Designing a small kitchen is always a balancing act. You want functionality, storage, and comfort, all within a limited footprint. Two layouts tend to dominate when space is tight: the galley kitchen and the L-shaped kitchen. Both are tried-and-tested designs, but they offer very different experiences. To help you choose the best fit, let’s explore the unique strengths and weaknesses of each.
Galley Kitchens: Compact and Efficient
A galley kitchen is a corridor-style design with two counters running parallel to each other. It is one of the oldest kitchen layouts, often found in small city apartments, studio flats, and even ships—where efficiency matters most.
One of the main benefits of a galley kitchen is efficiency. Everything is close at hand: the sink, stove, and fridge typically follow the “work triangle” perfectly, allowing for smooth cooking without extra steps. For people who love practical design, this is hard to beat. With both walls lined with cabinetry and appliances, a galley kitchen also maximizes storage space. Even in the smallest apartments, it creates room for overhead cabinets, drawers, and clever pull-out solutions.
That said, galley kitchens are not without challenges. Because they are narrow, they can feel cramped, especially if two people try to cook at once. If the passageway is less than four feet wide, movement becomes awkward, and opening cabinet doors on both sides can block the walkway. Another downside is that galley kitchens are often more enclosed and isolated. Unlike open-plan kitchens, a galley design makes it harder to socialize—you cook facing the walls instead of family or guests.
Still, for someone who values efficiency, lives in a compact apartment, or cooks mostly alone, the galley kitchen remains one of the smartest and most functional choices.
L-Shaped Kitchens: Open and Flexible
An L-shaped kitchen uses two adjoining walls to form the shape of an “L.” This layout is extremely popular in modern homes, particularly in open-plan living spaces. Unlike the galley, one side is left open, making the room feel more spacious and connected.
One of the biggest advantages of an L-shaped kitchen is its open feel. By freeing up one wall, it allows natural light to flow in more easily, reduces the sense of confinement, and creates a seamless transition between the kitchen and the living or dining area. For homes with an open-plan design, this makes the L-shape a natural fit.
Flexibility is another key benefit. An L-shaped layout leaves room for a small dining table, breakfast nook, or even a movable island. This adaptability makes it appealing for families or people who like to entertain. The design is also more social, allowing the cook to face outward while chatting with guests or keeping an eye on children.
On the downside, the L-shaped kitchen can be less efficient in extremely small spaces. If the two sides of the “L” are very short, it may lack the natural workflow of a galley design. Storage space is also reduced compared to a galley, since one wall is left open. However, many homeowners overcome this by adding tall pantry cabinets or installing open shelving for extra storage.
In short, an L-shaped kitchen is ideal if you want to blend functionality with openness and social connection, even if it means sacrificing a bit of storage.
Which Layout Works Best for You?
The decision between a galley and an L-shaped kitchen often comes down to your lifestyle and priorities.
- Choose a Galley Kitchen if: You want maximum storage and efficiency. It’s the perfect fit for very narrow rooms and for people who cook alone or value practicality above all else.
- Choose an L-Shaped Kitchen if: You prefer openness and social connection. It’s best for households where the kitchen is also a gathering space, or where blending cooking with dining and living areas matters.
If you live in a studio apartment, the galley might give you the extra storage you desperately need. But if you live in a small home with an open-plan layout, the L-shape will feel more modern, airy, and welcoming.
Ultimately, there is no single “best” answer. Both designs can work beautifully in small kitchens—it just depends on whether you prioritize efficiency and storage or openness and flexibility. Whatever you choose, you can elevate your design with light colors, smart storage hacks, and layered lighting to make the space feel bigger and more functional.
