Ideal ways to arrange kitchen furniture: tips and recommendations.

The main rules of arrangement

The correct arrangement of furniture in the kitchen will provide you with comfort while cooking and will even speed up this process by eliminating unnecessary movements. To create an ergonomic space, follow our ergonomic tips:

• the distance between rows in a U-shaped or double-row layout is no less than 120 and no more than 165 centimeters;
• the total distance of the lines between the refrigerator, stove and sink does not exceed 6 meters;
• the countertop between the sink and the hob is at least 40 cm;
• at least 100 centimeters in front of a closed dishwasher, 110 in front of an oven;
• for kitchens with gas stoves, the distance from it to the window is at least 45 cm;
• the height of the countertop depends on height, the standard is 85 cm for people 165-170, 95 cm for those whose height is above 180;
• place the hood 70-75 centimeters above electric stove and 75-80 over a gas stove.

Feng Shui also has its own rules for arranging furniture in the kitchen:

• separate fire items (oven, stove) from water (sink, refrigerator);
• place the stove (hearth) in the favorable southwest or northeast zone, but not next to the window;
• place the refrigerator and sink in the southeast, north or east;
• do not clutter the center of the room, leave it as free as possible;
• hang a curtain on the door if the entrance to the kitchen is opposite the front door;
• do not hang wall cabinets and shelves above the dining area.

How to arrange furniture in a typical kitchen?

There are 6 basic options for arranging furniture – each of them is suitable for different kitchens and different owners.

Linear layout

If you are wondering how to arrange furniture in a small kitchen, pay attention to the simplest layout along one wall. Its main advantage is the low price, which is achieved due to the absence of corner modules and compact dimensions. The downside is the inconvenience, or rather, the difficulty of implementing the working triangle rule in a straight kitchen.

The capacity of the set is increased by adding a third row of cabinets under the ceiling or replacing the base with convenient drawers. And you can level out the lack of ergonomics by placing the sink in the center – this will make cooking more convenient.

A single-row kitchen set is good not only for a small kitchen. In large rooms, it is often used to create an interior for people who do not like to cook. Thus, by placing the work area along one wall, there is free space for a spacious dining area.

The photo shows a linear version of the furniture arrangement in the kitchen

Parallel layout

Based on the rule that there should be no more than 165 cm between rows, this layout option is only suitable for relatively narrow rectangular kitchens. The two-row layout allows you to effectively use the entire area and organize a convenient work area. But the abundance of cabinets on both sides makes the already elongated room look like a corridor.

The most convenient version of the work triangle is a refrigerator on one side, a sink and a stove on the opposite side. This way you won’t have to constantly turn around while working in the kitchen.

The photo shows a parallel arrangement furniture in a small kitchen

L-shaped kitchen

Corner arrangement of furniture in the kitchen is considered optimal for all sizes and layouts. Its undeniable advantages are the combination of compactness and spaciousness, as well as convenience. The corner module is the main drawback of the L-shaped kitchen. But if you equip it with the right fittings, the problem will solve itself.

Thanks to the arrangement of kitchen furniture along the walls, you will have room for a dining table even in a small kitchen.

If you plan to install a sink in the corner, make it beveled – this will make it much more comfortable to approach the sink and wash dishes.

The photo shows a white set in a large kitchen

U-shaped kitchen

The most spacious U-shaped kitchen is not suitable for small spaces. But it is considered one of the best furniture options for large kitchens. The huge work surface, abundance of shelves and cabinets will be especially appreciated by people who like to cook.

The volume also results in a minus of the layout – the kitchen looks bulky. To visually lighten the appearance, replace wall cabinets on 1-2 walls with wall shelves or do not have them at all.

Kitchen with an island

The popular island layout requires a lot of free space, so it makes sense to place an additional work desk only in rooms larger than 20 sq. m.

The island increases the work surface and capacity. It is also used as a bar counter or a breakfast table.

It is appropriate to put an island in a kitchen-living room in order to use it to zone the rooms.

The photo shows an interior with an island and a bar counter

Peninsula

A compact peninsula is a replacement for a bulky island for small kitchens. Its feature is that one side is attached to the kitchen set or wall.

The peninsula also serves as an additional countertop, and cabinets or shelves can be installed underneath for storage. But if you plan to dine on it, leave an empty space below.

The photo shows a peninsula adapted for a dining area

Convenient arrangement for non-standard layouts?

Many rules for arranging furniture in a kitchen with an unusual layout do not work, but even in this situation it is possible to create a comfortable ergonomic space. Let’s consider the main options for “deviations”:

Fifth corner. In 5-6 corner kitchens, you should not use too much furniture so as not to overload the overall look. When developing a layout, you can either emphasize the irregular geometry by ordering a kitchen for your length, width and curves. Or disguise the “flaw” by playing up the area with color.

Niche. Architectural recesses seem to be made for kitchen furniture! Place a kitchen set inside it or put a sofa, and a dining table next to it. The only downside is that all kitchen furniture will have to be made to order, because the depth of the niches does not always match the depth of standard models.

The photo shows a room with an unusual layout with a column

Bay window. The classic option for arranging kitchen furniture is to place a round dining table and chairs next to the bay window. But if necessary, a custom-made kitchen set can also be included in this area.

Balcony. A lounge area is located on the insulated loggia. After dismantling the glass unit, it is possible to install a bar counter on the windowsill.

How to conveniently arrange kitchen appliances?

The arrangement of appliances in the kitchen directly affects the comfort during cooking. You should be able to easily get food out of the fridge, put a pie in the oven or make coffee in the morning.

The main rule for arranging any electrical appliances is to avoid splashes by not placing them close to the sink. The same applies to sockets for small appliances. It is necessary to arrange all appliances correctly at a distance of 30-45 cm.

Another mandatory point is that hot (microwave, stove, oven) and cold (dishwasher and washing machine, refrigerator) appliances should be at least 30 centimeters apart.

The photo shows an example of the arrangement of household appliances in the island and tall case

• Install the refrigerator so that the door opens toward the wall or window – most modern models have the option of reversible doors.
• Move the stove at least 30 centimeters away from the window, wall and sink. Also, do not install it next to the front door.
• A built-in oven is convenient to use if it is at eye level in a pencil case, and not in the bottom row of furniture.
• Allow a place for the dishwasher next to the sink, so you do not have to run utilities through the entire kitchen. The best placement is between two drawers, not on the edge.
• It is more convenient to use the microwave oven at arm’s length. If it’s lower, you’ll have to bend over constantly; if it’s higher, you’ll have to stretch.
• Hang the TV as far away from the sink and hob as possible.

How to organize everything correctly in a small kitchen?

In most Soviet-era houses, 5-7 square meters are allocated for the kitchen, so you need to use this space as efficiently as possible. Increase the capacity of your furniture with high-quality fittings for corner units, an additional row of upper cabinets, and various tall units. The work surface area can be increased by using a window sill — you can cook and eat food on the countertop under the window.

Read more life hacks for decorating a small kitchen in our article.

The photo shows a corner layout in a small kitchen

Recommendations for a kitchen-living room

Many people love the spacious kitchen-living room for its open space and lack of design restrictions. However, the dual functionality of the room makes you think about zoning when arranging.

The living room and kitchen areas are separated by furniture:

• A separate island. The advantage of this solution is that you can walk between the rooms from any side. If the kitchen itself is not very large, the island will serve as an excellent addition to the workspace. Plus, you can eat while sitting at it, which eliminates the need to buy a table.
• Peninsulas. Unlike an island, only one side is free for passage. But the other advantages – multifunctionality and clear division into zones – are preserved.
• A dining table. Why not put a table with chairs between the rooms? This arrangement will allow family members to quickly gather for dinner, and the hostess will not have to carry prepared dishes far.

The photo shows a bright kitchen-living room in fusion style

In addition to zoning in the kitchen-living room, it is necessary to think about organizing storage spaces. As a rule, there is a large amount of utensils in the cooking area, but in the case of combining rooms, many elements will overload the space. Therefore, in studios it is better to use closed furniture instead of shelves and keep the countertop as free as possible, hiding household appliances and pots behind the doors.

And the last point is ventilation. To prevent your favorite sofa and the pillows on it from smelling of fried fish, install a powerful hood over the hob and turn it on every time you cook.