I've had them both.

diagonal cabs hold more... but the access to what it holds is more difficult. (ie, you are "layering" your items in there, so you have to reach behind the front items)

the right angle cab holds less... but it is easier to get to the items you have stored. (and if you have a large diameter platter, it is easier to get it in and out of the opening)

Cosmetically, I think maybe the look is considered dated, and the diagonal intrudes on the room, so the 90 degree front is a more open feel. They are especially awkward looking, IMO, if there aren't cabinets on both sides of it, as if a connector sort of style isn't connecting the 2 sides.

Functionally, a diagonal corner cabinet is deep with a smaller opening from which to access it...A bad combination. The possible downside to the right-angled cabinets are that they have door options not everyone likes...Either one door that's hinged in the center that can be a little awkward to use, or 2 doors meeting in the middle that take some careful measuring and installation to look just right. But overall, it's easier to reach and view the contents.

My opinion on the subject, anyway. Looking at the magazines is a way you can tell what you prefer before it's too late to change...So don't stop. :-)

I've had both and the diagonal cabinet does add interest but is less practical. I used a small lazy susan in the back to maximize the space. It's also harder to reach the corner under the diagonal cabinet too.

The diagonal cabinets are a great focal point if you are planning to sell. I used two of them with glass doors in a flip house last year and the house sold in 10 days primarily because of the kitchen.

I've only had the diagonal (in my old kitchen & in my mom's kitchen). Yes, it does hold quite a bit...but...if I needed something that wasn't on the bottom or in the front of the other two shelves, I had to get a chair....and I'm 5'10". I didn't have a lazy susan in it, just the shelves. My mom does have a lazy susan in hers [my dad built all the cabinets, drawers, doors, and lazy susan inserts (top & bottom) back in 1960. He and his dad did everything except pour the foundation/basement. They even helped the Mason with the brick exterior. But I digress....]

Looking at pictures I've seen (mostly here), I think the corner cut is the way to go. It not only makes it easier to get to things, at least I think it does (but...things are still as far back?), but it opens up the corner more.

If you do go w/a diagonal cabinet, then I suggest two things: Make the door a glass door w/an interior light - it opens up the corner and looks very nice
Make the counter below also a diagonal to match the angle.

We came from a 90 degree cabinet (designed by Satan himself) and now have a diagonal cabinet. No lazy susan. It's fantastic. Paper towels, cereal boxes, and everything else that doesn't fit well into the other cabinets. It's tremendously useful. The old cabinet was useless. You had to morph into Gumby in order to reach anything in the back. And since it was hollow on the right, if you pushed something too far, it would fall onto the counter. It was infuriating.

Old 90 degree:

New diagonal:

They are great for storing large things, especially big bowls, mixing bowls, salad bowls and the like. PT and cereal boxes, etc. Small things are unreachable without a lazy susan.

I'm with xand83. I went from a 90 degree corner cab with a very awkward door, to this:

One of the KDs I worked with recommended against it - said it would look "funny" unless the lower also had a diagonal profile. Yes, I need my step stool to get at the stuff in the backs, but I need the stool to get at the higher shelves anyway. But I put the things I use most frequently where they can be accessed easiest.

I have two diagonals in my kitchen. I use them to store things I don't use much; extra dishes for when we have a lot of guests, fancy serving bowls, that sort of thing. I kind of prefer the look of the 90 degree ones, but it isn't a huge difference for me.

I also have 2 diagonals, mullion (sp?) doors with glass inserts. Everyday glasses/mugs in one, with Christmas glasses waaaay in the back. and wine/champagne/margarita/martini glasses in the other, with a soup tureen and pitcher also. They hold a LOT of stuff!

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. It's been pointed out to me by more than one person since we started this remodel that I have a bit of an obsession with right angles and straight edges. That said, I'll probably end up going with the 90 degree cabinet. Although I do like the diagonals especially when they have the glass inserts.

Cooksnsews and xand83 - you both have beautiful kitchens! Thanks for posting pictures - very helpful.

I have a diagonal cab overhead and 90 degree on the bottom. Never thought about it looking funny. The diag holds a lot but I try to keep things that I don't use much at the back. There is another option for a corner--open shelves. Somebody on GW put in corner open shelves, but I can't remember who. I'll try to do a search after dinner.

I have funny looking counters too. Diagonal on top and
90 degree on the bottom.

I like it.
~boxer

I already posted, but wanted to add that my bottom cabs are 90. Only uppers diagonal. I would not want bottom diagonals, and can't recall if I've ever seen that. That would make it harder to reach the back corner of the counter, would it not? Never considered it funny looking boxerpups, just thought everyone did it like that :)

We just put in new cabinets with a 90 degree lower and a diagonal upper and I'm still in the process of putting everything back into the cabinets. I am amazed at how much that upper angle cabinet holds. It's perfect for storing the things I don't use often. I think it looks great. It never crossed my mind that it might look funny. ;)

My daughter has diagonals on the bottom and right angles on the upper cabs! Looks okay to me. I have no problem reaching the corners of the counters.

I had a diagonal upper cab once and it seemed hard to get to everything. What if they made a diagonal cabinet with a right angle shelf interior. Easier to use than the hinged bi fold door, but makes it easier to access everything.

Old thread - 2011! (*sigh*)

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Diagonal uppers are more difficult to use - they may hold more, but it's much more difficult to access what you store there. Functionally, they're not as useful.

Aesthetically, they're "in your face" when trying to work in that corner - especially if you do not also have a diagonal base cabinet!