The Galley or Corridor Kitchen Layout Design Elements and Measurements

The galley or corridor kitchen layout is a standard kitchen layout suitable for small rectangular spaces.

Basic Dimensions

• A galley kitchen can be any length by dividing the kitchen into multiple work zones
  
• The length of a work zone in a galley kitchen (such as the work triangle) should be a maximum of 8 feet
  
• The width of a galley kitchen should be between 7 to 12 feet with a minimum of 3 feet between countertops
  
• 3 feet between counter tops is tight and is best reserved for single occupancy kitchens
• 4 to 5 feet between countertops is optimal

Basic Design Elements

• Countertops
  • Two countertops on opposing walls at the optimal countertop height
    
  • Countertops should be of relatively equal length for maximum working surface
• Cabinets
  • Optimal cabinet heights should be used unless special considerations exist
    
  • Base cabinets should be a minimum of 24-inches deep and posses an adequate toe kick
    
  • Upper cabinets should be used where additional storage space is needed
    
  • No upper cabinets should be placed above the sink
• Work Triangle
  • The traditional kitchen work triangle should be an equilateral triangle
  • It should have one element on one wall roughly centered between the other two elements on the opposite wall
    
  • A side-by-side refrigerator can be used as the central element
  • A standard refrigerator should only be placed on the wall with two elements
    
  • The refrigerator's hinge should be placed on the outside corner of the triangle so it can be opened from the center of the triangle
    
  • If the work triangle is thin, the center element should be placed off center away from the refrigerator to allow more room for it to open

Other Considerations

• Having the kitchen open at both ends creates a through traffic corridor -- you will need a wider space between counters to avoid congestion
• Having the kitchen open on one end is the most efficient arrangement for kitchen use
• Place the sink in front of an window or opening in the wall
  
• Ensure you have the proper lighting levels for the task