Corner cabinets are an essential part of most kitchens, but they often present unique design challenges. Their location makes them tricky to access, which can result in wasted storage space. However, with the right corner cabinet design, you can maximize this often-overlooked area. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of various corner cabinet designs to help you choose the best option for your kitchen.
1. Lazy Susan Cabinets
Lazy Susan cabinets are one of the most popular solutions for corner storage. They feature rotating shelves that allow easy access to the items stored in the far reaches of the cabinet. Lazy Susans come in several designs, such as full-round, half-round, or kidney-shaped shelves, making them adaptable to different kitchen layouts.
Pros:
- Maximizes space: Lazy Susans make the most of deep corner spaces, giving you easy access to stored items.
- Improves organization: The rotating shelves help keep pots, pans, and pantry items organized and accessible.
- Customizable options: There are various types of Lazy Susan corner cabinets available to suit your specific needs and kitchen design.
Cons:
- Installation: Lazy Susan cabinets can be tricky to install, especially in small or irregularly shaped kitchens.
- Cost: These cabinets tend to be more expensive than traditional corner cabinets due to their complex rotating mechanisms.
2. Blind Corner Cabinets
Blind corner cabinets are another popular option, but they come with their own set of challenges. In a blind corner cabinet, one section of the cabinet extends deep into the corner, often making it difficult to reach items stored at the back. However, modern designs now include pull-out trays or sliding shelves to improve accessibility.
Pros:
- Large storage space: Blind corner cabinets offer more storage space than Lazy Susans because of their larger capacity.
- Customizable pull-outs: Many blind corner cabinets come with pull-out trays, making it easier to access items stored in the deep corners.
Cons:
- Accessibility issues: Without pull-out trays, it can be hard to reach items stored in the back of the cabinet.
- Wasted space: Even with pull-outs, some of the cabinet space in blind corners may still be underutilized.
3. Corner Drawers
Corner drawers are a relatively new solution that maximizes storage space by utilizing the corner’s full depth. These drawers are angled to fit perfectly into the corner and are designed to slide out fully, giving you easy access to all your kitchen essentials.
Pros:
- Full access: Corner drawers allow you to fully access the contents without struggling to reach the back.
- Stylish: These drawers offer a sleek, modern look and are an excellent choice for contemporary kitchens.
Cons:
- Cost: Corner drawers are often more expensive than traditional corner cabinet solutions due to their custom design.
- Limited availability: Not all cabinet manufacturers offer corner drawers, so you may have to seek out specialized suppliers.
4. Diagonal Corner Cabinets
Diagonal corner cabinets are a simple yet effective way to fill the corner space in your kitchen. These cabinets are installed at a 45-degree angle, creating a visually appealing design. While they don’t offer as much storage as other options, diagonal cabinets are often used for displaying glassware or storing smaller items.
Pros:
- Visually appealing: Diagonal corner cabinets add a decorative touch to the kitchen, especially when combined with glass doors for displaying items.
- Cost-effective: These cabinets are often more affordable than more complex corner cabinet solutions.
Cons:
- Limited storage: Diagonal corner cabinets typically offer less storage space than other designs, making them less practical for kitchens with high storage needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right corner cabinet design depends on your kitchen’s layout, storage needs, and budget. Lazy Susans are a great option for maximizing corner storage, but blind corner cabinets and corner drawers can also provide efficient solutions depending on your needs. For a simpler and more decorative option, diagonal corner cabinets can offer a stylish touch.
