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Planning a U-shaped kitchen

    27/08/2025

    5 min.

    Grüner GmbH/Florian Thierer | Popstahl/Anton Brandl | www.baston-photography.com | werkhaus küchen

Three rows, plenty of storage space, room for appliances and a functional, well thought-out layout: A U-shaped kitchen is the first choice in many households for good reasons. A well thought-out planning concept is crucial for functionality and design. Arrange work surfaces, wall units and corner solutions in such a way as to optimise walkways and use storage space intuitively. The result is your individual dream kitchen in U-shape - tailored to your needs.

The advantages and disadvantages of a U-shaped kitchen

There are good reasons for the great popularity of U-shaped kitchens - and it's not just down to generous work surfaces and plenty of storage space. 

 

  • Short distances make your cooking projects an efficient pleasure. 

 

  • The typical arrangement with three kitchen units opens up plenty of space - even for several people cooking together. 

 

  • They make optimum use of the available space - and can also integrate a U-shape into narrow kitchens. 

 

U-shaped kitchens are real space savers and can be very individually customised. But do they fit in every room? And what are the disadvantages of a U-shaped kitchen? 

 

  • A dining table can only be accommodated to a limited extent in a U-shaped kitchen. Tip: Alternatively, a U-shape with a counter is an option. This solution is particularly suitable for open-plan kitchens. 

 

  • It can be more difficult to integrate a U-shaped kitchen in rooms with several doors. 

 

  • A sense of proportion is required when planning kitchens - for example when calculating the walkways. This is especially true in small kitchens. 

What is the best size for a U-shaped kitchen - can it also be integrated into small rooms and what is the best layout? The good news: A three-row kitchen can be realised in many room sizes with adaptations: 

 

  • However, a minimum room width of around 2.50 metres is recommended. 

 

  • The total size should be at least eight square metres. Sufficiently wide walkways are then guaranteed. 

 

  • Ideally, the surface should be as rectangular as possible. Single and double-row kitchens are ideal for narrow, long surfaces. 

    Planning the U-shaped kitchen - tips for different room designs

    Whether a mini-kitchen or open-plan living concept with generous space: A U-shaped kitchen fits into numerous rooms. We reveal tips for kitchen planning for small, medium-sized and large rooms.

      Small U-shaped kitchen with window: airy looks

      If only a few square metres are available for the U-shaped kitchen, clever storage space is required: Corner solutions with roundels or integrated pull-outs allow easy access to the contents of the cupboard and make optimum use of the available space. 

      Tall and larder unitsalso offer plenty of storage space. To make a small room look as airy as possible, only place tall units and wall units on one side of the kitchen. If you integrate the sink in front of the window, you can enjoy plenty of natural light when washing up. Tip: When planning your kitchen, make sure that the window can still be opened. Clever solutions such as folding and retractable fittings contribute to this. 

        Medium-sized U-shaped kitchen: Variety is the order of the day

        Kitchens with an area of around ten to 15 square metres are virtually predestined for a U-shape - for example, for a solution with a counter.

        You can create visual variety by arranging the kitchen cabinets: Play with different widths and heights, replace wall units with open shelves and wall shelves. In this way, you can create a modern U-shaped kitchen and create additional storage space at the same time - all at the same time. 

          Large U-shaped kitchens: open counter solutions and more

          A U-shaped kitchen also shines in living kitchens and open-plan areas - and you have a free choice of equipment and planning. For example, a combination of a U-shaped kitchen and an island solution is ideal. Alternatively, design one of the three legs as a counter or place a dining table as a central meeting point in the centre of the U-shaped kitchen. 

          Tip for budget planning: How much does a U-shaped kitchen actually cost? The price depends on the type, number and design of the kitchen cabinets, the materials selected and the manufacturer of the built-in appliances. It's hard to give a generalised answer, as a U-shaped kitchen is very individual. 

            Ergonomics and comfort: Tips for the efficient use of a U-shaped kitchen

            The U-shaped kitchen offers spacious space and generous storage space for small appliances and other items on three worktops. With these tips and tricks you will benefit from these conveniences in particular: 

             

            • Corner solutions create maximum storage space. 

             

            • Note the minimum spacing between the lines. Opposite areas should be at least 1.20 metres apart. This ensures that cupboard doors and pull-outs can be opened easily on both sides. 

             

            • Use the lighting to create a cosy atmosphere. Under-cabinet lights illuminate the worktop and the cooking area without any shadows, while LED strips as accent lighting create a cosy atmosphere - for example on skirting boards and under wall units. 

             

            • Integrate the cooktop in open-plan U-shaped kitchens into the counter. This allows you to create a communicative cooking area with an airy design. 
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