Blind Cabinet Upgrades You Can Actually Do Yourself
If you have a blind corner cabinet in your kitchen, you know how difficult it can be to access and utilize all that wasted space in the back. But major remodeling shouldn't be required to unlock that storage potential. With some simple upgrades and organizing tools, you can transform those unreachable corners into convenient storage solutions.
From lazy Susans to pull-out drawers, you can customize the upgrades to suit your unique space and storage needs without professional help. These innovative fixes focus on maximizing every inch through better organization. Read on to discover blind corner cabinet innovations you can tackle in a weekend.
Spin Storage with Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans are a long-standing storage solution for tough-to-reach corner cabinet spaces. TheBasic lazy Susan consists of a round, rotating shelf that sits flush inside the cabinet, providing smooth 360-degree access to items. Spin the lazy Susan effortlessly to find whatever you need in seconds.
Standard lazy Susans work well for general storage. But for blind corners, specialized options like two-tier lazy Susans double your organizational potential. Or utilize vertical lazy Susans to make the most of narrow but deep spaces. With measurements in hand, you can find readymade lazy Susans to fit your unique blind corner dimensions.
Benefits of Lazy Susan Upgrades
- Full corner accessibility
- Fully customizable width and height
- Provides organized, specialized storage
- Affordable DIY upgrade
Considerations for Installation
While lazy Susans can work DIY magic on frustrating blind corner cabinets, precision is vital for proper function and longevity. Carefully measure the full dimensions of your cabinet space prior to selecting materials. Account for any pipes, wires or obstacles too. Mounting hardware must be installed securely, so the lazy Susan spins smoothly without wobbling over time.
Though incredibly useful, lazy Susans still require some reaching to access items around the outer shelves. For even easier access from top to bottom, consider upgrading to pull-out cabinet drawers or swing-out shelves.
Access Everything with Swing-Out Shelves
Another innovative blind corner cabinet solution comes in the form of shelves attached to hidden hinges that pivot out when opened. Also called roll-out trays, these swing-out shelves unlock full side-to-side usage of tricky corner spaces when pulled forward.
Swing Shelf Mechanisms
Several mechanism options accommodate different cabinet layouts and user heights. Standard swing shelves mounted on simple hinges offer a universal approach. For elevated storage, choose upward-opening designs that lift shelves as they pivot forward. If low corner spaces are a pain point, downward swing shelves bring items down within view and reach.
Advantages of DIY Swing Shelves
- Easy to self-install using basic tools
- Space-efficient storage when closed
- Full side-side cabinet access when open
- Affordable, quality DIY kits available
While incredibly handy for unlocking tucked-away contents, swing-out shelves aren't without limitations. Depending on placement, the opening arc can collide with surrounding cabinet doors or walls. Reinforced hinges and tracks are essential for smooth function without sagging under heavier loads. But with proper planning and quality materials, swing-out shelves deliver storage gold without professional help.
Maximize Space with Pull-Out Drawers
For the most customizable upgrades, consider installing built-in, pull-out drawers tailored to fill the unique dimensions of your blind corner. Available in wide ranges of sizes, finishes and configurations, blind corner drawers provide seamless front-to-back access to every inch of wasted space.
Specialized Storage Solutions
Generic pull-out drawers transform useless areas into convenient general storage. But the options for customization are virtually endless to create specialty spaces exactly where you need them. Integrate slide-out trays to hold oils and cooking tools. Install interior organizational systems featuring adjustments shelves, dividers and racks to arrange everything from spices to dinner plates.
- Wine glass racks
- Spice organizers
- Tiered shelves
- Cutlery dividers
- Chopping board drawer
Benefits of Custom Pull-Out Drawers
- Maximize every inch of available space
- Create storage specific to your needs
- Convenient, full-extension access
The downside to custom pull-outs lies in higher price points and complex installation compared to simpler upgrades. While handy DIYers can handle installing generic drawer boxes, custom built-ins typically require professional measuring and fitting. But for blind corner cabinets with extensive storage needs, customized pull-outs provide the pinnacle of form, function and accessibility.
Creative Storage with Corner Carousels
Corner carousels provide another space-saving spin on tough blind corner spaces. Similar to lazy Susans, these vertical rotating shelves sit snugly in cabinet corners to utilize every inch while maximizing access from top to bottom shelves.
Specialized Storage in a Spin
Compact corner carousels allow you to tailor storage to your frequently used kitchen items. Spin shelves to arrange oils, vinegars and condiments for easy selection while cooking. Corral spices and seasoning packets into sorted trays. Stash kitchen tools and gadgets conveniently near prep areas but out of the way when closed. Customize organizer size, shelves and attachments to keep essentials handy.
Advantages of Corner Carousels
- Vertical design fits narrow spaces
- Complete 360 accessibility
- Specialized storage options
- Budget-friendly upgrade
With some handy DIY skills, you can install affordable corner carousels in a matter of hours. But for those lacking time or confidence, carousels can also be professionally installed with minimal demolition or alterations to your existing cabinetry. This plug-and-play storage solution brings specialized organization to forgotten corner spaces without breaking the bank or your kitchen.
Hopefully now you see that upgrading frustrating blind corner cabinets is less painful than imagined. The options range from simple lazy Susans you can tackle yourself to luxe custom drawers best left to the experts. With some measurements and planning, you can mix and match solutions to suit different spaces and budgets.
The benefits go well beyond better organization too. Smoother accessibility reduces daily frustration over common items buried out of sight. When everything has a dedicated spot conveniently close at hand, it cuts back on cluttered countertops and rummaging through packed cabinets. You can fully unleash the storage potential hidden within those blind corners to elevate your whole kitchen experience.
Don't let the challenges of corner cabinetry stop your kitchen from reaching its maximum storage and efficiency. Browse the innovative solutions and discover just how attainable blind cabinet upgrades can be!