How to Choose the Best Tall Corner Cabinet for Your Kitchen Layout

With so many options for tall corner cabinets, choosing the right one for your kitchen can be overwhelming. But finding the perfect fit for your layout and storage needs is worth the effort. Tall corner cabinets are a smart way to maximize unused space in corners. Let's explore how to select the ideal tall corner cabinet to unleash your kitchen's storage potential.

Types of Corner Cabinets

Tall corner cabinets come in several main designs. Understanding the differences will help you pick the variety best suited to your goals.

Base Corner Cabinets

Base corner cabinets sit directly on the floor. They typically range from 36 to 42 inches tall. The main advantage of base corner cabinets is providing storage without compromising floor space. They also have a smaller footprint versus wall-mounted cabinets. Just be aware that base cabinets can collect dust and require cleaning hard to reach interior corners.

Wall corner cabinets install directly on the wall, above your countertops. They come in around 30 to 36 inches tall. Wall cabinets maximize vertical space for storage. Since they're up and out of the way, they're perfect for housing less frequently used items. Just remember that wall cabinets require securely mounting on studs.

Upper Corner Cabinets

Upper corner cabinets mount near the ceiling. They offer bonus storage real estate in the often underutilized upper portion of corners. Just take care not to overload them with heavy items that could make them unstable. Upper corner cabinets work well for light or infrequently used items.

Blind Corner Cabinets

Blind corner cabinets have a side panel that obstructs access to the far end of the interior corner. This makes them frustrating to organize. But specialized fittings like lazy susans or diagonal drawers can alleviate access issues. Just be prepared to purchase these add-ons to make blind corner cabinets functional.

Key Measurements

Properly measuring the intended corner space is imperative to finding a well-fitting tall corner cabinet. Let's review the key measurements to get right.

Height

Tall corner cabinets come in a range of standard heights. Base cabinets are often 36-42 inches, wall cabinets 30-36 inches, and upper cabinets can exceed 40 inches. Consider your room height, ceiling clearance, and how much reach is comfortable for you when choosing height.

Width

Corner cabinet widths vary based on the angle of your corner. Narrower widths work better for tight angled corners. Make sure to measure the width at both the front and back to account for non-90 degree angles.

Depth

The standard depth of most corner cabinets falls between 24-26 inches. Deeper cabinet depths of 30-36 inches are an option if you need to maximize interior storage. Just ensure appliances can still open without interference.

Diagonal Measurement

Measuring corner space diagonally accounts for the extra room taken up by angled corners. First measure horizontally across the front. Then measure diagonally from back corner to opposite front corner. Compare the two to determine true width.

Storage Solutions

Specialized fittings transform hard to access corner cabinet interiors into practical storage space. Here are popular options to consider.

Lazy Susans

Lazy susans enhance corner accessibility using a spinning circular tray or shelving. Various tray sizes and shelf configurations exist. Crank driven and ball bearing lazy susans operate smoothly. Consider your storage needs when selecting a lazy susan.

Pull-Out Shelves

Pull-out shelves and drawers bring deep corner space to you instead of you reaching inside. Look for sturdy full extension hardware and shelves/baskets that match your storage requirements.

Tiered Storage

Multi-level wire or solid shelves take advantage of vertical corner space. Look for adjustable tiers to accommodate different heights. Tiered storage is great for visible organization since nothing gets buried.

Material and Design

Construction, style, and finishes impact function and aesthetic. Keep these corner cabinet options in mind.

Cabinet Box Construction

Plywood box construction is the most durable option. Particleboard boxes with melamine interiors are prone to sagging over time. Look for thick side panels for stability. Sturdy cabinet boxes support shelves and contents.

Doors and Drawer Fronts

Opt for self-closing hinges and quality roller glides on drawers. Other features like touch latches and soft-close hinges improve usability. Select a style you enjoy looking at and fits your decor.

Finishes

Laminate and wood finishes offer endless options for color and style. Thermally fused melamine resists chipping. Painted finishes allow DIY customization but require careful prep. Consider cleaning, durability, and your overall design vision.

Style Options

Shaker style doors with recessed center panels are versatile and timeless. Slab cabinet fronts offer a streamlined contemporary look. Inset cabinetry has an upscale built-in appearance but requires precision sizing.

Installation Considerations

A few key factors impact installing corner cabinets:

- Allow space for filler pieces and trim molding to handle gaps.

- Wall mounted cabinets require mounting to studs for sufficient support.

- Factor in any plumbing or electrical lines hidden in walls behind the cabinet.

With an understanding of the various taller corner cabinet configurations and measuring your space properly, you're ready to select the perfect style to optimize your kitchen layout. Remember to consider how you'll use the storage space. Include functional fittings as needed. With smart planning, you can enjoy maximized corner storage capacity.

Follow the tips in this guide to unlock your kitchen's hidden potential with a tall corner cabinet tailored to your needs.