Storage Solutions to Elevate Your L-Shaped Kitchen Bench

Kitchen benches are the heart of our homes, but lack of storage can make an L-shaped bench feel cluttered and disorganized. Limited corner access, wasted vertical space, and messy cabinets are common storage challenges. Fortunately, there are plenty of clever solutions to elevate your L-shaped kitchen bench storage.

From drawer organizers to two-tiered countertops, these storage hacks will transform your prep space. Read on to uncover tips for tackling common trouble spots and upgrading your bench storage.

Benefits of an L-Shaped Kitchen Bench

L-shaped kitchen benches offer several advantages for workflow and space.

• Efficient use of space - The continuous counter wrapping around corners maximizes usable area.
• Allows for triangle workflow - The L-shape facilitates movement between sink, fridge, and stove.
• Provides ample counter space - Long spans of counter provide abundant prep room.
• Room for an island - The L-layout leaves space for an island or peninsula.

By incorporating storage solutions into the existing footprint, these benefits can be enhanced further.

Storage Challenges in an L-Shaped Bench

Limited Corner Access

The corners of an L-shaped bench can become dead space if not addressed. The awkward angles limit accessibility. As a result, items pushed to the back corner go unused and clutter builds up.

Solutions include installing lazy susans or diagonal corner cabinets to improve access. Spinning turntable trays make items in corner cabinets easy to reach. Diagonal cabinets with hinges oriented 45 degrees open fully to optimize the space.

Lack of Vertical Storage

Many L-shaped kitchens waste the space between countertops and ceilings. The room above the benches isn't leveraged for storage. Surface-level cabinets only provide a portion of what's possible.

Solutions include hanging racks above peninsulas or islands to take advantage of vertical real estate. Wall-mounted rails can hold commonly used cooking utensils within arm's reach. Spice racks, pot racks, and vertical storage units also optimize upper space.

Unorganized Cabinets

The base cabinets and drawers of L-shaped benches often become disorganized catch-alls. Without dividers or racks, everything ends up jumbled together.

Introducing drawer organizers and racks provides a place for everything. Custom inserts with cutlery dividers, tiered trays, and adjustable compartments keep contents neatly sorted.

Storage Solutions for L-Shaped Kitchen Benches

Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers transform junk drawers into productivity powerhouses. Options include:

• Utensil dividers: Sliding trays or inserts to separate utensils.
• Tiered cutlery trays: Stackable levels for specialized utensil storage.
• Drawer divider kits: Adjustable racks to customize drawer sections.

Labels identify contents at a glance. Non-slip liners keep tools securely in place.

Pull-Out Shelving

Installing pull-out shelves or racks in corner cabinets or blind spots is an easy upgrade. The shelves fully extend to improve access to back areas. Mounting a slim storage rack behind a cabinet door also effectively uses dead space.

Lazy Susans

A lazy susan is a spinning tray that makes corner cabinet contents accessible. They are available in many sizes to hold items like:

• Spices and seasonings
• Pots and pans
• Food cans or jars

Spinning the tray brings everything into easy reach.

Vertical Storage

Besides cabinets, unused vertical air space offers storage potential. Solutions include:

• Hanging utensil racks
• Wall-mounted spice racks
• Pot racks mounted above islands

Vertical storage allows handy access to essentials while clearing counters.

Open Shelving

While closed cabinets provide hidden storage, open shelving gives organized display. Baskets or bins on the shelves corral items like:

• Glassware
• Serveware
• Small appliances

Visible storage simplifies grabbing ingredients or tools while cooking.

Two-Tiered Countertops

Two levels of countertops effectively double workspace. Upper tiers function as:

• Extra prep area
• Built-in eat-in bar
• Display shelf

Multi-tier islands or peninsulas add functional space without increasing the footprint.

Choosing Benchtop Materials

L-shaped benchtops are available in many materials with different benefits:

• Hardwood - Warm, natural look but scratches easily.
• Granite - Durable and stain-resistant but porous.
• Marble - Luxurious appearance but requires sealing.
• Quartz - Non-porous and low maintenance.

Consider your lifestyle, aesthetics, and maintenance level when selecting benchtop materials.

Design Tips for Small L-Shaped Kitchens

Small L-shaped kitchens can gain space and storage with smart layouts like:

• Peninsula bench to separate kitchen from living room.
• Multi-level islands to double work area.
• Hanging racks mounted above counters for vertical storage.

Stick with a minimalist, streamlined style to prevent a cramped appearance.

L-shaped kitchen benches are primed for storage solutions. By incorporating innovations like pull-out shelves, tiered countertops, and hanging racks, you can transform wasted space into functional storage.

Focus on conquering awkward corners and utilizing vertical real estate above counters. Keep cabinets and drawers neatly organized with inserts and dividers. The right storage upgrades make the most of your L-shaped kitchen bench.