Put a Cork In It: End Your End Cabinet Woes with This Fun Functional Fix

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Here's a quick, easy and inexpensive fix if you have kitchen cabinets that stop without a finished end. You may have  a series of cabinets that run wall-to-wall, and others that stop short, leaving the end of the cabinet "box" exposed.  

The end  of this cabinet wasn't just plain — it was unfinished and in need of a creative solution.

The end  of this cabinet wasn't just plain — it was unfinished and in need of a creative solution.

There are what's known as decorator panels available; many of these are merely door panels without handles, affixed to the end of your run of cabinets. It's a nice finished look, but if you don't want to spend the money for the panel and installation, or if you're unable to find a match — just cork it.

This is a single, rectangular panel of cork that was cut to fit; the cork is also commonly found in 12"x 12" squares.

This is a single, rectangular panel of cork that was cut to fit; the cork is also commonly found in 12"x 12" squares.

Square and rectangular cork panels are available online and in many craft stores for less than $15. They're typically light or dark brown, but other colors are available. I chose the dark variety to complement my dark brown granite. While you're at it, pick up some double-sided mounting tape and one of those sharp snap-blade craft knives. 

Once you've measured the side of your cabinet, measure and mark the backside of your cork panel, then score it with your knife until you're left with the piece or pieces that will fit your space. Adhere with the mounting tape.

The cork offers an interesting new texture. I found push pins in green to match what I have going in my kitchen. Use it as a bulletin board for grocery and to-do lists, pin up the little one's latest creations, or display an ever-changing array of things that make you smile.