How To Use Corner Cabinet Space

Corner cabinets, notorious for their awkward accessibility, often become repositories for forgotten items. Maximizing the utility of these spaces, however, can significantly improve kitchen organization and functionality. Several strategies and products exist to transform these challenging areas into efficient storage solutions.

Implement Rotating Shelves

Rotating shelves, also known as Lazy Susans, are a classic solution for corner cabinets. These circular platforms spin, allowing easy access to items stored at the back. Available in various sizes and materials, rotating shelves can accommodate everything from spices and condiments to pots and pans. Two-tiered versions further maximize vertical space, effectively doubling the usable area.

Install Pull-Out Shelves

Pull-out shelves glide smoothly out of the cabinet, bringing the entire contents within easy reach. This eliminates the need to rummage through the back of the cabinet, making even the most difficult-to-reach items readily accessible. Pull-out shelves are available in various configurations, including kidney-shaped designs specifically tailored for corner cabinets.

Utilize Corner Drawers

Corner drawers offer a unique approach to accessing corner cabinet space. These specialized drawers are often designed with a pivoting or sliding mechanism that allows them to extend fully from the cabinet. This provides direct access to the entire drawer contents, eliminating the need to reach over items stored at the front. Corner drawers are particularly well-suited for storing frequently used utensils and cookware.

Optimize Vertical Space with Stackable Organizers

Stackable organizers, such as shelf risers and tiered baskets, can significantly enhance the vertical storage capacity within corner cabinets. These organizers create multiple levels of storage, allowing users to store items of varying heights efficiently. They can also help categorize items, making it easier to find what's needed.

Consider Blind Corner Organizers

Blind corner cabinets, those with a diagonal wall at the back, present a particularly challenging storage dilemma. Specialized blind corner organizers are designed to address this issue. These organizers typically consist of two independently sliding shelves or baskets that swing out, providing access to the otherwise unusable space behind the diagonal wall.

Customize with DIY Solutions

For those seeking a more customized approach, several DIY solutions can be implemented. Building custom shelves or drawers tailored to the specific dimensions of the corner cabinet can maximize space utilization. Repurposing items such as tension rods or hanging baskets can also provide clever and cost-effective storage solutions.

Employ Strategic Item Placement

Even without specialized organizers, strategic item placement can significantly improve the usability of corner cabinets. Placing less frequently used items towards the back and more frequently used items towards the front can minimize the need to reach deep into the cabinet. Grouping similar items together can further improve organization and accessibility.

Use Clear Containers

Clear containers, particularly for pantry staples like dry goods and baking supplies, allow for easy identification of contents without the need to remove and inspect individual containers. This not only saves time but also helps maintain organization within the cabinet. Labeling containers can further enhance clarity and efficiency.

Install Lighting

Installing lighting inside the corner cabinet can greatly improve visibility, especially in deeper cabinets. Battery-operated LED lights are a simple and effective solution. Motion-activated lights can further enhance convenience, turning on automatically when the cabinet door is opened.