Magazine

Linear kitchen: ideas for small spaces

Small kitchen? A linear kitchen is exactly what you need!

You know that feeling when you try to squeeze one last jumper into an already packed suitcase? Designing a small kitchen often brings that exact same thrill. What if we told you that a linear kitchen could be the answer to all your space dilemmas? In a room where every centimetre counts, arranging everything along a single wall allows you to move freely between the hob and the sink, avoiding an obstacle course of bulky furniture. Whether you are moving into a studio flat or have a long, narrow living area, discover how to make the most of your square footage with linear kitchens.

Why choose linear kitchens for small rooms

If, after a long day at work, all you want to do is whip up something quick and unwind on the sofa, you can rely on the practicality of a linear kitchen. To be truly functional, a linear kitchen should ideally be at least 3 metres (300 cm) long. This offers all the space required to accommodate the three core elements, namely the sink, hob, and refrigerator, as well as essential worktop space. Another common length for linear kitchens is 4 metres.

The result is a visually clean composition that instantly makes the room feel more spacious and makes cleaning up far less of a chore. 

Kitchen ideas: how to optimise every centimetre

It is a well-known rule: when floor space is limited, the best strategy is to look up. Maximising height with wall units and tall units allows you to store plates, glasses, and that air fryer you only use at the weekend, keeping the worktops completely clear. When designing your compact yet well-equipped kitchen, keep these 3 simple rules in mind:

  • choose full-height wall units to eliminate the gap between the cabinet and the ceiling, which usually just gathers dust;
  • use midway bars and accessories for the kitchen wall panel to hang utensils or spices, freeing up drawers for cutlery and tea towels;
  • opt for compact or multi-functional appliances, which take up less space without sacrificing performance.

Another common question: how should you arrange appliances in a linear kitchen? In a linear kitchen layout, the ideal setup follows the logical sequence of your workflow: washing, prepping, and cooking. It is best to position the sink and the hob with a stretch of worktop between them (at least 60 cm) to ensure safety and comfort. The refrigerator should be placed at the very end of the composition to avoid interrupting the workspace and to allow easy access without getting in the cook’s way.

A further trick for giving a small kitchen an airy feel comes down to lighting and the colour palette. Which colours should you choose to make a kitchen look bigger? A white kitchen or one in light wood-effect finishes reflects natural light, visually expanding the living area; to complete the look, add wall lamps and midway LEDs; by eliminating shadows, they make the space feel instantly larger.

Small kitchen design: recommended Scavolini models

Out of all the Scavolini kitchen models, which one should you choose for a small kitchen? Practically all of them can be configured into linear kitchen layouts. If you love clean aesthetics and that sense of order that helps clear your mind after a chaotic day, opt for the Jeometrica model: its graphic shapes and lines create a linear kitchen that feels almost like a piece of modern art, perfect if your cooking area directly overlooks the sofa.

Dreaming of a warmer atmosphere? Your wish to spend Sundays kneading pizza dough is easily granted with Favilla: this kitchen possesses a timeless charm capable of bringing warmth to even the smallest studio flat. Take a look here!

Discover these and other linear kitchen models at Scavolini dealers!