# Kitchen Layout Guide: L-Shape, U-Shape, Galley and Island

> Plan your kitchen layout with our guide to L-shape, U-shape, galley, and island kitchens. Work triangle, standard dimensions, and design tips.

Canonical: https://renoquant.com/kitchen-layout-guide
Prices updated: 2026-03

## How to Choose the Right Kitchen Layout

The kitchen layout determines how efficiently you cook, how much storage you have, and how the space feels. Choosing the right layout before buying cabinets avoids expensive mistakes. This guide covers the four main layouts with dimensions, pros, and cons.

### Kitchen Layout Comparison

| Layout | Minimum Room Size | Best For | Work Triangle | Storage Capacity |
|--------|------------------|----------|---------------|-----------------|
| Galley | 2.4m x 3m (7 sqm) | Narrow rooms, apartments | Excellent (tight) | Moderate |
| L-shape | 3m x 3m (9 sqm) | Most homes, open-plan | Good | Good |
| U-shape | 3m x 3.5m (10.5 sqm) | Dedicated kitchen rooms | Excellent | Maximum |
| Island | 4m x 4m (16 sqm) | Large open-plan spaces | Good to excellent | Maximum |
| Single wall | 2.5m x 3m (7.5 sqm) | Studios, open-plan | Linear (no triangle) | Limited |

### Standard Kitchen Dimensions

Understanding standard dimensions helps you plan around existing plumbing and electrical points:

| Element | Standard Dimension | Notes |
|---------|-------------------|-------|
| Base cabinet height | 870 mm (with worktop) | Includes 150mm plinth + 30mm worktop |
| Base cabinet depth | 600 mm | Excludes handle overhang |
| Worktop depth | 600 mm (standard) / 900 mm (island) | Overhang 20-30mm at front |
| Wall cabinet height | 720 mm | Some ranges offer 900mm tall units |
| Wall cabinet depth | 300 mm | Shallower than base to avoid head bumps |
| Gap worktop to wall unit | 450-600 mm | This is your backsplash height |
| Tall unit height | 2100-2400 mm | Fridge housing, pantry, oven housing |
| Plinth height | 150 mm | Hides legs, allows toe kick |

### Work Triangle and Zone Planning

| Measurement | Recommended Range | Why It Matters |
|-------------|------------------|---------------|
| Each triangle side | 1.2-2.7 m | Too short = cramped; too long = tiring |
| Triangle perimeter | 4-8 m | Efficient cooking workflow |
| Clearance between runs | 900-1200 mm | Comfortable passage + door opening |
| Island seating overhang | 300-400 mm | Knee room for bar stools |
| Sink to dishwasher | Adjacent or within 600mm | Easy loading, minimal dripping |

The work triangle is the traditional approach, but modern kitchens often use a zone system: prep zone (sink + chopping), cooking zone (hob + oven), and storage zone (fridge + pantry). Each zone has its own set of frequently used items within arm's reach.

### Layout Pros and Cons

| Layout | Pros | Cons | Cost Relative to Single Wall |
|--------|------|------|---------------------------|
| Galley | Efficient workflow, compact, both walls usable | Can feel narrow, no dining space, two cooks clash | 1.5x |
| L-shape | Versatile, open corner, room for table, one open side | Corner unit access is awkward, less worktop than U | 1.3x |
| U-shape | Maximum storage and worktop, excellent triangle | Two awkward corners, can feel enclosed, needs 3m width | 1.8x |
| Island | Social, extra worktop, seating possible, wow factor | Needs large room, plumbing/electrical to island adds cost | 2x |
| Single wall | Cheapest, simplest, all services on one wall | Limited storage, no work triangle, long walking | 1x |

### Planning Checklist

Before committing to a layout, work through this checklist:

1. **Measure the room** — Use a laser measurer for accuracy. Note window, door, and radiator positions. Mark existing plumbing and electrical points.
2. **Check the work triangle** — Draw the fridge, sink, and hob positions. Measure the three sides of the triangle. Aim for 4-8m total.
3. **Plan for clearances** — 900mm minimum between facing cabinet runs. 1200mm if two people cook together.
4. **Count storage needs** — List every appliance, pot, pan, and pantry item. Ensure enough cabinet space for everything plus 20% growth.
5. **Consider lighting** — Task lighting under wall units, ambient lighting for dining, and accent lighting for display.
6. **Budget allocation** — Cabinets 40%, worktops 15%, appliances 25%, installation 15%, contingency 5%.

Use our [kitchen renovation calculator](/kitchen-renovation-calculator) to estimate materials for backsplash tiling, cabinet painting, and countertop replacement. For cost planning, the [kitchen renovation cost calculator](/kitchen-renovation-cost) breaks down every element. If you are also renovating the bathroom, the [bathroom renovation calculator](/bathroom-renovation-calculator) provides tile and waterproofing quantities.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the kitchen work triangle?

The work triangle connects the three main work zones: fridge, sink, and hob. Each side should be 1.2-2.7m, and the total perimeter should be 4-8m. This layout minimises walking distance during cooking. Modern kitchen design also considers a 'work zone' approach for larger kitchens.

### What is the best kitchen layout?

L-shape is the most versatile layout — it suits most room sizes, provides a good work triangle, and leaves space for a dining table. For narrow rooms, galley is most space-efficient. U-shape maximises storage and worktop space but needs a room width of at least 3m.

### How much space do I need for a kitchen island?

The island itself is typically 1200-2400mm long and 600-900mm deep. You need 900-1200mm clearance on all sides for comfortable movement and door opening. This means a minimum room size of approximately 4m x 4m (16 sqm) for an island kitchen.

### What are standard kitchen cabinet dimensions?

Base cabinets: 870mm high (including 150mm plinth and worktop), 600mm deep. Wall cabinets: 720mm high, 300mm deep, mounted 450-600mm above the worktop. Standard widths: 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, and 1000mm.

### How do I plan a small kitchen layout?

Use a galley or L-shape layout. Maximise vertical storage with full-height wall units. Choose integrated appliances to maintain clean lines. Place the sink near a window for light. Use light colours and reflective surfaces to open up the space.

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Interactive version with calculator: https://renoquant.com/kitchen-layout-guide. Figures are estimates; final quotes vary by site conditions, materials, and region.