Kitchen Layout Examples
One-wall, galley, L-shape and U-shape are the four common kitchen shapes, and these kitchen layout examples cover all of them. Each is drawn to size with counters, a stove, a fridge and, where it fits, a washer or a table, with the aisle widths noted. Open any of them in the editor and change the room to your own.
About these kitchens
The furniture library's Kitchen section has counters, islands, a stove and a range, fridges, a dishwasher and a washer, and three sinks: a 0.70 × 0.45 m (2′ 4″ × 1′ 6″) Sink, a 0.95 × 0.50 m (3′ 1″ × 1′ 8″) Double sink and a 0.80 × 0.60 m (2′ 7″ × 2′) Sink unit. The examples below leave the sink out, so decide where it goes on the counter run.
A rule of thumb often used in kitchen planning is the work triangle: keep the sink, the stove and the fridge close to each other without a main walkway cutting between them.
One-wall kitchen
One-wall kitchen
3.60 × 2.70 m (11′ 10″ × 8′ 10″) · 9.7 m² (105 sq ft)
The arrow marks the door. Add it in the editor with the door tool (D).
When a one-wall kitchen works
Everything on one run
Fridge, counter and stove make a 3.10 m (10′ 2″) run along one wall.
Open floor in front
1.95 m (6′ 5″) of clear floor in front of the counter: room for a small table or an island.
Best for small homes
It suits studios and open-plan rooms, where the kitchen shares space with living.
Galley kitchen
Galley kitchen
2.60 × 4.20 m (8′ 6″ × 13′ 9″) · 10.9 m² (118 sq ft)
The arrow marks the door. Add it in the editor with the door tool (D).
Sizing a galley
Two parallel runs
A 3.10 m (10′ 2″) run on one side and 2.40 m (7′ 10″) on the other.
The aisle
1.25 m (4′ 1″) between the runs. A common rule of thumb is about 1.07 m (42 in) for one cook and 1.22 m (48 in) for two; much more and you take extra steps.
Door at one end
With the door at the end, nobody walks through the cook's space to reach another room.
L-shaped kitchen with a table
L-shaped kitchen
3.60 × 3.90 m (11′ 10″ × 12′ 10″) · 14.0 m² (151 sq ft)
The arrow marks the door. Add it in the editor with the door tool (D).
Why the L-shape suits a family kitchen
Two runs at a corner
3.10 m (10′ 2″) along the top wall and 2.40 m (7′ 10″) down the side, joined at the corner.
Room for a table
The open corner takes a table for four, 1.13 m (3′ 8″) from the counter run.
Washer by the fridge
Fridge and washer share one end of the run, leaving the long counter free for preparing food.
U-shaped kitchen
U-shaped kitchen
3.30 × 3.60 m (10′ 10″ × 11′ 10″) · 11.9 m² (128 sq ft)
The arrow marks the door. Add it in the editor with the door tool (D).
What the U-shape offers
Counter on three sides
The most counter of the four examples, all within a few steps.
A wide middle
1.95 m (6′ 5″) between the side runs: room for two cooks, or a small island if you narrow it.
One way in
The open end is the only entrance, so through-traffic stays out.
Plan your kitchen
Pick a shape
Choose the layout closest to your room and open it in your units.
Set the room size
Select a wall and type its length; keep the furniture inside the new walls.
Fit your appliances
Type the real width and depth of your fridge, stove and counters.
Measure the aisles
Use the measure tool (M) between runs, and walk through in 3D.
Frequently asked questions
Which kitchen layout is best for a small space?
A one-wall or galley kitchen usually uses the least floor. The L-shape needs a corner but leaves room for a table.
Can I add an island?
Yes. The Kitchen section has a Kitchen island (1.20 × 0.80 m (3′ 11″ × 2′ 7″)) and a Large kitchen island (1.60 × 0.90 m (5′ 3″ × 2′ 11″)); place one in the middle of the room and measure the space around it with the measure tool.
How wide should a galley kitchen aisle be?
A common planning guideline is about 1.07 m (42 in) for one cook and 1.22 m (48 in) for two. The galley example leaves 1.25 m (4′ 1″) between its runs.
Where does the sink go in these examples?
The examples leave it out so you can choose. Place the library sink on a counter run, ideally with the stove and the fridge each a few steps away, and check the distances with the measure tool.
Can I open a kitchen example in feet and inches?
Yes. Each example has a link for meters and one for feet and inches, and the editor can switch units at any time.