Corner cabinets often become a catch-all for items that are seldom used, making them hard to keep organized.
Implementing effective storage solutions can enhance the functionality of your kitchen while also making it visually appealing and reducing food waste.
Many lower corner cabinets come with a built-in Lazy Susan, which is a helpful addition, but they still require baskets or bins to prevent items from toppling over.
Tips for Organizing Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets are common in various kitchen layouts, from L-shaped to U-shaped. Whether you're organizing a small kitchen or a spacious one, these expert strategies are invaluable.
1. Don't Overstuff
To keep corner cabinets tidy, it's crucial to limit what you store inside, advises home blogger Kallie Branciforte.
'Avoid cramming your corner cabinet. Although it might seem tempting due to its size, an overcrowded cabinet makes retrieval difficult. Resist that temptation,' she states.
Accessibility is vital when organizing any cabinet, so aim to declutter items such as cleaning supplies and dry goods for easier access. If you haven't recently downsized, there might be always unnecessary items to remove.
2. Create an Appliance Garage
If your corner cabinet is overflowing with snacks and pasta, consider repurposing it as an appliance garage for larger kitchen gadgets.
Rearranging your cabinet contents can help free up space for food items, allowing you to store appliances like crock pots and air fryers in the corner.
According to Kallie, 'Corner cabinets have ample space, making them ideal for larger items rather than cramming in numerous smaller ones.'
3. Store Bulky Items
Creative director Dan Mazzarini suggests that smaller pantry items often get lost in deep corner cabinets, leading to frustration.
'Instead, use the space for larger, longer-term items such as serving platters or holiday dishes,' he recommends, emphasizing simplicity in storage.
4. Prioritize Lightweight Items
Professional organizer Barbara Oldham of The Inspired Home By B suggests reserving corner cabinet space for lightweight items. 'Due to accessibility issues, it's best to store lightweight or infrequently used items like plastic containers, baking pans, or seasonal dishes here,' she says.
5. Add Pull-Out Shelves
Barbara also recommends installing pull-out shelves or drawers for easier access. 'This makes it simpler to reach items at the back without having to rummage through everything in front,' she explains.
6. Use Stackable Bins for Food
Pro organizer Brenda Scott from Tidy My Space suggests using clear stackable bins for organizing bagged food in your corner cabinet. They let you see contents easily and allow for easy removal of items.
'This keeps everything upright and prevents a chaotic mess. Less food waste and fewer duplicate purchases are always beneficial. If not storing food, larger bowls and stackable containers are great alternatives for this space.'
7. Maximize Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans are highly recommended by organizers for optimizing corner spaces. They function best when paired with additional organizing tools. Consider plastic pie-shaped Lazy Susan bins to keep items organized and prevent jars from tipping over.
8. Incorporate Space-Saving Organizers
Lastly, utilize space-saving organizers to transform your corner cabinet into a more functional area. Cabinet dividers and tension rods help separate different items and keep them from toppling over, ensuring safety.
Also, make the most of cabinet doors by adding hooks or racks for utensils, spoons, or small cutting boards, enhancing overall organization and keeping countertops clear.
FAQs
How can I create more space in my corner cabinet?
'Consider adding pullout shelving if possible,' advises Laura Price from The Home Organization. 'This isn't always a DIY project but can significantly improve accessibility in a tricky space.
'If pullout shelving isn't feasible, look into removable storage options like baskets or clear boxes that can be easily accessed. Turntables can also be helpful in corner cabinets, allowing you to reach any item without a full cabinet clear-out.'
Corner cabinet shelves are typically deeper than standard cabinets, so they present a great opportunity for storing larger, awkward items. Just remember to avoid overstuffing.
