Does your kitchen have one of those awkward corners you never know what to do with? Maybe it’s a cabinet that’s impossible to reach or a space that’s just sitting there, useless.
Here’s the good news: you can turn those tricky corners into some of the most useful and stylish areas in your kitchen.
Whether you’re working with a cozy Seattle kitchen or planning a full remodel, this guide is here to help. I’ll walk you through creative solutions for maximizing corner storage, highlight mistakes to avoid, and answer questions like, “Can I really put a stove in the corner?”
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly how to transform your kitchen corners into spaces that work for you—no more wasted space, just smart, functional design.
Ready to get started?
12 Kitchen Corner Options: Which Solution is Right for You?
Does your kitchen corner feel like a dead zone? It doesn’t have to! With the right strategies, you can turn even the most frustrating corner into one of the most functional and eye-catching spots in your kitchen.
From clever hardware to cozy seating, there’s a solution for every layout, need, and style.
Below, I’ll walk you through the best corner storage solutions to help you make the most of your space.
1. Lazy Susans: A Classic Corner Fix That Just Works
If you’re tired of stretching or crawling to reach the back of your corner cabinets, a Lazy Susan might be exactly what you need. This tried-and-true solution features rotating shelves that make it easy to grab what you need—no bending or twisting required.
Modern versions even come with upgrades, like built-in trash bins, to give you extra functionality. Lazy Susans are best for storing everyday essentials like spices, canned goods, or mixing bowls. They’re affordable, easy to install, and perfect for quick upgrades.
However, they are better suited for lighter items and may not hold up to heavy cookware.
2. Deep Drawers: Easy, Modern Storage You’ll Love
Deep drawers are a sleek solution that turns your corner cabinet into an organized, accessible space. These drawers slide out fully, making it easy to store and retrieve everything from bulky cookware to pantry staples.
If you want a modern look with effortless organization, deep drawers are a great fit, especially for large or heavy items. They offer complete accessibility, keeping everything within reach without the need for awkward bending.
However, deep drawers are a premium option and can be more expensive than standard shelving.
3. Corner Pantries: Spacious Storage for Bigger Kitchens
If you have the space, a corner pantry can transform an underutilized area into valuable storage. Whether it’s a walk-in design or a tall cabinet with floor-to-ceiling shelves, this option is ideal for keeping your kitchen organized and clutter-free.
Corner pantries are perfect for larger households or those who love to cook, offering ample storage for bulk items and cookware. While they require more floor space and may reduce available countertop area, they provide unmatched storage capacity and organization.
4. Open Shelving: Stylish Storage with a Decorative Touch
For a simple and accessible option, open shelving is a great way to utilize kitchen corners. Floating shelves not only add a decorative element but also keep frequently used items within easy reach.
Perfect for displaying cookbooks, plants, or decorative bowls, open shelving can make a small kitchen feel more spacious. However, it doesn’t provide as much hidden storage, and clutter can become an issue if not carefully maintained.
5. Appliance Garages: A Tidy Solution for Small Appliances
If small appliances like coffee makers, toasters, or mixers are cluttering your countertops, an appliance garage can keep them neatly tucked away. These custom-built storage units fit seamlessly into a kitchen corner, offering both convenience and a sleek, clutter-free look.
Appliance garages are great for those who use small appliances daily but prefer to keep their counters clear. However, they don’t provide as much storage as other solutions, so they work best when paired with additional storage options.
Avoid These Kitchen Corner Pitfalls
Maximizing your kitchen corners is a great idea, but it’s easy to make mistakes that leave you with wasted space, awkward designs, or costly fixes.
Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s look at the most common pitfalls homeowners face when designing their kitchen corners and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Adding Gadgets You Don’t Actually Need
Ever been tempted by the latest high-tech kitchen gadgets? When it comes to corner cabinets, it’s easy to get caught up in flashy solutions like Magic Corners or LeMans pull-outs. While these can be fantastic upgrades, they’re not always practical for every kitchen—or every budget.
How to Avoid It
- Think About What You Store: Do you really need advanced mechanisms for everyday items like canned goods or spices? Simpler options, like a Lazy Susan, might work just as well (and cost less).
- Ask Yourself the Right Questions: Will this make my life easier? Will I use it regularly? If the answer is no, save your money for features that truly meet your needs.
By focusing on functionality rather than trends, you can avoid investing in solutions that don’t add real value to your kitchen.
Mistake 2: Skipping the Measurements
Did you know that even a few inches can make or break the functionality of your corner cabinets?
Ignoring precise dimensions often leads to awkward installations, wasted space, or cabinets that just don’t work as intended.
Too deep? You’ll struggle to reach items.
Too shallow? You lose out on valuable storage.
How to Avoid It
- Measure Everything: Grab a tape measure and jot down the depth, height, and width of your corners before making any decisions.
- Get Expert Input: Not sure your measurements are accurate? A professional designer or contractor can help ensure your cabinets are sized perfectly for your layout.
Taking the time to measure twice (or even three times) can save you from costly mistakes and give you cabinets that fit your space like a glove.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to Make Your Corners Easy to Reach
Are your corner cabinets more like no-go zones? One of the biggest frustrations with kitchen corners is how hard they can be to access. Without the right setup, those spaces often go underused—or worse, become a source of constant annoyance.
How to Avoid It
- Pick the Right Solution for You: Think about what you store and how often you need to access it. A Lazy Susan is perfect for lighter items like spices or canned goods, while pull-out shelves or Magic Corners are ideal for heavier cookware or appliances.
- Think About Ergonomics: The goal is to avoid bending, twisting, or straining every time you need something. Test how each solution works before you commit.
Making your corners accessible ensures they’re functional and frustration-free, no matter what you store there.
Mistake 4: Turning Your Corners into Clutter Zones
Do your kitchen corners feel like a dumping ground for things you don’t know where else to put? It’s easy for corners to become overcrowded with random items, but this not only wastes valuable storage space—it also makes finding what you need a headache.
How to Avoid It
- Store with Intention: Use corner spaces for items you don’t need daily, like seasonal bakeware, small appliances, or backup pantry goods.
- Declutter Regularly: Set aside time every few months to clean out your corners and reorganize. This keeps them functional and prevents the clutter from building up.
By keeping your corner storage purposeful and tidy, you’ll ensure those spaces stay organized and easy to use.
Mistake 5: Picking the Wrong Cabinet Doors for Your Corners
Are your corner cabinets hard to open or awkward to use? The wrong cabinet doors can make your kitchen corners more frustrating than functional.
Oversized doors can get in the way, while narrow ones or poorly designed hinges can limit access to what’s inside.
How to Avoid It
- Go for Wide-Opening Doors: Look for cabinet doors with 180-degree hinges or larger openings to make your corners more accessible.
- Think About Folding Options: For tight spaces, folding doors can help you make the most of your corners without interfering with surrounding cabinetry.
- Consider Open Shelving: If traditional doors don’t fit your space, open shelving can be a practical and stylish alternative.
The right doors make all the difference, ensuring your corners are easy to use and seamlessly integrated into your kitchen design.
Mistake 6: Overlooking How Your Corners Look
Do your corners stick out like a sore thumb? While functionality is key, ignoring aesthetics can leave your kitchen feeling disjointed or unbalanced.
Poorly designed corners might clash with your cabinetry or disrupt the overall flow of the space.
How to Avoid It
- Match Your Style: Choose materials and finishes for corner solutions—like pull-outs or shelving—that complement the rest of your kitchen.
- Add a Decorative Touch: Open shelving, corner banquettes, or carefully chosen hardware can help blend practicality with beauty.
- Think Big Picture: Every element in your kitchen should work together, from your cabinets to your corner solutions, creating a seamless and cohesive look.
By keeping design in mind, you can make your corners both functional and visually appealing.
Mistake 7: Leaving Your Corners as an Afterthought
Are your kitchen corners something you think about last? When corners aren’t part of the design from the start, they often end up as wasted space or awkwardly forced into the layout.
Planning ahead ensures your corners are both functional and stylish.
How to Avoid It
- Plan Early: Whether you’re starting from scratch or remodeling, think about how you’ll use your corners before finalizing your kitchen layout.
- Get Professional Help: A designer or contractor can help you explore all the possibilities—from pull-out shelves to corner pantries—ensuring no space goes unused.
By including corner solutions in your initial planning, you’ll save yourself from design regrets and make the most of every inch of your kitchen.
Why Work with a Professional to Design Kitchen Corners
Designing a kitchen corner that’s both functional and stylish isn’t as simple as it looks. While DIY solutions can be tempting, working with a professional designer or remodeler ensures your corners are optimized in ways you might not have considered.
Here’s why teaming up with an expert is a smart investment for your kitchen.
1. Custom Solutions Designed for Your Needs
Every kitchen is unique, and off-the-shelf solutions don’t always fit perfectly. A professional can create custom pull-outs, shelves, or cabinetry that work with your kitchen’s dimensions and your specific storage needs.
Example: Have an extra-deep corner? A designer might suggest a tailored pull-out system that takes full advantage of the space while keeping everything accessible.
2. Access to Premium Hardware
Corner hardware, like Magic Corners or LeMans shelves, requires precise installation to work seamlessly.
Professionals have access to high-quality materials and the expertise to install them correctly, ensuring smooth operation and long-lasting durability.
Why It Matters: Poorly installed hardware can wobble, jam, or break, costing you time and money to fix. Experts get it right the first time.
3. Creative Solutions for Tricky Spaces
Odd dimensions, tight layouts, or unique architectural challenges can make corners tricky to design.
Professionals bring experience and creativity to the table, offering solutions you might not even know exist.
Example: If space is limited, a professional might suggest a corner banquette with hidden storage or an angled sink that maximizes functionality without compromising aesthetics.
4. Seamless Integration with Your Kitchen Design
A poorly planned corner can disrupt the flow and look of your kitchen.
Professionals ensure that your corner storage solutions blend with the overall style of your kitchen, from matching finishes to aligning with the layout.
How They Do It:
- Matching materials and finishes with the rest of your cabinetry.
- Ensuring that corner solutions, like Lazy Susans or shelving, fit seamlessly into the overall design.
- Strategically placing solutions to improve functionality and maintain a cohesive look.
5. Saves Time, Money, and Stress
While DIY might seem cost-effective upfront, mistakes often lead to expensive fixes down the road.
A contractor streamlines the process, saving you time and ensuring the job is done right from the start.
What You Avoid:
- Mismatched dimensions that waste space.
- Poorly installed hardware that needs to be replaced.
- Frustration from trial-and-error fixes.
6. Local Expertise for Seattle Kitchens
Seattle homeowners face unique challenges, from compact layouts in older homes to maximizing natural light in a rainier climate.
Experts with local experience know how to tailor their designs to suit your home’s style and your lifestyle.
Take the Stress Out of Kitchen Corners
Partnering with an expert ensures your corners are functional, beautiful, and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re remodeling a small Seattle kitchen or designing your dream space, expert help can make all the difference.
Ready to transform your kitchen corners? Request a free quote today and let an expert turn your space into a design you’ll love.