Corner kitchen cabinet - features of models
First, it’s worth understanding what a corner pencil case is. In fact, this is a tall and narrow cabinet that is located on two walls. The nuances of the frame shape not only allow furniture to be placed most tightly in the corner of the kitchen, but also provide greater depth and spaciousness compared to linear modules.
As a rule, such a cabinet is used in small kitchens, where it allows you to smooth out sharp corners and also create a feeling of spaciousness. Also, a pencil case in the corner of the kitchen does not clutter up the area. Such a module quite often acts as part of an overall kitchen set; in some cases it is purchased and used as a separate piece of furniture.
Often, a column cabinet is used as storage for kitchen utensils, food, appliances, and other things frequently used in the kitchen. Various household appliances used in the kitchen are quite regularly built into the pencil case.
Column cabinet for a small kitchen
Having a small kitchen, we strive to constantly increase the free space. In this regard, narrow pencil cases, also called columns, have gained great popularity among housewives. Quite roomy inside and relatively narrow outside, kitchen speakers allow you to save quite a lot of free space. Thanks to their internal dimensions and the presence of shelves, they make it possible to place all the things needed in the household in the pencil case.
The main difference between column cabinets is the number of doors. They come in single-leaf and double-leaf types, and can also be equipped with lower sliding shelves.
At the moment, these pencil cases are widely used; they not only hold dishes, but also build in microwave ovens and coffee makers, as well as other types of household appliances. Columns significantly simplify not only the compact placement of dishes, but are also suitable for storing non-perishable types of food.
Types of designs of corner kitchen cabinets
Trapezoidal
It is worth considering the views of all pencil cases from a trapezoidal cabinet. This module is quite conveniently connected to other furniture elements. Often, a variety of cabinets and cabinets are placed on the sidewalls.
The main advantage of such a module is the fairly spacious internal space. But here you need to take into account that the trapezoidal pencil case occupies a large area, which limits its use in small kitchens.
Docking
The docking cabinets have a rectangular shape. The facade is made of two halves, one opens, the other is blind. The remaining parts of the kitchen set are placed at an angle of 90° to the pencil case.
Since the docking module does not have any complex structural elements, the price of a kitchen set with a docking-type corner cabinet will be less than that of its analogues.
It is also necessary to take into account some disadvantages, for example, due to the blind part of the facade, getting to the inner shelf is not very easy. Usually, rarely used items are stored behind the blind part of the panel or storage systems are used to facilitate access.
Freestanding
There are also independently standing pencil cases. They usually have a conical shape, which gives them a very original look.
This pencil case fits perfectly into a corner and requires a minimum of space. In most cases, it has several separate compartments, which can be completely closed or open.
What is the advantage of a pencil case cabinet
The advantages of pencil cases are considered to be:
- you can choose a model like a buffet with glass or closed facades;
- In the pencil case you can install retractable structures for storing things and dishes, which is very convenient for miniature kitchens;
- If desired, you can place built-in appliances there: microwave oven, refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine. If the size of the kitchen allows you to install them;
- it is convenient to hide pipes, various wires and other devices that spoil the interior of the kitchen in a pencil case;
- you can put canned food on the lower shelves, and put seasonings and cereals on the upper ones;
- It is more convenient to store sets and large household appliances in a pencil case; in addition, towels and other household items will fit there;
- If you choose a pencil case of the buffet type, then the dishes and glasses look very beautiful in it, the kitchen becomes festive and elegant.
However, such a storage system has its drawbacks: in a cramped room there will only fit 1, or maximum two, pencil cases. Although you can choose one corner. In any case, you need a work desk, so placing just pencil cases in the kitchen won’t work. Plus a sink and a stove, it turns out that you still have to buy a wall cabinet.
Important! You should not choose a pencil case without a retractable system with great depth. It’s very inconvenient when you can’t see what’s in the back of the closet. It is better to purchase small buffet-type structures, they are more convenient.
The pencil case can also be purchased separately, just similar in color and style to the kitchen set. In general, such designs are very convenient in a large kitchen, where there is somewhere to put such items. In a miniature room they will be quite bulky, with the exception of a corner pencil case or a buffet pencil case that is thin and not deep.
Functional purpose of a corner pencil case in the kitchen
Storage systems
Thanks to the use of modern storage systems, corner cabinets can accommodate a large number of different kitchen utensils, from bulky pots to containers with spices and food, as well as other items. We list the most common storage systems for kitchen cabinets.
- Rotating carousels. These are shelves that have a semicircular shape and are attached to an axial stand. This entire structure receives a rotating mechanism, thanks to which the shelf can be rotated. Most models allow a rotation angle of up to 270°. Moreover, all storage shelves are equipped with a special cutout in the shape of an angle, which allows you to freely close the doors. Each section also has a side that protects stored items from falling.
- Hinge mechanisms. This option makes it possible to pull out two sections at once. To operate such a system, you just need to pull the top shelf, it and the next one will move out of the case. Such shelves are made of plastic or metal. Permissible load up to 20 kg. At the same time, there are modifications with one mechanism, some with two, in the second case it is possible to extend the shelves separately.
- Smartcorners. Another name is “magic corner”. This is another retractable system. One, or less often a pair of shelves are mounted on the door; they are made of metal. The cabinet itself also has pull-out drawers. The shelves are connected so that when the doors are opened, they slide out one by one. As a rule, the shelves themselves can support no more than 7 kg, and the drawers inside the cabinet 18–20 kg.
Appliances
Another equipment option is the installation of various kitchen appliances. Almost all household appliances used in practice can be built in here. The choice largely depends on the needs of the housewife.
If necessary, several devices are often built into the pencil case at once. For example, this could be a microwave and coffee machine. Typically, the equipment is installed in a niche at a height of 40–80 cm.
It must be taken into account that all electrical appliances emit a certain amount of heat during operation. Therefore, you just need to make sure that some of the cabinet elements do not touch the walls, this way you can ensure the removal of heated air. The recommended gap is 50 mm. Also, the compartment of the pencil case for embedding equipment should not have a back wall.
So, are cabinets necessary in the kitchen?
For everyday dishes, a drying rack is more convenient, which can be hidden behind a cabinet above the sink. Above the desktop you can make either open shelves or a cabinet, it all depends on the features of the kitchen and the desire of the owner. You can do without them if you choose a linear set and replace cabinets with pencil cases and sideboards on both sides. The corner cabinet, although it saves space, is very deep. If you like to constantly lay out everything to find it, then you can safely take it. Just like a corner desk.
It’s only convenient if you need to put something away and not think about it again. Beautiful, but not practical. The only way to use such a design is to install a carousel storage system there, when all items are pulled out on a special stand. It turns out that pencil cases are more convenient and practical, but also not of a deep design, otherwise it will be very problematic to find something. First of all, in the kitchen, functionality and practicality of a thing are important, not visual beauty.
Types of facades
A corner kitchen with a pencil case can have a very original design; for this you need to choose the right façade. First they look at the materials.
- Natural wood.
- MDF.
- Aluminum profile.
- Glass.
- Chipboard.
You also need to take into account that the sashes can be different in shape. The following varieties are usually distinguished.
- Direct. This shape is most often found on trapezoidal cabinets.
- Radial. They are used on almost all types of pencil cases. The shape can be convex or concave.
In order for the furniture to fit optimally into the interior, you should select the external finish. The simplest option is varnishes and paints. Some types of facades are covered with plastic or PVC film; photo printing is quite popular.
If the pencil case model has a glass or mirror facade, sandblasting, laser engraving or stained glass can be used.
Types of facade opening systems
To make a kitchen with a pencil case in the corner as convenient as possible, you should choose the right facade opening system. The following types of mechanisms are distinguished.
- Swing. This mechanism is the easiest to create and operate. The door is hung on the side of the pencil case using hinges. In many cases, such pencil cases are equipped with closers. The disadvantages of this type of cabinet include the need for free space in front of the pencil case, so using such furniture in small rooms will be problematic.
- Retractable systems. Typically, these are found in cabinets equipped with a “magic corner”. The disadvantages of this type of mechanism include high cost due to the design features. Typically, ball or roller bearings are used for extension. It is recommended to install closers and limiters.
- Sliding. Rarely used on pencil cases, but still found. To open, the blade moves along the guides. Usually two doors are used, each of which is small in size. The only advantage of this design is that there is no need for free space in front of the cabinet.
