The way you arrange your stove, fridge and sink has always been an important aspect of space planning, but is the kitchen triangle still the common layout or is there a new approach that is more convenient for designing a clutter-free kitchen?
Kitchen layouts can vary greatly depending on the size and style of the space, but the kitchen triangle is often considered. However, as kitchen design has evolved, some designers have found new ways to create functional flow.
So is the triangular layout still the first choice for kitchen designers? Here we ask them that very question and find out whether they swear by this classic layout or prefer a different approach.
Is the kitchen triangle still the common layout?
(Image credit: Naked Kitchens)
One of the top priorities is to create a functional layout in your space, so the kitchen triangle really makes the most sense. Whether you have an island layout, a galley layout, or a peninsula kitchen, you’ll likely find that the triangle is the layout that creates the best flow.
“When designing your kitchen, your designer will take into account how you use your space and will usually suggest incorporating the kitchen triangle into your layout,” says kitchen designer Tom Howley.
“This essentially means that the hob, sink and refrigerator are all the same distance from each other. This optimises your workspace and keeps everything within reach when using the kitchen,” he explains.
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
If you’re wondering whether or not to go for a kitchen triangle, consider how you use your space. In a family home or if you’re an avid cook, the triangle will be incredibly useful.
“The kitchen triangle is extremely practical and functional, minimising movement between the sink, hob and fridge. This layout simplifies meal preparation and cooking, making it ideal for busy households,” says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.
For many designers, the kitchen triangle is still the preferred shape, but it is less consciously chosen. Rather than designing a kitchen around the triangle layout, it seems to come naturally when creating an aesthetic and functional space.
“It’s important to consider aesthetics and functionality equally. If you only focus on one of them, your kitchen won’t work. So things like triangles and zoning in general will just happen and not be the focus,” says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL kitchens.
Are there any disadvantages to the triangular arrangement in the kitchen?
(Image credit: deVOL)
There’s no denying that the kitchen triangle is a great choice thanks to its ability to create a continuous flow between appliances, but there are some designs where the triangle just doesn’t work.
“The kitchen triangle can be limiting as it doesn’t always suit open floor plans or irregularly shaped kitchens. It can also become cramped with multiple users, disrupting workflow. Additionally, it’s difficult to effectively integrate modern appliances like coffee makers or air fryers, and in larger kitchens the spacing between points can become impractical,” explains Lauren.
And not only in open plan kitchens, but also in one of the most popular small kitchen layouts, implementing the kitchen triangle can prove difficult. “If the kitchen is a galley kitchen, the triangle cannot be maintained, so consideration must be given to how the appliances will be placed in that space,” says Jayne Everett, creative designer at Naked Kitchens.
(Image credit: Naked Kitchens)
So the triangle kitchen layout is still a popular choice for interior designers, but the key takeaway here is that you shouldn’t force it if it just doesn’t fit in your space. A successful kitchen design is one that balances function and aesthetics and is tailored to your lifestyle.
The triangle layout for the kitchen continues to be considered a timeless and effective way to design your scheme, provided it suits your space. If the triangle layout works well in your kitchen, that’s great. But if not, there’s probably an alternative layout that’s more effective.
