Discuss Blind Corner Unit from Lee Valley Page 7 on IKEAFANS.com. We're Personalizing the IKEA Experience. Blind Corner Unit from Lee Valley - Post here about your modification project details or questions. Share ideas and take some away - mods are cool!.
Probably the reason the other links didn't work was because it's a dynamic url... Lee Valley probably changed the Catalog/item number so the link no longer worked. ::shrug::
If I'm understanding it correctly using the Lee Valley unit in a 36" unit is the optimum. It lets you basically attach the second leg of the corner against the second 1/2 of the 36" base cab and not lose any storage. It doesn't use all the space in the 49" corner unit, nothing really does, it's debatable whether the lazy susan system covers more area or not, though I think in plain usability the Lee Valley unit is better storage if you are storing large/tall items. I'm not really an expert of the comparison though... I think that's part of what was covered in this thread, though I certainly could be wrong.
James
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It's also really easy to find the product on the Lee Valley website by searching for "blind corner" - go figure!
RES - I'm so sorry my original explanation of the reason for installing the unit and the process involved wasn't clearer. (I'm a writing professor, so that's kind of a bad sign!) If you stick around here, you'll learn that we are all just here to share ideas about how we've dealt with idiosyncratic challenges. We're not writing for publication or trying to promote any particular products, but just want to allow others to benefit from our experiences. Inevitably, a description of an individual project might not be tailored to your exact needs. I didn't know you were coming, or I'd have done a better job, I'm sure.
In a nutshell, I installed it because I had a blind corner and couldn't use the Ikea corner cabinet, but also didn't want to devote 49" to it, which is what the Ikea blind corner unit requires. Installing a 36" cabinet was better for my particular needs, and that size makes optimum use of the lee valley shelving. I believe the Ikea 49" cab has half-moon shelving racks, which has to mean wasted space when placed in a rectangular cabinet. The LV unit uses more of the space, but the installation is probably more challenging.
You could install this in the Ikea 49" cabinet (which I think does open on either right or left) but it wouldn't fill the space. If you do order this, note that you must specify left or right. To figure out if it would be good for your application, be sure to read the LV instructions page, and call LV customer service if you want, as they are really well-informed about their products. Then you just need to brainstorm all the options you could use, which are already being addressed on the other thread you started.
thanks for the info everybody - at this point my plan is to go with side by side cabinets and put at least the first one facing backwards (it's an "L" penninsula) to open to the feet of the people sitting behind the penninsula counter.
I took some "before" shots - this was a real fixer-upper to say the least - and I'll be sure to follow up with some before and after photos, it's going to be pretty amazing.
glad to find the site, it's a great resource!
Last edited by ConfidentRES; Jan 8th, 07 at 8:47 pm.
Hi all, I'm new to the forums and wow! all the info here is incredible! I am a big fan of the Ikea kitchen systems (mostly from an installers perspective) with my favorite features being the steel hang rail, the adjustable legs and the new draw slide dampers - not necessarily in that order!
I am planning on using the 49" corner unit since it fits well dimensionally in my layout. But even before I found the Ikeafans site I realized how much space was lost in that cabinet with the stock half-moon racks and had planned on using the Lee Valley blind corner unit. The install was going to be seat-of-the-pants but now I have all your wealth of knowledge to tap!
A couple of questions for you experts that have done the install:
1) I like the efficiency of the 36" cabinet for the blind corner application but since the exposed half of the cabinet needs to be 15-18", doesn't that leave 6" or so of dead space in the corner (between the end of the cabinet and the wall) that can never be accessed? I expect the 49" cabinet with the Lee Valley unit installed will leave a foot or so of unoccupied space inside, but I was hoping that space would still
usable
- can it be used for stuff that isn't used often - or is it just plain not reachable?
2) I read thru the instructions for the Lee Valley unit that were on their site and it looks like there are adjustments to align the door. Since I didn't see it mentioned anywhere in the thread can I assume no one had any problems with attaching the door and getting it adjusted and lined up with the other cabinetry?
Doorstyle: Lidingo Doors (Kitchen/Bath), Numerar Oak (Waterlox)
We have a 49" cabinet with a Lee Valley blind unit installed. Be forewarned, the installation isn't inately difficult but the instructions are quite confusing (huge understatement).
I'm a bit groggy from cold medicine but I can answer your question about space. There definitely is "empty" space in the back of the 49" cabinet. We use this space to store larger items that we want in the kitchen but rarely access. I'd be happy to snap a few pictures of ours installed if you'd like, including the back empty space. We've had no problem accessing this area once the door is pulled out and pivoted.
Oh and we didn't have any problem with the door installation either. I'll ask Dh and see if he can remember any more details.
Gwen's right about open space in the 49", and you're right about dead space beyond a 36". The only real advantage of the 36" is you can save a few inches, which, in my floorplan, was essential. My door was a little tough to align, and I always wonder if there's something I should do differently. So it's not a totally trouble-free solution, but it is really efficient!
Kathy
No need to post the photos just for me, I'll be seeing it all live and up close in a couple of weeks. I'm just glad to hear the space is still somewhat useable and the door alignment is doable.
We'll, I'll keep you all posted on my progress! Thanks again!
I am probably missing the obvious, but I am wondering why all the installations of this unit have either the fake drawer or a drawer on top.
I guess my question is whether I'd be able to use a 36" Ikea Cabinet with just a 15"x30" door on it, so no drawer on top. Either that, or a top usable drawer, instead of just the drawer front.
Doorstyle: Lidingo Doors (Kitchen/Bath), Numerar Oak (Waterlox)
Re: Blind Corner Unit from Lee Valley
Miami - I don't see why not.
On our installation, we used a 49" cabinet (with space in the back of the cabinet for hidden storage) and a 21" wide 24" high door and 21" wide drawer.
If you used the taller full height 30" door, I believe you would merely have more height to work with on the cabinet. The installation itself should follow the same path as those of us who have used the door plus the drawer configuration.
Hope that makes sense and let us know if you have any more questions!
Gwen
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