A blind left cabinet is a specific type of blind corner cabinet, commonly used in kitchen or bathroom cabinetry to maximize storage space in a corner where two cabinet runs meet.
Understanding Blind Corner Cabinets
According to the provided reference, a blind corner base cabinet is:
"a cabinet installed in a corner where two cabinet runs meet, and a portion of the cabinet is hidden by the one adjacent to it. The hidden section serves as storage without giving up space in a corner."
Essentially, these cabinets are designed to utilize the often-wasted space found in the interior corner formed by L-shaped or U-shaped cabinet layouts. Instead of leaving this corner empty or using a diagonal cabinet, a blind corner cabinet extends into the corner, with part of its depth obscured by the cabinet installed perpendicular to it.
The 'Left' in Blind Left Cabinet
The term 'left' in 'blind left cabinet' refers to the orientation of the cabinet and the hidden section.
- Access Door: When you look at a blind left cabinet from the front, the visible door (or opening) is typically located on the right side of the corner run.
- Hidden Section: The main storage depth of the cabinet extends into the corner, but the portion extending to the left (behind the adjacent cabinet) is the 'blind' or hidden part.
Think of it this way: You open a door on the right side near the corner, and inside, the cabinet box goes deep into the corner and continues left, but you can't see or easily access the far left side because the cabinet on the perpendicular wall is blocking it.
Why Choose a Blind Corner Cabinet?
Blind corner cabinets, including the 'left' configuration, offer distinct advantages:
- Maximizing Storage: They convert potentially dead corner space into usable storage.
- Seamless Design: They maintain a continuous look along the cabinet run.
Challenges and Solutions
The primary challenge with blind corner cabinets is accessibility. Reaching items stored deep within the blind section can be difficult. However, manufacturers have developed innovative solutions:
- Pull-Out Shelves: Specialized sliding shelves or trays that bring the contents of the blind section out.
- Blind Corner Organizers: Complex swing-out and pull-out mechanisms often called "magic corners" that allow nearly full access to the stored items.
These solutions significantly improve the functionality of the blind corner space.
Cabinet Corner Options Comparison
Here's a simple comparison of common corner cabinet types:
| Cabinet Type | Corner Usage | Accessibility | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Corner | Utilizes hidden space | Can be difficult (improves with organizers) | Maximizing hidden storage |
| Diagonal Corner | Uses a visible angled door | Relatively easy | Accessible storage, can feel bulky |
| Lazy Susan Corner | Uses a rotating shelf system | Easy | Pots, pans, small appliances |
| Dead Corner / Void | No cabinet in the corner interior | None | Least efficient for storage |
In summary, a blind left cabinet is a specific type of blind corner cabinet where the accessible door is on the right, and the hidden storage area extends to the left behind the perpendicular cabinet run.
