Over the years, kitchens have transformed from being an open fire in the ground outdoors to enclosed spaces within homes. Walls have come up, counters have been installed and storage has been added to make the kitchen as humanly optimum as possible. Standing in a well-ventilated kitchen with cabinets and a sink to make a quick meal is the result of tried and tested yet, complex research. Engineers have spent years perfecting standard kitchen dimensions for humans to have a pleasant cooking experience. With that, ergonomic kitchens were introduced in order to avoid unnatural postures that are harmful to our health.
Having designed over 1000 kitchens till date, our designers have a few key measurements they follow to make cooking a pleasant experience for our clients.
Standard Kitchen Dimensions #1: Countertop & Sink
The sink and countertop were the first elements of a modular kitchen to get standardised. However, the kitchen counter height may vary according to the height of the person using the kitchen. Between your elbow height and countertop, there should be an approximate gap of 15cm. Subsequently, the sink is almost always the same height as the kitchen counter height for obvious reasons. However, the ideal depth of a sink is 56 cm.
Standard Measurements
Height: 72 cm
Width: 60 – 90 – 100 – 120 cm
Depth: 56 cm
Standard Kitchen Dimensions #2: Overhead Cabinets
We at Livspace always design wall cabinets according to the user’s height in order to avoid excessive stretching or bending. We wouldn’t want our clients to be reaching out for utensils that land in a heap on them or get a catch in their back in the process. In fact, we maintain the depth of the wall modules at 32 cm so that you don’t bump into cabinet shutters while cooking!
Moreover, loft space is meant to stow away items that are used seldom. Whereas, the wall cabinets are used for frequently used ingredients and utensils. Lastly, the lowest runk of the wall cabinets is where we typically keep cooking spoons and spatulas as well as basic ingredients like salt and sugar.
Standard Measurements
Height: 30 – 36 – 60 – 72 – 90 cm
Width: 40 – 45 – 50 – 60 – 80 – 90 cm
Depths: 32 cm
Standard Kitchen Dimensions #3: Base Cabinets
In most kitchens, base cabinets are used to store pots and pans. Moreover, if you’re getting a modular kitchen for your home, then you should know that there are standard sizes for base cabinets. Contrary to it’s evident function, which is storage, base cabinets also play a major role in easy accessibility in a kitchen. Keeping in mind, kids and elderly people, Livspace kitchens have base units that range from 36cm to 85cm including the countertop.
Standard Measurements
Height: 36 – 85 cm
Width: 15 -20 – 25 – 30 – 40 – 45 – 50 – 60 – 90 – 100 – 120 cm
Depth: 41 – 56 cm
Standard Kitchen Dimensions #4: Tall Units
Nobody likes stepping out for groceries every time they cook. That is where tall units come into play. Used for storing non-refrigerated grocery items, these units are ergonomically designed for anybody with minor height adjustments.
Standard Measurements
Height: 1960 – 2080 cm
Width: 450 – 600 cm
Depth: 560 cm
Standard Kitchen Dimensions #5: Kitchen Island
In case you were wondering why island counters are usually accompanied by high chairs or bar stools, we have some interesting trivia! Kitchen islands are supposed to be the same height as the countertop. Therefore, the height of a kitchen island should be ideal for standing and working.
Standard Measurements
Height: 72 cm
Width: 60 – 90 – 100 – 120 cm
Depth: 56 cm
Standard Kitchen Dimensions #6: Kitchen Window
A kitchen window was traditionally installed for a quick way to dispose of wet waste. However, contemporary kitchen windows facilitate ventilation and let in plenty of natural light. Therefore, the optimum height for a kitchen window stands at 90 cm from the floor.
Standard Kitchen Dimensions #7: Breakfast Counter
The breakfast counter is 15 to 30 cm higher than the counter for a number of reasons. Subsequently, tt acts as a cover up for a messy countertop and in some cases, it can double up as a room partition. Ergonomically, the breakfast counter is higher to accommodate your knees while being seated for a hurried meal.
Standard Kitchen Dimensions #8: Backsplash
Backsplashes add more than aesthetics to a kitchen. It is made of materials that are easy to clean since the space between the wall cabinets and base cabinets are prone to water and oil splashes. Besides, the ideal height of a backsplash is 60 cm.
Just like clothes, Livspace kitchens are custom-made to match the person using them. Gone are the days where kitchens came in standard dimensions that could not accommodate really short or unusually tall people. To top it off, Livspace kitchens can be kid-friendly as well as elder-friendly.
You can also learn more about How to Make Your Kitchen More Efficient to make your kitchens work for you.
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