How to Plan an L-shaped Kitchen
L-shaped kitchen layouts make efficient use of space, look neat and can be very sociable. Here’s how to plan yours…
As the name implies, an L-shaped kitchen is formed of two adjoining runs of units, often referred to as the legs of the L. These can range in length according to the area available, and are suitable for both large and small rooms. Read on for the main design principles for creating a successful L-shaped kitchen.
See more in this series: Galley Kitchens | Single Wall Kitchens l U-shaped Kitchens
See more in this series: Galley Kitchens | Single Wall Kitchens l U-shaped Kitchens
Know your layout: L-shaped kitchens with different-length runs
L-shaped kitchens can be very flexible, particularly regarding the position of the sink, hob and any tall units. But when designing an L-shaped kitchen with different wall lengths, we frequently look to include any tall units on the shorter run, and as far from the window as possible, so as not to block the room’s natural light source.
For example, in a design of 2.1m x 3.5m, the sink and hob might both line the longer wall, while tall units will be located on the shorter wall, as in this example. The tall units might include a built-in fridge-freezer and/or oven housing.
At the same time, the hob would be located towards the far end of the longer run (away from the corner). This creates necessary prep space on either side of the hob, and also allows sufficient workspace for another user. The main exception to this arrangement is if there’s a window located above the shorter run of units; in this case, the layout must be reversed.
L-shaped kitchens can be very flexible, particularly regarding the position of the sink, hob and any tall units. But when designing an L-shaped kitchen with different wall lengths, we frequently look to include any tall units on the shorter run, and as far from the window as possible, so as not to block the room’s natural light source.
For example, in a design of 2.1m x 3.5m, the sink and hob might both line the longer wall, while tall units will be located on the shorter wall, as in this example. The tall units might include a built-in fridge-freezer and/or oven housing.
At the same time, the hob would be located towards the far end of the longer run (away from the corner). This creates necessary prep space on either side of the hob, and also allows sufficient workspace for another user. The main exception to this arrangement is if there’s a window located above the shorter run of units; in this case, the layout must be reversed.
Position wall units on the longer run
Again, it depends on where your windows are, but generally in an L-shaped kitchen with different-length runs, we would locate the wall units above the longer run. This allows more wall storage compared with the shorter run. It also ensures glassware and cooking condiments are within easy reach of the worktop and hob below.
If there’s no window present, you can continue your wall units around the corner onto the shorter run, but often floating shelves or glass-front doors work better, as they create an airy, open feel. This gives the impression of a larger kitchen space overall.
More: 10 Essential Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Again, it depends on where your windows are, but generally in an L-shaped kitchen with different-length runs, we would locate the wall units above the longer run. This allows more wall storage compared with the shorter run. It also ensures glassware and cooking condiments are within easy reach of the worktop and hob below.
If there’s no window present, you can continue your wall units around the corner onto the shorter run, but often floating shelves or glass-front doors work better, as they create an airy, open feel. This gives the impression of a larger kitchen space overall.
More: 10 Essential Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Know your layout: L-shaped kitchens with same-length runs
Where both runs are roughly equal in length, we would typically locate any tall units on the same run as the hob. This frees up working space around the sink area on the adjacent wall.
For example, for 3m or 3.5m walls, we would site tall fridge housing on the far end of one wall, possibly with oven housing next to it. The height would then drop to worktop level, with a hob centred over generous drawer space (or an oven if this is not within the tall housing). There would be worktop space on either side of this, and wall units would continue above the length of this run.
On the adjacent leg, the sink area would typically house a pull-out bin underneath the worktop on the left, and a dishwasher to the right, beneath the sink’s draining grooves (if you are right-handed). Of course, these arrangements can vary according to personal taste, and also because there’s often a window on one of the walls.
Where both runs are roughly equal in length, we would typically locate any tall units on the same run as the hob. This frees up working space around the sink area on the adjacent wall.
For example, for 3m or 3.5m walls, we would site tall fridge housing on the far end of one wall, possibly with oven housing next to it. The height would then drop to worktop level, with a hob centred over generous drawer space (or an oven if this is not within the tall housing). There would be worktop space on either side of this, and wall units would continue above the length of this run.
On the adjacent leg, the sink area would typically house a pull-out bin underneath the worktop on the left, and a dishwasher to the right, beneath the sink’s draining grooves (if you are right-handed). Of course, these arrangements can vary according to personal taste, and also because there’s often a window on one of the walls.
Separate your hob and sink
With a layout where both runs are roughly the same length, there’s usually scope to separate the sink and hob onto different runs. As the main prep space in a kitchen is typically between the sink and hob, the benefit of separating these is that it makes this worktop area as generous as possible.
This arrangement also creates a distinction between your kitchen’s cook zone (with the hob) and wash zone (with the sink), which facilitates efficient use of the space.
More: How to Zone a Kitchen Beyond the Usual Triangle
With a layout where both runs are roughly the same length, there’s usually scope to separate the sink and hob onto different runs. As the main prep space in a kitchen is typically between the sink and hob, the benefit of separating these is that it makes this worktop area as generous as possible.
This arrangement also creates a distinction between your kitchen’s cook zone (with the hob) and wash zone (with the sink), which facilitates efficient use of the space.
More: How to Zone a Kitchen Beyond the Usual Triangle
Make the most of L-shaped corner spaces…
In an L-shaped kitchen layout, the space at the back of the corner cupboard, where the two runs meet, can be very hard to reach without stretching and straining. It’s also difficult to see the contents of your cupboard. As a result, this corner space can easily be wasted, losing its potential because it’s simply too awkward. But there are solutions available specifically designed to maximise on this problematic area.
In an L-shaped kitchen layout, the space at the back of the corner cupboard, where the two runs meet, can be very hard to reach without stretching and straining. It’s also difficult to see the contents of your cupboard. As a result, this corner space can easily be wasted, losing its potential because it’s simply too awkward. But there are solutions available specifically designed to maximise on this problematic area.
…with clever corner solutions
Storage options for kitchen corners include Le Mans pull-out units (as pictured), magic corner units and carousel units. The first two of these options fully retract into the back of a corner cupboard, allowing you to use the entirety of this space for storage. On opening, they swivel outwards and towards you, making all of your cupboard’s contents easy to see and access. Alternatively, the corner carousel option is smaller, and rather than extending outwards, it rotates your cupboard’s contents through 360 degrees and into reach as needed.
Each of these options is also conveniently located beneath the work surface, so heavy kitchenware, such as mixers and breadmakers, don’t have far to travel to your worktop and back again. If you’re thinking about an L-shaped kitchen, don’t forget this corner cupboard and be sure to include one of these solutions during planning, so you can maximise the space.
More: How Can I Plan the Perfect Kitchen Storage?
Storage options for kitchen corners include Le Mans pull-out units (as pictured), magic corner units and carousel units. The first two of these options fully retract into the back of a corner cupboard, allowing you to use the entirety of this space for storage. On opening, they swivel outwards and towards you, making all of your cupboard’s contents easy to see and access. Alternatively, the corner carousel option is smaller, and rather than extending outwards, it rotates your cupboard’s contents through 360 degrees and into reach as needed.
Each of these options is also conveniently located beneath the work surface, so heavy kitchenware, such as mixers and breadmakers, don’t have far to travel to your worktop and back again. If you’re thinking about an L-shaped kitchen, don’t forget this corner cupboard and be sure to include one of these solutions during planning, so you can maximise the space.
More: How Can I Plan the Perfect Kitchen Storage?
Work in an island
An island can work with either L-shaped kitchen layout – a design with one run longer than the other or one with equal-length runs. It depends on personal preference, but within both types of L-shape, the island can house the hob or the sink. (Though this is not always the case as some people want to keep their island surface clear.)
With the sink or hob on the island, one of the L’s legs would house tall units, while the other would hold the base units, with wall units above. This second run would easily accommodate whichever appliance (sink or hob) is not on the island.
If you want to encourage a sociable setting, the kitchen island would usually have some seating across the back of it, furthest from the cook area. The island also usually offers additional storage.
An island can work with either L-shaped kitchen layout – a design with one run longer than the other or one with equal-length runs. It depends on personal preference, but within both types of L-shape, the island can house the hob or the sink. (Though this is not always the case as some people want to keep their island surface clear.)
With the sink or hob on the island, one of the L’s legs would house tall units, while the other would hold the base units, with wall units above. This second run would easily accommodate whichever appliance (sink or hob) is not on the island.
If you want to encourage a sociable setting, the kitchen island would usually have some seating across the back of it, furthest from the cook area. The island also usually offers additional storage.
Add a table and chairs
If a kitchen island won’t fit (or you just don’t want one), there will often still be space within an L-shaped kitchen for a dining table, casual breakfast bar or even a couple of stools pulled up to the worktop. It can be a way to create some space where you could work, sit and talk, or have a bite to eat, usually while being able to face either your family or guests.
If a kitchen island won’t fit (or you just don’t want one), there will often still be space within an L-shaped kitchen for a dining table, casual breakfast bar or even a couple of stools pulled up to the worktop. It can be a way to create some space where you could work, sit and talk, or have a bite to eat, usually while being able to face either your family or guests.
Consider recessing the ‘L’
The L-shaped kitchen layout here is ideal for its open-plan setting. While this is a relatively small space, the client was keen to create a sense of the kitchen being slightly removed from the living area, yet continuing the same colour and theme throughout the room.
We achieved this by creating a recessed look for the kitchen, with a 245mm-high bulkhead running above the longer run of kitchen units, and a 360mm-high bulkhead over the shorter run. The bulkheads were also practical as they hid the feed for the spotlights. There’s a growing trend for kitchen ceilings to become more prominent in 2016, with enhanced details, deeply coffered ceilings and lowered bulkheads becoming more popular.
Tell us…
What do you love – or want to improve – about your L-shaped kitchen? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
The L-shaped kitchen layout here is ideal for its open-plan setting. While this is a relatively small space, the client was keen to create a sense of the kitchen being slightly removed from the living area, yet continuing the same colour and theme throughout the room.
We achieved this by creating a recessed look for the kitchen, with a 245mm-high bulkhead running above the longer run of kitchen units, and a 360mm-high bulkhead over the shorter run. The bulkheads were also practical as they hid the feed for the spotlights. There’s a growing trend for kitchen ceilings to become more prominent in 2016, with enhanced details, deeply coffered ceilings and lowered bulkheads becoming more popular.
Tell us…
What do you love – or want to improve – about your L-shaped kitchen? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
With expert planning, an L-shaped kitchen will provide an organised and efficient workflow. And because you can separate work zones in this layout, they can easily and comfortably accommodate you and another user simultaneously. In this respect, and also because they often open into a larger room, L-shaped layouts offer a sociable arrangement: if you are entertaining, your guests can carry on a conversation with you and even wander safely into the cooking area.
But the downside is, unless you have room for an island, you are likely to face a wall (and face away from your guests) while preparing and cooking food. Whether or not this is an issue is all down to personal preference, so consider whether this will bother you, and whether a different layout might better suit your needs.