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Corner cupboards are often one of the most challenging parts of a kitchen to plan. They can easily become awkward, hard-to-reach spaces if not thought through properly. Fortunately, there are several corner cupboard solutions designed to make better use of these areas.
Corner cabinets and kitchen corner units are designed to maximise storage space in these tricky corners, improving organisation and accessibility.
Three of the most common options are the Le Mans kitchen unit, the magic corner, and the traditional blind corner. Each works differently and suits different kitchen layouts and priorities.
In this guide, we’ll break down how each system works, their pros and cons, and which type of corner kitchen storage might be right for your home.
Corner cupboards often sit between two runs of units, which means access is naturally restricted. Without a suitable mechanism, items can end up pushed to the back and forgotten.
Good corner storage should:
Improve access
Make better use of space
Suit how you use your kitchen day to day
Be sure to choose a corner storage unit that fits your specific area and requirements.
The right solution depends on layout, budget, and how often you’ll use the items stored there. The best storage option will vary depending on your kitchen's layout, the area available, and your storage needs.
When selecting a corner storage unit, remember to consider the weight of the items you plan to store.
A Le Mans kitchen unit uses specially shaped shelves that pull out smoothly on articulated arms. Each shelf moves independently, swinging out into the room to give clear access to the contents. These units are fitted and installed to the precise height and internal dimensions of your cabinet, ensuring smooth operation and optimal use of vertical space.
Excellent visibility and access
Shelves come fully out of the cupboard
Ideal for heavy items like pans and cookware
Very smooth and satisfying to use when well specified
More expensive than simpler solutions
Shelves are shaped, which slightly limits storage flexibility
Requires accurate installation for best performance
Le Mans units are often chosen in higher-spec kitchens where ease of use is a priority and the corner will be accessed regularly.
A magic corner kitchen system uses a series of wire baskets, racks, and trays connected to a sliding mechanism. These baskets and trays are designed to swivel or pivot out, making it easier to access and organise items stored deep within the corner cabinet.
When you open the door and pull the handle, the front baskets come out first, followed by the rear baskets moving into view. Magic corner cabinets can double cupboard space by pulling out two complete storage units attached to one another.
Makes use of both the front and back of the corner
Offers more total storage than some alternatives
Good for storing a range of items, including food and cookware
Slightly more complex mechanism
Not everything comes fully clear of the cabinet
Can feel less smooth than a Le Mans unit if overloaded
Magic corners are a popular middle-ground solution, offering improved access without the premium cost of some higher-end mechanisms.
A blind corner is the simplest option. It’s a standard cupboard where part of the internal space extends into the corner, with access only from one side. Carousel corner cabinets, which rotate, are best suited to corners and L-shaped kitchens, making it easy to reach items stored deep inside.
These corner cabinets provide maximum access to hard-to-reach spaces by smoothly sliding out. Diagonal corner cabinets use angles to create a large, deep space suitable for bulky items or small appliances.
Most cost-effective solution
No moving parts to maintain
Flexible internal storage
Items at the back can be hard to reach
Space is often underused
Less convenient for everyday items
Blind corners can work well for storing things used infrequently, or where budget needs to be prioritised elsewhere in the kitchen.
There’s no single “best” solution for corner kitchen storage. Each option suits different needs. Smart corner storage solutions can help declutter a kitchen design from all angles and make small kitchens appear bigger by maximising storage opportunities.
A Le Mans kitchen unit works well if:
You want easy access to heavy cookware, such as pots and pans, during cooking
The corner cupboard will be used daily to store items you need within easy reach
Smooth operation is important to you, and you want to opt for a corner unit that utilises every inch of space
A magic corner may suit you if:
You want to maximise storage capacity and store a mix of items, for example, cutlery, utensils, or small appliances
You’re looking for a balance between access and cost, and want to opt for a cabinet that increases organisation
You want a smart solution that helps avoid waste of valuable kitchen space
A blind corner can be the right choice if:
The cupboard is for occasional use, such as storing less frequently used pots or baking trays
You prefer simple, robust storage and want to add extra capacity without complex mechanisms
Budget needs to be kept under control, and you want to find a practical option
The position of the corner cupboard plays a big role in deciding which system works best. Door openings, adjacent appliances, and walkways all affect how practical a mechanism will be. When planning your kitchen, consider the movements and workflow throughout the space, including where to place appliances like the dishwasher in relation to storage units and work zones to optimize accessibility and efficiency.
This is why corner storage should always be considered as part of the overall kitchen layout, rather than as an afterthought. Innovative design approaches, such as rerouting plumbing to place a corner sink or using appliance garages with bifold doors to hide appliances in corner areas, can further enhance space efficiency.
It’s also worth noting that not every corner needs a mechanical solution. Some kitchens benefit from using a Le Mans or magic corner in one location, while leaving another corner as a blind cupboard. By mixing different corner kitchen storage solutions, you can store a variety of items efficiently.
Good kitchen design is about balance, not filling every space with hardware.
Corner storage is one of those areas where seeing the options in person makes a real difference. Opening units, testing the movement, and visualising how you’d use the space day to day can quickly highlight what feels right. Find and explore different kitchen corner units and smart storage solutions that add value and increase your kitchen storage space.
If you’re planning a new kitchen and weighing up different corner cupboard solutions, taking the time to understand how each system works will help you make a confident, long-term choice. Visit our York showroom or contact our team today to discuss your needs.