Maximize Space: Top Shelf Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

When it comes to maximizing your kitchen's storage potential, the often-overlooked upper corner cabinets can be a game-changer. These spaces, though challenging to reach, offer ample room for items you don't use daily, helping to keep your countertops clutter-free. But what should you store in these hard-to-reach areas? Let's explore some practical and organized solutions.

Before we dive in, consider investing in a corner cabinet organizer or lazy Susan. These tools make accessing your upper corner cabinets a breeze, ensuring you won't forget about the items stored there. Now, let's discuss what to store in these spaces.

Kitchen Essentials for Occasional Use

Upper corner cabinets are perfect for storing items you use infrequently but still need to keep on hand. These could include:

Specialty appliances like a bread maker, ice cream maker, or deep fryer that only see action a few times a year. Store them in the corner cabinet, and pull them out when you need them, keeping your countertops clear the rest of the time.

Seasonal Dishes and Serveware

Holiday-specific dishes, serving platters, and other serveware can take up valuable cabinet space the rest of the year. Store them in your upper corner cabinets and bring them out only when needed.

To keep these items organized, consider using stackable bins or trays. This will make it easier to access them and prevent breakage.

Large Batching and Preserving Supplies

If you're into meal prepping or preserving foods, you likely have supplies like large pots, canning jars, or dehydrators. These items can be stored in your upper corner cabinets, freeing up space in your lower cabinets for everyday use.

Use a combination of stackable bins and organizers to keep these supplies neat and easily accessible.

Non-Perishable Ingredients and Snacks

Upper corner cabinets can also serve as a pantry extension, helping to keep your lower cabinets and countertops clear. Here's what you can store:

Canned Goods and Jarred Sauces

Canned goods, jarred sauces, and other non-perishable items can be stored in your upper corner cabinets. Use a lazy Susan to make access easier and prevent these items from getting lost in the back.

Consider grouping similar items together (e.g., all canned tomatoes together) to make it easier to find what you need.

Snacks and Extras

Snacks like crackers, chips, and cookies, as well as extra pasta, rice, and other grains, can be stored in your upper corner cabinets. This keeps these items out of sight but still within reach.

Use clear, stackable bins to keep these items organized and easy to see. This will also help prevent pests from getting into your food.

Other Items to Consider

Upper corner cabinets can also be used to store items that don't necessarily belong in the kitchen but need to be kept nearby. Here are a couple of ideas:

Cleaning Supplies

Store your kitchen cleaning supplies in the upper corner cabinets. This keeps them out of sight but still within reach when you need them.

Use a caddy or bin to keep these supplies organized and prevent them from getting mixed in with your food.

Cookbooks and Recipe Cards

If you have a collection of cookbooks or recipe cards, your upper corner cabinets can be the perfect place to store them. This keeps them off your countertops and within reach when you need inspiration.

Use a bookstand or a bin with a lid to keep your cookbooks organized and dust-free.

Incorporating these ideas into your kitchen storage plan can help you make the most of your upper corner cabinets. With a little organization and the right tools, these spaces can become invaluable for keeping your kitchen tidy and well-stocked. So, start maximizing your kitchen's storage potential today!