the ability to pull the storage space out towards them, making it easy to find and retrieve items.
Use Dividers and Organizers
Make decluttering a priority with dividers or separators. These wonderful tools increase the organization level of your kitchen cabinets, saving you time finding appliances or ingredients.
Top Organizers For Corner Kitchen Cabinets
- Shelf risers
- Plate racks
- Under shelf baskets
- Kitchen drawer dividers
Adapting a Corner Kitchen Cabinet to Your Style
The addition of a corner kitchen cabinet can significantly contribute to the overall appearance of your kitchen. Therefore, it is just as important to consider style as it is functionality.
Match Your Kitchen’s Aesthetic
Whether you’re after a modern, contemporary, rustic, or traditional style, there's a perfect corner cabinet for your kitchen. Modern cabinets may feature sleek finishes and minimalist design, while rustic cabinets can bring warmth with a homely touch.
Add Glass Doors for a Touch of Elegance
Glass doors in a corner cabinet can elevate your kitchen design. They can showcase your favorite dishes, glassware, or decorations, generating a focal point in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Corner Kitchen Cabinet
Can I install a corner kitchen cabinet by myself?
While it’s entirely possible to install a corner kitchen cabinet on your own if you're handy, you may opt to hire a professional to ensure a perfect fit. The complexity of the installation largely depends on the type of cabinet chosen and the configuration of your kitchen.
How do I maximize the space in my corner kitchen cabinet?
There are several corner kitchen cabinet solutions available to help maximize space. Inner positioning systems, like a lazy Susan or pull-out drawers, can help utilize all the cabinet space. Additionally, using attractive containers or baskets can provide extra storage while keeping your cabinet organized.
What are the different types of corner kitchen cabinet?
Corner kitchen cabinets come in different forms, including base, wall, and tall varieties. Base corner cabinets are usually installed below your countertop and are larger in size, making them perfect for storing heavier items. Wall corner kitchen cabinets are installed above the countertops, while tall corner kitchen cabinets work well in kitchens with high ceilings.
What are the measurements of a typical corner kitchen cabinet?
The standard size of a base corner kitchen cabinet is 36 inches in width, 24 inches in depth, and 34.5 inches in height. However, sizes can vary based on design and manufacturer, so it's essential to measure the corner space in your kitchen accurately before making a purchase.
Where can I buy corner kitchen cabinets?
There are myriad places to buy a corner kitchen cabinet including home improvement stores like Lowe's or Home Depot, kitchen specialty stores, or online marketplaces like Amazon. It's advantageous to compare the offerings at several stores to ensure you're getting the best price and quality for your budget.
Do corner kitchen cabinets come in various finishes?
Yes, corner kitchen cabinets come in a variety of finishes to cater to your kitchen's decor style. Options can range from stainless steel, painted wood finishes, laminates, and more. This means you can perfectly match your corner kitchen cabinet with the rest of your kitchen design elements.
What should I consider when purchasing a corner kitchen cabinet?
When considering a corner kitchen cabinet, think about the functionality you need, the size of your kitchen, and your decor style. It's also worth considering the type of door opening you prefer, as some cabinet designs allow doors to swing out, slide out, or open like a gate.
Are there any maintenance tips for a corner kitchen cabinet?
Maintaining a corner kitchen cabinet is relatively simple. Regular wiping with a damp cloth will keep the surface clean. If your cabinet has glass, you may use a glass cleaner to maintain its sparkle. It's also crucial to repair any scratches or dents as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Can I customize a corner kitchen cabinet?
Yes, many manufacturers and suppliers provide customization options for corner kitchen cabinets. Customization can include choosing different finishes, sizes, and internal storage solutions based on your individual needs and preferences.
Can I accessorize my corner kitchen cabinet?
Absolutely! You can add accessories like internal shelves, drawers, pull-out bins, and even in-built lighting to your corner kitchen cabinet. Just make sure to plan the layout well so it not only looks appealing but also functions efficiently.
Pros of Corner Kitchen Cabinets
Efficient Use of Space
One of the key benefits of corner kitchen cabinets is their ability to efficiently use space.
Maximizes Corner Spaces
Kitchens often have oddly-shaped corners that can be difficult to use effectively. Traditional rectangular cabinets often leave these corners under-utilized, creating dead spaces. Corner kitchen cabinets are designed specifically for these areas, allowing homeowners to make the most out of every square inch of their kitchen. They essentially turn an otherwise wasted space into a functional storage area.
Provides Extra Storage
These specialized cabinets provide ample storage for kitchen utensils, dishes, pots, and pans. The innovative designs of these cabinets usually include features such as pull-out drawers, lazy Susan turntables, and deep shelves, which all contribute to enhancing the storage capacity. This is particularly beneficial for small kitchens where storage space is limited.
Versatile Design Options
Corner kitchen cabinets not only offer practical space solutions, but also contribute significantly to a kitchen's aesthetic appeal.
Array of Styles, Materials, and Colors
They come in a myriad of styles, materials, and colors. From traditional wooden designs to modern laminate or stainless steel finishes, homeowners can choose cabinets that match their kitchen décor. This versatility enables corner cabinets to blend seamlessly into all kinds of kitchen designs – from rustic to modern minimalist themes.
Option for Customization
These cabinets offer homeowners the chance to customize their kitchen's layout and design according to their preferences. Corner units can be designed as both upper and lower cabinets, and can be customized with glass doors, open shelves, or closed doors for a more concealed look.
Functionality Enhancements
Specific design features enhance the functionality of corner kitchen cabinets.
Easy Access Features
Pull-out trays, revolving shelves, and magic corners make accessing items in these cabinets easier, eliminating the need to reach deep into awkward spaces to find what you need. Items placed in the farthest corners are no longer forgotten or difficult to reach.
Versatile Storage Options
With a variety of shelves and compartments, corner kitchen cabinets can be used to organize and store a wide range of items. This makes everything from dishes, pots, and pans, to small appliances and pantry goods easy to locate.
Cons of Corner Kitchen Cabinets
Despite the numerous pros, corner kitchen cabinets also have some downsides that are worth considering.
Installation Difficulties
One of the major challenges of corner kitchen cabinets is their installation.
Complex Installation Process
The process of installing corner cabinets can be more complex than placing standard units. The unique shape and placement of these cabinets require precise measurements and often, skilled professional help. This can drive up the costs and time needed for installation.
Difficulty in Alignment
Aligning corner cabinets with the rest of the kitchen layout can also be tricky. Without proper alignment, the doors may not close correctly, or the unit may not fit properly with the adjoining cabinets.
Accessibility Concerns
Though corner kitchen cabinets are designed to improve accessibility, they may still pose some challenges.
Items can get Pushed Back
Despite innovative features like revolving shelves, it's still possible for items to get pushed to the back and forgotten about, especially in deep cabinets.
Hard to Retrofit
If you want to retrofit a cabinet with pull-out drawers or a Lazy Susan, you may find it a challenge due to the unique dimensions of corner cabinets.
Cost Implications
Due to their unique shape and installation requirements, corner kitchen cabinets can be more expensive than regular cabinets.
Higher Material Costs
The unique shapes of corner cabinets often require more materials to build, which may contribute to a higher price point.
Additional Installation Costs
As aforementioned, the need for skilled installers and precise measurements can increase the installation costs for these units. Cost can be a major drawback, especially for individuals working with a tight remodeling budget.
Maintenance Challenges
The unique design of corner kitchen cabinets can also make them a bit more challenging to maintain.
Cleaning Challenges
Cleaning difficult-to-reach areas in these cabinets might be a hassle. In particular, rotating features such as a Lazy Susan can be difficult to clean if spills occur.
Repair and Replacement Issues
If a corner cabinet gets damaged, it can be harder to repair or replace than a standard unit due to its particular size and shape. Parts might be more difficult to find and require specialized installation.
Myths / Misconceptions About Corner Kitchen Cabinets
Myth 1: Corner Kitchen Cabinets Waste Space
A common misconception is that corner kitchen cabinets waste valuable kitchen space because they are difficult to access and use effectively.
Misconception Explanation
While it is true that some corner cabinets, especially older designs, may have awkward access, modern designs and innovative storage solutions have largely eliminated this problem.
Debunking the Myth
Today's corner kitchen cabinets often come equipped with pull-out drawers, rotating "lazy Susan" designs, and other features that make them just as efficient, if not more so, than traditional cabinets. Additionally, the corner space in a kitchen often goes unused, so installing a corner cabinet there can actually maximize the room's potential.
Myth 2: Corner Cabinets Can't Be Customized
Some people believe that due to their unique positioning and irregular angles, corner kitchen cabinets can't be customized to the same extent as regular cabinets.
Misconception Explanation
Corner kitchen cabinets indeed require some design consideration due to their angled placement, and this might lead some people to believe that customization options are limited.
Debunking the Myth
However, there are many companies that offer customizable corner cabinet designs that can be tailored to fit your specific needs and decorative tastes. They range from the type of wood and finish used, to the layout, and even the internal storage mechanisms.
Myth 3: Corner Cabinets Are Standard Sizes
It is a common assumption that corner kitchen cabinets only come in standard sizes.
Misconception Explanation
Because of their unique location, many people believe corner kitchen cabinets are produced in standardized sizes and that you cannot find a wider range of dimensions.
Debunking the Myth
Although popular sizes do exist, corner kitchen cabinets are not one-size-fits-all. They are varied and customizable to the specifications of your kitchen. Your kitchen's layout, your storage needs, and aesthetic preferences can dictate the size, height, and depth of your corner cabinets.
Myth 4: Corner Kitchen Cabinets Are Ugly
Another misconception about corner kitchen cabinets is that they tend to be an eyesore in a kitchen design.
Misconception Explanation
The idea that corner cabinets are ugly likely comes from older, less refined designs that lack the aesthetic appeal of more contemporary models.
Debunking the Myth
With modern options, corner kitchen cabinets, whether they're base cabinets or wall-mounted, can be just as stylish and visually pleasing as any other type of cabinet. Your choices for materials, colors, finishes, and hardware are virtually limitless.
Myth 5: Corner Cabinets Are Harder to Install
There's a common myth that corner cabinets are more difficult to install than regular cabinets.
Misconception Explanation
This misconception may arise from the belief that the irregular angles of corner cabinets mean they require more skilled and complicated installation.
Debunking the Myth
While the installation of corner cabinets may present some unique challenges, these can be easily tackled by professional installers or even handy homeowners. Furthermore, the reward of additional storage space and functionality usually far outweighs any extra effort needed for installation.
Myth 6: All Corner Cabinets Have a 'Blind Corner'
One common belief is that all corner kitchen cabinets have an inaccessible "blind corner" where items can get lost.
Misconception Explanation
The term "blind corner" refers to the space in a corner cabinet that is hidden and difficult to reach. This leads to the belief that all corner cabinets have dead space that goes wasted.
Debunking the Myth
While traditional corner cabinets may have had this issue, modern designs have virtually eliminated the problem of blind corners. Solutions such as lazy Susans, pull-out drawers, or "magic corner" pull-out systems, have enabled homeowners to fully utilize the space in corner cabinets, eliminating any wasted or inaccessible areas.
Summary
When it comes to maximizing storage space and efficiency in your kitchen, using a corner kitchen cabinet can be a game-changer. It is an excellent solution for utilizing those difficult corners which are generally under-utilized. With their unique design, such cabinets can help you keep your kitchen essentials organized and easily accessible. So, whether your goal is to achieve a clutter-free kitchen or just to improve its aesthetics, these cabinets can provide added value.
Another point worth noting about a corner kitchen cabinet is its wide range of designs and styles. Gone are the days when it had to be a dark, forgotten area of the kitchen. Today, they come in glass fronts, open shelving, and fancy pull-out systems that do not just add functionality but also enhance the overall kitchen environment. Therefore, incorporating these versatile pieces of furniture into your kitchen setup is a creative way to blend both design and functionality.
Finally, the choice of corner kitchen cabinet can significantly influence the workflow in your kitchen. Be it the traditional corner cabinets with carousel units or the modern ones with pull-outs, they all make accessing kitchen items easy and fast. Also, these cabinets have become more budget-friendly over the years, owing to advances in manufacturing techniques. Therefore, integrating a corner kitchen cabinet into your kitchen design strategy is a smart move to maximize space and ease kitchen chores.
About Solid Construction & Design
At Solid Construction & Design of Sacramento, CA, we are more than just a company, we are a family. Since our inception, we've been dedicated to creating beautiful, functional, and quality structures that feel like home. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, our skilled team ensures that every project we handle - big or small - is built to perfection. Based in the heart of California, we're proud to serve our local Sacramento community. Our ultimate goal? To create spaces that bring joy, functionality, and overall increased value to your property. Welcome to Solid Construction & Design, where we turn your vision into reality.
