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Small square kitchen design layout


20 ideas to maximize that small space |

The best small kitchen layouts are crucial to getting the most out of a room with less space than you’d like. Planning a small kitchen layout can be tricky, as finding the best layout can make or break a compact kitchen. 

Our kitchen ideas guide to small kitchen layout ideas covers all the bases to help you reach the full potential of your kitchen.

While you might think options can be limited for small kitchen ideas, these smaller spaces often turn out to be far more ergonomically efficient. 

No traipsing miles to gather ingredients, or circumnavigating a monolithic island unit to reach the sink. When space is tight, everything is meticulously placed for convenience and is exactly where you need it.

Best small kitchen layouts

When thinking about how to plan a small kitchen layout, it's best to make a list of your ‘must-haves’, particularly in terms of appliances, as they can swallow up a lot of storage space.  

Take time to think about how you cook, who else needs access to the kitchen, even if it’s just the fridge, and where the dining table is in relation to the dishwasher.

Do seek advice from a professional kitchen designer. They are trained in spatial design and the latest space-saving innovations, and can often suggest ways to get more in to kitchen layouts without overcrowding.

1. Maximize natural light to make a galley feel bigger

(Image credit: Emily J Followill/Beth Webb Interiors)

While it’s a highly sensible layout choice for a long, thin space, double galley kitchens have a reputation for feeling dark and pokey. To help make them feel bigger, be sure to maximize the room’s potential for natural light. 

If it’s architecturally possible, maximizing window space at one end of the galley will do wonders for the sense of space in the room. In this small but breathtaking space by designer Beth Webb , the kitchen of a South Carolina hunting lodge is made to feel light and breezy through the use of floor-to-ceiling windows, helped by the positioning of another window on the perpendicular wall.  

2. Open shelving and glass cabinets help create depth

(Image credit: Ward & Co./Taran Wilkhu)

While closed cabinetry is perfect for keeping kitchens feeling neat and tidy, too much of it on the top half of the elevations is likely to make a small kitchen feel smaller – you’re effectively extending the solid wall outwards into the room. 

To combat this, keep solid cabinetry to the lower half of the kitchen, and break up the higher levels with open kitchen shelving ideas and glass-fronted cupboards. In this apartment kitchen by London designers Ward & Co. , open cabinetry is used exclusively above the worktops, allowing for a greater sense of depth in those areas.  

3. Make the most of space with a double galley

(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)

The only layout more spatially efficient than a single galley, is a double galley. 

'Double galley kitchens are practical because they efficiently utilise both sides of a narrow space, offering more storage for small kitchens,’ explains Pluck ’s co-founder George Glasier.

George also explains how this small kitchen layout can make a small kitchen look bigger: ‘As the cabinetry doesn’t meet at the room’s corners, they eliminate the awkward-to-reach corner cupboard debate. Visually they provide symmetry and therefore balance to the space, which can help make a small kitchen appear bigger.'

4. Try a moveable option

(Image credit: Luke White)

When space is tight, an island unit can become more of an obstacle than asset.

In this 3.6m wide kitchen, interior designer Robert Rhodes felt a permanent island, even a narrow one, would have made the space on either side feel small and compromised. Instead, a freestanding vintage table provides extra prep space when needed and can be moved out of the way when entertaining.

‘Going for a freestanding piece can prove much more flexible and also offers a more relaxed, laidback look than fitted units,’ says Robert.

5. Undulate worktops and cabinetry to make the most of space 

(Image credit: Barbara Sallick/William Abranowicz)

If you’re keen to eek out every bit of floor space you can, remember that worktops and cabinetry do not have to be at the same depth the whole way around the kitchen.  

In this kitchen owned and designed by Waterworks Co-Founder Barbara Sallick, the worktop to the left hand side includes a small inlet opposite the island, between deeper areas that facilitate corner cupboards and a tall glass cabinet. This makes the most of walking space where those few inches of storage space aren’t necessary. 

6. Get creative with awkward nooks

(Image credit: Adam Macchia)

If you’ve inherited a kitchen where architectural features are an obstacle to making the most of the space, it’s time to get creative. 

In this apartment kitchen owned by furniture expert Christine Retlev, a window with a low bottom edge makes it difficult to extend the worktop all the way to the end wall. Instead, Retlev installed a lower countertop, and turned the awkward nook into a seating area, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee alongside views of Manhattan.  

7. Add an island

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

Kitchen islands can have so many uses, whether it's for storage, extra worktop surface or for sitting.

By incorporating breakfast bar ideas into the design of your kitchen, you're making the space go further with the addition of a handy spot to eat and drink. And it takes up less room than a clunky kitchen table.

(Image credit: Luke Edward Hall)

A single galley layout, with the entire kitchen on one elevation, is inspired by the confines of a ship’s galley, where every inch counts.

This striking cobalt kitchen belonging to artist and interior designer Luke Edward Hall is in an open-plan room that also accommodates dining and relaxing. Fortunately, the ceiling is high, so Luke could maximize his small kitchen storage options with wall cabinets, without overpowering the room.

‘You can see the kitchen from the sofa,’ says Luke. ‘Although I like to have fresh produce and ceramics on display, it is nice for us to be able to put things away.’

9. Consider U-shape solutions

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

If you have to cram a lot of units into a very small space, a U-shape layout is often the best bet. The downside of two corners is compensated by extra cupboard space on the end wall.

‘The key to compact U-shaped kitchens is using every inch to your advantage. Use Le Mans units inside corner cupboards. They’ll bring the contents out to you,’ says Hayley Robson, creative director, Day True .

‘Take the kitchen cabinets as close to the ceiling as possible. Not only does this look extremely elegant but it also maximises storage more than you would think.’

10. Choose to hide it away

(Image credit: Photography/Anna Stathaki.)

Combining kitchen, living and dining in one room is a common scenario in small apartments.

For this luxury space in Knightsbridge, interior designer Kia Stanford has conceived a hidden kitchen that conceals the more practical side of cooking when the owners are relaxing. ‘The trick is to select materials and finishes more typically associated with living room furniture,’ says Kia.

Here, tall pocket doors shut away the small appliances and boiling water tap. Don’t be fooled by first appearances, this hidden kitchen is fully equipped for cooking up a storm.

11. Add a narrow island

(Image credit: Future Plc and Serena Fokschaner)

The width of floor space around an island is arguably more important than the width of the island itself. Aim for at least 90-100cm clear walkway around an island’s full perimeter.

‘It is essential not to make an island’s dimensions too big, as it may restrict movement around the kitchen,’ explains Ben Burbidge, managing director, Burbidge & Son.

An island unit should be at least one cabinet deep (60cm) to provide useful storage underneath, a little wider will be useful for spreading out when prepping on the surface.

12. Use clear walls

(Image credit: Plain English)

Leaving walls free from cabinetry can make a huge impact to the sense of space in a small kitchen. This only works if you have sufficient storage space elsewhere, such as a walk-in pantry.

Open shelving is less burdensome than solid wall cabinets, but even they create a degree of visual ‘noise’, so if it’s simplicity you are seeking, better to go without.

Here, Plain English has packed storage into both sides of the peninsula, leaving the walls blissfully empty, bar a simple cooker hood.

13. Try a breakfast bar

(Image credit: Rachael Smith)

Perfect for casual meals, a quick coffee or chatting to friends while you cook – all without losing prep space – breakfast bars are hugely practical.

‘Don’t assume it isn’t possible to squeeze a breakfast bar into a small kitchen. What a table-style design lacks in storage, it more than makes up for in creating a feeling of lightness and space,’ says Fabiana Scavolini, CEO of Scavolini .

‘This style of breakfast bar is less obtrusive than a standard peninsula with base units and it opens up the space by showing more of the floor.’

Don't forget to think about lighting ideas for small kitchens , too, so your breakfast bar can stand out in all its glory.

14. Hide everything behind sliding doors

(Image credit: Life Kitchens)

For small apartments, open-plan living and teeny-weeny floor plans, consider the option to conceal a one-wall, narrow kitchen from view with sliding doors. A single bank of floor-to-ceiling units (kitted out with storage, cooking, sink, the lot) can magically disappear when not in use thanks to fully retractable doors. The result is an uninterrupted wall finish, which, depending on your door choice, will add an extra dash of color and texture to a small space.

‘The most prevalent demand on modern properties is space,’ explains Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design at Life Kitchens . ‘Ever shrinking footprints mean that rooms are now multifunctional; combining living, dining and cooking into one space is fast becoming the norm. Life’s Hidden Kitchen provides everything needed with areas for preparation, cooking and storage. Essentials such as a fridge-freezer, oven and dishwasher are all included in this slim profile kitchen and with sliding, bifold doors, you can seamlessly hide it all away, leaving behind a statement, paneled wall feature. ’

15. Add reflective surfaces

(Image credit: Tile Club)

Glossy door fronts, transparent glass shelving and metallic appliances will all take advantage of natural daylight and help make a small kitchen layout feel roomier by bouncing any available light around the space.

‘One of my best tips for a small kitchen is to utilize mirrors within your space – they can make a small space seem much larger than it actually is,’ says Zara O’Hare, internal interior design consultant at Land of Rugs . ‘Any natural light flowing through the space can be bounced back through different areas, making it seem lighter and more airy. I would place mirrors opposite areas where natural light comes through into the space, so windows and doors are your main opportunity.’

These bevelled, antique mirror glass subway tiles will help open up a small kitchen layout.

16. Install hidden light sources

(Image credit: Schmidt UK)

As well as mirror finishes and glossy surfaces, clever kitchen lighting ideas can be key to the success of small kitchen layout ideas. Slick, unobtrusive strip lighting hidden under a wall cabinet or embedded into a plinth will not intrude into valuable inches and create the illusion of more room in a compact kitchen. It will also help bounce natural daylight around your space.

‘Strategic placing of lights, reflective surfaces and a light color scheme will make your kitchen seem bigger than it is,’ says Giovanni Scippo, director at 3D Lines . ‘You should be using what we call task lights, which are placed above where you do most of the work – the sink and counter. Another small but effective trick is to line your shelves and cabinets with strip lights – they’re easily concealed and very functional.’

‘In a small kitchen, wall cabinets are usually necessary to give sufficient storage space, but unfortunately can make the room seem darker,’ adds Alice Pasteau, retail support manager, Schmidt UK . ‘Made-to-measure LED profiles can be built into your units, giving diffuse, neutral lighting over your countertop. ’

17. Keep counters clutter-free in a small kitchen layout

(Image credit: Higham)

Clever small kitchen layout ideas should ensure countertop paraphernalia can be kept to a minimum. Small appliances, and sugar, tea and coffee canisters can all eat up valuable surface area for food preparation and make a kitchen feel messy and cramped. One way is to add extra shelving or wall cabinets for stashing away all of those items that are generally on show. Another popular idea is a dedicated breakfast cupboard, which sits on top of the counter, with space to hide away cereal, bread, coffee, preserves, bowls, mugs and small plates, plus kettles, toasters and juicers (with power points inside so they don’t have to be moved when used.

‘When designing a kitchen, it is important to understand how a client lives and uses the space,’ says Tim Higham owner of bespoke kitchen brand Higham Furniture . ‘At first, our recommendation for this fairly traditional kitchen in an Edwardian period property was to have wall cabinets either side of the chimney, freeing up the counter space next to the range.

‘However, when the client said that any empty worktop in their home would get cluttered, we agreed that the dressers would work best as they allowed for appliances and other items to be hidden out of sight.’

The proportions of the room led to a narrow small kitchen island, which is highly functional though, and includes a sink, dishwasher and bins plus sink and overhang for stools.

18. Create unexpected storage in a small layout

(Image credit: Beam/Ahmad AbouZanat, Project AZ)

Think outside the box when it comes to layout in a limited footprint. Small kitchen layouts should include great storage solutions plus implement top tactics for organizing a small kitchen. Try built-in benches, unused plinths that can be transformed into slim, toe-kick drawers and skinny larder cabinets with adjustable racking systems that utilize a narrow, redundant gap.

Using a modern mix of petroleum blue, walnut and brass, this small kitchen started life enclosed on all sides by walls, separating it from the rest of the house. Now, it is open plan to the living room, with a kitchen island that features a removable dining table and clever storage columns with a chic bar area.

‘By opening up the kitchen, I was able to capture unused space in the hallway and create additional storage through the insertion of the kitchen island,’ explains interior designer Ahmad AbouZanat of Project AZ . ‘The bar area is an entirely new area of storage they didn’t have before.’

19. Use flooring to alter proportions

(Image credit: Havwoods)

Create the illusion of more space with your choice of kitchen flooring. Hardwood floor planks can draw the eye down the room to make it seem longer or across it so it feels wider depending on which way they are laid. This clever design trick is particularly useful when a small kitchen leads into a living area; laying the same floor throughout will create a seamless, unbroken mood and add a sense of depth.

‘With space coming at a premium for some rooms, interiors are required to work harder and in turn become more flexible,‘ says Greg Elliot, head of technical at Havwoods . ‘The floor then becomes one of the largest fixtures and so designers are putting extra focus on how it impacts the space. Vertically placed planks or wide, long planks work particularly well in galley kitchens as they will increase the sense of space in the room.’

20. Be clever with color

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Sticking to a pale small kitchen paint colors is a foolproof way to make the most of the light in a small kitchen. Of course, if you want drama and bold color, an all-over paint shade can instead be applied to striking effect. Try painting cabinets, walls and ceiling in the same top-to-toe color to blur the lines of a small kitchen layout and create the illusion of a bigger area.

If that’s a step too far for your design tastebuds, introduce contrasting colors in a simple way: use darker colors such as navy or forest green on the floor cabinets and paint wall cabinets and walls in a pale shade to blend in with the ceiling.

What is the best layout for a small kitchen?

The best kitchen layouts are usually dictated by the immovable architectural elements, like windows, doors, chimney breasts and structural beams.

Try to avoid layouts that involve corners, such as L and U-shapes, but if a corner is inevitable, do make use of internal storage mechanisms like Le Mans and carousel systems.

Drawers are considered superior to cupboards in terms of full access to all contents. Also think about how cabinets and appliances open. A dishwasher door that clashes with a fridge door opposite will endlessly annoy.

How do you declutter a small kitchen?

One way to declutter a small kitchen is through the use of cabinetry. A plain slab door with push-touch or recessed handles will look sleeker than a framed door with protruding hardware.

Likewise, a breakfast cupboard with bi-folding or tambour doors can be used to hide away countertop appliances, including the coffee machine and toaster. A boiling water tap takes the kettle out of the equation and can be combined with your regular hot and cold supply in one neat unit.

Larders always sound like a luxury exclusive to large kitchens, but they utilise the room’s height, so offer impressive volumes of storage. Hang a small set of steps on the inside of the larder door for easy access to the top shelves.

What appliances are best for small kitchens?

Multifunctional appliances are best for small kitchens, like a combi-microwave or combi-steam oven, which are essentially two cooking methods in one.

You can also get single ovens that can be split to cook at different temperatures; like a double oven but in a smaller footprint. Built-in, compact appliances are 45cm-high, instead of 60cm, and can be stacked neatly. Induction hobs with built-in extraction can also save space overhead but do check how much cupboard space you’ll lose below for the motor unit.

Slimline dishwashers are 45cm-wide, which can make all the difference if you’re counting every cm. Under-mounted drawer-style refrigeration comes with impressive capacities.

Do think very carefully about the appliances you need, or you could end up with nowhere to store crockery. Could a wine fridge fit in the dining room for example?

52 Small Kitchen Ideas That Prove That Less Is More

Introduction

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

When it comes to kitchens, bigger isn't always better. The most experienced chefs know that you don't need a ton of space or non-essential equipment to produce a stunning meal. A small kitchen where everything required to prep and cook is within arms' reach can make everyday cooking more efficient and stress free. Easier to clean and maintain, a smaller kitchen encourages you to focus on the essential and eliminate clutter, and can feel especially cozy and inviting with thoughtful design and decor.

Check out these stylish, compact, space-saving kitchens in a range of styles that have everything you need to cook for yourself or a crowd.

DIY-Friendly and Lower Cost Small Kitchen Remodels

40+ photo examples, practical tips

A square is an ideal geometric figure, all sides of which are equal. The kitchen of this form can also be considered ideal, because in such a room a variety of furniture is perfectly located, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The square kitchen will conveniently accommodate all the necessary furniture and household appliances.

The main thing is that the square kitchen should be spacious and roomy enough, and then there will be no problems with planning the interior. However, a small kitchen of this shape is not a sentence if you follow all the tips and recommendations of designers.

Square small kitchen.

Contents

Benefits of a square-shaped kitchen

A square-shaped room is ideal for comfortable arrangement of all necessary furniture. In such a kitchen, it is possible to arrange any layout - the main thing is to take into account the size of the room. Thus, all the necessary household appliances, as well as kitchen utensils, will always be at hand.

The advantage of a square kitchen is that everything you need is always at hand.

The square kitchen is highly ergonomic and functional, but to make it even more comfortable, it is recommended to use tall cabinets with lots of shelves and storage compartments.

A wall with a window in a square kitchen can also be used by organizing a work surface with a washbasin under it, or by installing a dining table, making it an extension of a wide window sill.

Choosing the layout of a kitchen set when arranging a square kitchen

Corner, or L-shaped kitchen - designers call this way of planning one of the most versatile. Most of all, it is suitable for arranging rooms that have a square shape, with a medium or large area. T

This option is very ergonomic, it allows you to easily organize a functional work area in the form of a regular "triangle", consisting of a refrigerator, stove and sink. It is very convenient to move around in such a kitchen and use all household appliances.

L-shaped square kitchen.

The greatest advantage of the L-shaped square kitchen: it easily organizes a full-fledged dining area. If necessary, you can build in household appliances. There are some disadvantages of such a layout - it will not work if the kitchen is too large.

Dining kitchen in a square kitchen with a corner layout.

U-shaped layout - thanks to this method of arranging a square kitchen, you can correctly place sets with household appliances along three walls. This solution allows you to make the most efficient use of the entire area. The elements of the "triangle" are installed each at one of the walls.

U-shaped kitchen is a rational solution for a square kitchen.

Benefits of a U-shaped kitchen: this option is suitable for organizing the interior in a medium-sized square room. This layout allows you to successfully arrange all the necessary household appliances, while creating comfortable work surfaces.

Unfortunately, this way of organizing space is not suitable for arranging small or oversized square kitchens, as there will be some difficulties with organizing the dining area.

Square kitchen with U-shaped fittings.

Linear or single row layout - this way of arranging the interior is ideal for a small square kitchen. The principle of installing the headset is extremely simple: it is located along one of the walls so that the stove and refrigerator are on both sides of the sink.

The ideal length of the working surface in this case can be called parameters from 2 to 3.5 meters. You should not exceed them, because in this case the kitchen cannot be called comfortable and ergonomic enough.

Linear layout is the best solution for small square kitchens.

Benefits of the linear square kitchen: this layout is suitable for even the smallest space. However, it must be understood that the working space in such a kitchen will be somewhat limited, and it will be difficult to install additional household appliances in the room without disturbing harmony.

Linear layout in a square kitchen.

Island layout - this type of layout is only suitable for arranging square rooms with a large area. Very often, the island layout is chosen by homeowners, whose kitchens are combined with a dining room. An island can be called any of the existing types of layout, supplemented by the so-called "island", which is installed in the middle of the room.

Island layout in a square kitchen.

Such an island most often serves as an additional working area placed in the center of the kitchen. An island can be made up of a stove, sink, dishwasher, worktop – there are many configurations. The island should be located right in the middle of the square kitchen so that access to each element of the work area is equally convenient.

In the island layout, the island is placed in the middle of the kitchen.

Island food benefits: the working area in such a room becomes as functional and comfortable as possible, and in a spacious room a feeling of a whole space is created. However, it should be understood that this option is categorically not suitable for arranging small square rooms.

Peninsular layout - it is a modification of the island kitchen. However, in this case, the island element is not installed directly in the center of the kitchen, but adjoins the end to the wall, forming a characteristic protrusion (like the letter “G”. With the help of such a protrusion, the dining area is separated from the working area. As for the location of the “triangle” elements, then it is exactly the same here as in the arrangement of the island kitchen.0003 Semi-island layout of a square kitchen.

Benefits of the peninsular layout: it is suitable for large, spacious rooms. With its help, you can correctly zone the space, ideally placing all the necessary household appliances in the kitchen. However, this option is completely unsuitable for arranging square rooms with a small area.

Semi-island layout in a spacious square kitchen.

Proper arrangement of furniture in a square kitchen

By adhering to a few basic principles when arranging furniture and household appliances, you can easily organize the perfect space in your square kitchen.

It is very important to observe the so-called "triangle rule" - the main working area, which consists of a stove, refrigerator and sink, should be located as compactly as possible, then the hostess will be comfortable using it, she will not have to run around the room, making a lot of unnecessary movements.

These items must be placed in such a way that a triangle is formed, the length of each side of which cannot exceed 2 meters.

The rule of the triangle is the basis for arranging a square kitchen.

It is equally important to determine the most convenient place for installing the sink - for this, you should also take into account the location of all communications. Only after that it is recommended to start organizing the kitchen space. If desired, you can install the sink in the corner, this solution will help save some space in a small square kitchen.

Sink installed in the corner of a square kitchen.

The optimal location for the refrigerator is one of the corners of a square kitchen. It will not violate the integrity of the work surfaces, and will not divide the room into several small zones. Another option is to install a small refrigerator under one of the work surfaces, or even take it out of the kitchen.

A convenient option for arranging a small square kitchen is to take the refrigerator out of it.

It is equally important to correctly organize the location of the stove in a square kitchen. It must be installed in such a way that the work surface is on both sides of it. Please note that the hob should not be installed near a sink or directly at a window.

The plate is installed in such a way that there is a work area on each side.

As for the headset, its placement will depend on the chosen type of layout. For arranging a square kitchen of medium or large size, any method of installing furniture is suitable.

If the room is small, L-shaped or linear layout should be preferred. The dining table can be installed in the center, or lean it against one of the walls. Instead, you can also use a wide window sill with a folding tabletop, or a bar counter.

How to decorate a large square kitchen

Large square kitchen - the more spacious it is, the more good ideas for its competent arrangement can be realized. In a spacious square-shaped kitchen, you can install a two-line or U-shaped set, and even build a full-fledged kitchen island, with a built-in work surface, oven, stove and sink (you can choose other options, at your own discretion).

Large square kitchen is the perfect place to let your imagination run wild.

Since the room itself has a large area and good lighting, it is allowed to use any rich, and even dark shades in its design. For example, in a dark or black color, the floor, headset facades, and some decorative elements on the walls can be equipped. In saturated colors, you can also choose curtains or curtains.

Large square kitchen in dark colors.

The whole area of ​​the spacious square kitchen can be divided into working and dining areas. At the same time, it is recommended to install a massive oval or round table in the dining area, choosing chairs with soft seats and high comfortable backs for it. You can also zone a room using special lighting, or using a two-level ceiling or floor.

Arrangement of a small square kitchen

Since the square kitchen is small, this will have to be taken into account when choosing the shades used as main and background. Designers are advised to give preference to light colors when finishing the floor, walls, ceiling and furniture facades (it is known that dark and saturated colors visually "bring" objects).

In a compact square kitchen, light shades are most appropriate.

As for the kitchen set, in this case it is recommended to choose an exclusively linear or L-shaped model, which will not take up too much space in the kitchen and will not make it difficult to move around it. The installation of a kitchen island in this case is out of the question.

Zoning a small square room is best with specially selected lighting or a two-level ceiling. You should not choose a large and massive dining table. The best solution would be to use a folding structure (for example, which is part of a wide window sill), or to install a rectangular table under the wall or in the corner of the kitchen.

Mini square kitchen with a table against the wall.

The only window that is a source of natural light should be decorated with translucent light curtains. You can also use Roman blinds, blinds or just light tulle.

It is better to decorate a window in a small square kitchen with translucent tulle.

Particular attention should be paid to the organization of lighting - it must be bright and sufficient so that there are no unlit dark corners in the room. If the kitchen is very small, then some household appliances should be taken out of it (for example, a refrigerator). To visually enlarge the room, you can organize an arched opening, replacing it with a door structure.

Square kitchen real photo examples

40 photos, design ideas and furniture arrangement

Pros and cons of a square shape

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Benefits of square kitchens:

  1. Suitable for furniture sets of all shapes.
  2. Allows you to create a harmonious layout.
  3. All appliances and kitchen accessories are at hand, and not "stretched" over an oblong space.
  4. Highly ergonomic compared to narrow and long rooms.
  5. They look more spacious and more harmonious than any other layouts.

Disadvantages of a square kitchen are mainly revealed during planning:

  1. Difficulty with zoning. If it is not difficult to separate the dining area from the work area in a rectangular room, then there are much fewer possibilities in the square.
  2. Limited space. Tiny kitchens make it harder to arrange furniture so it doesn't look bulky and still be roomy.
  3. No compensation. An elongated room 3 * 5 allows you to arrange furniture along a long wall, leveling the narrow width. When decorating a 3 * 3 square room, you will have to be more inventive.

What is the best layout?

The choice of a square kitchen layout, the location of the kitchen unit and the dining area depends on many factors. In the end, any option will do, the main thing is that it suits the tenants of the apartment in all respects.

Linear

The best solution for a small square kitchen is a straight kitchen set. It does not take up much space, looks minimalist, covers a minimum of storage and cooking needs.

In a large area, the linear layout allows you to leave free space for a dining table with chairs or a sofa.

One cannot but mention the disadvantages: the location near one of the walls is characterized by a small capacity (concerns built-in appliances and storage), a small work surface and low ergonomics. That is, it is possible to build a working triangle on it only by pulling the refrigerator out of the line.

Tip! If the size of the countertop in a compact square kitchen suits you, but you need to increase the storage area, add two rows of hanging cabinets, replace the plinth with drawers, or put 1-2 tall pencil cases.

The photo shows a linear layout in the Scandi style

Two-row

First of all, we answer the question of how large a square kitchen should be for parallel placement.

The ideal recommended aisle width between rows is 120-150 cm. Add to this 120 cm across both rows and you get a suitable area of ​​5.7-7.3 square meters.

If the walls are less than 2.4 m wide, one of the sides will have to be made narrower, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use drawers and hinged doors. If the distance is more than 2.7-3 meters, you get too much passage, because of which you will have to constantly run between the cabinets and countertops.

Corner

The most versatile set is L-shaped. It does not take up as much space as furniture with the letter U, but it is much more spacious than a straight line.

It is easy to organize a working triangle on the corner: for this, the sink is installed between the stove and the refrigerator.

Important! Be sure to leave at least 60 cm between the sink and stove and 40 cm between the sink and refrigerator.

Another advantage of the corner solution is that there is plenty of room for built-in appliances. On the one hand, you can install 2 cases, one of which will have a refrigerator, the other - an oven and a microwave. A dishwasher or washing machine is placed near the wet zone, so you do not have to pull communications.

Pictured is a large corner kitchen

U-shaped

.

Important! Based on the required distance between opposite rows, we can conclude that the width of the room should be 2.4-3 meters.

On the photo is U-shaped light furniture with glossy fronts

Kitchen with an island

An island is a universal solution that can correct any flaws in the plan. For example, a direct kitchen will become more spacious, and the working area will also increase. In a wide (3 or more meters) room, when placing a parallel or U-shaped model, the island will increase ergonomics by reducing the distance between the lines.

In addition, the island is a complete dining table replacement for small families. If more than 3 people live in the apartment or you like to invite guests, then you will have to equip the dining room outside the kitchen.

Important! The island takes up a lot of space, so it is only suitable for rooms larger than 10 sq. m. It is part of the headset, is located at the standard height of the countertop, suitable for both cooking and snacking.

The peninsula is ideal for small kitchens where there is no space for a separate dining area. No less successfully, he will fit into the studio, zoning the room with his presence.

Features of furniture arrangement

The arrangement of furniture in a square kitchen primarily depends on the layout: each has its own rules.

Dining area in a square kitchen

Furnishing even a small kitchen with a table and cabinets is possible, but for this you need to choose a straight or L-shaped layout. Then in the free corner there will be a table with chairs.

Tip! In small rooms, it is preferable to place an extendable table and folding or stackable seats.

If there is no space left for a full-fledged table or it is simply not needed (there is a separate dining room or enough space in the living room), then a snack area is organized in the kitchen - an island, a peninsula or a bar counter with a couple of chairs.

The photo shows a bright design of a small room. But the statement is not entirely correct.

First, look at the location of communications: plumbing, sewerage, ventilation. And if it is far from necessary to pull the box from the hood to the ventilation shaft in every project, then everyone needs water supply and discharge pipes. Accordingly, you should not plan placement in the opposite corner from the communications.

Secondly, the location of the door and window opening plays an important role. The window can be used as part of a headset by installing a countertop with a sink on the windowsill. It is better to keep the door door away and in no case place a hob near the entrance.

The photo shows an island in a square room

Swing cabinets are installed from above in one or 2 rows.

Tip! If the kitchen is small, built-in rather than modular furniture will be the best choice. With its help, you can use all the free space from floor to ceiling.

Pencil cases are additional storage places. Tall columns are comparable in capacity to 2-3 cabinets, so a couple of pencil cases can solve the problem of lack of space.

Recommendations for arranging a small kitchen

In a small square kitchen, the question of the location of the dining area is acute: there may simply not be room for a full table. Therefore, in a situation of limited space, it is necessary to choose what is more important: a comfortable and roomy workspace or a cozy table for 4-5 people.

In the first case, there are 2 options: L-shaped furniture for a square kitchen with a small table pushed into the corner. Or a U-shaped design, part of the countertop of which is reserved for a place to eat.

Tip! Separate the zones with lamps - instead of a chandelier in the center, spots in the work area and a lamp above the table.

Repairs and finishing are also important. Standard advice: maximum light shades.

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