A U-shaped kitchen offers plenty of space for cooking and storage. We’ll show you what makes a U-shaped kitchen shape, how to plan it, and what advantages and disadvantages it has.

A U-shaped kitchen is suitable for both large and smaller rooms, but is more likely to be used in larger kitchens. The shape offers plenty of storage space and work surface and usually consists of three kitchen units:

The three elements have different lengths depending on the model. A classic U has two longer and one shorter sides. But it can also be constructed the other way around with two short and one longer sides.

In very large kitchens, there is often an additional kitchenette in the room. It is therefore accessible from all sides. The row serves either as a kitchen island, dining area or bar.

You get an open feeling of space if you only attach the tall cabinets and wall cabinets to one of the sides. Otherwise the U-shaped kitchen can quickly look overwhelming and the kitchen looks smaller.

Place devices sensibly in the U-shaped kitchen

You should plan the work areas of the refrigerator, stove and sink close together in order to make the kitchen practical. This saves you walking distances and cooking becomes more efficient when you have everything to hand.

However, the division of the kitchen depends on the size of the room. Therefore, the structure is different in every kitchen. In general, however, refrigerators should not be located directly next to the cooking area with stove and oven.

How does a U-shaped kitchen become ergonomic?

To work as ergonomically as possible, three aspects are important: the direction of work, the height of the work surfaces and the height of the built-in devices.

If you are right-handed, it makes most sense to work from left to right, i.e. clockwise. As a left-hander, it’s the other way around.

In addition, you should adjust the work surfaces to your height. That means: With an angled arm, there should be a distance of 10 cm to 20 cm between the elbow and the work area.

It is best to arrange built-in appliances such as stoves, steamers, microwaves or dishwashers so that you can use them while standing. That saves your back.

Properly plan a U-shaped kitchen

The available space should be large enough so that a U-shaped kitchen can take full advantage of its advantages. As a rule of thumb, an interior area with a width of at least 2 m is ideal. This way you can easily open cupboards and drawers.

If you have a large room or are planning an eat-in kitchen, the open shape looks particularly spacious. But even smaller kitchens can be optimized with floating kitchen cabinets. They interrupt massive-looking wall units.

You should also plan the sink in front of the window. This is the best way to make the most of daylight.

Advantages of a U-shaped kitchen

The U-shape offers generous work surfaces, plenty of space for cooking, and more storage space.
Depending on the size and model, several people can be in the kitchen. Cooking is more fun this way.
There is also enough space for non-built-in kitchen appliances such as a coffee maker or mixer.

You can find out how to make good use of the storage space in the kitchen here. We’ll show you what options there are to neatly store all your utensils in a small space.

Use every corner as storage space

L-shaped, G- or U-shaped kitchens are built around corners. Therefore, many corners are created in these kitchens. You can make good use of these if you plan correctly. Because there are now practical solutions for corners.

Corner cabinets with a rondel offer space for pots or various kitchen machines, for example. The floors of the rondel are mounted around an axis. Just pull them out for easy access.

There is also space for triangular drawers in corner cabinets. You can store smaller things like kitchen utensils in them.

Base cabinets with pull-outs

It is best to plan base cabinets with pull-outs. Drawers that can be fully extended offer the most space and make full use of the available space. Think of a suitable system of organization. In this way you prevent chaos in the drawer from gradually arising. With the necessary order, you can also permanently find baking paper, pot holders, knives, food storage containers and so on in their desired place.

Tip: Don’t buy a typical cutlery box. Rather, rely on a freely configurable drawer division. You can adapt these exactly to your needs.

Hidden drawers for more storage space in the kitchen

Also plan drawers within the drawer. What sounds strange creates additional storage space in the kitchen. This allows you to accommodate different devices. The kitchen front nevertheless remains uniform and thus creates a calm, attractive picture.

Pedestal drawers in the kitchen

Every centimeter used counts, especially in small kitchens. Plinth drawers use the space that would otherwise remain unused. Large, flat objects such as baking trays and serving plates find their place here.

Tall cabinets for more storage space

You gain a lot of storage space in the kitchen with tall cabinets. With different inserts you can design them individually and use them ideally. Also include the cabinet doors in the planning. There is also plenty of storage space here. The OBI kitchen planner helps you plan your perfect kitchen.

Use tight room corners with pocket doors

Both wall and tall cabinets often do not fit into the corners of a room. The doors can then no longer be opened. Include pocket doors here. When closed, they look like a normal door. When opened, however, the door disappears inconspicuously into the slots in the cabinet.

Railing systems on the kitchen wall

A railing system offers you additional storage space in the kitchen. This allows you to use the space on the wall that would otherwise remain empty. A railing system consists of wall rails. You can hang small pans or spoons on them with meat hooks.

A modular wall is more elegant than the railing system. Spices, herbs and all kinds of kitchen utensils find their place here. You can design the system according to your needs.

Install small appliances in the kitchen

Free up space on the work surface by adding smaller kitchen appliances to the kitchen. The coffee machine, ice cube dispenser or other smaller devices disappear from view and create more space for other things.

When planning your kitchen, find out which appliances you can install where.

This is how you use the storage space in the kitchen optimally

These tips will also help you to make the best possible use of the space in your kitchen:

Heavy things always belong downstairs: You should always store big and heavy things downstairs in your kitchen. This includes pots and pans as well as a deep fryer, for example. Smaller people in particular find it easier to stow these devices below and to retrieve them from there.
Create a system: come up with an order for your kitchen and stick to it. Otherwise you are constantly looking for this or that and you will not enjoy cooking. Therefore, establish a system according to which you organize and store things in your kitchen. If disorder gradually creeps in, you put everything back in its place.
Important things are within easy reach: There are some things you need regularly in the kitchen. Put them where you can quickly reach them. Crockery is just as much a part of it as cutlery, kitchen rolls or cutting boards. This makes working in the kitchen much easier for you.

Not all floor coverings are equally suitable as kitchen floors. Find out more about possible materials for your kitchen floor here.

You have to pay attention to this

Since you move around a lot and do various jobs in the kitchen, not every flooring is suitable for every kitchen. The kitchen floor has to withstand a lot:

Your kitchen floor should be sturdy and scratch-resistant.
He shouldn’t mind hot water or oil.
The flooring needs to have enough grip so that you don’t slip.
Last but not least, you should also like the look of the kitchen floor.

What coverings are there for the kitchen floor?

There are a number of materials that can be used for flooring in your kitchen. In addition to their appearance, they also differ in price, resilience and ease of care.

Below you will find an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of tiles, earthenware, vinyl, parquet, laminate, linoleum, cork and carpet.

Vinyl as a kitchen floor

Small and large scratches, dents, or dents are clearly visible.
In contrast to real wooden fronts, the damage cannot simply be repaired, polished away or sanded off.
A real lacquer front is very expensive.

The eponymous material for the vinyl floor is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For a long time, vinyl floors were considered the standard in kitchens because they are insensitive and inexpensive. There have long been numerous colors and decors, for example in tile or wood optics.

The advantages and disadvantages of vinyl:

Vinyl floors are easy to care for: stains can be easily removed from them. The floors are visually versatile and can also imitate tiles, parquet, or laminate. Vinyl has good impact sound insulation. The material offers a pleasant walking experience.
Vinyl is less robust than other materials: Heavy furniture or chairs can cause pressure points. Vinyl floors must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

Parquet kitchen floor

Parquet is a wonderful floor covering, especially for open kitchens. If the same covering is also in the living room, it visually connects the rooms. However, you have to seal parquet in the kitchen so that it is resistant to stains and water.

The advantages and disadvantages of parquet

Wood optically radiates warmth and conveys coziness; open-pore wood absorbs air moisture and releases it again. The kitchen floor has a positive effect on the room climate. Small splashes of water are not a problem if you have sealed the floor with moisture protection. Thanks to irregularities in the material (e.g. knots), individual scratches or stains are hardly noticeable. The parquet can be repaired and new to seal. It lasts for up to 30 years.
Real wood is relatively expensive: the price range starts at around € 40 per square meter. Despite its robustness, parquet can show some signs of wear over time. Damp parquet can swell. You have to keep it dry at all times, as exposure to sunlight can cause wood to yellow or darken.

Natural stone kitchen floor

Natural stones such as marble, slate or granite are an extremely attractive floor covering for the kitchen. The material is robust and gives the kitchen an individual look.

The advantages and disadvantages of stone
Stone is water-repellent and easy to clean. Hard stone tiles, for example made of granite or slate, are extremely hard-wearing and insensitive to scratches. Stone is a natural product, which is why every floor covering is unique.
The price of natural stone floors can be several hundred euros per square meter. Tiles made of marble or limestone need a surface sealing. You should also quickly wipe off any splashes from sealed material. Stone is sensitive to acids – vinegar cleaners are therefore taboo. Stone floor coverings are difficult to remove from the kitchen.

Tiles for the kitchen floor

Floor tiles come in countless colors and formats. But tiles also differ significantly in terms of quality. There are noble, glazed and more rustic, unglazed tiles.

The advantages and disadvantages of tiles
Many tiles are extremely cheap: their price range starts at around € 5 per square meter. The selection of tiles in different looks is immense. Tiles are robust and, if properly cared for, will last up to 30 years. Glazed and carefully grouted tiles are easy to care for: grease and other stains can usually simply be wiped away.
Especially in winter, the flooring feels uncomfortably cold. Unglazed tiles are more sensitive and stain more easily than glazed tiles.

Laminate as a kitchen floor

Laminate is the inexpensive alternative to parquet. It can be laid over old flooring so you don’t have to remove it.

The advantages and disadvantages of laminate

There are many different types of laminate, and high-quality laminate is hard-wearing. Even falling kitchen utensils cannot harm it. With impregnation protection, laminate flooring is water-repellent and easy to care for. Nevertheless, you should remove moisture quickly. Laminate is inexpensive: The high-quality flooring is available from € 15 per square meter.
You usually have to replace laminate after 15 years; Laminate can be repaired, but not as easily as parquet. Larger scratches may remain visible in the laminate. Standing water causes the laminate to swell quickly – especially if it penetrates the joints. Laminate looks less elegant than parquet and feels colder.