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Upper corner kitchen cabinets are a great way to maximize your storage space and make your kitchen more organized. With a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, you can find the perfect upper corner cabinets for your kitchen needs.
You know that awkward space in the upper corner of your kitchen, right? Those cabinets are hard to reach and mostly go unused. It’s prime real estate in your kitchen being wasted. But what if you could maximize that space and gain extra storage without a major renovation? Upper-corner kitchen cabinets are the answer. They slide out and down, bringing that previously useless space within easy reach. No more precariously climbing on countertops to access what’s up there.
What Are Upper Corner Kitchen Cabinets?
Upper corner kitchen cabinets are the cabinets located in the corner of your kitchen, where two walls meet. These spots are often awkward and difficult to reach,
so many kitchens forgo cabinetry here. But with the right design, you can
maximize storage space in your kitchen’s upper corners.
Space-Saving Corner Cabinet Designs
There are a few approaches to tackling upper-corner cabinet storage:
- Diagonal corner cabinets are shaped to fit snugly into the corner. They have
an angled front to utilize the space efficiently. These maximize storage but
can be difficult to access. - Blind corner cabinets have one angled cabinet facing outwards, and a second
cabinet behind it set at a 90-degree angle. The front cabinet has a lazy
Susan or carousel to allow easy access to both cabinets. This provides ample
storage while improving accessibility. - While providing storage, open shelving creates an open, breezy atmosphere.
By installing shelves in the corner, you may store objects high up and yet
have easy access to them. Floating shelves look excellent with a simple,
contemporary design. - When not in use, large countertop machines like food processors, mixers, and
blenders are tucked up and out of sight in appliance garages. A garage
cabinet for appliances frees up counter space while maintaining easy access
to essentials.
The top corners of your kitchen may be made into more storage areas with some
strategic design decisions. Assess your requirements and personal preferences
to ascertain the most suitable alternative. Any kitchen can be made more
useful and have more area for cooking and entertaining by making the most of
the empty space.
Benefits of Using Upper Corner Cabinets
Upper corner cabinets are ideal for maximizing your kitchen storage space.
Easy Accessibility
Upper corner cabinets are perfect for items you don’t use often but still want
convenient access to. Things like serving platters, table linens, or spare
kitchen tools can be stored up and out of the way but still within easy reach
when you need them.
Space Efficiency
The space in the corners of a room is often wasted, but upper corner cabinets
allow you to utilize every inch. They’re ideal for smaller kitchens or for
cramming extra storage into any size space. The triangular shape fits neatly
into corners and the vertical design means you can store more without taking
up valuable floor space.
Customization Options
Upper corner cabinets come in a variety of styles to suit any kitchen. You can
choose from elegant wood cabinets with glass doors to industrial metal
cabinets with mesh or barred doors. There are many size options too, from
smaller cabinets for basic storage to larger cabinets for bulkier items. You
can even combine multiple corner cabinets for maximum storage.
With benefits like easy accessibility, space efficiency, and customization
options, adding upper corner cabinets is an easy way to gain valuable extra
storage in your kitchen without a major renovation. Maximize your kitchen
space and keep everything neat, tidy, and within easy reach using this simple
storage solution.
Design Ideas for Upper Corner Cabinets
Designing your upper corner kitchen cabinets is a great way to maximize your
storage space. Here are some ideas to make the most of your corners:
Pull-out Shelves
Install pull-out shelves that extend from the corner, allowing easy access to
items in the back that are normally hard to reach. The shelves can be a simple
design or have a tiered, cascading effect. This is an inexpensive solution
that instantly increases your storage capacity.
Lazy Susans
A lazy Susan is a spinning organizer you place on a corner cabinet shelf. It’s
a space-efficient way to store and access items that would otherwise get lost
in the dark corners. Look for a model with compartments or dividers to keep
everything neatly organized and easy to find.
Diagonal Cabinetry
For a custom look, install diagonal cabinetry in the corner. Triangular-shaped
cabinets, shelves, and drawers provide lots of usable space. While more
complex to construct, diagonal cabinetry creates an eye-catching focal point
in your kitchen.
Appliance Garage
If you have small countertop appliances that clutter your workspace, an
appliance garage is the perfect solution. It’s a cabinet door or doors that
lift up to reveal a dedicated storage area for appliances like blenders, food
processors or mixers. When closed, it hides them away and keeps your counters
clear.
Open Shelving
For a more casual look, install open shelving in the corner. The open design
makes everything easily visible and accessible. Use matching or complementary
shelving and accessorize with baskets or bins to keep items organized. This
budget-friendly option is perfect for a cottage or farmhouse-style kitchen.
With some creative thinking, you can transform your unused corner space into
highly functional storage. The options are many, so find what works best for
your needs, budget, and kitchen style. Opening up those corner cabinets will
make your kitchen feel more spacious and efficient.
Choosing the Right Size Upper Corner Cabinet
Choosing an upper corner cabinet that’s the perfect size for your space is key
to maximizing storage. Consider these tips when selecting upper corner
cabinets:
Size
Measure the dimensions of your corner space carefully. Upper corner cabinets
typically come in sizes ranging from 15 to 36 inches wide and 15 to 30 inches
high. Choose a cabinet size that fits well in your specific corner area so it
looks built-in and proportional. If the space allows, go for a larger size—you
can never have too much storage space in a kitchen!
For small or awkward corner spaces, consider a pie-shaped cabinet. These
wedge-style cabinets are narrow at the wall and wider at the front, designed
specifically for tight corners. They provide storage where a standard cabinet
won’t fit.
Shape
In addition to standard square and rectangular shapes, upper corner cabinets
come in angled and curved designs that maximize space. An angled cabinet has
sides that form a 45 or 90 degree angle to fit flush in the corner. Curved
cabinets have a rounded front and sides to create a built-in look. These
shaped styles make the most of your corner space and create a custom feel.
Material
The material you choose depends on the style of your kitchen. Wood, painted
wood, and laminate are popular, affordable options. For a high-end look,
consider lacquered, metal or glass corner cabinets. The material should match
or complement your existing kitchen cabinetry.
Open or Closed
Decide if you want an open cabinet with shelving or a closed cabinet with
doors. Open cabinets display items and create a decorative corner focal point.
Closed cabinets hide clutter and keep contents dust-free. For the ultimate
combination, choose a cabinet with glass doors so you get the best of both
worlds.
By measuring your space, and choosing the right size, shape, material, and
door style for your upper corner cabinet, you’ll gain valuable storage room
and complete the look of your kitchen. The perfect cabinet can make even the
smallest corner space highly useful.
Materials for Upper Corner Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to upper corner kitchen cabinets, you have several material
options to choose from:
Wood
Wood is a popular, natural choice for kitchen cabinets that provides a warm,
organic feel. Options like oak, maple, and cherry are durable and
moisture-resistant. Wood can be painted or stained to match your kitchen
decor. The downside is that solid wood cabinets tend to be more expensive.
Laminate
Laminate, like Formica, is a budget-friendly option that can mimic the look of
wood or stone. Laminate cabinets are resistant to impact, scratches, and
stains but cannot be refinished like wood. Laminate may show wear over time
but is a good option if you’re on a tight budget or renting.
Thermofoil
Thermofoil cabinets have a thin layer of vinyl or PVC plastic heat-fused to
particle board or MDF. They provide a seamless, uniform appearance and are
very affordable. However, thermofoil scratches and dents easily and cannot be
refinished. For upper corner cabinets that see less wear and tear, thermofoil
can be a good inexpensive choice.
Metal
For a modern, industrial look, you can choose metal upper corner cabinets made
of aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel. Metal cabinets are durable,
low-maintenance, and naturally moisture-resistant. However, they tend to be
higher in cost, show fingerprints and scratches, and can dent. Metal cabinets
work well for small corner cabinet spaces but may seem too utilitarian for
some.
In the end, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each material based on your
budget, decorating style, and how much wear and tear your upper corner
cabinets will see. Any of these options can help you maximize your kitchen
storage space if you choose wisely. Think about what factors are most
important to you and opt for the material that checks all the right boxes.
Installation Tips for Upper Corner Cabinets
Installing upper corner cabinets can be tricky, but with a few tips you’ll
have them up in no time.
Measure Carefully
The most important step is taking accurate measurements of your corner space.
Use a tape measure to determine the height, width, and depth of the area. It’s
best to measure at multiple points, as corners are rarely perfectly square.
Write down your measurements so you can refer to them when shopping for
cabinets.
Choose the Right Size
Look for corner cabinet units specifically designed to fit in the angle of
your walls. Standard cabinets will not work and will leave wasted space.
Corner cabinets come in a range of angles from 45 to 270 degrees. Get one that
matches your corner as closely as possible.
Install the Wall Cabinets First
If you’re doing a full kitchen renovation, install the wall cabinets before
putting in the corner unit. This will ensure you have the proper space and
that the corner cabinet aligns with the wall cabinets. You may need to make
minor adjustments to the position or trim of the wall cabinets to create an
even surface for attaching the corner cabinet.
Secure to Both Walls
The most important part of the installation is securely fastening the corner
cabinet to both walls. This provides stability and prevents the unit from
leaning or pulling away from the walls over time. Drill pilot holes through
the cabinet back and into wall studs or wall anchors in both walls. Then
attach the cabinet with long screws, such as 3 or 3 1/2 inches.
Check that it’s Level
As a final step, place a level across the cabinet front, sides, and top to
make sure it is even. If not, you may need to loosen the screws and make minor
adjustments to the positioning before re-tightening. An uneven cabinet can
cause doors or drawers to not close properly and will look off.
With some precise measuring, the right size cabinet, and securely installed to
both walls, your upper corner cabinets will be in and maximizing your kitchen
storage space in no time. Let the organizing begin!
Maximizing Storage in Upper Corner Cabinets
The upper corner cabinets in your kitchen are prime real estate for storage
that often gets overlooked. By making the most of this space, you can gain
extra room for rarely used items or small appliances without sacrificing your
kitchen’s style.
Take advantage of vertical space. Install a corner cabinet with drawers that
pull out for easy access, or a model with a lazy Susan for finding what you
need at a glance. Some corner cabinets also have multiple shelves at varying
heights so you can store different items on each level.
Use matching organizers. Place matching bins, baskets, or trays in your corner
cabinet to keep everything neat and contained. Label each organizer so you
know exactly where to find what you need. This is a great option if you want
to hide clutter but still keep items accessible.
Add lighting. Many corner cabinets are poorly lit since they’re tucked away,
making it hard to see what’s inside. Install under-cabinet lighting, puck
lights, or LED strip lights to brighten the space. You’ll be amazed at how
much easier it is to find what you’re looking for.
Store appliances up high. If you have a toaster, blender, mixer, or other
small appliance that you only use occasionally, store it in your upper corner
cabinet. This frees up your countertop space while keeping the item handy when
you do need it. Just be sure to place heavier items on lower shelves for
stability.
Use vertical dividers. Vertical dividers or boards that section off your
corner cabinet into separate compartments are great for keeping items from
shifting around. You can find dividers that attach directly to cabinet walls
to create the perfect-sized spaces for your needs. This also prevents smaller
items from getting lost in the depths of your cabinet.
Following these useful tips will transform your upper corner cabinets into
highly functional storage space. By maximizing their potential, you’ll gain
extra room for all your kitchen essentials without creating clutter or chaos.
Your kitchen will be neat, organized, and stylish.
Decorating Upper Corner Kitchen Cabinets
Once you’ve maximized the storage in your base and wall cabinets, turn your
attention upward to the often-forgotten space in the upper corners. These
corners are ideal for items you use less frequently but still want easily
accessible. Here are some tips for decorating your upper corner kitchen
cabinets.
Utilize every inch of space. Install pull-down shelving or a sliding rack to
fully use the depth of the cabinet. This provides easy access while keeping
items up and out of the way when not in use.
Group together in baskets. Place items in matching baskets to keep everything
organized. Label each basket so you know exactly what’s inside at a glance.
Things like snacks, tea and coffee supplies, or linens work well for corner
cabinet storage.
Display decorative items. If maximizing storage space isn’t a priority, use
the upper corners to show off decorative kitchenware like colorful bowls,
platters, or antique items. Just be sure anything displayed is secure so it
does not fall.
Add lighting. Install small puck lights, strip lighting, or cabinet lighting
along the top and inside the upper corners. This brightens the space and makes
items easier to see and access. Battery-powered options provide cordless
convenience.
Use for less frequently used appliances. Larger smaller kitchen appliances you
only use occasionally are good candidates for upper corner cabinet storage.
Things like a bread maker, dehydrator, or popcorn maker can be stored up and
out of the way until needed.
The upper corner cabinets in your kitchen provide useful storage that is often
overlooked. Make the most of this space by maximizing storage, keeping like
items together in baskets, displaying decorative kitchenware, or storing less
frequently used appliances. Adding lighting helps make everything inside easy
to see and access when you need it. Use these tips to get organized and make
your kitchen more functional and stylish.
Conclusion
There you have it, a few easy methods to maximize the unused space in your
kitchen’s corners. You may increase your storage space by doing a simple
do-it-yourself project and installing corner cabinets or shelves. How much you
can fit up there and how much more tidy your kitchen becomes will astound you.
You may stop rearranging things often to locate what you need and stop piling
items on counters. Reclaim your kitchen’s corners and make the most of them.
Your pans, pots, and pantry staples will appreciate it, and you’ll feel good
about yourself for putting in the little time and money to create more
storage. Take on this job this weekend, and you’ll be able to enjoy your
freshly expanded kitchen immediately.
