Upper corner kitchen cabinets are the sneaky black holes of the kitchen—stuff goes in, and somehow you never see it again.
Store Only Big, Light, Rare Items
One of my best sanity rules for an upper corner kitchen cabinet is keeping only a few bulky things there—like serving platters or a big salad bowl—so nothing gets buried. I do this at home because fewer items means fewer chances for the corner to turn into a clutter trap.
Check these products out:
- Large Wooden Salad Bowl: Choose a spacious wooden bowl to serve salads beautifully while keeping your upper cabinet organized and uncluttered.
- Ceramic Serving Platter Set: Store these elegant, flat platters easily on high shelves so they are ready for your next dinner party.
- Stoneware Pitcher or Vase: Utilize corner height with a decorative pitcher that serves tailored drinks or acts as simple kitchen decor.
Add a Lazy Susan Turntable
In my own upper corner kitchen cabinet, a simple lazy Susan is the fastest win because it brings oils, vinegars, and jars from the back to the front with one spin. I like using two smaller turntables instead of one giant one, because I can lift them out like trays when I’m reorganizing.
Give these a look:
- Wooden Lazy Susan Turntable: Recreate the warm, natural look of the photo while effortlessly organizing your oils and frequently used spices.
- Clear Rotating Organizers: Maximize visibility in dark corner cabinets with these transparent spinners that help you spot ingredients instantly.
- Non-Skid Pantry Turntable: Keep bottles stable and secure with a lined surface that prevents sliding when you spin reaching items.
Use Pull-Out Bins Like Drawers
When I’m tackling an upper corner kitchen cabinet, I treat it like a mini pantry and load it with pull-out bins so everything comes out to me instead of the other way around. I’ve found that matching bin sizes makes the whole cabinet feel instantly calmer and easier to reset.
Explore these options:
- Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer Drawer: Install sliding drawers to easily access items in deep corners without reaching or removing front items.
- Clear Plastic Storage Bins: Group similar items in matching bins to keep shelves tidy and make retrieving supplies much faster.
- Square Food Storage Containers: Decant bulk ingredients into uniform containers to maximize space and create that cohesive, organized pantry look.
Create Front-and-Back Zones
In my upper corner kitchen cabinet, I keep “weekly grabs” right at the front edge and push “seasonal stuff” deep into the corner so I’m not constantly reaching into the abyss. I learned the hard way that mixing everyday items with rarely used ones guarantees chaos.
You might like:
- Clear Plastic Bins with Handles: Group your seasonal items in handled bins to easily pull them from deep corners when occasionally needed.
- Lazy Susan Turntable: Place everyday items on a rotating turntable near the front for quick access without digging backward.
- Tiered Shelf Riser: Maximize vertical space in the front zone so your daily mugs and plates remain visible and reachable.
Label Bins With Big, Simple Words
I label every bin in my upper corner kitchen cabinet with bold categories like baking, snacks, or spreads, because you can’t organize what you can’t quickly identify. In my workshop classes, this is the one habit that keeps people organized long after the “clean-out day” motivation fades.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Wooden Storage Crate: Store dry goods neatly in these rustic containers to maintain a clean, organized look in deep corner cabinets.
- Custom Vinyl Decal Labels: Apply these clear, bold labels to any smooth bin surface so you can instantly identify your cabinet categories.
- Glass Food Storage Jars: Keep ingredients visible and fresh by decanting items into these airtight containers before placing them into labeled bins.
Add a Door Inventory List
On the inside door of my upper corner kitchen cabinet, I stick up a simple inventory list so I remember what’s hiding in the back corner. I’ve done this in rentals too using removable adhesive, and it saves so much time (and duplicate purchases).
Some handy options:
- Dry Erase Fridge Board or Adhesive Sheets: Attach a reusable dry erase surface to your cabinet door to easily update your inventory as items change.
- Magnetic Notepad with Adhesive Backing: Stick a simple notepad to the door for a physical checklist you can tear off or update manually.
- Clip or Adhesive Document Holder: Secure your printed inventory sheets in place without damage using a gentle adhesive clip or simple sleeve.
Brighten It With Motion-Activated Lights
Deep upper corner kitchen cabinets are basically caves, so I add motion-activated lights to make everything instantly easier to spot. I put these in my own kitchen after fumbling for a jar in the dark one too many times.
A few relevant products:
- Motion-Sensor Hinge Light Attachments: Snap these clever lights onto existing hinges to illuminate contents automatically every time you open the door.
- Rechargeable Puck Lights with Motion Sensor: Stick these compact, wireless lights anywhere inside deep cabinets to banish shadows without difficult wiring.
- Under-Cabinet LED Strip Lighting Kit: Run these thin strips along inner shelves for consistent, bright illumination that helps you find hidden items.
Use Non-Slip Liners on Every Shelf
I always line the shelves in an upper corner kitchen cabinet with non-slip shelf liner, especially if I’m storing bottles or stacks of bowls. In my experience, it prevents the slow “creep” toward the back that turns organization into a monthly rescue mission.
Items that may come in handy:
- Clear, Ribbed Shelf Liner: Protect your beautiful wooden shelves and keep dishes stable with a neutral, easy-to-clean ribbed plastic liner.
- Amber Glass Soap Dispenser: Replicate this stylish aesthetic by storing liquids in uniform glass bottles that naturally prevent visual clutter.
- Minimalist Stoneware Bowl Set: Stack matching stoneware bowls safely on your new liners to create an organized, calm, and cohesive look.
Corral Condiments on a Shallow Tray
For my upper corner kitchen cabinet, I use a shallow tray for sauces and condiments so I can pull the whole group forward in one move. I like this better than loose bottles because it keeps drips contained and cleanup quick.
A few helpful options:
- Rectangular Wood Serving Tray: Keep your favorite sauces organized and easily accessible with this simple, stylish wooden tray for your counters.
- Glass Bottle Dispenser Set: Store oils and vinegars neatly in matching glass bottles to reduce visual clutter and prevent messy drips.
- Small Glass Spice Jars with Cork Lids: Showcase your frequently used seasonings or dry goods in clear jars for easy identification and quick grabbing.
Stack Matching Canisters for Dry Goods
When I organize an upper corner kitchen cabinet like a mini pantry, I use matching canisters for flour, sugar, and grains so the space stays tidy and the lids don’t vanish. I’ve found the uniform shapes make the corner feel less awkward because everything stacks predictably.
Possibly handy products:
- Glass Canisters with Wooden Lids: Store dry ingredients beautifully with clear glass containers that stack securely to maximize vertical cabinet space.
- Airtight Pantry Storage Jars: Keep bulk goods fresh longer using these airtight jars, featuring silicone-sealed wooden tops for secure closure.
- Adhesive Pantry Labels: Organize your new canister stack effortlessly with minimalist pre-printed or custom labels for quick ingredient identification.
Add Shelf Risers for Dishes and Glasses
In my own upper corner kitchen cabinet, a simple shelf riser creates a second level so mugs and glasses aren’t buried behind plates. I’m a wood person, so I’ve even made quick risers from scrap boards when I needed a custom height.
Try these:
- Natural Bamboo Shelf Riser: Double your vertical space and match your wooden cabinetry with this natural, sturdy organizational shelf addition.
- Expandable Wooden Shelf Insert: Adjust this riser to fit your specific cabinet width perfectly, keeping glassware accessible and organized.
- Corner Shelf Organizer Stand: Maximize awkward corner spaces efficiently with a tiered riser designed specifically to fit into cabinet angles.
Try a Corner Plate Groove Rack
I’ve organized an upper corner kitchen cabinet with a simple plate rack setup so plates stand upright instead of stacking into a heavy tower. It’s one of those small tweaks that makes grabbing one plate feel effortless instead of like a balancing act.
May just do the trick:
- Wooden Plate Stand Display Rack: Display your favorite dishes upright to save space and create a beautiful, accessible kitchen arrangement effortlessly.
- Corner Shelf Organizer Insert: Maximize your vertical storage by adding extra tiers to shelves, perfect for keeping stacked plates organized.
- Stoneware Ceramic Dinnerware Set: Upgrade your open shelving aesthetic with a cohesive set of neutral stoneware that stacks beautifully together.
DIY Slide-Out Shelf on Low-Profile Runners
In a deep upper corner kitchen cabinet, I’ve built a shallow slide-out shelf from plywood so I can pull items forward without unloading everything. It’s a satisfying little weekend project, and the first time you access the back corner smoothly feels like magic.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Heavy Duty Drawer Slides: Install these smooth-gliding runners to effortlessly access items stored deep in your cabinets without rummaging.
- Baltic Birch Plywood Sheet: Use strong, durable plywood as the base for building custom shelves that fit your specific cabinet dimensions.
- Cabinet Pull-Out Organizer Kit: Skip the woodworking by installing a pre-made pull-out organizer that mounts directly to your existing cabinet floor.
Use Removable Hooks Under the Shelf
Inside my upper corner kitchen cabinet, I’ll sometimes add removable hooks under a shelf to hang measuring cups or light mugs and free up shelf space. I’ve learned to keep it lightweight up high, so nothing swings around when you open the door.
A few suggestions:
- Under-Cabinet Mug Hook Rail: Instantly add hanging storage for cups or utensils by sliding this rack onto your existing shelves.
- Adhesive Under-Shelf Hooks: Maximize your vertical space with simple peel-and-stick hooks perfect for lightweight measuring cups or cloths.
- S-Hooks for Hanging Rails: Complete your hanging system with durable hooks that allow you to easily slide and access items.
Make a Fabric Hammock for Snack Bags
This one surprises people: I’ve clipped a simple fabric hammock under the top shelf of an upper corner kitchen cabinet to hold snack bags and napkins in that weird unused air space. It’s such a fun “why didn’t I do this sooner” fix, especially when the corner shelf depth is awkward.
Consider these options:
- Under-Cabinet Fruit Hammock: Transform wasted cabinet space into clever storage by hanging this versatile hammock for snacks or produce.
- Reusable Cotton Produce Bags: Organize loose snacks inside your new hammock with these eco-friendly, breathable drawstring bags for neat storage.
- Keep-Fresh Chip Clips: Secure opened snack bags efficiently before tossing them into your hammock to keep contents fresh longer.
Add a Removable Pegboard to the Back Wall
For an upper corner kitchen cabinet that’s always swallowing small tools, I’ve mounted a thin pegboard panel using strong removable adhesive so I can hang funnels, strainers, or measuring spoons. I love this because it turns the back wall from wasted space into visible, grab-and-go storage.
A few things you might like:
- Wall Control Pegboard Panels: Create versatile vertical storage instantly by mounting these sturdy organizer panels to your cabinet’s back wall.
- Wooden Handle Kitchen Utensil Set: Upgrade your prep tools with a cohesive set that looks beautiful displayed openly on your new pegboard.
- Pegboard Hook Assortment Kit: Securely hang strainers, whisks, and measuring spoons with a variety of hooks designed for standard pegboards.
Build a Hexagon Spinner From Scrap Wood
When I want a real wow-factor in an upper corner kitchen cabinet, I make a hexagon rotating organizer from scrap wood so it nests into the corner better than a circle. I’ve done this in my shop with leftover boards, and it’s both pretty and ridiculously practical for jars.
A few choices to try:
- Lazy Susan Turntable Hardware: Install this essential hardware underneath your wooden hexagon to ensure your new organizer rotates smoothly and reliably.
- Decorative Wood Inlay Banding: Add a professional touch to your scrap wood project by applying detailed inlay banding around the exterior edges.
- Mineral Oil for Wood Finishing: Protect your finished wooden organizer and enhance the grain with a food-safe oil suitable for kitchen use.
Hide a Tiny Secret Compartment for Backup Items
In one upper corner kitchen cabinet, I added a shallow hidden compartment behind a removable wood panel for backup batteries, spare keys, and those tiny items that always disappear. I’m all for practical surprises, and this keeps the everyday shelves from getting cluttered with little odds and ends.
Products that could assist:
- Adhesive Magnetic Catches: Use these strong magnets to securely hold your removable false back panel in place without visible hardware.
- Thin Hobby Wood Sheets: Create the perfect false back panel or divider with these lightweight, cuttable sheets to hide clutter.
- Small Clear Acrylic Organizers: Keep batteries and spare keys tidy within your secret compartment using these compact, see-through storage bins.
