How to Install a Blind Corner Base Cabinet – Step-by-Step Guide
What Is a Blind Corner Base Cabinet?
Blind corner base cabinets are an innovative solution for maximizing kitchen space that would otherwise go unused. In this guide, you'll learn how to install a blind corner cabinet step-by-step, from measuring to mounting, whether you're remodeling or starting fresh.
What Is the Blind Cabinet Pull?
When installing a Blind Base Corner Cabinet there is a minimum and maximum “pull” that is required. The blind cabinet is “pulled” a certain number of inches from the wall to create proper clearance for the door and drawer to open without interfering with the adjacent cabinet.
The pull is measured from the wall to the opposite edge of the blind corner base. The number of inches left over between the wall and the cabinet is known as dead space. The need to pull a blind base cabinet from the wall is what makes it unique in how it functions, since no other cabinet type requires this.
In addition, a 3” or 6” filler is required to join an adjacent cabinet to the blind corner base, which is sold separately. This filler is joined to what is called the stile of the blind base cabinet. The stile is a built in filler that extends beyond the door and drawer in the direction of the open blind side. The cabinet is also reversible, which allows the door and drawer to be installed on the left or the right side of the blind corner base cabinet.
In the aerial view below, you will see an example of a blind base installed and labeled with what is required for it to function properly. Here we have shown both the minimum and maximum pulls for the BBC36 from the Allie Nicole Collection.
Minimum vs Maximum Pull
Keep in mind that, upon installation, part of the stile will be visible. The amount that is visible depends solely on how far the blind base cabinet is pulled from the wall. See below a visual of how much stile will be seen based on the respective minimum and maximum pulls applied. If the blind base is installed at minimum pull, you will see less of the stile. Alternatively, if it is installed at maximum pull, you will see more of the stile. For this example, we used the Allie Nicole BBC42 blind base.
Blind Corner Base Cabinet Installation by Collection
All blind corner base cabinets vary in size and pull requirement. For this reason, we have broken down Prime Cabinetry’s requirements and sizes by collection.
Allie Nicole Collection
The Allie Nicole Collection offers two sizes of blind base cabinets. In the chart below, you will find the details of both including the box size, minimum and maximum pull requirements, dead space measurements, and the size of the stile between the functional side and blind side of the cabinet.
Breanna Madison Collection
The Breanna Madison collection is our Frameless or European cabinet collection. The blind bases available in these lines consist of five different sizes and full height doors. In the chart below you will find the details of each, including the box size, minimum and maximum pull requirements, and dead space measurements. You will notice there is no stile measurement column for the frameless blind base cabinets. This is because the blind side is not left open like the framed cabinets, so a stile is not needed.
Bella Rain Collection
The Bella Rain collection offers two sizes of blind base cabinets. In the chart below you will find the details of both, including the box size, minimum and maximum pull requirements, dead space measurements, and the size of the stile between the functional side and blind side of the cabinet.
Luna Collection
The Luna collection offers two sizes of blind base cabinets. In the chart below you will find the details of both, including the box size, minimum and maximum pull requirements, dead space measurements, and the size of the stile between the functional side and blind side of the cabinet.
Veyla Rose Collection
The Veyla Rose collection is our semi-custom cabinet line. Unlike the options in our stock cabinet lines, this collection offers two types of blind base cabinets - standard base corner and base corner with built in clearance.
In the chart below you will find the details of each standard base corner, including the box size, minimum and maximum pull requirements, dead space measurements, and the size of the stile between the functional side and blind side of the cabinet.
In this chart you will find the same measurements for the base corner with built in clearance. This is a more unique blind base in that there is no minimum or maximum pull required for it to function. This means no dead space is left over when using the built in clearance blind base, and the cabinet is installed against the wall.
In the images below you will see examples of blind bases with built-in clearance installed and what is required for them to function properly. You will also see how “pull” and dead space are not required for the BCX blind cabinets from the Veyla Rose Collection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Kitchen
A common oversight when designing a kitchen with a blind corner cabinet is failing to account for its accessibility and functionality. Many people choose the least expensive option, a simple shelf, without considering the difficulty of reaching items stored in the back. This often leads to the cabinet becoming a "black hole" of forgotten gadgets and cookware. Instead, utilize deep kitchen drawers and cabinet accessories. Looking for premium cabinet accessories? Explore our collection of range hoods, floating shelves, liners, and blowers.
Another mistake is not measuring the cabinet's interior dimensions and the swing of the door, which can lead to poorly fitting pull-out solutions or a door that bangs into an adjacent appliance handle.
It's also easy to forget that the blind corner cabinet door is typically wider than a standard cabinet door, which can create a pinch point in a busy kitchen layout. Planning for these details can prevent a beautiful new kitchen from having a frustrating, inefficient corner.
Blind Corner Cabinet Dimensions and Clearance Requirements
Blind corner cabinets are designed to fit into a corner while leaving a portion of the cabinet "blind" or hidden behind an adjacent cabinet run. The size of the cabinet itself and the clearance required for proper functioning are critical for a successful installation. Here is a table outlining some standard dimensions and essential clearance requirements to consider.
- Occupied Wall Space: This measurement is from the corner to the outside edge of the cabinet. It's often larger than the cabinet's nominal width because the cabinet must be "pulled" away from the wall to allow the door to open without hitting the adjacent cabinet or its hardware.
- Door and Drawer Clearance: When installing a blind corner cabinet, it is often recommended to use a filler strip (usually 1.5 to 3 inches) to ensure that the door and drawer hardware on perpendicular cabinetry can open without obstruction.
- Cabinet Depth: The standard depth for a base cabinet is 24 inches to accommodate the countertop.
- Cabinet Height: The standard height for a base cabinet is 34.5 inches, which allows for a 1.5-inch countertop to bring the total height to the standard 36 inches.
Overall, a blind corner base cabinet is a great solution for many kitchen layouts no matter the size. These cabinets are budget friendly and provide an alternative to a lazy susan corner cabinet or base easy reach. Start your Free Kitchen Design today with Prime Cabinetry and see if the blind base cabinet is the solution, you are looking for.
Do you need help selecting the right blind corner cabinet? Reach out to our design experts for invaluable assistance.
