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Corner Storage Solutions for your Dream Kitchen6 min read

When it comes to planning the kitchen it’s so important to think about the space you have available and how to maximise it. You don’t want to waste space, especially in a smaller kitchen where you really can’t afford to. In L-shape or U-shape layouts, a lot of the time the corner is wasted where the lengths of cabinets connect. The rear cupboard space can become difficult to access without stretching or straining and it isn’t always easy to find things you need if there are lots of contents. This awkward space is too often, and too easily unused and neglected, so here at PF, we would like to talk you through the different innovative kitchen corner solutions that are available to you in your handmade bespoke kitchen. Letchworth Project

The Short Answer

The best kitchen corner cupboard storage turns the awkward, hard-to-reach space where two runs of cabinets meet into usable storage. Le Mans units have two independent trays that swing out to bring heavy pans within reach, carousels (often called Lazy Susans) rotate to reach the back of the cupboard, and full-height corner units can hold carousels or swing-out baskets. A corner pantry, open corner shelving or a tambour unit that hides the kettle and toaster are good alternatives.

Teal lay-on shaker kitchen with an L-shaped run, open shelving and a quartz-topped island with an induction hob

Le Mans

The Le Mans corner storage solution is named after France’s famous racetrack due to its shape. It features two large trays one above the other which allows you to reach deep into the recess of the kitchen corner’s cupboard space. Each tray is independent, where each one extends outwards in a swift, smooth motion to present its full contents and make them easily accessible for a handmade kitchen. There is a load-bearing maximum capacity of 25kg per shelf, making them ideal for storing pots, pans and other heavy kitchenware. They can be opened to the left or right and depending on space and requirement, the height-adjustable shelves can be adjusted. Harmer Green Project

Blue in-frame corner cupboard open to reveal pull-out corner shelving holding saucepans

Preston Project

Swing-out corner storage in a blue handleless kitchen, with chrome-railed shelves holding pans and casserole dishes

Carousel

A more traditional kitchen corner solution to some of the other ones is the carousel, often referred to as a Lazy Susan. This type of integrated system sits within a corner kitchen base with 2 rotating shelves, one above the other – both the height and depth of the internal cupboard space can be maximised. They are ideal for tall corner units and best suited for cupboards with double doors and can even be designed in a full circular shape, a pie-shaped cut-out to fit the doors or semi-circular shelves attached to the door.

Wall, Base & Full-Height Corner Units

Wall, base and full-height corner units are ideal for maximising kitchen corner space because of their versatility. They are available in a range of heights with many customisable options where tins, bottles, dry goods and anything tall that might not fit somewhere else. Carousels can be found in this storage solution or a swing-out larder filled with baskets that are fixed to the inner door or separate trays that pull out independently. Typically 5 or 6 adjustable shelves or boxes are found in full-height corner units.

Corner Pantry

The kitchen space in modern times now features a larder/pantry (which is the same thing), and they seem to be on many kitchen wishlists and are a huge topic when focusing on the kitchen. There was a separate pantry to a larder many years ago and they have differed over the years.
  • Pantry -originally used for storing goods such as bread and butter
  • Larder – storing food best kept at lower temperatures
Keep the pantry free-standing style alive, by adding modern technology, you could even opt for a mini walk-in pantry if you have the space – this is a great option for maximising corner space. Pantries are a versatile storage solution making them a great feature within your kitchen too. The doors are down to your preference but they can open wide to fully display the contents and allow easy access. Add an assortment of shelves, baskets and drawers to fully optimise the space and meet your needs. You could even add a spice rack on the inner side of the door. Hinxworth Project White in-frame shaker kitchen with a tall larder cupboard open, showing an oak interior, door-mounted spice racks and oak drawers Lower Stondon Project

Pale grey larder cupboard open to show an oak interior with door-mounted racks, shelves of dry goods and oak drawers

Open Kitchen Corner Shelves

Open shelves are simple yet striking and make effective use of corner spaces. This type of design is particularly good in smaller kitchens where wall units might make the space feel enclosed; instead, open shelving creates a feeling of airiness. What makes these a stunning piece to add to the kitchen design is that they are highly decorative, where you can convey your personality, and add special memories all whilst making it look beautiful. Top Tip – open shelving is a much less expensive choice than installing wall-fitted furniture. Tempsford Project

Sage green in-frame shaker kitchen with a mantel canopy, granite splashback, open bookshelves and a plum painted island

Royston Project

Dark blue lay-on shaker kitchen with a gas hob island, an American fridge freezer and double ovens set into tall cabinetry

Tambour Unit

Tambour units or roller shutters are another hidden kitchen corner storage solution that’s great for tidying the worktops and keeping everything clear. The door slides up and down to open and close and is available in a range of colours, including the colour of your kitchen cabinets to match. You will find generous shelving within, a place to store kettles and toasters and plug sockets can be built into the cabinet.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best storage for a kitchen corner cupboard?

It depends on what you want to store. A Le Mans unit suits heavy pots and pans, a carousel makes the most of height and depth in tall corner units, and full-height corner units suit tins, bottles and dry goods. We choose the solution around your layout and how you use the kitchen.

What is a Le Mans corner unit?

A Le Mans unit, named after the shape of the French racetrack, has two trays that each swing out independently to present their full contents. Each shelf holds up to 25kg, the shelves are height adjustable, and the unit can open to the left or right.

What is a kitchen carousel or Lazy Susan?

A carousel is a corner system with two rotating shelves, one above the other, that brings the back of the cupboard within reach. It can be a full circle, a pie shape cut out to fit the doors, or semi-circular shelves attached to the door, and it suits tall corner units with double doors.

Can a kitchen corner be used as a pantry?

Yes. A corner pantry, or even a mini walk-in pantry if there is room, is a great way to use corner space. Wide-opening doors show the full contents, and shelves, baskets, drawers and a door-mounted spice rack can be added.

Are open shelves or a tambour unit good for a corner?

Both can work well. Open corner shelves create a feeling of airiness in smaller kitchens and cost less than wall-fitted furniture. A tambour unit has a roller door that slides up to reveal shelves for the kettle and toaster, with sockets built in, keeping the worktop clear.

Does Planet Furniture design bespoke corner storage?

Yes. We design corner storage into every bespoke kitchen, with Le Mans units, carousels, corner pantries and open shelving in projects including Letchworth, Harmer Green, Preston, Hinxworth, Lower Stondon, Tempsford and Royston.

Book an appointment at our showroom and speak with one of our talented and knowledgeable kitchen designers to design and plan a luxury kitchen that is filled with bespoke storage solutions that suit you and your family’s needs. Contact us today. Every kitchen is handmade in our Hertfordshire workshop and installed across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, London and the wider Home Counties. See more of our bespoke kitchen storage ideas. Originally written 22/03/23 updated 14/11/24

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