When designing your dream kitchen, corners often present a unique challenge. Maximizing every inch of space is key, and the idea of wasted or unusable areas can be frustrating.
While the classic lazy susan has long been the go-to solution, it’s not the only option—and certainly not always the best one. If you’re looking for a lazy susan alternative that’s more efficient, stylish, and tailored to your needs, you’re in the right place.
Below, we explore some of the most popular and practical corner cabinet lazy susan alternatives to help you maximize every inch of your kitchen.
Why Look for Lazy Susan Alternatives?
While lazy susans provide easy access to hard-to-reach spaces, they aren’t ideal for every homeowner. Some common complaints include:
- Wasted space: The circular shelves often leave gaps.
- Limited storage: Not all items fit well on rotating platforms.
- Durability issues: Moving parts can wear out over time.
Design limitations: Not every kitchen aesthetic benefits from a visible rotating shelf.
Luckily, there are lazy susan alternatives that offer smarter storage, sleeker designs, and better long-term functionality.
1. Blind Corner
One alternative to a lazy susan is a blind corner cabinet. This cabinet extends into the corner of a kitchen layout, typically with only part of the cabinet accessible from one side. The rest of the cabinet space is tucked away or “blind” to the user—hence the name. Unlike a lazy susan, it does not have a diagonal door, but has a door that lines up with the rest of the cabinet bank.
The blind corner solves a fundamental kitchen layout issue: how to maximize storage in corners, which are notoriously difficult to access efficiently. One of the best alternatives to a lazy susan is installing blind corner pull-out shelves or trays. These cleverly engineered shelves pull out completely, bringing the contents of your cabinet into full view.
Pros of Blind Corners
- Efficient use of the corner and no dead space
- More layout flexibility compared to full corner cabinets
- Often more affordable than corner carousel or lazy Susan cabinets
Cons of Blind Corners
- Reduced accessibility to the “blind” portion
- Requires more strategic organization or accessories to be user-friendly
2. Corner Drawers
Corner drawers are an innovative and stylish lazy susan alternative. Designed with a unique angled structure that maximizes your space, these deep drawers pull out diagonally, providing surprisingly large storage space.
Pros of Corner Drawers
- Full Accessibility: Deep, angled drawers pull out completely, allowing full access without blind spots.
- Maximized Storage: Makes better use of interior space than most Lazy Susans.
- Organized Layout: Great for storing pots, pans, and bulky items with optional dividers.
- Sleek Aesthetic: Seamless, modern look that blends well with contemporary or transitional kitchens.
- Durable Design: No internal spinning mechanisms means fewer parts to wear out over time.
Cons of Corner Drawers
- Higher Cost: Typically more expensive than Lazy Susans due to specialized construction.
- Not Always Available: Less common in some RTA cabinet lines and may require customization.
- Requires Clearance: Needs more space in front of the cabinet to open drawers fully.
- Trickier Installation: More complex to install correctly, especially for DIYers.
3. Corner Cabinet with Swing-Out Shelving Systems
A swing-out corner cabinet uses a traditional corner cabinet, like the lazy susan, but offers even greater flexibility. As you open the cabinet door, the attached shelves swing outward and toward you making everything readily accessible.
Pros of Corner Cabinets with Swing-Out Shelf Systems
- Improved Accessibility: Shelves swing out toward you, making it easy to reach items stored deep in the corner.
- Maximized Storage: Makes full use of the corner space by bringing the contents into the open.
- User-Friendly: Great for storing pots, pans, small appliances, or pantry items—everything stays visible and organized.
- Smooth Operation: High-quality systems glide easily and operate intuitively, often with soft-close or self-retracting features.
- Retrofit-Friendly: Many swing-out shelf kits can be added to existing blind corner or standard cabinets, offering flexibility.
Cons of Corner Cabinets with Swing-Out Shelf Systems
- Higher Price Point: More expensive than standard shelves or Lazy Susan units due to specialty hardware.
- Space Requirements: Requires open clearance in front of the cabinet to allow shelves to swing out fully.
- Installation Complexity: Typically more challenging to install than fixed shelves or standard lazy susans.
- Weight Limits: May have load restrictions depending on the mechanism—can’t always handle heavier kitchen items.
4. Open Corner Shelves
Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. Open shelving in corners offers easy access without complicated hardware.
Pros of Open Corner Shelves
- Budget-Friendly: Typically less expensive than cabinet-based corner solutions.
- Easy Access: Everything is fully visible and reachable—no doors or mechanisms to work around.
- Visually Airy: Opens up the space and makes kitchens feel larger, especially in smaller layouts.
- Decorative Appeal: Great for displaying dishes, glassware, or decor, adding personality to the kitchen.
- Simple Installation: Easier to install than swing-out systems or custom corner cabinets.
Cons of Open Corner Shelves
- Limited Storage: Less overall capacity and security compared to enclosed cabinets.
- No Concealment: Items are always on display, which requires neatness and consistent organization.
- Dust & Grease Exposure: Open shelves collect dust more quickly and are exposed to cooking residues.
- Style-Specific: Best suited for modern, farmhouse, or minimalist aesthetics—may not align with all design preferences.
5. Appliance Garages
Transform a kitchen corner cabinet into an appliance garage—a hidden storage space for small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders.
Pros of Appliance Garages in a Corner Cabinet
- Clutter-Free Counters: Keeps small appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers hidden but easily accessible.
- Smart Use of Corner Space: Tucks into an often underutilized area, making the most of corner real estate.
- Streamlined Aesthetic: Helps maintain clean lines and a polished, minimalist look in the kitchen.
Cons of Appliance Garages in a Corner Cabinet
- Reduced Storage Flexibility: Primarily suited for small appliance housing—less versatile than other corner cabinet options.
- Installation Complexity: Needs precise measuring and alignment, especially with retractable or sliding doors.
6. Corner Sinks
Corner sinks are a clever solution for maximizing counter space while creating a unique focal point in the kitchen. Positioned at the junction of two perpendicular countertops, corner sinks can open up a room and make the most of an otherwise awkward area.
Pros of Corner Sinks
- Space Saver: Utilizes dead corner space, freeing up linear countertop areas for food prep or appliances.
- Unique Layout: Offers a distinctive design element that can make the kitchen feel more open and customized.
- Ergonomic Flow: Can create a more efficient work triangle when paired with adjacent dishwasher and prep zones.
- Natural Light Boost: Ideal for corner windows—allows natural light above the sink and adds visual interest.
- Cabinet Options: Compatible with specialized corner sink base cabinets that are available in some RTA lines.
Cons of Corner Sinks
- Reduced Storage Below: Cabinet space underneath is often awkward and limited due to plumbing and sink depth.
- Tricky Installation: Plumbing requires more careful planning and longer pipe runs, which can increase labor costs.
- Countertop Limitations: Can complicate countertop layout and require custom-cut surfaces, especially with stone.
- Not Ideal for Small Kitchens: May take up too much corner depth in compact layouts, limiting other cabinet options.
7. Corner Ovens
Corner ovens offer a space-saving, custom solution in kitchen layouts where traditional oven placement isn’t ideal. Positioned diagonally across a corner, this layout can create a dramatic centerpiece while freeing up adjacent wall space.
Pros of Corner Ovens
- Efficient Layout Use: Makes use of underutilized corner space while opening up linear cabinet runs.
- Striking Design Element: Creates a bold, built-in look that can serve as a visual anchor for the kitchen.
- Surround Storage Options: Cabinets can be built around or above the oven for additional storage efficiency.
- Traffic Flow Optimization: Keeps cooking activity slightly removed from main walkways, enhancing kitchen ergonomics.
- Multi-Oven Compatible: Works well for configurations with double ovens or built-in microwave combos.
Cons of Corner Ovens
- Ventilation Challenges: Proper venting (especially for wall ovens) can be harder to route in a corner space.
- Harder to Retrofit: Not ideal for kitchen remodels unless starting from scratch—requires major reworking of layout.
- Depth & Reach Issues: Corner angle may make it harder to access oven controls or retrieve heavy dishes safely.
Choosing the Best Alternative for Your Kitchen
When selecting the right lazy susan alternative, consider:
- What you need to store: Heavy items vs. small pantry goods
- How often you access items: Daily use vs. occasional
- Your kitchen style: Traditional, modern, farmhouse, etc.
- Budget and installation complexity: DIY-friendly vs. professional installation
With free kitchen design services from RTA Cabinet Store, you don’t have to navigate this decision alone. Our expert designers can help you find the best solution based on your kitchen layout and personal preferences.