The five layouts at a glance
Choose by room shape and users.
| Layout | Best room | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single wall | Narrow or open-plan | Simple, economical | Long walking distances |
| Galley | Long, narrow | Efficient, compact | Keep the aisle clear |
| L-shaped | Corner, medium | Good flow and counter | One awkward corner |
| U-shaped | Medium to large, squarer | Most counter and storage | Needs space; two corners |
| Island or peninsula | Wide, open plan | Seating and prep space | Needs clear space around |
The work triangle and zones
The sink, hob and fridge form a triangle, and each leg is commonly about 4 to 8 ft. Think in zones as well: storage, preparation, cooking, cleaning and serving. Avoid traffic through the triangle, because a path from the front door to the dining table that cuts across the cooking area makes the kitchen feel busy and unsafe, especially with children around the hob.
Single wall and galley
These suit narrow rooms and tight budgets. Keep a clear aisle of about 3 ft in a galley, with the sink and hob on opposite runs so cooking and washing do not collide, and add tall storage to make up for the lost counter. See small kitchen design.
L-shaped and U-shaped
These suit most medium rooms. L-shapes use a corner efficiently, and U-shapes give the most counter and storage but need a larger room and clear aisles. Plan corner hardware. See L-shaped and U-shaped kitchen design.
Islands and open plans
An island needs about 3 to 3.5 ft of clear space around it and a room wide enough to take it. In open plans, plan ventilation carefully. See open kitchen design and American kitchen design.
Choosing by room size
- Very small or narrow: single wall or galley.
- Medium, corner room: L-shaped.
- Medium to large, squarer: U-shaped.
- Wide, open plan: island or peninsula.
Test the layout before you commit
Mark the plan on the floor with tape, walk through a cooking routine and check door swings and aisle widths. Ask the planner for elevations, and check that every door, drawer and appliance door can open without hitting another. Imagine two people in the kitchen at once, and make sure the aisle still works. A layout that survives this test will survive daily use. See kitchen design services for what a good plan includes.
Layouts, ventilation and light
A layout should also work for air and light. Place the hob near an outside wall or a duct route, keep the sink near a window where you can and avoid putting tall units where they block daylight. In open-plan homes, plan a strong hood and consider a glass partition. Under-cabinet lighting helps every layout, and a layout that works at night as well as in the day is easier to live with.Layouts and budget
The cheapest layouts are single-wall and galley, because they use the least cabinet and countertop. L-shaped layouts cost a little more, and U-shapes and islands cost the most, since they need more units, corner hardware and services. Moving gas, water and drain points adds cost, so a layout that keeps the sink and hob where they are saves money. Weigh the extra cost of a larger layout against how much storage and counter you will actually use.Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the room. Single-wall and galley layouts suit narrow rooms, L-shaped layouts suit corner rooms, U-shaped layouts suit larger squarer rooms and islands suit wide, open-plan rooms. Keep the sink, hob and fridge close without crowding. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
It is the path between the sink, the hob and the fridge, and each leg is commonly about 4 to 8 ft. A short, uncluttered triangle reduces steps. Also think in zones for storage, preparation, cooking, cleaning and serving. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
L-shaped kitchens suit medium and corner rooms and cost less, while U-shaped kitchens give more counter and storage and suit larger rooms with two cooks. U-shapes need clear aisles of about 3.5 to 4 ft and good corner hardware. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the supplier before ordering.
Only if the room is wide enough for about 3 to 3.5 ft of clear space on every side. Otherwise a peninsula or a slim counter gives seating and prep space without crowding. Consider the plumbing, gas and ventilation before adding an island.
Mark the layout on the floor with tape, walk through a typical cooking routine and check aisle widths and door swings. Review the drawing with elevations and ask how storage and appliances fit before you approve. If in doubt, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Send the room size, a sketch or photo and the finish you prefer on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists the boards, hardware and fittings, so you can compare quotes from different suppliers on the same scope.