Last updated on July 12th, 2022
When you design your kitchen, while your options of colors, materials, and designs are unlimited, there are certain measurements you will need to keep in mind because a kitchen is a functional space and bad ergonomic design isn’t just an inconvenience, but can also leave the users of the kitchen with aches and pains when working for prolonged periods.
So, here are the 8 most important measurements to keep in mind while designing your dream kitchen. It’s good to keep these in mind and adjust them while working with your kitchen designer as per your height and requirements.
1. The height of the Kitchen Counter
Kitchen counters should neither be too high nor too low and the standard height of a kitchen counter is 34-36 inches. But this varies a bit based on the height of the people using the kitchen and their preferences. It is calculated by measuring from the elbow as you stand all the way to the floor.
2. The depth of the Kitchen Counter
The ideal depth of the kitchen counter should be 24 inches. This keeps in mind the ideal posture for you to work with ease, so that there is the least amount of strain on your back, though this measurement sometimes varies depending on the height of the person concerned, backsplash details, cabinetry, etc.
3. Space between the Counter and Upper Cabinets
The ideal distance between the upper cabinets and the countertop is between 15-20 inches. Any lower, and they will make standing difficult in the kitchen and any higher and you’ll find it difficult to reach the upper shelves.
4. Depth of the Upper Cabinets
Plan for your upper cabinets to be between 12-15 inches in depth. Having them jut out any further will impact movement in the kitchen and can also cause accidents. Also, remember that the upper cabinets are usually planned to be smaller than the lower cabinets.
5. Space for movement
No matter which layout you have in mind for your kitchen, it is important to leave enough space between two adjacent countertops for yourself and another person’s easy movement, and ideally, this space is 48 inches. A space of more than 64 inches between counters is also not good as it makes the kitchen inefficient to work in.
6. Work triangle
A kitchen work triangle is made up of the three work zones – the Cooking zone (which consists of the stove, the oven, and the microwave), the Washing zone (which is the sink) and the Storage zone (which has the cupboards, and the fridge).
In an ideally designed kitchen, none of these should be more than 2-3 steps away from each other. And as a rule of thumb, the distance between the three zones should be at least 4.5 feet and less than 8.5 feet.
7. Free space on the sides
For safety reasons, it is important to leave at least a 12-inch gap on either side of your stovetop. Leave the same space on either side of the refrigerator as well.
8. Space for the Breakfast-counter stool
If you plan to have a breakfast counter in your kitchen, remember to keep at least 10-12 inches gap between the stools and the counter space, so that you can tuck in and move around your legs comfortably.
Do the same measurements apply to Small Kitchens?
In small kitchens, all these dimensions won’t apply. The dimensions of height, however, will still apply.
