Finding the right kitchen layout
Nov 2025Why the right kitchen layout is important
What kitchen layouts are available
What requirements research can tell us
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The layout of your kitchen plays an important role when it comes to using this most important room in the home; a well designed kitchen will enable the owner to use the space efficiently and keep things within easy reach when cooking. Of course, this is always a personal decision that must suit the user so
that is why it's important to consider the following questions:
How muchspaceis available to me, and how does that space need to utilised? For example is there a wheelchair user, or young children?
What do the spatial conditions look like (existing sockets, size of the room, doors and windows)?
How muchworktop and storage spacedo I need? Can I also use storage space outside the kitchen (e.g. pantry or basement)?
How many people usually cook (at the same time) in my kitchen?
What is mybudget?
What do I findaesthetically pleasing?
The kitchen layouts available
There are many different kitchen designs options to choose from, but there are six basic layouts:
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The single run kitchen: A single run kitchen is a simple and space-saving kitchen layout that can fit into virtually any home. Good access to cabinets and kitchen appliances.
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Galley kitchen: This type of kitchen consists of two runs of kitchen cabinets facing each other. This layout is primarily used when there are only two partition walls available due to the locations of doors or windows; the design is ideal for small rooms.
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L-shaped kitchen: The L-shaped kitchen consists of two runs of kitchen cabinets connected together to form an "L" shape; this is the most common kitchen layout. It can be fitted into almost any space, is also suitable for open-plan living concepts and can accommodate several kitchen users at once.
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Island kitchen: The island kitchen consists of a single run kitchen together with an island. This kitchen layout has become increasingly popular in recent years and is often used in open-plan living areas. Seating is frequently incorporated into the design, making the kitchen the social hub of the house.
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U-shaped kitchen: The U-shaped kitchen consists of three single runs of kitchen cabinets connected together to form a "U" shape. It offers plenty of worktop and storage space.
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G-shaped kitchen: The G-shaped kitchen almost completely frames the room with runs of kitchen cabinets so offers generous worktops and storage space. In an open-plan kitchen, one run of cabinets can also take the form of a "peninsula" accessible from both sides.
What requirements research shows
When it comes to deciding which kitchen layout is most practical, opinions vary. Blum has used its requirements research to draw up a comprehensible comparison of the efficiency of different kitchen layouts. But what does efficiency mean in this context? Tests were carried out to determine how long it takes to perform typical tasks in the kitchen, an efficient layout can make a big difference to the time taken to complete basic tasks. For the purpose of the comparison, we equipped the different kitchen shapes with the same cabinets.
The kitchen shapes were then ranked according to efficiency:
U-shaped kitchen:This is the most efficient layout because everything is just a few steps away.
Island kitchen:The island kitchen is also very efficient. Compared to the U-shape, the distances here are only 2% (sink on the island) or 8% (sink in the run of cabinets) longer.
G-shaped kitchen:Very efficient with just 6% more steps taken when moving around the kitchen compared to the U-shape.
Galley kitchen:If you opt for a galley kitchen, the distance increases by 11%.
L-shaped kitchen:With approximately 23% further to walk, the L-shaped kitchen is significantly less efficient than the U-shaped kitchen.
Single run kitchen: The kitchen appliances are fitted next to each other along one side of the wall. This means a lot of walking back and forth, with users taking 40% more steps on average.
More tips for fewer steps in the kitchen:
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Blum used a "string study" to take a close look at daily routines around the kitchen. The study involved tying a piece of string to the leg of a virtual test subject and using this to track routes and activities in the kitchen. Armed with the results, it was possible to identify the most efficient kitchen layout.
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All the layouts at a glance:
Single run kitchen:Economicaland space-saving, but the most inefficient in terms of distance covered.
Galley kitchen:Ideal for small rooms, with moderate efficiency.
L-shaped kitchen:Can be installed in almost any space, but not the most efficient design.
Island kitchen:Perfect for open-plan living spaces, highly efficient.
U-shaped kitchen:The most efficient kitchen layout. Plenty of work surface and storage space.
G-shaped kitchen: Plenty of work surface and storage space, highly efficient.