2021 ᐈ

U-shaped kitchen - a layout where cabinets and appliances are located along three adjacent walls. When viewed from above, the arrangement resembles the letter P, after which it was named. Often one of the sides is a peninsula or bar counter.

This layout can be called a dream kitchen for several reasons:

There is a lot of storage space , because almost the entire space is filled with a set. In such cases, you can abandon the upper cabinets, which will give the room style, lightness and spaciousness;
convenience of cooking , since with this arrangement of furniture you get an ideal working triangle (refrigerator-sink-stove). This saves both time and nerves during cooking, since you don’t have to go to another room for some ingredients or kitchen appliances;
versatility - the kitchen can be adjusted to your needs by making the drawers narrower, wider or deeper, giving them the correct shape, or replacing one side with a stand.

At the same time, you need to understand that this layout is the most cumbersome - it requires at least 5 square meters. m of space. If the room is small, then the dining area is often moved from the kitchen, for example, to the living room, or the usual table is replaced with a high counter.

Description

The “P” layout allows you to properly organize the space and make it more efficient. Now a similar design can be created even in the interior of a small apartment, not to mention large and spacious rooms. This option is optimal for large families and those who like to cook a lot.

A U-shaped kitchen involves placing furniture and household appliances along three walls, and the bar counter, as a rule, completes one of the sides.

Sometimes the bar serves as a peninsula, but this is at the discretion of the hostess. Often, when arranging furniture, designers try to use the window so that the space is not wasted, but this is not always possible, since the window sills are usually located at a higher level than the tabletop.

A big advantage of the “P” layout is that it can be implemented in a kitchen of any size, even a small one. Of course, there are exceptions. For example, arranging a headset in this way would be a big mistake in a narrow and elongated room, where the width is no more than 2.5 m.

The most optimal room for such a solution is a large room (from 15 m2). This option is optimal for square and rectangular rooms.

If the window sill is at a height of 85-90 cm, you can make it part of the countertop and organize a work area or sink. A U-shaped kitchen with a breakfast bar is an ideal solution for a family that eats in the dining room rather than in the kitchen, or lives in a studio apartment.

Please note that the width of the passage in the latter case should be at least 1.2 m, otherwise the housewife will feel cramped in such a space, and opening cabinets will become a real problem.

Arranging furniture in a “P” shape with a bar counter at the end has a lot of advantages. If you correctly position the set and properly organize the work area, you will end up with a wonderful kitchen in which preparing a delicious dinner will turn into a pleasure. The bar counter allows you to delimit the room and separate the cooking space from the dining area.

For such a layout, both a classic set and one made in a modern style are suitable.

Of course, the main advantage of a U-shaped kitchen is the presence of a large number of shelves and drawers for storage, as well as a larger countertop for working.

Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages regarding a small room. The points listed below do not apply to owners of large premises with an impressive budget. First of all, it should be noted that the detailed set is expensive, since it will have to be made to order.

The main problem during placement will be the window and balcony door (if available). As a rule, they are located opposite the door, which means this wall cannot be used.

In a small kitchen, classic-style furniture will look too bulky, and since most of it is occupied by the countertop, there may not be room for a dining table, although if you have a small family, it will fit behind the bar counter. Another drawback concerns the presence of corner places, due to which, if not properly organized, space can be wasted.

To avoid this problem, you need to order special turntable boxes. They will not be cheap, and they may soon fail.

Disadvantages of this solution

Despite the obvious improvement in lighting conditions, moving the sink under the window is associated with the following nuances:

When washing dishes, fruits and vegetables, numerous splashes will fly off onto the surface of the window, which will require additional care efforts.

Note!

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After each “session” of washing, you will need to pick up a rag so that the window does not look dirty. And if this is not difficult for a careful housewife, then it is a stretch to rely on the rest of the family members.

If on a hot day you need to open the kitchen window to provide fresh air, then due to the high mixer, this will only be partially possible.

Advantages

Stylish appearance that fits perfectly into modern ways of decorating premises.
Connoisseurs of practical solutions will be pleased by the possibility of arranging a work triangle on which the sink, stove and refrigerator will be located. This is an ideal option for those who love to cook.
Arrangement in this style makes it possible to place a large number of utensils and household appliances.
Spacious and roomy work surface.
For many residential designs, symmetry is very important. In a U-shaped kitchen, this characteristic is the default.
It is possible to install massive wide tables, large deep cabinets, large hobs.
Suitable for classic interiors, loft style interiors, retro styles and most others.
Minimum movements for cooking - everything is located nearby.

Colors

Color schemes should showcase the best aspects of your design design. Firstly, based on the size, there are always certain restrictions that are important to consider. For example, for a small kitchen you should choose a set with a light facade and dark partitions that will visually stretch out the space.

In addition, the presence of an accent apron, preferably of a narrow shape, is significant. If you have a large U-shaped kitchen, then the color selection possibilities expand significantly - from dark to light colors, depending on the overall interior style.

Secondly, you should correctly design the color palettes used in the project. For example, if you combine pastel colors, then you should dilute it with bright and harmonious accents, such as peach, cream and mustard or cadmium.

Finally, in the case when you need to expand the room, then select a dark set in the long part and a light one in the short part, respectively, for the opposite effect, swap the color intensity in places.

Flaws

This style is not suitable for elongated rooms.
If you install the set in a small room, there will be very little space left for the dining table. This problem can sometimes be eliminated by reducing the size of the furniture on one side, but this is a troublesome process.
Due to the special structure, you will have to install carousel shelves and systems with retractable elements. Such designs will cost more than standard ones.
Corner boxes are very inconvenient to use.
Difficulties in selecting kitchen furniture - such facades have to be made to order.
You have to stick strictly to one style and color scheme.
Often you have to manipulate the window and plumbing in order to arrange objects in a way that will be convenient.
The number of tall, massive elements such as cabinets should be limited, as they will create the illusion of a cramped room.
The minimum passage in the center is from 1.2 meters, then you can use cabinet doors that can open on both sides.
The maximum passage in the center is no more than 2 meters to avoid large movements when cooking.
In large rooms it is necessary to equip a kitchen island.
The hood here is very noticeable and requires a lot of attention to its design.

Stylistic variations of bar counters and their placement

The racks may vary in shape. Simpler and more compact - in the shape of the letter G. Larger models look in the shape of the letter P. When choosing the latter option, you can conveniently place chairs under the counter.

On sale you can find models in which the lower part of the structure is reserved for drawers, shelves and cabinets

Most rack options have a pipe support. It is installed both at the bottom and at the top. When choosing a shortened model, this fastening can only go from a horizontal surface to the floor.

To save as much free space in the room as possible, the bar counter can be placed facing the wall. This option is not suitable for large companies, but for a one-on-one conversation it will be just right.

If possible, it is better to place the stand by the window, especially if it offers a wonderful view of the street.

The folding model can be used as an element of room zoning, especially in studio apartments. It can block the doorway. The main advantage of such structures is that guests can be placed on both sides and, if necessary, removed with one movement of the hand.

Which interior styles to choose?

There is a huge variety of interior styles. Each of them has certain visual and practical features. When choosing a U-shaped kitchen, you should determine what decor is suitable for such arrangement.

High tech

A style that combines high technology, practicality, versatility and conciseness. Symmetry and strict forms fit perfectly into its context. Decorative materials – plastic, metal and glass. The most common colors are black, gray, white.

A distinctive feature of the style is the chrome elements.

Minimalism

The motto of this direction is: “Minimum things - maximum benefits.” Calm, soft and neutral colors are used for decoration. Minimalism underlies high-tech and many other modern trends.

Modern

Stylish and practical modernism attracts the attention of most fans of modern trends. In this case, you can use either a bright shade or a soft tone as the main color. A clear layout and practical materials are the basis of the interior.

Provence

Light, delicate and blooming Provence is often chosen by the fair sex. A palette of pastel colors and floral patterns are a must. This style will fill the room with light, warmth and comfort.

Classic

Classic trends are always relevant and in demand. When choosing this direction, designers recommend an option in which the bar counter acts as one of the sides, and a wide dining table is located in the center.

The style is suitable only for spacious rooms, on the basis of which a large number of decorative elements will not look rude.

Layout options

Even within one U-shaped layout, there are several different furniture arrangements. It depends on the room in which the kitchen will be located - its shape, size, presence of a balcony or window, location of the door.

Let's look at the features of each possible layout option.

In a studio apartment

A studio is a popular apartment option in the modern world. It is convenient because the absence of walls allows you to organize the space very functionally.
It is in the studio that a U-shaped kitchen is most often made, where one side is replaced by a bar counter. It serves, on the one hand, as a space delimiter, and on the other, as a dining area.

It turns out that the rule that the set must be placed against the wall is violated, but this does not change the view from above, and the layout remains U-shaped.
The second option for a kitchen in a studio apartment is with a peninsula. That is, the kitchen set is also arranged in the letter P, only one side is not against the wall and separates the kitchen from the living room.
This arrangement is more functional, since in the resulting peninsula you can organize places to store utensils and even build in equipment.
The choice between a peninsula and a stand should be made by the housewife herself, based on personal preferences: some need a lot of storage space, others want the feeling of lightness that a stand will create.

With bar counter

This option can be implemented not only in a studio apartment. It is possible both in a private house and in an ordinary apartment - here you will have to tear down the wall. It is only important to make sure that this wall separating the kitchen and living room is not load-bearing, and calculate everything down to the centimeter.

A bar counter is a great option for a small family when you don’t want to take up space with the dining table and have room to receive guests in another room.

This solution looks fashionable and original, but do not forget about practicality: even at a two-meter counter, three people will not be very comfortable sitting. And it is very strange to arrange a formal reception for guests.
The bar counter is suitable as a place for a quick snack or for a family of two. In other cases, it is better to think about a separate dining area.

With window

Almost every kitchen has a window. But the windows are different from each other. If the size of the opening in the kitchen does not affect the kitchen in any way, then the presence of a radiator underneath it will.

If the radiator is located in the middle under the window, then it is better to abandon the idea of placing a kitchen unit there, since it will block the flow of warm air, and the kitchen will become much cooler.
Alternatively, you can make special slots in the countertops to allow warm air to escape. This will make the room warmer, but dirt and food may get into the gap, so it is better not to use the area near the window as a working area.

It is also possible to move the kitchen sink to the window. But there are several factors to consider:

Lengthening the pipeline can happen easily when you just need to extend the pipe itself, but it can also be difficult, since each additional meter of pipe requires raising the sink by several centimeters. It may happen that the sink is higher than the countertop - in this case you will have to buy an expensive pump;

splashes from the sink will fly onto the glass, making it constantly look dirty. After each washing of dishes you will have to wipe the window. If the housewife herself agrees with this, then the rest of the household may not be so careful;
opening the window. Often there are situations where the kitchen faucet is poorly positioned in such a way that it is not possible to open the window. In such cases, it is best to place the faucet on the side of the sink or on a corner so that the valve can open at least a little.

In American films, a sink near a window always looks beautiful, but in Russian reality, the view from the window will not always be as valuable.

Without window

There are also kitchens without a window. On the one hand, for a U-shaped layout it’s even easier, since you think less about arranging furniture and moving the kitchen.

The furniture simply stands on three adjacent walls, and the wall with the doorway remains empty.

It is advisable to remove the door completely or make it transparent so that at least a little natural light enters the kitchen. It is worth considering several lighting sources: most likely it will be one large chandelier and several additional spotlights along the working and dining areas.

With a balcony

At first glance, a U-shaped kitchen is impossible if there is a balcony. But this is a misconception. This layout is possible provided that the balcony must be insulated and combined with the kitchen. Then, in place of the former double-glazed window, you can put a bar counter or a “peninsula”, as in the version with a studio apartment.
This solution will significantly expand the kitchen and add a lot of new storage space. At the same time, you can place a dining table for the whole family against a free wall, and use the counter only for quick snacks or a cup of coffee.

Narrow

If the kitchen is very narrow (with a width of 2.2–3 meters or less), then you should not try to fit a U-shaped layout into it, as this will be inconvenient, especially if the set has drawers. In addition, this is prohibited by fire safety rules, and there will simply be no room left for eating.
If the kitchen is wider, but the passage still seems narrow, you can use a trick and place a set against one wall with a depth of not 60 centimeters, but 40 or even 35.

Yes, there won’t be too much storage space, but such a surface will be quite suitable as a work area.

With an "island"

Even in a U-shaped kitchen you can put an “island”. Only the room must be really large - more than 20 square meters. m. This is due to the fact that there should be at least one and a half meters from the “island” to the nearest headset for ease of use.
The standard shape of the “island” is a rectangle, but you can find square and even rounded options. The advantage of the island is that it can be used both as a work area and as a dining area.
This results in saving space, although it is not required for such a large area. Sometimes housewives install an “island” with a built-in kitchen sink. This is not a good idea since there is no hanging dryer nearby for clean dishes.

Island

There is another possibility: you can position the kitchen set in such a way that one of the legs of the letter P separates the kitchen from the room, forming a kind of peninsula. You can choose from these two options only by trying both.

The bar counter creates a feeling of lightness, although it serves as a kind of barrier between the room and the kitchen.

A peninsula from a kitchen cabinet creates additional space for storing utensils and supplies, performing the same function as a delimiter of functional areas.

Small area

The main disadvantage of the U-shaped layout in a small kitchen is that there is no space left for the dining area. In this case, you can do it in different ways:

design one of the sides as a bar counter so that you can eat there;
if there is a balcony, insulate it and replace the double-glazed window with a “peninsula”;
if the wall is not load-bearing, demolish it and put a “peninsula” there;
use the window sill;
abandon the idea of a U-shaped layout.

If you really want, you can make such a layout in a small kitchen, for example, in a Khrushchev-era building. To do this, the depth of the headset should be reduced to 35–40 centimeters on at least one side.

Use trapezoidal cabinets at the entrance so as not to hit the corner when entering and exiting. The set should be tall; it is advisable to use more tall cabinets with built-in appliances, for example, a microwave.

Big square

With a large area, there are no problems with planning. This is where you can organize an ideal work triangle, that is, a work area with vertices in the refrigerator, sink and stove. The smaller this triangle is, the easier and faster the cooking will be.

In a large kitchen (more than 12 sq. m.) there will be space for a set on three walls and a dining area. The functionality of the headset can be divided as follows:

On one wall are all the appliances - refrigerator, washing machine, microwave;
the second has a sink, an empty work area, a stove, an oven;
the third is various types of equipment, for example, a blender, a food processor, an electric grill, a meat grinder, a juicer, and so on.

Furniture design and arrangement options

Most furniture arrangement options are standard. First, decide on the location of the main elements of the work area; they should be close to each other, and then proceed in any order. The main thing when planning furniture arrangement is comfort.

In addition to natural lighting, you need to take care of good lighting of the space.

When there is a lot of space, there is a lot of room for imagination.

Combining a U-shaped kitchen with another room

It was previously discussed how to combine such a kitchen with a compact studio, where it will also serve as both a living room and a dining room, and only a recreation area is separate from it. Here the emphasis will be on how to combine it with another room in a large vacant apartment or house.

The best U-shaped combined kitchen will be with a dining room or living room. Placing it in the same room as a bedroom, library, office or other type of room where silence is needed would be a bad decision. Usually guests always came to the kitchen and spent most of their time there.

Only for a few celebrations, when many people gathered, did they set a large table in the room. The U-shaped kitchen in the living room will be a continuation of national traditions.

The U-shaped shared kitchen here needs lighting more than the rest of the living room. This is done in order to separate the cooking area and the guest area. The kitchen, which is located in a large hall, should be located in one of the corners. If it is located in a less spacious room, you can combine it with the living room, placing it entirely on one half of the room, and giving the other part to the living room.

The second option is suitable for most single-family homes, while the first is more suitable for large country houses.

When combined with a dining room, it would be wise to create a cooking area and a dining area in the same style. For the kitchen, it would be practical to highlight the brightest part of the room. There are no specific layout recommendations here.

You can arrange the kitchen as a separate complex, or you can make a spacious kitchen-dining room by inserting a comfortable dining table with chairs into the interior.

A bar counter is a worthy choice, but only in two cases: when the kitchen is combined with the living room or when the dimensions of the room do not allow placing a full tabletop with chairs. Most people will agree that eating at a bar every day is a little inconvenient; it is much more convenient to eat while sitting at a table.

And a family dinner will look better if all family members look at each other, rather than sitting in a row. The design of a U-shaped kitchen with a dining room will be more harmonious and practical than with a living room.

Kitchen combined with living room

This neighborhood is very convenient. Typically, with this layout, the kitchen is limited only to cooking and storing food, and the living room serves as a dining area.

Some housewives are not satisfied with this arrangement of rooms, since the combined rooms must be decorated in the same style or have some unifying interior elements.

Kitchen layout, professional advice:

Do not place bulky objects close to the exit.
Do not abuse the disconnection of the kitchen unit in parts.
Pay attention to the placement of pipes, wires, etc. They should either be hidden or decorated in such a way that they become part of the interior.

Who would suit a kitchen with the letter P?

The U-shaped layout is universal and suitable for almost all types of kitchens (the exception is a very narrow and elongated kitchen less than 2.4 meters wide). Take a closer look at this headset if:

Do you have a combined kitchen-living room or studio
your kitchen is square or rectangular in shape, 2.4-3.2 meters wide. If the room is narrower, it is better to choose a straight or corner layout. If wider - corner or island.
you have a spacious rectangular kitchen and want to place a large dining table and comfortable chairs
The height of the window sill in your kitchen is 85-90 cm: this is exactly what it should be to create a work surface near the window or install a sink
you love to cook, do it every day and enjoy spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes
you like to eat and cook in different rooms and you have the opportunity to move the dining area into the living room, or you are ready to make do with a small bar counter / compact table in the kitchen

IMPORTANT: the passage between the cabinets should be at least 120 cm (less - it will be too cramped and difficult to open doors and drawers, not to mention the dishwasher or oven) and no more than 200 cm (lots of unnecessary movements).

Use an island in a U-shaped kitchen to make it as comfortable as possible

As we have already said, a too large kitchen with a U-shaped set will lose its convenience. But if you dream of such a layout, there is no point in resisting. A large kitchen is not a death sentence, and the situation can still be improved.

In this case, the island will come to the rescue. With it, we kill two birds with one stone: you get an additional work area and storage area that can be equipped with drawers, and fill the void between three adjacent walls. Be sure to follow the main rule: the passages around the island should be quite wide - at least one and a half meters.

Photo: mkumodels.com

Recommendations for arrangement

The layout of a kitchen with the letter “P” with a bar counter should be carried out according to certain rules. In this case, the sink, refrigerator and hob form a work triangle within which most of the work will be done. The smaller the distance between them, the more convenient it is for the housewife.

The main place is considered to be the sink; it should be placed 1.5 m from the stove and 2 m from the refrigerator. It is advisable to hide all external communications and pipes if this does not contradict safety rules.

In extreme cases, they can be beautifully decorated.

The set should also be placed correctly. As a rule, the refrigerator is placed at one end of the letter “P”, and tall cabinets for storage are located next to it. Some designers suggest making one side a little shorter to create more space for the walkway and dining table.

If you have a large footage, you can make several built-in cabinets that will accommodate all the necessary utensils.

In a small room, it is not recommended to clutter the upper part with cabinets. In this case, the best option would be two tall pencil cases and proper organization of the internal space in the lower drawers.

The shade of the furniture facade should be in harmony with the color of the walls. When planning a small room, it is better to choose light colors that will visually enlarge it. An interesting countertop, household appliances and an original hood will help add some zest to the interior.

If there is no room left for a table in the room, you can use a bar counter instead or install a table in an adjacent area. Thus, it will be possible to separate the dining and kitchen areas.

There are several options for the location of the bar counter: island and peninsula. In the first case, it is placed in the center, but this is only possible in a large room. The second method is a ledge in the furniture; this option is optimal for a small room.

An excellent solution would be a stand located along the wall.

For a small kitchen, a mobile bar counter is ideal, which can be folded if necessary, thereby freeing up space. If you are used to eating in the kitchen, but there is no room left for a table, you can use the bar for lunch, having previously ensured the presence of high chairs.

The best option for the housewife would be to move the dining area from the small kitchen to the next room, this way she will have more space to work and will not interfere with the meal.

In a small room, you can also use a window sill by arranging it in a set. To implement the idea, you will have to make it flush with the countertop. Sometimes this requires lowering or raising the window, and then combining the surfaces. Instead of upper cabinets, you can attach several shelves and place spices and seasonings in beautiful bottles on them.

This way the wall won't be too busy, which is very important for a small space.

In addition to the headset and work area, it is important to take care of proper lighting. As a rule, if there is a bar counter in the kitchen with the letter “P”, in addition to the general light, spotlights are additionally used to help highlight the work, dining and bar areas.

It is recommended to install small light sources above the sink, in the hood above the hob and in several places above the countertop where the housewife works most often.

To add coziness to the room, it is important to choose the right textiles and additional accessories. Curtains in a U-shaped kitchen should be light, preferably transparent. Hang a beautiful still life painting and place a couple of flower pots on the windowsill. Place original napkin holders and small decorative items on the tabletop.

The bar must be equipped with everything necessary. Turn your kitchen into a cozy corner where it will be a pleasure to prepare delicious meals for the whole family.

Beautiful examples

Let's look at the most interesting solutions for a U-shaped kitchen with a bar counter.

The white set in a classic style was perfect for such a small room. Granite-colored countertops and matte-polished silver fittings add restraint to the interior, while the two-level ceiling visually expands the space. The window in this case is located on the side, which made it possible to use this wall and install a bar counter with high chairs along it.
The white roller blind fits perfectly into the design and does not burden the room. A small vase with a plant adds zest to the interior.

Kitchen in a modern style with classic elements. The combination of a dark set with a white marble countertop and light walls looks very harmonious. A refrigerator and freezer are built into the furniture, and an oven is located next to it.
The top drawers are installed on only one wall, the opposite one is equipped with a shelf on top of the apron and two spotlights. The hob is located here, and underneath there are numerous closed shelves for storage.
An excellent solution in this case was a hood installed directly under the ceiling; it does not clutter up the space, but at the same time fulfills its function. The area in the middle is combined with the window sill, where the sink is located. The bar counter at the right end of the "P" is used as a work surface on one side and as a table on the other.