Upper corner kitchen cabinets, often overlooked, can be a treasure trove of storage space, adding functionality and charm to your kitchen. These cabinets, also known as "blind" or "waste" corners, can be challenging to utilize effectively due to their awkward shape and limited accessibility. However, with the right strategies and creative solutions, you can transform these spaces into practical and stylish features of your kitchen.
Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room - the awkward L-shaped corner. This design can make it difficult to reach items stored at the back, leading to wasted space and frustration. But fear not, there are innovative solutions to conquer this challenge.
Maximizing Space in L-Shaped Corners
L-shaped corners can be a blessing in disguise, offering ample storage space. The key is to make the most of this layout with clever cabinet design.
Consider installing corner cabinet systems designed specifically for L-shapes. These systems, such as the LeMans or Super Susan, use pull-out shelves and lazy Susans to make every inch of space accessible. They allow you to reach items stored at the back with ease, eliminating the need to rummage through cabinets or move items around to access what you need.
LeMans and Super Susan Systems
The LeMans system features a two-tiered pull-out shelf that extends into the corner, providing full access to both sides of the cabinet. It's ideal for storing frequently used items like spices, canned goods, or cooking oils.
The Super Susan, on the other hand, uses a lazy Susan mechanism to rotate shelves, allowing you to access items at the back with a simple spin. It's perfect for storing heavier or bulkier items that you don't need to access as frequently.
Blind Corner Solutions
If your upper corner cabinets have a blind corner (a corner without a door), consider installing blind corner cabinet systems. These systems use a combination of pull-out shelves and lazy Susans to make the entire corner accessible.
One popular option is the Magic Corner system, which uses a series of shelves that slide out from the back of the cabinet, revealing all stored items. Another option is the Diablo system, which uses a rotating shelf to make the entire corner accessible.
Creative Storage Ideas for Upper Corner Cabinets
Once you've optimized the space in your upper corner cabinets, it's time to think about how to use them creatively. These cabinets can be transformed into stylish and functional features with the right organization and design.
Consider using these cabinets to store items that you don't use daily but want to keep within reach. This could include specialty cookware, serving dishes, or seasonal items. You can also use them to store less attractive items, keeping your kitchen counters clutter-free.
Open Shelving
For a more open and airy feel, consider installing open shelving in your upper corner cabinets. This can create a stylish display area for your favorite dishes, cookbooks, or decorative items. To keep the look cohesive, consider using a consistent color scheme or style for your dishes and decor.
To maximize space and prevent items from tipping over, use shallow shelves and secure items with non-slip shelf liners. You can also use dividers to keep items organized and prevent them from sliding around.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting can not only brighten up your countertops but also highlight the contents of your upper corner cabinets. This can be particularly useful if you're using your cabinets for display or if you have a blind corner cabinet system that you want to showcase.
Consider installing LED strip lights under your cabinets. These lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and can be dimmed to create the perfect ambiance. You can also use motion-activated or voice-activated lights for added convenience.
Incorporating these strategies into your kitchen design can transform your upper corner cabinets from wasted space into functional and stylish features. So, don't let these often-overlooked cabinets gather dust - make them work for you and your kitchen. Happy organizing!