Make Room for More with a Custom Corner Kitchen Cabinet
Kitchens can easily start feeling cramped, especially in older homes with galley-style layouts. Valuable storage space ends up wasted in hard-to-reach corners. But you can reclaim that unused real estate with a tall, custom corner cabinet.
These specialized cabinets maximize every inch of available space. Their custom design and storage features create new homes for cookware, dishes, and pantry items. Read on to learn all about how to select and install your own custom corner kitchen cabinet.
Size and Dimensions
When choosing a corner cabinet, be sure to pick one tall enough to take full advantage of the vertical space. Most quality cabinets are at least 72 inches high. The width at the front will be narrower, around 36 inches, to fit in the corner area.
Carefully measure the exact width and height of your available corner space. Dimensions can vary in older homes, so don't assume a standard size. Provide the measurements to the cabinet supplier to ensure an accurate fit.
The ideal depth depends on the items you want to store. Deeper cabinets around 24 inches will fit larger pots and appliances. More shallow designs work well for plates, glasses, and food boxes. Choose based on your specific storage needs.
Storage Capacity
A major benefit of corner cabinets is reclaiming wasted space. Make the most of this added real estate by selecting a cabinet with plenty of smart storage options. Pull-out shelves, drawers, and interior racks all add usable square footage.
Look for features like:
- Adjustable shelves to accommodate different heights
- Full-extension drawers for access to contents in the back
- Spice, knife, or utensil racks to organize essentials
- Wine glass inserts and other specialty holders
Plan how you'll use the cabinet and optimize the layout. Corner cabinets can store up to 25% more than their base cabinet counterparts.
Material and Construction
Quality craftsmanship ensures your corner cabinet provides stable storage for years to come. Opt for sturdy hardwood frames, along with cabinet-grade plywood or MDF sides and shelves.
Dovetail joinery and other advanced woodworking techniques add strength at critical points. Examine the cabinet's specifications to confirm its durable construction.
For smooth operation that withstands daily use, choose soft-closing drawer slides and concealed hinges. These hardware upgrades also dampen noise for a more refined look.
Accessibility
Despite its out-of-the-way location, your corner cabinet still needs to offer convenient access. Opening and closing the doors or drawers shouldn't require excessive reaching or force.
Pull-out shelves bring contents to you, rather than you going to them. Some units even have mechanisms to pivot the shelving towards you as the cabinet opens.
If the corner is especially narrow, look for cabinets with pocket doors. This two-door design requires less clearance to open than a single door.
Style and Design
Beyond function, your new cabinet also impacts the kitchen's look and feel. Select a style aligned with your existing decor, whether classic country or sleek contemporary. Match any exposed wood species on other cabinets.
Consider complementing your counters and backsplash with a painted, glazed, or laminate finish. Contrasting finishes can also make the corner cabinet a unique focal point.
Pay attention to potential end panels to conceal exposed cabinet sides. Unfinished cabinet ends detract from an otherwise seamless appearance.
Customization
Off-the-shelf corner cabinets provide ample storage, but a custom design takes optimization even further. Tailor features and storage solutions to fit your cooking style, specialized equipment, and frequently used items.
Consider customizable add-ons like:
- Interior lighting so you can easily see contents
- Pull-out cutting board to expand workspace
- Spice racks mounted inside the door
- Deep drawers for stand mixers and appliances
A contractor can help build a fully customized cabinet within the existing space. This investment in customization can increase resale value.
Maintenance and Cleaning
All cabinets accumulate dust and dirt over time, including corner models. But the right construction and materials limit upkeep requirements.
Choose scratch, moisture, and stain-resistant exterior laminates when available. Solid wood interiors should be sealed to prevent warping.
Installing the cabinet several inches off the floor allows for easy vacuuming underneath. Open shelves also simplify dusting compared to deep cabinet interiors.
Clean spills promptly before they can cause lingering odors or permanent damage. A routine twice-yearly deep cleaning keeps your cabinet looking its best.
Costs
Pricing for corner cabinets varies based on size, features, materials, and customization. Expect to pay $250-500 for a basic unit, while a large custom cabinet with upgrades can cost $1000 or more.
The investment pays dividends though by creating new storage space. And remember - that previously unusable corner space costs you nothing.
Shop around for sales and deals when upgrading multiple kitchen cabinets. Some costs can be recouped later by listing custom features when selling the home.
Installation
Corner cabinets require careful installation to function as intended. First assemble the cabinet following the manufacturer's directions if it's not pre-built.
For a secure fit, attach corner wall cabinets through the wall studs, not just drywall. Use shims as needed to ensure the cabinet sits level and plumb.
Factor in nearby windows, appliances, and doorways during placement. Leave adequate room for any pocket doors or shelves to fully extend.
Finishing touches like trim molding and end panels add polish after installing. Consider hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor for the best results.
With their angled design and spacious interior, it's easy to see why corner cabinets are a smart solution for small, cluttered kitchens. Taking time to select the right size, layout, and customizations creates an efficient storage hotspot.
Reclaiming previously wasted space benefits both form and function. Everything has a dedicated spot, leaving countertops clear for actual cooking. A custom corner cabinet lets you make the most of every inch while adding style and convenience.