Kitchen Corner Cabinet Ideas to Give You Back Your Counter Space

That awkward corner space in your kitchen often ends up wasted. The triangle shape makes storage difficult, so many homeowners opt to leave it empty. But with some strategic thinking, you can transform that unused corner into a functional storage spot. The right corner cabinet or shelving unit can provide a substantial amount of additional capacity in your kitchen. Take advantage of every inch by implementing smart corner storage solutions.

With a well-designed corner cabinet or shelving unit, you can free up other cabinets and countertops in your kitchen. Stop piling appliances and cookware where you run out of room. Bring organization to the forgotten corner and gain back precious counter space for meal prep. Read on to discover ways your corner cabinet can work smarter, not harder.

Corner Cabinet Basics

Before diving into storage ideas, let's cover the basics of corner cabinets. These triangular-shaped cabinets are specifically designed to utilize the corner space in kitchen layouts. They typically function as storage for dishes, pots and pans, appliances, pantry items and other kitchen tools. Corner cabinets come in a variety of widths, with common options including 33", 36", 39" and 42".

The benefits of installing a corner cabinet include making use of otherwise wasted space, providing substantial storage capacity, and freeing up other cabinets and counters. However, corner cabinets also come with considerations around awkward access, limited visibility of contents, and how interior shelving configurations affect storage effectiveness.

Choose the Right Size Corner Cabinet

Selecting the optimal corner cabinet size depends on your existing kitchen dimensions and storage needs. First, carefully measure the width of your corner space to find a cabinet that will fit properly. While 42" corner cabinets offer maximum storage, they may be too bulky for small kitchens. On the other hand, petite cooks could get by with a 33" corner unit.

Also evaluate whether wall cabinets or base cabinets will work best for your layout and preferred uses. Wall cabinets provide storage higher up, while base units keep items within reach. For maximized capacity, select a corner cabinet with adequate height and depth.

Storage Solutions for Corner Cabinets

Lazy Susans

A lazy susan consists of rotating shelves inside a corner cabinet, allowing you to access the entire space. Items are effortlessly brought into view with just a spin. Lazy susans enable full use of tricky corner cabinets, especially those with solid doors covering the shelves.

Pull-Out Shelving

Another corner cabinet innovation is pull-out shelves on tracks that glide out when you open the doors. Not only does this provide easy access to the back of the cabinet, it also improves visibility of all your items. Various pull-out shelf configurations are possible to accommodate different storage needs.

Glass Doors

Installing glass front doors is a way to view the contents of your corner cabinet. Paired with an interior lazy susan, glass doors provide both visibility and access. The transparent panel also illuminates dark corner spaces.

Vertical Storage

For avid bakers, consider using vertical dividers so baking sheets can be stored upright in your corner cabinet. This allows you to see everything at a glance, as opposed to stacking sheets flat. It's an excellent alternative for bulky cookware storage.

Ideal Uses for Corner Cabinets

Given their sizable capacity, corner cabinets work well for storing everyday dishes, pots and pans. Glassware, mugs and other serving pieces can be kept close at hand too. Appliances like stand mixers and food processors fit nicely when not in use. Corner cabinets are also handy homes for baking sheets, cutting boards, oven mitts and other cumbersome cooking items.

Due to the depth, corner cabinets allow you to make use of vertical height as well. Spices, canned goods and other pantry products can be arranged on shelves for quick access while cooking. Even small kitchen appliances can be stored on their sides to save space.

Unique Corner Cabinet Ideas

With some clever customization, your corner cabinet can take on more specialized storage functions. For wine lovers, install racks to neatly hold glassware and stems. Pull-out spice organizers keep your seasoning collection organized. You can even add custom-fit trays, baskets or containers to accommodate odd-shaped cookware like pots and lids.

Get creative with your corner! Vertically staggered wine glass holders, pull-out cutting board storage, or built-in pot lid racks are just a few unique ways to maximize unused space. Figure out your kitchen frustrations and design a custom corner solution.

Style and Design Options

Corner cabinets come in a wide range of materials and finishes to match your existing kitchen decor or intentionally contrast it. Glass fronted cabinets lend a lightweight, modern feel while open shelving provides a more casual display area. Custom built-in cabinetry can be created for a sophisticated look.

Don't limit yourself to prefab cabinetry pieces - with custom woodwork, you can create the perfect-fit storage solution. Work with an experienced kitchen designer to devise a corner cabinet that both facilitates organization and contributes to your ideal aesthetic.

Incorporating smart storage into overlooked corner spaces can make your kitchen significantly more functional. The right corner cabinet or shelving setup provides copious storage capacity and frees up precious counter real estate. Taking time to carefully assess your needs and kitchen layout is key to getting the most out of a corner cabinet.

With innovative organizational solutions like lazy susans, pull-outs and custom building, even the most awkward corner becomes a storage asset. Implement these creative ideas to bid farewell to clutter and make the most of your meal prep workspace.