How to Corner Like a Pro!

Hanging a heavy antique corner cabinet is not the most simple of tasks, struggling with the weight of solid wood and the added component of height does nothing for the nerves (not to mention the blood pressure!)

A exceptional example of an 18th century George III mahogany corner cupboard

The sight of holes drilled into the back of antique corner cabinets fills antique dealers with dread and apart from being the least elegant way to prop up a piece of fine furniture, drilling holes into cabinets is also the fastest way to reduce the value of the antique!

However, you need worry no longer, with this pro antique dealers guide of how to properly hang a corner cabinet (or corner cupboard).

Step one

Walk away from your corner cabinet (obviously ensure it is in a safe and secure place before taking this decisive action!)

Step Two

Take three lengths of wood, a hammer and the nails you were about to plunge into the back of your 200 year old antique cabinet! With these items, construct an 'A' frame to fit the corner you are preparing to hang the cabinet accross. See below image for the shape that you should be achieving.

Once you have successfully constructed your wooden 'A' frame (which doesn't need to look as attractive as the one above as it will not be seen!) take the drill you were about to massacre the cabinet with and use it instead, to drill four holes. Two holes on one side of the A and two holes in the other, which should be large enough for the screws you will be using to slot through.

Step Three

Take your newly constructed 'A' frame to the corner where you wish to hang your cabinet and make small pencil marks on the wall at the height you intend the bottom of the cabinet to sit at (normally around 1metre high). Drill holes into the wall at the four marked points and insert rawl plugs (wall plugs) into the four holes to allow the screws to be inserted.

At this point you can begin securing the 'A' frame to the wall, using the screws through the holes in the frame and into the wall. Ensure that the 'A' frame is straight and securely fastened to the wall. If you have a small child, try testing it's weight bearing ability with that (No, no don't really do that!)

Step Four

Return to your abandoned cabinet and acquire two small picture plates (similar to the one shown below). Affix these onto the top edge at the back of the corner cabinet on either side. Use small screws to attach these to the cabinet.

Step Five

With the help of a friend / willing volunteer, lift the cabinet up onto the A frame, one person should get up on a ladder and make two pencil marks through the holes of the picture plates. After this lift the cabinet back down again and use the drill to insert two rawl plugs (wall plugs) where the marks are.

Finally lift the cabinet back onto the 'A' frame and then screw a screw through each picture plate into the wall. These do not bear any weight, they simply keep the back of the cabinet flush to the wall.

The End


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Graham Smith Antiques is located in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. If you would like to see how a properly hung corner cabinet looks, then feel free to pop in and take a look at ours!