The corner area is often the most neglected real estate in many kitchen layouts. Tucked away and constrained by two walls, it can seem like an impossibly awkward spot to try to utilize.
But turning that dead space into a functional corner pantry can help maximize your kitchen’s storage potential. With some clever solutions and creative thinking, you can design a corner pantry that takes your kitchen organization to the next level.
Assess Your Kitchen Corner and Storage Needs
The first step in corner pantry planning is taking stock of the space. Measure the parameters of the corner from wall to wall, floor to ceiling. This will give you the canvas to work within.
Next, analyze how you hope to use the pantry. Consider important questions like:
- What types of food items do you need to store? Canned goods, dry bulk ingredients, appliances, wine?
- Will it function as your main kitchen pantry or supplementary storage?
- Do you prefer open shelves to display items or closed storage to conceal messes?
Having a clear vision for your corner pantry’s purpose will inform the design.
Choose the Right Corner Pantry Design
There are several corner pantry design options to evaluate for your space:
Built-In Custom Pantry: For a seamless, upscale look, a customized built-in pantry maximizes the space. Cabinetry or shelving can be constructed right into the corner framing. Though more expensive, it offers a quintessential pantry look.
Freestanding Pantry Unit: A standalone floor unit on casters or feet can simply be rolled into place in the corner. Many sizes and configurations are available to buy or DIY. Easily movable if you later alter your layout.
Tall Storage Cabinet: A floor-to-ceiling vertical cabinet installed in the corner adds a furniture look while providing enclosed storage. Glass door cabinets keep contents visible.
Open Shelving Unit: For a lighter, more airy pantry, open shelving offers accessibility. Items are exposed though, requiring some styling.
Incorporate Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers
While standard shelves provide basic storage, pull-out shelves and drawers really optimize the space in corner pantries.
Pull-Out Shelves: Installed on drawer slides, these shelves extend out fully so you can access items pushed to the back. No more blind rummaging!
Drawers: Use shallow drawers to neatly organize items like utensils, gadgets and bakeware that would otherwise get jumbled on a shelf. Deep drawers can hold bulkier pots and pans.
Rollout Trays: Sliding trays that pull out partially are ideal for small items like spices. They come forward for easy access then tuck back into place.
Maximize Vertical Space
Going upwards is key for making the most of the confined corner area. Here are tips for utilizing all the available height:
- Install shelves all the way from floor to ceiling.
- Incorporate vertical dividers between shelves to double up storage.
- Arrange items by height, keeping frequently used things at eye level.
The goal is to take advantage of every inch vertically for optimized organization and access.
Consider Lazy Susans and Vertical Carousels
These specialized storage aids are designed to enhance corner access and visibility:
Lazy Susans: A lazy susan consists of shelves built around a spinning center rod. The rotating design is perfect for placing in a corner.
Vertical Carousels: Vertical carousels feature a series of shelves that turn around a track. You can easily lower and raise the shelves to your desired height.
Both lazy susan and vertical carousel units allow you to efficiently view and reach all stored items in a corner.
Illuminate the Space Properly
Since corners tend to be more enclosed, sufficient lighting is essential for your pantry. Here are some bright ideas:
- Under cabinet lighting illuminates the shelving area.
- Battery-operated lights provide lighting without wiring.
- Motion-activated lights automatically turn on when you enter.
Proper lighting means you will actually be able to see everything that your well-organized pantry contains!
Creative Storage Solutions
Get creative with how you store and display items on your pantry shelves:
Baskets: Woven baskets in different sizes corral similar ingredients like baking goods or snack foods.
Narrow Wine Rack: Make use of vertical space by installing a floor-to-ceiling wine rack.
Appliance Garage: Designate a pull-out cabinet to “park” small appliances like mixers when not in use.
Spice Drawers: Use shallow drawers to organize spices neatly rather than dumping them in a jumbled pile.
Add Design Touches
Personalize your corner pantry with fun touches:
- Paint or wallpaper the interior a contrasting color from surrounding cabinets.
- Use glass jars to display dried goods and make contents visible.
- Install adjustable shelves at varying heights to accommodate different item sizes.
- Choose hardware like knobs and pulls that match your kitchen’s style.
With some personality-infused embellishments, your pantry becomes a functional focal point.
Keep Your Corner Pantry Organized
An organized pantry equals kitchen efficiency. Keep things tidy with these tips:
- Label shelves, baskets and storage containers so items have designated homes.
- Group like ingredients and foods in bins, trays or baskets.
- Arrange most frequently used items at eye level for convenient access.
- Purge expired or unused items regularly to avoid clutter.
Maintaining order in your corner pantry will make cooking less stressful.
That pesky corner space doesn’t have to go to waste. With some clever solutions, you can design an enormously functional and even stylish corner pantry.
Taking time to assess your needs, explore design options and incorporate smart storage elements will help you create a corner pantry that makes the most of your kitchen’s unique layout.
A well-organized, easily accessible corner pantry can make your kitchen far more efficient, streamlined and enjoyable to cook in.
