Upper corner kitchen cabinets often present a challenge with their awkward angles and hard-to-reach spaces. However, they also offer fantastic opportunities for storing items that are less frequently used. When considering what to stash away in these cabinets, it’s essential to think about both accessibility and the type of items that can efficiently fit into these unconventional spaces. Utilizing this area smartly can lead to a more organized kitchen, which in turn can simplify cooking and entertaining.
Seasonal Items and Special Occasion Serveware
One excellent option for upper corner cabinets is to store seasonal items or special occasion serveware. Think about those holiday platters, themed tablecloths, or unique serving pieces that only see the light of day a couple of times a year. These items take up significant space, and the corner cabinets serve as a perfect hiding place. You won’t be fishing them out every day, so it’s sensible to tuck them away safely up high. Plus, this keeps your everyday kitchen items more accessible and decluttered.
Less Frequently Used Cooking Appliances
If you have appliances that you only use occasionally, such as a slow cooker, fondue pot, or juicer, they might just be perfect for upper corner kitchen cabinets. These appliances can take up a lot of counter space and can quickly clutter your kitchen. Stow them away in the corner, where you can reach them when needed but don’t have to see them daily. Depending on their size, consider using a sturdy shelf or storage bins to stack them neatly, allowing easier access without them becoming a jumbled mess.
Extra Baking Supplies and Ingredients
Baking enthusiasts often have a plethora of supplies, including specialty flours, sugars, and baking pans. Stashing less-often-used baking supplies in upper corner cabinets can free up valuable real estate in your main kitchen space. Items like seasonal baking ingredients or specific tools required for particular recipes can be neatly organized, allowing your kitchen’s primary work areas to remain clutter-free and more efficient.
Cookbooks and Recipe Binders
For those who still appreciate flipping through the pages of a well-loved cookbook or a personal recipe binder, upper corner cabinets can serve as a cozy nook for these treasures. Storing cookbooks above your eye level not only preserves them from spills but keeps them in a designated place. You might even consider using stylish bins or baskets to group your cookbooks by cuisine or type, ensuring they remain organized and accessible.
Mixing Bowls and Serving Dishes
If you’re like many cooks, you might own an assortment of mixing bowls and serving dishes that vary in size and shape. The upper corner cabinets can be their ideal resting place. These bowls aren’t used every day, so tucking them away keeps your countertops cleaner while ensuring you have them on hand for larger gatherings or baking sessions. Stacking them efficiently can maximize vertical space and simplify your kitchen layout.
Glassware and Non-Essential Dinnerware
If you have an extensive collection of glassware or extra dinnerware for entertaining, the upper corner cabinets can be an ideal spot to store them. This includes those beautiful wine glasses you use for festive occasions or the set of china that you bring out during special family dinners. Keeping these items safely out of the way reduces the potential for breakage and allows your everyday dining items to shine in the main cabinetry.
Cleaning Supplies (If Appropriate)
While it might seem counterintuitive, consider the practicality of using upper corner cabinets for cleaning supplies that can withstand being stored away. For instance, large containers of laundry detergent or dishwasher pods can be stashed in these cabinets, as long as they’re far away from food items. Just make sure they’re stored securely, possibly inside bins to prevent spills. This makes your kitchen area feel lighter while keeping cleaning essentials readily available when needed.
Craft Supplies or Odd Kitchen Gadgets
If you happen to dabble in crafts or own unique kitchen gadgets that aren’t used daily, the upper corner cabinets can be an excellent storage location. This keeps your crafting area tidy and your kitchen gadgets out of the way. Items like cookie cutters in funky shapes, specialty measuring cups, or even art supplies can be easily tucked away. Use clear bins to keep these items visible yet organized, making it easier to access what you need.
Occasional Use Pots and Pans
Another clever use for upper corner cabinets is to store your occasional use pots and pans. If you love hosting big dinners but don’t find yourself using those large stockpots daily, let them take up residence in that high, corner spot. You can easily retrieve them when it’s time to prepare elaborate meals while leaving your more practical, everyday cookware within arm’s reach. Stacking them efficiently, along with lids organized vertically, maximizes space and keeps your kitchen functioning smoothly.
Pantry Staples and Non-Perishables
For those kitchens with limited pantry space, upper corner cabinets can serve as an overflow area for non-perishable pantry staples. Think canned goods, pasta, or rice. Utilizing this space can help in keeping your main pantry area neat and orderly. You can use labeled bins or baskets to keep things organized, making it easier to find what you need when you’re in the middle of preparing a meal without too much fuss.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the versatility of upper corner kitchen cabinets cannot be overstated. By selecting the right items to store—whether they be seasonal platters, extra cookware, or special occasion dishware—you can optimize your kitchen’s efficiency. Making small changes in how you organize these spaces allows you to create a more functional, pleasant environment that reflects your personal cooking style and lifestyle. Your kitchen should be a haven for creativity and comfort, and mastering the storage in those tricky upper corners is one step toward achieving that harmony.
