4 Options to Increase the Functionality of Your Blind Corner Cabinet

12 Min Read

I’ve faced many kitchen storage challenges, but blind corner cabinets are a big one. These spaces can be tough for homeowners wanting to use their kitchen space better. As an interior designer, I’ve seen how the right way to organize cabinets can change a kitchen’s use¹.

Blind corner cabinets usually come in three types: Diagonal, L-shaped, and I-shaped, with the I-shaped being common in homes built by builders². Even though they can be hard to use, there are smart ways to make the most of this space.

The secret to beating blind corner cabinets is picking the right organizational system. You can find solutions that are easy on the wallet or go all out with automated systems over $1,000². Luckily, there’s something for every budget and kitchen style.

In this article, I’ll show you four ways to make your blind corner cabinet work better. We’ll look at Lazy Susan systems, pull-out shelving, corner drawers, and magic corner solutions. Each has its own benefits for storing things in the corner and can really help your kitchen work better.

Key Takeaways

Blind corner cabinets come in Diagonal, L-shaped, and I-shaped styles
Quality storage solutions range from affordable DIY to premium automated systems
Lazy Susan, pull-out shelves, corner drawers, and magic corners are top options
The right solution depends on your kitchen layout and specific needs
Proper organization can transform a blind corner cabinet into valuable storage space

Understanding the Blind Corner Cabinet Dilemma

Kitchen design often faces storage challenges, especially in corner spaces. Blind corner cabinets are a common solution but have their own problems. Let’s look into what these cabinets are and why they can be tricky.

What is a blind corner cabinet?

A blind corner cabinet is a storage unit at the corner of two cabinets. It goes deep into the corner, making it hard to reach. Over the years, designers have tried to solve this problem, leading to the popularity of corner pantries³.

Common challenges with blind corner cabinets

The big problem with blind corner cabinets is that items in the back are hard to get to. This can lead to wasted space and frustration for homeowners. To fix this, new pull-out systems have been created to make these corners easier to use³.

The importance of maximizing corner space

Using corner space well is key in kitchen design. Solutions like pull-outs from Rev-A-Shelf and circular pullouts from IKEA help make the most of these areas³. Lazy Susans, pull-out shelves, and corner drawers also boost functionality⁴.

Solution	Best For	Key Benefit
Lazy Susan	Lower cabinets	Easy rotation for access
Pull-out shelves	Lower cabinets	Full extension for deep reach
Corner drawers	Modern kitchens	Sleek, minimalist design
Magic corners	All cabinets	Swing-out accessibility

By exploring these options, I can help you turn that tough blind corner cabinet into a useful and efficient spot. This will improve your kitchen’s design.

Assessing Your Kitchen Layout and Needs

Before looking into blind corner cabinet solutions, take a good look at your kitchen’s layout and storage needs. This is key to making the most of your space and improving cabinet use.

Begin by checking out your kitchen’s layout. Pay attention to where your blind corner cabinet is and what’s around it. Think about how often you use items in this spot and what you keep there. This will guide you in finding the right solution for you.

Then, think about what you need to store. Do you have big pots and pans or small kitchen tools? Half-Moon Lazy Susans are great for blind corner cabinets, making it easy to reach different items⁵. Pull-out shelves can hold up to 100 lbs, perfect for heavy cookware⁶.

Also, consider your budget and how you want to install the solution. Some options, like Lazy Susans, are simple to put in, fitting both upper and lower cabinets⁶. Others, like corner drawers or swing-out shelves, might need a pro but are great for making the most of your space.

To help you decide, I’ve made a table with key details on popular blind corner cabinet solutions:

Solution	Space Utilization	Ease of Access	Weight Capacity
Half-Moon Lazy Susan	Good	High	Moderate
Pull-out Shelves	Excellent	High	High (up to 100 lbs)
Corner Drawers	Very Good	High	High
Swing-out Shelves	Excellent	Very High	Moderate

Remember, keeping your chosen solution clean and maintained will keep your blind corner cabinet working well⁵. For advice tailored to your kitchen layout, talk to a cabinet expert. They can look at your space and style to suggest the best fit.

4 Options to Increase the Functionality of Your Blind Corner Cabinet

Blind corner cabinets can be tough in kitchen design. It’s key to make the most of these spaces for better cabinet organization and kitchen access. Let’s look at four smart storage solutions to turn your corner cabinet into a space-saving gem.

Lazy Susan Systems

Lazy Susans are a top pick for corner storage. They let you easily reach items in the back of the cabinet⁷. Ikea has six ways to design a base corner, including Lazy Susan options⁷. You can organize your Lazy Susan cabinets by sorting items and using accessories for better storage.

Pull-out Shelving Units

Pull-out shelving makes corner cabinet storage easier⁷. Options like Magic Corner Pull Out and Base Blind Corner with Pull-Out Storage let you store heavy items easily. These units pull out fully, making everything visible and reachable.

Corner Drawers

Corner drawers offer a modern way to use blind corner space². They make contents easy to see, but some space might be lost beside the drawers⁷. Solutions like angled and base corner drawer cabinets provide efficient storage.

Magic Corner Solutions

Magic corner systems are top for maximizing space¹. They include Lemon Wedge, Peanut Pull-Out, and Corner Pull-Out Drawers, boosting blind corner cabinet functionality². Häcker Kitchens’ Quanto automated corner solution has two or three tables, each strong and stable.

Solution	Key Feature	Best For
Lazy Susan	Rotating shelves	Easy access to small items
Pull-out Shelving	Full extension	Heavy items and appliances
Corner Drawers	Angled design	Visible storage of utensils
Magic Corner	Multi-tier pullout	Maximizing corner space

Each option has its own benefits for making your kitchen more accessible and organized¹. Getting help from a pro to redesign your kitchen, including blind corners, can find the best storage solutions for you. By using these solutions, you can greatly improve your kitchen’s functionality and use every inch of space well.

Lazy Susan: The Classic Solution

I’ve discovered that Lazy Susan systems are a timeless choice for making the most of corner cabinet space. These rotating shelves have been a key part of kitchen organization for years. They provide accessible storage that’s both practical and efficient.

Types of Lazy Susan Systems

There are two main types of Lazy Susan systems: full-circle and half-moon designs. Full-circle Lazy Susans use the whole cabinet space. Half-moon designs leave space for more storage behind the rotating shelf. Both types make items in those tricky corner spots easy to reach.

Installation Considerations

When putting in a Lazy Susan, make sure your corner cabinet has a hinged door for easy access. People in the U.S. spend about 215 hours in the kitchen each year. So, it’s smart to invest in storage that’s easy to use⁸. You might need a pro for some of the more complex circular storage systems.

Pros and Cons of Lazy Susan Solutions

Lazy Susans have many benefits:

They make items in corner cabinets easier to get to
They’re a budget-friendly way to organize your kitchen
Perfect for storing big pots, pans, and appliances

But, there are some downsides to think about:

Their circular shape might mean some wasted space
Some designs make it hard to reach the back corners⁸
They can be tough to clean because some spots are hard to get to⁸

In Charlottesville, more people are remodeling their kitchens and choosing innovative storage like Lazy Susan shelving⁹. This classic option stays popular because it’s simple and works well in making the most of corner cabinet space.

Pull-Out Shelving: Maximize Accessibility

Pull-out shelving units are a big win for organizing kitchens. They give you easy access to items hidden in blind corner cabinets. Cabinet pullouts can make reaching the back of the cabinet up to 50% easier, making them a smart pick for better storage¹⁰.

Pull-out shelving systems have a special design. They extend fully, slide over, and then extend again. This design makes sure you can easily get to everything, without having to dig into dark corners. It’s no surprise that 91% of homeowners say pull-out shelves in base cabinets help keep their kitchens tidy¹⁰.

Looking into pull-out shelving, I’ve seen some cool features:

Soft-close ball bearing slides for smooth operation
Chrome accents for a modern look
Anti-skid coatings on shelves to prevent items from sliding
Full-extension drawers for maximum accessibility

These features are found in top-notch pull-out systems. They fit most 45″ and 48″ blind corner cabinets¹¹.

Pull-out shelving is great for saving space, but you need to measure carefully before installing. Getting professional help ensures a perfect fit. The cost is worth it, as adding space-saving features like corner cabinets and pull-out shelves can boost your home’s value by up to 15%¹⁰.

To get the best out of your pull-out shelving, check and clean items in corner cabinets often. This keeps your storage space efficient and your kitchen running smoothly, making the most of your space¹².

Corner Drawers: A Modern Approach

Corner drawers are changing the game in modern kitchens with their L-shaped fronts. They offer a new way to use space in blind corners, ideal for those who want a modern look.

Design and Functionality

L-shaped drawers fit right in with custom cabinets, giving a smooth look and more storage space¹³. They have a design that lets you organize kitchen items well. This design makes sure you can reach everything in the corner easily⁷.

Suitable Kitchen Styles

Corner drawers are great for modern kitchens that focus on drawer storage. They work best in small kitchens where saving space is key. For tiny kitchens, you can get custom corner cabinets that fit perfectly, making it easy to reach everything¹³.

Cost Considerations

Corner drawers are a bit pricier because they’re custom-made. But, they add a modern touch and make your kitchen work better.

Feature	Benefit
L-shaped design	Maximizes corner space
Multi-layered storage	Efficient organization
Custom-built options	Precise fit for any kitchen

To make corner drawers easier to see, add LED puck lights or strip lights. These lights shine a light on what’s inside. You can also put in battery-operated motion sensors to light things up only when you need to¹³.

Magic Corner: The Ultimate Space Optimizer

Magic corner solutions are changing how we use kitchen space with their smart storage designs. They use sliding and pivoting parts to use corner spaces better. This is a big step forward in cabinet technology.

The Hafele LeMans II Set is a top choice for saving space. It has 20% more storage than the old version and can hold up to 55 lbs on each shelf¹⁴. It comes in four types, fitting kitchens of all sizes, with storage from 574 to 1057 square inches¹⁴.

What makes magic corner systems great is how versatile they are. They work with many cabinet styles, like face frame and full access ones¹⁵. This means you can update your kitchen without big changes.

The LeMans II Set costs between $429 and $589 and comes with a special jig for easy setup¹⁴. This jig makes installing it simple for both DIY fans and pros.

Choosing the right materials and finishes for magic corner solutions is important. They affect both how well they work and how they look. You can pick from traditional wood to modern wire, with finishes like chrome, gray, white, and natural wood¹⁵.

By using corners better, magic corner solutions solve the problem of blind corner cabinets. They turn these areas into useful storage spots, making kitchens more efficient.

DIY Solutions for Enhancing Blind Corner Cabinet Functionality

Blind corner cabinets often waste space in L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens because they’re hard to reach¹⁶. Let’s look at some DIY and budget-friendly ways to make them work better.

Adding Stick-On Lights for Better Visibility

Adding lights to blind corner cabinets can change everything. I suggest using battery-powered stick-on lights for a simple upgrade. They’re cheap and can light up tough spots.

Installing Hooks for Hanging Items

Hooks are great for organizing blind corner cabinets. Use strong adhesive or screw-in hooks for hanging pots, pans, or tools. This saves shelf space and makes things easy to get to.

Creating Custom Organizers

Custom organizers can really help blind corner cabinets¹⁶. Clear plastic or metal bins work well to use space wisely¹⁷. For a DIY pull-out shelf, think about using drawer slides and plywood for easy access.

DIY Solution	Materials Needed	Estimated Cost	Difficulty Level
Stick-On Lights	Battery-operated LED lights, adhesive strips	$15 – $30	Easy
Hanging Hooks	Adhesive hooks or screw-in hooks	$10 – $20	Easy
Custom Organizers	Plastic bins, wood for shelves, drawer slides	$50 – $100	Moderate

Remember, blind corner cabinets are good for storing heavy items below and light items above¹⁷. With these DIY tips, you can turn your blind corner cabinet into a useful and tidy spot without spending a lot.

Conclusion

I’ve looked into ways to make blind corner cabinets work better in kitchens. These cabinets save space when used right¹⁸. You can choose from classic Lazy Susans to modern pull-out systems, depending on your kitchen and budget.

Pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans are great for using corner space well¹⁸. Diagonal corner wall cabinets also increase storage and make things easier to reach¹⁸. The LeMans II Blind Corner Cabinet can hold up to 55 pounds per shelf, making it strong and versatile¹⁹.

Customized solutions are becoming more popular for organizing homes¹⁸. Many people choose options that fit their specific needs. For example, appliance lifts with dampeners make heavy kitchen items easy and safe to use¹⁹.

Finding the right solution is key to improving your kitchen²⁰. You can pick from swinging pullouts, pull-out drawers, or open shelves, each with its own benefits for corner storage²⁰. Think about what you need and use these smart ideas to turn your blind corner cabinet into a useful part of your kitchen¹⁸²⁰.

FAQ

What is a blind corner cabinet?

A blind corner cabinet is a special cabinet found where two cabinets meet at a corner. This spot is hard to reach because of the corner.

What are the common challenges with blind corner cabinets?

These cabinets often have dead space and are hard to get into. This makes organizing them a challenge.

Why is it important to maximize corner space in the kitchen?

Making the most of corner space helps with kitchen storage and keeping things tidy. It uses every inch of space well.

What factors should I consider when assessing my kitchen layout and needs?

Think about the space you have, how often you use the corner cabinet, and your budget. Consider options like corner pantries, pullout systems, or custom solutions.

What are the different options to increase the functionality of blind corner cabinets?

You can use Lazy Susan systems, pull-out shelving, corner drawers, or magic corner solutions. These options make reaching into the cabinet easier.

What are the pros and cons of Lazy Susan systems?

The good points are they’re easy to use and don’t cost a lot. But, they might not use space very well because they’re round. They’re great for storing big pots and pans.

How do pull-out shelving units work?

Pull-out shelving units, like those from Rev-A-Shelf, let you pull out, slide over, and extend. This makes everything easy to get to.

What kitchen styles are suitable for corner drawers?

Corner drawers with L-shaped fronts are modern and perfect for contemporary kitchens. They make blind corners useful.

What makes magic corner solutions unique?

Magic corner solutions use sliding and pivoting to make the most of corner space. They have shelves or baskets that pull out and swivel for easy access.

What are some DIY solutions for enhancing blind corner cabinet functionality?

For DIY projects, you can add battery-operated lights for better visibility. Use hooks for hanging pans or utensils. Or, make custom organizers to use space better.