Kitchens with Corner Pantries: Maximizing Storage and Style

Kitchen corner pantries have become increasingly popular in modern homes. By utilizing the often underused space in a corner, these pantries allow for smart storage solutions without taking up valuable counter and cabinet space. Beyond just maximizing storage capacity, a well-designed corner pantry also presents an opportunity to add visual interest and style to your kitchen.

From pull-out shelves to spice racks, lighting fixtures to decorative elements, we'll cover key considerations for building a high-functioning and beautiful corner pantry.

Maximizing Storage Capacity

Even a small, narrow corner pantry can hold a surprising amount of items with some clever storage solutions. Here are some of our favorite ways to maximize corner pantry storage:

• Install adjustable shelves at different heights to accommodate various sizes of boxes and cans.
• Add pull-out drawers for easy access to baking ingredients and smaller kitchen tools.
• Mount spice racks vertically on the walls to free up shelf space below.
• Use hanging baskets to hold fruits and vegetables.
• Include a small recycling station in the corner to separate glass, plastics, and papers.

Creative Shelving Strategies

When designing your corner pantry shelving, think creatively about how you can best use the unique dimensions of the space. For example, you can install extra deep shelves across the face of the pantry to hold large platters and baking sheets vertically. Or make use of awkward narrow spaces with angled shelves custom-fit to the corners.

Pull-Out Storage

Pull-out drawers and slide-out shelves bring items right to you without rummaging around dark pantries. Mount shallow tray dividers in a pull-out drawer to neatly organize smaller jars and bottles. Or install pantry roll-outs with deeper shelves to smoothly glide out canned goods and boxed items.

Optimizing Lighting and Visibility

Limited natural light can make items stored in corner pantries frustratingly hard to spot. Fortunately, it's easy to brighten up even the dimmest pantry with these lighting ideas:

• Add interior ceiling lights on a switch or motion sensor.
• Install battery-powered or plug-in LED strip lighting under shelves.
• Choose glass doors rather than solid doors to allow some ambient light in.

Smart Light Placement

Position lighting to illuminate the spots where you most need visibility. Under-cabinet lighting right inside the pantry entrance will help spotlight the interior. Low-level lighting over lower shelves will make items easy to identify without harsh glare.

Glass Doors for Display

Glass-front cabinet doors serve both form and function for corner pantries. Not only do glass doors allow for better visibility inside, but they also present an opportunity to create an appealing display. Neatly organized ingredients and cookware behind glass doors can become an eye-catching focal point.

Incorporating Technology

While most pantries simply provide storage space, modern kitchens are embracing pantries with built-in functionality. Consider incorporating these handy household appliances into your corner pantry:

• Wine refrigerators keep bottles chilled at ideal serving temperature.
• Integrate a pod coffee machine or electric kettle station.
• Install a microwave cubby for convenient warming and cooking.
• Include outlets and USB charging ports.

Multi-Functionality

Creative use of modern appliances allows you to transform your pantry into a self-contained beverage station, mini prep kitchen, or breakfast nook. With some clever planning, you can customize your perfect multi-functional pantry.

Creating an Appealing Focal Point

Make your corner pantry a standout design feature rather than hiding it away. Use these ideas to highlight your pantry with style:

• Frame the pantry entrance with wide decorative moldings.
• Wallpaper or paint the interior back wall with a bold print or color.
• Install glass cabinet doors to showcase organized contents.
• Display collectibles like vintage dishware or cookbooks inside.

Decorative Details

Even small finishing touches can creatively transform plain pantry doors into the star of your kitchen. Try applying wallpaper inside the pantry, adding trim accents outside the entrance, or replacing standard hardware with unique knobs and pulls.

Utilizing All Vertical Space

While corner pantries tend to be quite narrow, they also offer ample vertical real estate. Take advantage of all that overhead space with these storage ideas:

• Install floor-to-ceiling shelving to make use of tall corner height.
• Mount spice racks or narrow shelving on side walls.
• Use vertical dividers to store baking sheets upright.
• Designate higher shelves for lesser-used serving platters or holiday items.

Maximize Vertical Dimensions

The vertical dimensions of a corner pantry aren't constrained by typical counter heights. This allows the freedom to install shelving all the way from floor to ceiling. Variable shelf heights also accommodate storage of especially tall pantry items.

Achieving Accessibility

The angled layout and deep shelves commonly found in corner pantries can limit access and visibility despite ample storage capacity. Ensure your pantry stays user-friendly and functional with these strategies:

• Install pull-out shelves on rollers to slide out contents.
• Use lazy susans in corner areas to more easily see and spin items.
• Secure portable step stools nearby to reach top shelves.
• Mount sliding shelves on full extension glides for heavy platters.

Easy-Access Storage

Take full advantage of every inch of storage space by making contents accessible. This prevents wasting space due to inability to comfortably reach or view items way in the back of deep shelves. Pull-outs, slides, and spinners keep all your pantry goods right at your fingertips.

A well-planned corner pantry allows you to gain storage in an unused kitchen space without eating up valuable counters or cabinets. And beyond just adding storage capacity, a corner pantry also presents an opportunity to incorporate specialty features and attractive design elements.

It's possible to transform an empty corner into a beautiful pantry focal point with the use of creative shelving configurations, lighting, organizational systems and decorative accents.