By: Andrew Saladino | 
min
Functionality is probably one of the most important things to keep in mind when putting together your ideal kitchen space. However, functionality can look different for everyone. The average American spends 215 hours in the kitchen per year and it's an essential part of every home, personal taste, family size, and even cooking preferences should be considered when designing your kitchen layout.
More often than not, finalizing a kitchen layout will require you to get creative with those awkward corners where kitchen cabinets inevitably meet. Although they seem pesky and inconvenient at first, corner cabinets can be a great way to enhance storage space, design, and overall aesthetic.
Choose the perfect style for you with our roundup of some of the best corner cabinet ideas, from a classic lazy susan corner cabinet to a creative corner kitchen desk, you're sure to find the inspiration you're looking for.
1. Corner Cabinet Ideas for Optimized Storage Space 2. Upper Corner Cabinet Ideas 3. Lower Corner Cabinet Ideas
4. Unique Design Inspiration 5. Kitchen Corner Cabinet FAQs
Corner Cabinet Ideas
for Optimized Storage Space
If you're working with a small kitchen or need to maximize your storage space, one of the corner cabinet ideas below is sure to be the perfect solution.
1
Lazy Susan
Cabinets
A lazy susan shelf is a classic option for a blind corner kitchen cabinet. This turntable shelf can be used to hold spices, dry ingredients, or smaller appliances you use often. Because of its circular shape, you'll optimize both space and functionality as storing items on regular shelves inside blind cabinets can often be hard to reach.
2
Angled Drawer
Cabinets
Angled or slanted pullout drawers save space and make it easy to add compartments to your corner cabinets. Whether you split the space evenly or choose to have a larger base cabinet, angled cabinets will ensure you don't waste your corner space.
3
Standard
Diagonal Cabinet
A diagonal cabinet will help you take up the entire corner space and it's a good choice if you're planning on assembling kitchen cabinets yourself. Since you'll end up with a hidden large space, we recommend using a traditional diagonal cabinet to store large pots, pans, and tupperware.
4
Accordion
Cabinet Doors
Maximize space by opting for double accordion doors on your corner cabinet. This will give you plenty of deep storage and easy access to any items you store. Accordion doors are also a good solution for larger kitchen appliances and utensils.
5
Floor to Ceiling
Pantry Shelves
The ultimate way to make the most out of a kitchen corner is by adding floor-to-ceiling shelving. Whether you decide to close them off with a custom glass door or leave them exposed, having a full wall with angled shelves is perfect to organize spices, utensils, and decor.
Upper Corner Cabinet Ideas
Upper corner cabinets are a great opportunity to create both useful storage space and a unique decor display. The direction you choose will ultimately depend on your needs, however the ideas below are some of the best ways to keep your corner kitchen cabinets organized.
1
Glass Corner
Display Cabinet
Corner cabinets with a glass door go perfect in traditional and farmhouse kitchens. Use them to store your favorite china set, mugs, or recipe books to double up as decor and help tie in your kitchen style.
2
Garage
Cabinet Door
If you have a small kitchen, a corner cabinet with a garage door will help you maximize space by avoiding pullout drawers. It also makes a visually clean accent when you combine it with a minimalist or Scandanavian kitchen design as it stores items while adding a unique pattern.
3
Open Corner
Shelving
Open corner shelving is a common option for rustic kitchens since you can neatly display eclectic kitchen tools, utensils, and even plants. If you love to grow herbs, use your upper corner shelves to hold a small herb garden and allow your plants to get natural sunlight.
4
Hanging
Wall Racks
Hanging racks is a great way to utilize upper corner space. Leave your corner cabinet exposed and apply racks to hold pots, wine glasses, or mugs. A rack with hanging copper pots tie in perfectly with industrial or cottage style kitchens.
Lower Corner Cabinet Ideas
Depending on the location, lower corner cabinets can be tricky since the storage space they create is often dark and hard to reach. Get some inspiration from the ideas below to make the best out of your lower corner cabinet.
1
Swinging
Pullout Cabinets
Swinging pullout drawers can add a surprise element to any kitchen. This option is perfect when you have a specialized function for your corner cabinet. For example, use your swinging pullout drawers to store your coffee station with everything you need to make your morning cup of joe.
2
Pullout
Cabinet Drawers
Pullout drawers that open from right to left or vice versa provide excellent storage space and add a unique feature to your kitchen cabinetry. Similar to swinging drawers, these may require some customization so we recommend hiring a professional for installation.
3
Plate and
Utensil Slots
Plates and utensils are items we use every single day so keeping them in an area where you can easily take them out or put them away, will make your time in the kitchen easier. Install custom slots for your dishes and utensils — you may also leave the corner uncovered to double up as part of your decor.
4
Narrow Spice
Pullout Drawer
If you're struggling to find an area to store the many spices you use in the kitchen, a narrow corner pullout drawer may be the best solution. Be sure to add wiring or thin wooden borders on either side so you can still easily identify the label on each spice.
5
Built-In
Wine Display
Another functional and decorative option is to utilize your corner cabinet as a wine display. This can be a fun DIY project as all you need is to properly measure your corner space and build a criss-cross wooden wine rack to those measurements.
6
Hidden Trash
Disposal
Oftentimes, trash cans and garbage disposals are placed under the kitchen sink. However, depending on the design of your kitchen, having a designated corner for your trash, recycling, and even compost can be more practical.
Unique Corner Cabinet Design Inspiration
Kitchen Corner Cabinet FAQs
Before making your final decision on the type of corner cabinet you'd like to install, read some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Pros
- Can optimize both space and functionality.
- Additional hidden storage space.
- Adds a surprise element to your kitchen.
- More organization customization.
Cons
- Installation can be more complex than other cabinet designs.
- Back corners of some cabinets can be difficult to access.
- Some maintenance disadvantages in hard to reach spaces.
What do you put in corner cabinets?
Depending on the measurement and location of your corner cabinet, it can be used to store a wide variety of things. Lower cabinets are best to store heavier or less frequently used items whereas, upper corner cabinets are great to store dry ingredients, small kitchenware, and even decor.
What can you do with kitchen corners?
Kitchen corners and corner cabinets can be used for more than hidden storage. Built-in wine displays, kitchen desks, and even a coffee bar are all creative ideas to make the most out of your kitchen corners.
How do corner cabinets work?
Corner or blind kitchen cabinets are created to maintain flow and smooth transition from one set of cabinets to the next without having to leave a void corner wall space. Depending on the functionality you choose, corner cabinets can work in many different ways from angled pullout drawers to a lazy susan shelf — the possibilities are highly customizable.
How do I maximize my corner kitchen cabinets?
Maximizing your corner kitchen cabinets will depend on your needs and what you use in your kitchen the most. For storage, lazy susan shelves and angled cabinets are a top choice. For aesthetics or to add a unique feature, swinging pullouts, glass displays, or custom doors will help enhance your kitchen design.
With all of these clever corner cabinet ideas, you're sure to find the best match for your kitchen. To make your renovation project even easier, start by estimating your costs and consider pre-assembled kitchen cabinets to save you both money and time.
