A U-shaped kitchen typically comprises bench space on three adjoining walls of cabinetry, with an open end for access. In a small U-shaped kitchen, the opposing runs of benchtops effectively become a galley layout, but with one end closed off. This galley format works for larger kitchens too. However, if the opposing runs of benchtops are set too far apart, this can reduce the kitchen’s efficiency. So is a U-shaped layout the right choice for your kitchen, and how can you make the most of it?
Peter Schaad Design Studio
Pros and cons of a U-shaped kitchen
Generally, the pros of U-shaped kitchens include the fact that they are excellent for storage, offer lots of work surfaces and, having only one entrance, are very safe, because of a lack of through traffic. This last advantage, however, also means within small U-shaped layouts there will only be space for one user at a time.
It’s also worth noting they are typically more expensive than other layouts, such as galley or L-shaped designs, because more cabinetry and benchtop material is required for the additional run of units.
Element Studios
Plan your U-shaped layout
The cabinetry runs on a U-shaped kitchen can be roughly the same or can vary in length; in both cases, there’s an opportunity for flexibility within the design. Where all walls are the same length (for example, three metres), your planning start point usually depends on where the windows are located.
If one of the walls has a window, this would usually be the run we’d suggest for your kitchen sink. Not only will a window offer natural light for washing-up, there’s also the romantic notion of gazing outwards while doing the dishes. This, of course, very much depends on your view.
Studio Clark + Co
Position the sink and stove
If the sink sits in the middle run of a U-shaped layout, then your stove can be located on either of the other runs. However, if these two runs vary in length, the longer wall would usually house the stove, to allow more space on either side of it.
Meanwhile, if the sink is on a run other than the middle one (as pictured here), we would try to ensure a continuous flow of benchtop from this point onwards, and around the ‘U’.
So if you were having tall units, this would mean locating them together at the furthest end of the cabinetry run (as in this kitchen). Typically, this would place them opposite but along from the sink. This deliberate spacing ensures the benchtop is not interrupted, and the kitchen’s functionality (in the form of a galley layout) is unhampered.
Inbetween Architecture
Employ symmetry
U-shaped kitchens offer the opportunity for symmetry within a design, so long as it doesn’t compromise the kitchen’s usability. While it’s not essential, many homeowners appreciate symmetry for the resulting clean and balanced aesthetic.
We would usually choose an appliance, such as an oven or large range hood, for the midpoint of the central run, as in this kitchen. We’d then work outwards, positioning furniture and appliances accordingly.
Of course, you can deviate from a symmetrical layout, either because you think it will look better in your space, or because the room’s structure dictates it – for example, if a doorway or window interrupts one of the runs.
Gutsmann Küchen
Hide less-than-lovely features
U-shaped kitchens can also be designed so they ‘hide’ less attractive kitchen components and/or appliances behind taller units. For example, sinks, draining boards and microwaves (freestanding or otherwise) are not always a kitchen’s best features, but through foresight in planning they can be obscured from sight. This is particularly beneficial in an open-plan kitchen layout.
For example, in this kitchen, if you were facing the cooking space, benchtop appliances could be hidden from view on the left by the protruding tall unit next to it.
Customconstruction Pty Ltd
Maximise an efficient work space
Whatever the size, a well-planned U-shaped kitchen design will ensure only a limited number of steps are required between different units and appliances. This makes the kitchen a much safer place during cooking, especially when other people are present.
In addition, generous bench space and storage capacity puts everything you need within easy reach, especially with the addition of clever corner-cabinet storage solutions. This means your kitchen can be effortlessly tidied after use, and it’s easy to maintain a clean and uncluttered look. This is usually true even in very small U-shaped kitchens.
Incorporate corner storage
As mentioned, one of the great advantages of a U-shaped kitchen is that having three runs of cabinetry provides ample opportunity for storage. Having said that, the two corners in a typical U-shaped kitchen take up a significant amount of the available floor space.
So to achieve an ergonomically sound design, it’s important to select a specialist kitchen-corner solution, such as a carousel or a LeMans corner unit (seen here, and so called because of its shape and curves, which are reminiscent of the famous Le Mans race track). These make use of the otherwise dead space within corner base units. Without these corner options, you would lose this space, or else the back of your cupboards would be extremely difficult to access.
Matteo Bianchi Studio
Slot in a peninsula
Small U-shaped kitchens can be restricting, particularly if there’s no space for a table and chairs. But sometimes it’s possible to arrange the U-shape so that one of the legs extends into an open space (even if this means restructuring to take down a wall).
While you would lose the wall cabinets above this run, the base units could then form a highly efficient kitchen peninsula. You could add stools to make the space instantly more sociable, and it would offer a useful platform for dining, working or socialising. Alternatively, you might site either your sink or stove in this area.
Peninsulas can be great for open-plan spaces and also offer a physical separation between the kitchen and living room, which a lot of homeowners desire. While a peninsula is usually located on an end run, it’s also possible to have seating across the back of the middle run, as pictured here.
The Dept of Design
Make room for an island
Typically, you need a much larger space if you want to include a kitchen island within this layout. As a rule of thumb, U-shapes with islands generally require a minimum of a one-metre walkway on all sides between the cabinetry and the island’s benchtop. As the units around the island are 650 millimetres deep, and given that islands are normally between one metre and 1.2 metres deep, this means the room would need to be at least 4.3 metres wide. We tend to recommend a minimum width of 4.6 metres for this layout to allow optimum clearance around the island.
Comparatively, for an open-plan space, the depth would need to be a minimum of 2.6 metres. In this instance you would have one long back wall with two short wings forming the ‘U’ and the kitchen island in-between. Usually, one of the shorter wings would contain the tall housing, and the long back wall would house either the sink or stove, with the alternative on the island.
Depending on the location of your doors or windows, the shorter run of units on the other side often provides additional bench spacefor small appliances, such as toasters, blenders and coffee machines.
NJK Interiors
Contemplate curves
Some customers request curves rather than square edges for their kitchen’s internal corners. Curved corners are effective in creating a stylish, flowing design and great for softening a kitchen’s look – but there are a few drawbacks to this, mainly a reduction in storage space.
Most curved units don’t continue fully into a kitchen’s corners and consequently reduce access and use of this space. This may not be a problem in larger U-shaped kitchens, but it’s certainly worth noting when planning for smaller spaces.
Dale Alco*ck Homes
Tailor your layout to your space
One of the key things to remember about U-shaped kitchens (apart from their generous benchtop and storage space) is that there’s a lot of room for flexibility when designing them. From small to large spaces, or U-shapes with an island or peninsula, there are many variations and possibilities for what you can achieve with this layout. This means you can most likely design a U-shaped kitchen that’s right for you and right for the space you have available.
Your turn
What do you like most about U- shaped kitchen layouts? Share your experiences in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for reference, and join the conversation.
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Curious to see what other practical solutions could optimise your cooking space? Read 19 Design Tricks to Maximise Space in a Small Kitchen
