10 Clever L-Shaped Kitchen Ideas: Smart, Stylish, and Space-Savvy Tips for Your L-Shaped KitchenLena MorisSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Use the Corner Smartly2. Add a Breakfast Bar3. Extend Upper Cabinets4. Hide Appliances5. Mix Materials6. Create a Mini Pantry7. Add Open Shelving8. Play With Lighting9. Small Island Addition10. Go Bold with BacksplashFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEYears ago, I almost messed up a small apartment renovation. The client wanted a big fridge, two ovens, and a breakfast bar — all in a 7-square-meter kitchen. It was a puzzle, but it led me to discover just how magical an L-shaped layout can be. Small spaces really do push us to be more creative, and today, I’m sharing 10 L-shaped kitchen ideas that have worked for me over the years. If you’re thinking about reconfiguring your space, an online room planner can help you experiment before lifting a hammer.1. Use the Corner SmartlyThe corner in an L-shaped kitchen is prime real estate. I love adding a lazy Susan or deep pull-out shelves there. It solves the “black hole” storage problem and makes cooking prep smoother. Just be careful with dimensions, as clumsy fittings can waste the potential.save pin2. Add a Breakfast BarIf your L opens into a living area, turning one leg into a bar is a clever way to merge cooking and social spaces. It’s great for morning coffee chats, but make sure the counter height works both for prep and for seating comfort.save pin3. Extend Upper CabinetsI often run cabinets all the way to the ceiling. It looks elegant and gives you bonus storage for seasonal items. The slight downside? You’ll probably need a stylish step stool to reach the top.save pin4. Hide AppliancesIntegrating appliances into your cabinetry keeps the look seamless. A matching-panel dishwasher makes the whole kitchen feel calmer. Planning this early with a kitchen layout planner avoids installation headaches later.save pin5. Mix MaterialsPlaying with different textures — say, wood cabinets with a marble countertop — can add depth to a compact L-shape. Just be mindful of maintenance; a porous stone next to a heavy cooking zone might regret it later.save pin6. Create a Mini PantryA tall cabinet at one end of the L makes a brilliant pantry. Slide-out racks make it surprisingly roomy, but do plan enough clearance so the door opens fully.save pin7. Add Open ShelvingIn a tight kitchen, open shelves on one wall lightens the visual weight and can showcase pretty ceramics. But yes, you’ll need to dust them — no escaping that.save pin8. Play With LightingUnder-cabinet LED strips are my go-to for L-shapes. They make prep safer and highlight your backsplash. If budget allows, add a pendant over the bar area for extra warmth.save pin9. Small Island AdditionIf you’ve got even 80 cm of clearance, a slim island parallel to one leg of the L can add storage and counter. I once fit one into a 2.5-meter-wide kitchen — client still thanks me for the extra workspace. I used a 3D floor planner to test clearances before convincing her.save pin10. Go Bold with BacksplashAn L-shaped layout already frames your cooking zone nicely. I sometimes use patterned cement tiles or a slab of vivid stone to make it a focal point. The challenge? Making sure it complements the rest of the open space, especially in studio apartments.save pinFAQQ1: What is the main advantage of an L-shaped kitchen layout?It maximizes corner space and creates a natural work triangle, making cooking more efficient in both small and large kitchens.Q2: How much space do you need for an L-shaped kitchen?It can work in as little as 5–6 square meters, but for a comfortable fit, aim for at least 8–10 square meters of space.Q3: Can I add an island to an L-shaped design?Yes, as long as you have around 90–100 cm clearance on all sides, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association guidelines.Q4: Where should the fridge go in an L-shaped kitchen?Ideally at one end of the L to avoid blocking the work triangle and to allow easy access from both cooking and prep zones.Q5: What’s the best lighting for an L-shaped kitchen?A mix of under-cabinet lighting for prep and overhead or pendant lights for general illumination works best.Q6: Are L-shaped kitchens good for open-plan living?Yes, they naturally define the kitchen zone while keeping an open connection to dining or living areas.Q7: Should I use upper cabinets on both walls?Not always; going lighter on one wall with open shelving can make a small space feel bigger.Q8: What’s a budget-friendly upgrade for an L-shaped kitchen?Swapping out hardware, adding a peel-and-stick backsplash, or repositioning storage solutions can make a big impact without major renovation.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE