L-Shaped Kitchen Layout: 7 Space-Savvy Ideas

The L-shaped kitchen layout is where culinary creativity meets practical, space-saving design. Favored by home chefs and busy households alike, the set-up naturally separates the two main workspaces: At one end, you’ll find the food prep area with counter space and quick access to cooking essentials, while the opposite end houses the cleanup station where the sink and dirty dishes can live. Consider these seven ideas to inspire your setup for an L-shaped kitchen, and consult a local kitchen designer to help make your dream kitchen layout into reality.

1. Traditional L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

The classic set-up for L-shaped kitchen layouts places cabinets and appliances along two adjacent walls, with a large triangular sink in the diagonal space where they intersect. The longer leg of the “L” typically features the stove and most of the counter space for easy food preparation. The short leg of the “L” can function as the clean-up area, with optional space for a dishwasher and dish drying rack. 

2. Compact L-Shaped Kitchen

For galley kitchens (also known as corridor kitchens) where two parallel walls or countertops create a walkway or "corridor" between them, the typical set-up places appliances and countertops in a single line against the wall. However, you can incorporate an L-shaped kitchen setup to make use of the adjacent wall, creating a short arm with extra countertops to use as a clean-up area with a sink.

3. Breakfast Peninsula

If you’re working with a wide, spacious kitchen, consider placing the short arm of the “L” against the wall with the long arm of the “L” protruding out into the open space. The long arm parallel to the wall can now function as a double-sided galley kitchen lined with appliances and countertops on either side. Extend your countertops on the opposite side and add seating to create a casual dining area.

4. Parallel Kitchen Island

For extra counter space and an optional seating area, you can build a kitchen island parallel to the long side of the “L”. Then, add all of your necessities for food prep on the long side of the “L”, such as your oven, above-the-range microwave, and similar appliances. Your clean-up workspace with your dish drying area and dishwasher can go on the short side of the “L”.

5. Open Kitchen With Included Dining Area

One of the benefits of an L-shaped kitchen is the ability to incorporate your dining area steps away from your countertops. This type of layout works best in smaller kitchens and homes without a separate eat-in dining area. Consider placing a round or square dining table on the opposite side of the kitchen island to create a walkable footprint.

6. Separate Dining Area

An L-shaped workspace in a wide rectangular or square-shaped kitchen saves ample floor space. Add a separate dining area in the opposite corner of the room. If you have the additional space, you can also add a kitchen island between the “L” and the dining area.  

7. Open Floor Plan

If your home has a completely open floor plan, you can use an L-shaped kitchen layout to maximize the potential of the surrounding wall space. Appliances and ample countertop space form an L that spans the length of the two adjacent walls. A kitchen island and a separate table for dining can go in between the kitchen and living area, helping to delineate the space while maintaining the open concept.