Lazy Susan

What Is a Lazy Susan Cabinet?

A Lazy Susan cabinet is a type of storage solution commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and pantries, featuring rotating shelves that allow for easy access to items. These cabinets are typically installed in corner spaces where traditional shelving would be difficult to reach. The rotating mechanism, usually circular or semicircular, enables users to spin the shelves, bringing items from the back of the cabinet to the front with minimal effort.

Lazy Susan cabinets come in various designs, including:

• Base Corner Cabinets: Installed in lower cabinets, these Lazy Susans maximize storage in awkward corner areas.
• Wall Corner Cabinets: Mounted at eye level, providing easy access to kitchen essentials like spices or canned goods.
• Full-Round or Half-Moon Designs: Depending on the space and cabinet structure, Lazy Susans may have a full-round rotating shelf or a half-moon design for partial access.

This type of cabinet is popular for its ability to make otherwise hard-to-reach areas more functional, organizing items in a compact and user-friendly manner.

The Origins of the Lazy Susan Cabinet

The origins can be traced back to the early 18th century, though its exact inventor remains a subject of debate. The term “Lazy Susan” is often believed to have emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, with the device gaining popularity as a rotating tray for dining tables, making food more accessible to diners. Some speculate that it was named after a generic “Susan,” a common name at the time, reflecting the tray’s role as a servant substitute, as it eliminated the need for a server to pass dishes.

The concept of the rotating cabinet for kitchen storage evolved later, taking inspiration from these early dining trays. By incorporating rotating shelves into corner cabinets, this transformed awkward kitchen spaces into highly efficient storage solutions, making it an essential feature in modern kitchens. Its popularity grew in the mid-20th century as kitchen design focused increasingly on maximizing both space and convenience. Today, Lazy Susan cabinets are a standard fixture in homes, prized for their practicality and clever design.

Where Do Lazy Susans Get Their Name?

The name “Lazy Susan” is thought to have originated in the early 20th century, though its exact origin remains unclear and somewhat mysterious. There are a few popular theories about where the name comes from:

1. Servant Replacement Theory: One theory suggests that “Lazy Susan” referred to a rotating tray used on dining tables, designed to eliminate the need for a servant to pass dishes. As domestic help became less common in middle-class households in the early 1900s, this convenient device allowed people to easily access food without assistance. The “lazy” part of the name might have implied that the tray could do the work of a lazy or absent servant.
2. Generic Name Usage: Another theory is that “Susan” was simply a common name at the time, chosen arbitrarily for the device. The term “Lazy” could have been added as a playful or colloquial way to describe its ease of use, as the rotating mechanism allows items to be effortlessly accessed without much effort.
3. Thomas Jefferson Theory: A less substantiated but often-cited theory claims that Thomas Jefferson may have invented an early version of the Lazy Susan for his own use, naming it after one of his daughters, though there is little historical evidence to confirm this.

Despite the unclear origins, the term “Lazy Susan” became widely associated with rotating trays and cabinets in the 20th century, and it has since become a staple of kitchen design.

Advantages of a Lazy Susan Corner Cabinet

A Lazy Susan corner cabinet offers several advantages, making it a popular choice in modern kitchens and storage spaces:

• Maximizes Storage Space – Corner spaces in kitchens can be difficult to utilize efficiently with traditional shelving. A Lazy Susan cabinet optimizes these awkward areas by using rotating shelves, allowing the entire corner to be used for storage.
• Easy Accessibility – The rotating mechanism brings items from the back of the cabinet to the front with a simple spin. This makes it easy to access everything stored in the cabinet, even in hard-to-reach corners.
• Improves Organization – Lazy Susan cabinets help keep items organized and visible. You can store items like spices, pots, pans, or cleaning supplies in a neat and organized manner, avoiding clutter.
• Reduces Waste – Items in the back of standard cabinets can often be forgotten and left unused. You can easily rotate the shelves to see and access everything, reducing the chance of items expiring or going to waste.
• Versatile Storage Options – Lazy Susan cabinets come in a variety of designs (full-round, half-moon, kidney-shaped, etc.) to fit different types of corners and accommodate a wide range of items, from small jars to larger kitchen tools.
• Enhances Ergonomics – Instead of bending, reaching, or kneeling to find items in deep corners, this cabinet lets you access everything without straining, improving overall kitchen ergonomics.
• Customizable Designs – Many Lazy Susan cabinets can be customized with adjustable shelving and various materials to fit different kitchen styles and needs, making them adaptable to various design preferences.

These advantages make Lazy Susan corner cabinets a highly functional and user-friendly option for any kitchen, bathroom, or pantry.

Most Common Types of Lazy Susans

Lazy Susans come in several designs, each tailored to different cabinet types and storage needs. The most common types include:

1. Full-Round Lazy Susan

• Design: A complete circular tray that rotates 360 degrees.
• Use: Ideal for base or wall corner cabinets, providing full access to items in the entire cabinet.
• Advantages: Maximizes storage in both upper and lower cabinets, commonly used for pantry items, spices, and smaller kitchen supplies.

2. Half-Moon Lazy Susan

• Design: Semi-circular trays that swing out when the cabinet door is opened.
• Use: Typically used in corner cabinets where space is limited or where a full-round design isn’t feasible.
• Advantages: Great for cabinets with doors that open to the side, allowing for partial but still efficient access to stored items.

3. Kidney-Shaped Lazy Susan

• Design: Designed for L-shaped or angled corner cabinets, these trays have a cutout to allow clearance for the cabinet door and hardware.
• Use: Common in base corner cabinets, offering smooth rotation with easy access to items.
• Advantages: Provides more surface area than half-moon designs while accommodating irregular cabinet shapes.

4. D-Shaped Lazy Susan

• Design: The D-shape is flat on one side and rounded on the other.
• Use: Often used in wall-mounted cabinets or pantry spaces, with the flat side positioned against the cabinet door.
• Advantages: The flat edge allows for easy alignment with cabinet doors, making it a good choice for upper cabinets.

5. Pull-Out Lazy Susan

• Design: Combines the Lazy Susan’s rotating feature with pull-out shelves that extend from the cabinet.
• Use: Suitable for both base and wall cabinets, these are great for those who want the extra convenience of pulling out shelves as well as rotating them.
• Advantages: Offers maximum accessibility and flexibility, allowing users to both rotate and pull out the shelves for better reach.

6. Double-Decker Lazy Susan

• Design: Features two rotating trays, stacked one above the other.
• Use: Frequently used in deeper corner cabinets to provide more vertical storage space.
• Advantages: Doubles the storage capacity within the same footprint, making it a perfect solution for small kitchens or spaces requiring more efficient storage.

Each of these types of Lazy Susans serves specific needs based on the layout of the cabinet and the items being stored, allowing homeowners to choose the best design for their space.

What Sizes Do Cabinet Lazy Susans Come in?

Lazy Susan cabinets come in a variety of sizes to fit different cabinet dimensions and storage needs. The size of a Lazy Susan is typically determined by the diameter of the rotating shelf, and it’s important to select the right size for your cabinet space. Here are the most common sizes for cabinet Lazy Susans:

1. Full-Round Lazy Susan

• Sizes: Typically available in diameters of 18 inches, 24 inches, 28 inches, and 32 inches.
• Use: These are commonly used in corner base or wall cabinets, with the size depending on the depth and width of the cabinet.

2. Half-Moon Lazy Susan

• Sizes: Usually available in widths of 16 inches, 18 inches, or 20 inches, and can be up to 30 inches long.
• Use: Designed for cabinets where a full-round Lazy Susan isn’t feasible, the size varies depending on the cabinet’s dimensions.

3. Kidney-Shaped Lazy Susan

• Sizes: Available in diameters ranging from 24 inches to 32 inches, with some customizable options based on the corner cabinet size.
• Use: These are often used in L-shaped corner cabinets, and the size is chosen to maximize the cabinet’s internal space.

4. D-Shaped Lazy Susan

Sizes: Typically comes in diameters of 20 inches, 22 inches, 28 inches, and 32 inches.
Use: Ideal for wall or pantry cabinets where the flat side can align with the door. Sizes vary depending on the height and depth of the cabinet.

5. Pull-Out Lazy Susan

• Sizes: Available in various widths ranging from 14 inches to 24 inches, with lengths of up to 30 inches.
• Use: These come in different sizes to fit both standard and deep cabinets, offering a mix of rotating and pull-out functions.

6. Double-Decker Lazy Susan

• Sizes: Available in similar diameters to the full-round or kidney-shaped options, ranging from 18 inches to 32 inches.
• Use: This two-tiered design is often customizable to match the height and depth of base or wall cabinets.

Considerations When Choosing the Size:

• Cabinet Dimensions: Measure the internal width, depth, and height of the cabinet to ensure the Lazy Susan fits and rotates freely.
• Space for Rotation: Ensure that the Lazy Susan has enough clearance from the cabinet walls and door hinges to rotate smoothly.
• Number of Shelves: Some Lazy Susans have one rotating shelf, while others have two or more, so make sure the height of the shelves matches the items you plan to store.

Choosing the right size Lazy Susan ensures optimal use of your cabinet space and keeps items easily accessible.

Where Can I Put My Lazy Susan?

A versatile storage solution that can be installed in various parts of your home. Here are some common locations where you can place a Lazy Susan to maximize convenience and organization:

1. Kitchen Corner Cabinets
Base Corner Cabinets: One of the most popular places for a Lazy Susan is the base corner cabinet in a kitchen. These cabinets often have awkward, hard-to-reach spaces, and a Lazy Susan helps maximize storage while making items more accessible.
Upper Corner Cabinets: Lazy Susans can also be installed in upper corner cabinets to store smaller items like spices, canned goods, or baking supplies, allowing you to easily spin and reach everything.

2. Pantry
A Lazy Susan can be used in pantries, especially deep shelves or corner sections, where items can easily get lost. Installing a Lazy Susan in your pantry helps you access food items like jars, cans, or spices without having to dig through cluttered shelves.

3. Bathroom Cabinets
Lazy Susans are great for organizing bathroom essentials like toiletries, hair products, or cleaning supplies. They work well in both under-sink cabinets and bathroom closets, helping you keep everything neatly organized and within easy reach.

4. Laundry Room
In laundry rooms, a Lazy Susan can help organize cleaning products, detergents, and other supplies in cabinets or on shelves. This makes it easier to find and grab what you need quickly when doing laundry.

5. Closets
A Lazy Susan can be used in closets, particularly for organizing accessories like shoes, hats, or bags on rotating shelves. This setup allows you to make the most of corner spaces or awkward shelving areas.

6. Office or Craft Room
In an office or craft room, a Lazy Susan can keep office supplies, art materials, or crafting tools organized on a desk or in a cabinet. It’s a great way to store small items that can easily get lost in drawers.

7. Dining Table or Countertop
Traditionally, Lazy Susans are also used on dining tables or kitchen countertops for serving food or storing frequently used condiments like sauces, oils, or seasonings. This allows everyone at the table to reach what they need easily.

By placing a Lazy Susan in these locations, you can increase the functionality and organization of different spaces in your home, keeping things tidy and easy to access.

Maximize Storage and Efficiency

A Lazy Susan cabinet is an essential storage solution for modern kitchens, bathrooms, and pantries. Its rotating shelves provide easy access to items stored in hard-to-reach corners, helping maximize storage space and keep everything organized. Lazy Susans come in various designs, including full-round, half-moon, kidney-shaped, and pull-out options, making them versatile and functional for different cabinet types. The advantages include better use of corner spaces, improved accessibility, reduced waste, and customizable designs. They are available in a range of sizes to fit different cabinets, from base corner units to upper pantry shelves. Can be installed in various areas of the home, including kitchen corner cabinets, pantries, bathroom cabinets, and even office or craft rooms. Luxehome Construction offers expert installation and remodeling services to help homeowners make the most of their storage spaces. Contact Luxehome Construction today to discuss how a Lazy Susan can enhance your home’s functionality and organization.

Maximize Your Storage Potential with Luxehome Construction

If you’re ready to make the most of your storage spaces with ease and efficiency, consider Lazy Susans. At Luxehome Construction, we specialize in transforming your cabinets into organized, easily accessible, and highly functional areas. Contact us today to discuss how we can optimize your kitchen or home remodeling project!