The DIY That Replaces Your Kitchen Corner Cabinet Door With A Custom Look

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Every kitchen has that one feature that just never seems to work right, and for some homeowners, it's the dreaded kitchen corner cabinet. While it may blend in with the rest of your cabinetry, opening it too quickly will remind you why it's so unpopular. The stiff hinges resist, the door swings directly into your path, and you're forced into an awkward crouch just to reach the items stored in the back of the cabinet, all while fighting the door to stay open. Technically it works, but it rarely feels worth the hassle. The good news? There's a clever way to refresh your kitchen without trashing all of your outdated cabinetry: skip the door entirely and hang a curtain instead.

It may seem like an insignificant swap, but it can make a world of difference in the functionality of your kitchen. Instead of fighting bulky wooden panels, you simply pull the fabric aside and get direct access to what you need. On top of being practical, it also adds softness to a room that is traditionally dominated by harsh lines and flat surfaces. The style possibilities are truly endless: breezy linens for a farmhouse feel, a vibrant print to bring a playful touch, or textured neutrals for more bohemian-inspired decor. The best part is how easy it is to change things up whenever your mood or the seasons shift. You don't need to worry about the hassle of completely remodeling your kitchen for an entirely different look, as a quick swap of the fabric can bring an entirely different vibe. Suddenly, the corner cabinet that you used to avoid becomes one of those small yet stylish details that you want to show off.

So how do you actually pull this trick off? The secret is skipping flimsy tension rods and making a custom one using a copper pipe. It sounds intimidating, but it's surprisingly simple and far more sturdy than the alternatives. Start with a 2-foot piece of ⅜-inch copper pipe and cut it in half. Join the two pieces with a 45-degree copper fitting to create an L-shaped rod, then seal the ends with copper pipe caps to keep the curtain from sliding off. Not only is the copper durable, but it also looks stylish — bringing in the right touch of warm, industrial detail that's perfect for kitchens. 

To mount the curtain, you'll want to grab yourself a few copper pipe clamps, similar to the HoldRite ¾-inch copper two-hole strap. These have two holes provided for screws so you can mount them directly on your cabinet facings. Alternatively, you can cut a few to create a simple hook design that should hold your curtain rod in place, even when you're using it.

Another essential step of this trick is choosing the right curtains for your space. Try to follow the three times rule — get fabric that is roughly three times the width of your cabinet opening so that the panels scrunch naturally and look full. At this step, you will need to decide if your curtains should touch the floor, which may make your kitchen difficult to clean. The standard height for most base cabinet doors is about 30 inches tall, so be sure your curtain fully covers the opening but ends at the toekick.