Countertop Corner: All You Need to Know

The corner countertop is one of the most underutilized spaces in a kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you need storage, dining room space, or just extra space – period, there are several ways a countertop corner can meet your needs.

What are the types of countertop edges?

The different countertop edge types include:

• Square edges
• Bullnose countertops
• Ogee edges
• Bevel edges and waterfall edges

Each one of these has specific properties and use cases. If you check here, you’ll find a more detailed discussion on the subject.

Kitchen countertop corner ideas

Here are a few ideas to help you make use of your countertop edges.

Note: Remember to choose the most appropriate options for your edge profile.

Install a diagonal corner cabinet

A diagonal corner cabinet occupies the corner space while creating a diagonal transition between adjacent cabinets. This approach creates more storage space than a blind corner. It also adds a unique visual break to your kitchen design.

However, it can be hard to find what you’re looking for. The door will also protrude into your kitchen space. Depending on the look you want to achieve, this may or may not be a problem for you.

Blind corners

A blind corner is a cabinet installed at the intersection between two rows of cabinets, and it is often considered the go-to solution for kitchen corners. It lets you make use of the space between two cabinet walls via a single door.

The disadvantage, though, is that it won’t always be easy to access the space. You may have to get down on your hands and knees to retrieve what you need. That said, if you’re on a small budget, a blind corner will keep your bill down. It costs less than customized corner options like swinging pullouts.

Corner sink

A corner sink is a great way to use your kitchen corner countertop when the space is unused. The often lost area at the corner of your countertop will make for a great sink, especially if it is next to a window.

Corner sinks are handy for small kitchen layouts. Using the corners of your countertop lets you install a full sink basin while preserving a sufficient amount of space for cooking and other food preparation duties.

Corner sinks are installed so that the basins leave a small space in the middle for the faucet(s). However, there are many other styles and shapes to choose from. You’ll find a design that suits your taste, no matter how eccentric or traditional you are.

Besides, there are not as common as you might think. Despite their benefits, they’re less popular than traditional sink setups. This means adding one to your kitchen will help it stand out.

Note: As with any home feature, corner sinks have some drawbacks. First, they’re not suitable for every kitchen layout. Second, they require a more complex installation procedure, which may include custom cuts into the countertop.  There are other considerations too. You will need to carefully plan the placement of other kitchen items like your dishwasher.

Dining space

If you’re worried that the kitchen sink will be too much work, you can simply add a few stools to your corner top and create an eat-in kitchen. It’s an excellent space-saving solution and would work great if you don’t have extra space for a dedicated dining area.

Install a corner stove

A corner range hood could give your kitchen a new lease on life. These features are incredibly popular, and with good reason.

• A corner range enables you to create a highly effective kitchen layout as it lets you apply the principles of a work triangle.
• Corner stove designs include a recessed enclave below the ventilation unit. You can use the space for additional storage.

Dead space

Leaving dead space may be one of the best options for your countertop corner, especially if you’re working with an older kitchen. Sometimes, it won’t be possible to fit in a prefabricated corner cabinet. Dead space is a low-budget way to make the corners more spacious.

How to create functional space around your countertop corner

If you just want to make more corner space, here are a few tips to consider

Resist the urge to overfill

Countertop corners shouldn’t be overfilled. It’s easy to forget things if they’re packed in too tightly. Besides, the clutter will likely attract unwanted vermin like rats and mice.

Get a super Susan

A super Susan is a turntable fixed to ball-bearing hardware mounted on an adjustable shelf. It rotates just like a lazy Susan but is more durable and can bear more weight.

Install swinging pull-out shelves

This shelving swings around the corner to pull out from the cabinet to give you exactly what you need. Although it’s an expensive solution, it will help you make the most out of available space.

Add open shelving

Sometimes, corner cabinets won’t be the best approach. If that’s your situation, you may try installing open shelving. Open or floating shelves go really well with leftover wall space and can allow you to decorate your kitchen with unique accessories that give your kitchen a personal touch.

Install a corner wall cabinet

Installing a kitchen corner wall cabinet may seem counterintuitive because it will take up lots of space, but it isn’t.  Kitchen corner cabinets provide significant storage space. You can use it to put away items that would otherwise clutter your kitchen countertop corners.

Your decorative items should be functional too

Since you’re going to use your countertop corners daily, you must fill them with items you need for your work. Anything that doesn’t serve a purpose other than decor will get in your way.

Put little-used items at the back of your corner cabinets

Cutlery that you use only on special occasions should go to the back of your cabinets. Corner cabinets are unusually deep, so it’s only logical that the less used items go in first. Doing so will reduce the frequency with which you have to reach into them.

Use your corner cabinets to store appliances

Corner cabinets are large enough to store bulky items, so you should use them to store appliances like slow cookers, blenders, and popcorn makers.

In summary

Well, that’s about all you need to know on counter tip corners. These tips should help you de-clutter your spaces make the most of your corners.

While you can attempt many of these recommendations on your own, some may require the expertise of a professional contractor, so don’t hesitate to find one in your neighborhood if you want to try something but feel it may be too ambitious.