In a Corner

While the corner may not be considered an ideal placement for most appliances, your layout may end up dictating this location. If this is the case, keep in mind that certain free-standing refrigerators may require as much as 15” of clearance on either side to ensure all items and drawers are easily accessible. Before you finalize your design, check the manufacturer’s specs for required door swing to ensure the door will fully open.

12” Deep cabinet above, right side exposed​

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The dollar signs are used to show a price comparison relative to the cost of the cabinetry and the appliances. Of course, depending on your final choices, cost will vary.

Things to know about this layout option:​
  • Proceed with extreme caution. If you have a double-door refrigerator, this option will not allow you to fully open the left door of the refrigerator. It will also limit your ability to access and remove interior drawers. If this placement is your only option, consider a single door refrigerator that swings the opposite direction of the wall.​
  • The right side of the refrigerator is exposed. Check appliance specifications to know how the side is finished. Ex.: Is it Black or Stainless?​
  • The cabinet above may be difficult to access as it is only 12” deep. It would be best used for storing items that are not frequently needed.​
  • A filler strip is necessary between the wall and cabinet above the refrigerator. It acts as a spacer to allow the cabinet door to fully open without hitting the wall.​
  • This option saves space, maximizes counter space, and is cost effective, but may create issues with fully accessing the refrigerator. Proceed with caution.​

24” Deep pantry on left and cabinet above, panel on right

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Things to know about this layout option:​
  • The pantry on the left allows for proper door clearance and provides added storage. The pantry cabinet sits back from the front of the refrigerator and may feel a bit lost in the corner. ​
  • The panel on the right is 24” deep and partially conceals the side of the refrigerator. Depending on the refrigerator you choose, you may see more than 10” of the side of the refrigerator and the door. Check appliance specifications to know how the side is finished. Ex.: Is it Black or Stainless?​
  • The cabinet above is 24” deep to align with the pantry and the panel on the right while also providing easier access to its contents and more storage space.​
  • This option minimizes potential issues with the swing of your refrigerator door and provides extra pantry storage. ​

Nearly full-depth pantry on left and cabinet above, panel on right

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Things to know about this layout option:​
  • The pantry on the left is pulled forward to 32” deep to be more prominent and create a more built-in look with the free-standing refrigerator.  During installation, the cabinet will need to be blocked in the back for support. ​
  • The deep cabinet above is pulled forward to align with the pantry. During installation, the cabinet will need to be blocked in the back for support. ​
  • The panel on the right is 32” deep, nearly covering the side of the refrigerator. Depending on the model you select, only the sides of the doors will be exposed. ​
  • This option provides the most seamless look without upgrading to a counter-depth or built-in refrigerator. ​

Counter-depth refrigerator, 24” deep pantry on left and cabinet above, panel on right

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Things to know about this layout option:​
  • Using a counter-depth refrigerator creates a more built-in look than you can achieve with a standard refrigerator. ​
  • The 24” deep pantry on the left allows for proper door clearance and provides added storage. The pantry cabinet is the same depth as the other base cabinets in the kitchen.​
  • The cabinet above is 24” deep to align with the pantry and the panel on the right while also providing easier access to its contents.​
  • The panel on the right is 24” deep, covering the side of the refrigerator. Only the sides of the doors will be exposed. ​
  • This option provides the most seamless look for a non-built in appliance. What you save in material and installation time and costs  will be spent on the upgraded appliance. ​​