The L-Shaped Kitchen Layout Design Elements and Measurements

Tips and Details for Designing an Efficient L-Shaped Kitchen

The L-shaped kitchen layout is a standard kitchen layout suitable for corners and open spaces. With great ergonomics, this layout makes kitchen work efficient and avoids traffic problems.

Basic Dimensions

• A leg of an L-shaped kitchen can be any length by dividing the kitchen into multiple work zones
  
• For optimal space use, only one leg should be longer than 15-feet
  
• The length of a work zone in a L-shaped kitchen (such as the work triangle) should be a maximum of 8 feet
  

Basic Design Elements

• Counter tops
  • Two counter tops on perpendicular walls at the optimal counter top height
    
• 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
  • Place the traditional kitchen work triangle in the corner of the L utilizing both counter tops for efficiency
    
  • 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
    

Other Considerations

• An open L-shaped kitchen allows any through traffic corridors to skirt the kitchen work zones
• A wide L-shaped kitchen variation adds a kitchen island or table - at least 5-feet between the counter top and the island/table is needed
  
• Place the sink in front of a window or opening in the wall
  
• Ensure you have the proper lighting levels for the task