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Hardware

Hardware · corner mechanisms

The point of the mechanism is to bring the contents out of the depth of the corner

Swing shelves, sequential baskets and corner drawers each open up access to the contents differently. We look at the whole lower run of the kitchen and the mechanism's effect on neighbouring modules.

Before choosing

First we decide whether a mechanism is needed in that particular corner

Sometimes forgoing a complex corner allows the neighbouring wide drawers to grow larger and gives more convenient storage. We look at the whole lower run of the kitchen, not just the free space in the corner.

Corner cabinet with extended LeMans shelves
Each shelf comes out of the corner separately.

Swing-out shelves

LeMans

Each shaped shelf swings out and comes forward of the carcass separately. The contents are fully visible, and the user does not reach into the depth of the corner.

  • the upper and lower levels work independently
  • suits pots, dishes and small appliances
  • we check the opening side and the neighbouring front in advance
Source: manufacturer's official website
Corner cabinet with the MagicCorner mechanism fully extended
The front block clears access to the rear part.

Front and rear block

MagicCorner

The front group of shelves moves aside, and the hidden rear part moves toward the opening. This way, two storage zones become accessible along one trajectory.

  • the front part comes out of the carcass
  • the rear block moves closer to the opening
  • the mechanism requires a precise carcass and unobstructed front movement
Source: manufacturer's official website
Open Blum SPACE CORNER corner drawers with internal dividers
Corner drawers bring the contents out to the work zone.

Full-extension corner drawers

SPACE CORNER

The drawers use the corner section of the lower run and pull all the way out toward the user. The contents are visible from above, and individual levels can be organised for utensils, dishes or supplies.

  • each level opens independently
  • the contents are accessible from above without deep shelves
  • the fronts move inward as they open and do not touch neighbouring modules
Source: manufacturer's official website
Sequence of MagicCorner shelf extension
The front block clears the way for the rear part.

Technical focus

We assess the motion, not only the closed front

Closed, both solutions look like an ordinary corner cabinet. The difference shows up in motion: where the front stops, which part comes out first, and whether access to the neighbouring module remains.

That is why we coordinate the mechanism together with the handles, the plinth, the sink and the appliance layout.

What to consider

Where a corner mechanism is worthwhile, and where it is not

  • The mechanism needs a minimum opening width. In a narrow corner it either does not fit, or works with noticeable resistance.
  • The opening side is set at the design stage. It cannot be changed after assembly without replacing the mechanism.
  • Sliding-out shelves can clash with neighbouring handles, the sink and appliances: the door or shelf catches whatever is next to it.
  • The usable volume of a corner cabinet is always smaller than its external volume. Part of the space is taken up by the mechanism itself and its path of motion.
  • Heavy cast-iron cookware is a typical cause of disappointment: the shelves are designed for an even load, not for a couple of heavy items at the edge.
  • Straight drawers next to the corner sometimes give more usable space and are simpler in everyday use. A corner mechanism is worthwhile when it genuinely improves access.
Hardware Lifting mechanisms