Upper Corner Kitchen Cabinet

Maximizing Space and Style: A Guide to Upper Corner Kitchen Cabinets

Upper corner kitchen cabinets present both a challenge and an opportunity in kitchen design. While notoriously difficult to access, they offer valuable storage space that, when optimized, can significantly enhance kitchen functionality. This article explores various approaches to maximizing the utility and aesthetic appeal of these often-underutilized spaces.

Understanding the Challenges of Upper Corner Cabinets

The primary challenge with upper corner cabinets stems from their inherent depth and awkward angles. Retrieving items stored deep within these cabinets can be difficult, often requiring users to contort themselves or empty the entire cabinet to find what they need. This accessibility issue often leads to these spaces becoming repositories for rarely used items, negating their potential storage value.

Cabinet Styles for Corner Spaces

Several cabinet styles address the accessibility challenges of corner cabinets. Choosing the right style can dramatically improve the usability of these spaces. Key cabinet types include:

Blind Corner Cabinets:

These traditional cabinets feature a single door and a diagonal back wall, creating a large, deep storage space. While offering ample storage, accessing items at the back can be challenging. *

Lazy Susan Cabinets:

Featuring rotating trays, lazy Susan cabinets bring items to the forefront with a simple spin. This eliminates the need to reach deep into the cabinet, making access significantly easier. *

Diagonal Corner Cabinets:

These cabinets feature a five-sided design with a door that opens at a 45-degree angle to the adjacent walls. This creates a larger opening and improved access compared to blind corner cabinets. *

Corner Drawer Cabinets:

Integrating drawers into the corner maximizes accessibility. Items are stored in pull-out drawers, eliminating the need to reach deep into the cabinet.

Optimizing Interior Organization

Regardless of the cabinet style chosen, optimizing the interior organization is crucial for maximizing functionality. Effective organization strategies include:

Tiered Shelving:

Tiered shelves or pull-out shelves bring items closer to the front, improving visibility and accessibility. *

Lazy Susan Inserts:

Even in cabinets without built-in lazy Susans, aftermarket lazy Susan inserts can be added to existing shelves to improve access. *

Vertical Dividers:

Dividers help keep items organized and prevent them from shifting or toppling over. * Clear Storage Containers:** Using clear storage containers allows for easy identification of contents without having to remove items from the cabinet.

Hardware Solutions for Improved Accessibility

Specialized hardware can further enhance the accessibility of upper corner cabinets. Key hardware solutions include:

Pull-Out Shelves and Trays:

These extend fully from the cabinet, providing easy access to items stored at the back. *

Swing-Out Shelves:

These shelves swing out of the cabinet, bringing items within easy reach. *

Magic Corner Units:

These complex mechanisms utilize a series of interconnected shelves and trays that pull out and swing open, providing full access to the entire cabinet space.

Integrating Lighting for Enhanced Visibility

Proper lighting within upper corner cabinets can significantly improve visibility and make it easier to find items. Effective lighting solutions include:

Under-Cabinet Lighting:

Installing LED strip lights under the cabinet illuminates the interior, making it easier to see the contents. *

In-Cabinet Lighting:

Battery-operated or hardwired lights installed inside the cabinet provide direct illumination of stored items. *

Motion-Activated Lighting:

Motion sensors automatically turn on the lights when the cabinet door is opened, providing convenient and energy-efficient illumination.

Choosing the Right Style and Finish

The style and finish of the upper corner cabinets should complement the overall kitchen design. Consider the following factors when making your selection:

Door Style:

Choose a door style that complements the other cabinets in the kitchen. *

Finish:

Select a finish that matches or complements the overall color scheme of the kitchen. *

Hardware:

Choose hardware that complements the cabinet style and finish.

Maximizing Vertical Space

Extending upper corner cabinets to the ceiling maximizes vertical storage space. This can be particularly beneficial in kitchens with limited storage. Considerations for maximizing vertical space include:

Ceiling Height:

Ensure sufficient ceiling height to accommodate tall cabinets. *

Accessibility:

Consider using a step stool or other assistive devices to access items stored in high cabinets. *

Visual Balance:

Balance the height of the corner cabinets with the height of the adjacent cabinets to maintain a cohesive aesthetic.

Considering Professional Installation

Installing upper corner cabinets can be complex, particularly for specialized units like lazy Susans or magic corner systems. Professional installation ensures proper functionality and a seamless fit.