L Shaped Kitchens Buying Guide

Adding a dining area to an L-shape kitchen is a popular choice, and the highly efficient ‘L’ layout creates plenty of floor space for including a table and chairs. Open-plan kitchen diners work especially well if you have a large area to fill, but can be just as great in smaller properties. To prevent a small kitchen from feeling cluttered, try placing your dining table on one side of the room. It’s also worth experimenting with different dining table shapes and styles to find one that works - or find out more about our breakfast bar designs, which could save you even more space.

If a dining table isn’t an option in your small kitchen, there are plenty of L-shaped breakfast bar ideas to explore at Magnet. A breakfast bar isn’t just a space to eat and interact, but a good place for serving drinks and quick snacks, entertaining guests, catching up on work, or even providing a homework area for the kids. The L-shaped breakfast bar is both sociable and practical, giving you additional worktop space without compromising the flow and movement within your kitchen. Stools can be tucked away when not in use, and the whole family can enjoy the multi-use functionality of a seating area. Find out more about breakfast bars.

One of the best ways to maximise an L-shape is to add an island. An L-shaped kitchen island is ideal for larger homes where space isn’t a problem, giving you a stylish and luxurious focal point for the room. A well-designed kitchen island should fit in seamlessly, adding to the overall aesthetics of your kitchen, as well as providing various functions that can help make your kitchen more sociable. If space is at a premium, consider other solutions such as a moveable trolley or transportable work surfaces to avoid obstructing traffic flow. Not sure if an island is suitable for your kitchen design? Turn to our customer kitchen transformations for some inspiration. .

Your kitchen appliances are another important layout consideration. For smaller kitchens, built-in appliances can offer a more streamlined look. These add a sense of space to your kitchen and can look utterly seamless. Small L-shaped kitchen designs may also benefit from compact appliances - but it’s important to think about the different options available to you, as the right appliance has to tick all the boxes in terms of style, size, functionality and performance. For advice on choosing the right appliances for your kitchen layout, book a consultation with our dedicated design team, who have years of experience creating dream kitchens in homes of every size.

An L-shaped kitchen is great for adding a sense of space to your kitchen. To continue a bright and airy theme, opt for a neutral or light colour palette. Tonal or harmonious colour schemes can create a seamless finish that’s easy on the eye, which is great for making your home relaxing and inviting. Or incorporate pops of vibrant colour to create a point of difference and to add depth and dimension. Dark colour schemes can work well in large spaces - but could be combined with lighter hues to generate interesting contracts in kitchens of all sizes. For help choosing the right colours for your L-shaped kitchen, our dedicated design team is on hand to talk you through the options available.

Glossy materials are an excellent option for small L-shaped kitchen designs, as they help to reflect light around the room. This improves light distribution, creating the illusion of space and making your home feel much larger than it is. If your kitchen is small, you may want to consider cabinets and worktops with a glossy finish or add shiny tiles to your splashback. For traditional L-shaped kitchens, consider natural and organic wood textures, particularly if you feel inspired by classic country décor. At Magnet, discover a whole range of worktop materials - including opulent marble, characteristic quartz, timeless granite, contemporary ceramic, effortless laminate, and more.

Kitchen accessories are usually the last step in the design process, but we believe that the accessories you choose can make all the difference to the look and feel of your space. Finishes such as your cabinet handles, taps, storage containers, and lighting fixtures can transform your L-shaped kitchen design - modernising, lifting or grounding your concept, and making it personal to you and your family’s needs. For instance, if you’re looking to improve flow in a small kitchen, handleless cabinets could be the most appropriate choice. To break up a large, open-plan space, you may want to use lighting to add a sense of space in critical areas. However you envisage your L-shaped kitchen, be sure to explore all of the finishes Magnet has to offer.

Open shelves are an easy way to transform small L-shaped kitchen designs while making the most of your vertical wall space. Compared to cabinetry, they open up the room and add interest and intrigue to your storage solutions. You could display and store beautiful crockery or even aesthetically pleasing food storage jars for a polished look.

Any size L-shaped kitchen will benefit greatly from both base cabinets and wall cabinets. To add extra storage, full-length cupboards are a fantastic alternative. Try positioning taller units in the corner or at the end of your L-shaped kitchen layout - this will prevent disruption to flow, keeping your ‘L’ as harmonious as possible. Check out our selection of smart cabinet storage to maximise space.