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Kitchen Layouts & the Work Triangle: Designing a Functional Kitchen
A good kitchen must work as well as it looks. Layout types and the work-triangle rule.
2026-05-28 · 6 min read
A kitchen's success lives in the flow between hob, sink and fridge. The right layout speeds up cooking and makes daily life easier.
What is the work triangle?
The hob, sink and fridge form a triangle; each side should ideally be 1.2–2.7 metres. Too large is tiring, too small is cramped.
Which layout suits you?
- •Single-wall: ideal for small apartments
- •L-shaped: uses the corner, great for open plans
- •U-shaped: maximum counter and storage
- •Island: a social hub in larger kitchens
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you fit an island in a small kitchen?
- Usually not; an island needs at least 90–100 cm of clearance all around. In small kitchens a peninsula or breakfast bar works better.