Master the Compact Galley Kitchen Layout
Galley kitchens are characterized by their long, narrow layouts with storage and appliances lined up on one or both sides. While galley kitchens make the most of small spaces, their compact design also comes with unique considerations. By understanding the typical galley kitchen layout and dimensions, storage solutions, appliance configurations, and more, you can master creating a beautiful and functional compact galley kitchen.
What is a Galley Kitchen?
A galley kitchen gets its name from the efficient kitchens found on ships, trains, and airplanes. With limited room to work, galley kitchens arrange the key appliances and fixtures along two parallel walls, with an aisle or "galley" down the middle.
In home kitchens, the galley layout is a great choice when space is at a premium. Typical dimensions are 10-15 feet long by 4-8 feet wide. This elongated footprint allows the galley kitchen to maximize every inch.
Benefits of a Galley Kitchen
There are several benefits to choosing a galley kitchen layout for your home:
- Efficient use of space - clustering necessities along two walls saves precious square footage
- Easy access - the corridor design provides access from two entry points
- Ergonomic workflow - galley kitchens promote an efficient work triangle between sink, stove, and refrigerator
- Versatility - galley kitchens work in many spaces due to their narrower width
- Cost-effective - smaller galley kitchens tend to have lower remodeling costs
Galley Kitchen Layout and Dimensions
When designing a galley kitchen, pay close attention to the placement of fixtures and appliances to maximize function and workflow.
Typical Appliance Layout
In a single-wall galley kitchen, the refrigerator, sink, oven, and cabinets line up along one wall. The opposite wall offers additional storage. In a double-wall layout, the cooking appliances sit on one wall while the sink and refrigerator occupy the other.
Creating an Efficient Work Triangle
The work triangle connects the main functional areas of the sink, stove, and refrigerator. In a galley kitchen, the work triangle usually falls into an efficient sequence down the length of the galley. Keep counter space around each appliance for prep work.
Traffic Flow and Access
With two entry points at either end, galley kitchens avoid traffic jams. If your galley kitchen is open to dining or living areas, you may opt for an L-shaped design for a more seamless flow.
Maximizing Storage in a Galley Kitchen
Though galley kitchens are narrow, there are many ways to maximize storage along the two main walls:
Tall Cabinets and Drawer Stacks
Take advantage of the vertical space with floor-to-ceiling cabinets or stacked upper cabinets. Deep drawers are more accessible than base cabinets.
Open and Closed Storage
Close off some sections with doors while leaving others open. Open shelving looks lighter in a narrow kitchen while closed cabinets stash clutter.
Corner Storage Solutions
Make use of awkward corner spaces with lazy susans or specialized cabinets with angled drawers and doors.
Island or Peninsula
Even a narrow galley kitchen can accommodate an island or peninsula to increase work surface and storage. Opt for a mobile cart that can be moved as needed.
Galley Kitchen Appliance Considerations
Galley kitchens typically work best with smaller or apartment-sized appliances designed for compact spaces.
Smaller Appliances
Look for oven/range combos, smaller dishwashers, under-counter fridges, and low-profile or slim microwaves and toaster ovens to maximize your galley kitchen's capacity.
Vertical Configurations
Stack the microwave over the oven or place it eye level in upper cabinets to save precious counter space. You can also find compact ovens designed to mount vertically.
Under-counter Fridges
Trade the full-size refrigerator for a smaller, under-counter fridge to open up floor space. Combine it with a separate freezer.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential with the stove against the wall. Opt for a powerful range hood inserted in upper cabinets.
Design Ideas for Small Galley Kitchens
Use these tips to make a narrow galley kitchen feel open and airy:
Bright Paint Colors
Light, neutral paint colors like white, beige, or gray keep the space feeling open. Consider a pop of color on one wall as an accent.
Glass Doors and Shelving
Glass-front cabinet doors, an open glass cabinet for dishes, or glass shelves maintain the illusion of space.
Mirrors
Strategically placed mirrors visually double the size of the kitchen. Try across from windows or on the end wall.
Open Shelving
Limit upper cabinets to just a few spots for glasses and collectibles. Open shelves feel lighter than a row of top cabinets.
Small Peninsula
Add a narrow peninsula or island instead of a full-sized island to increase function while minimizing bulk.
Remodeling an Existing Galley Kitchen
Have a tired galley kitchen in need of an update? Here are a few remodeling considerations:
Knocking Down Walls
Can you borrow space from an adjacent room to widen the kitchen? This takes extensive reconfiguring but can transform a cramped galley.
Sticking to the Current Footprint
Work within the existing galley by swapping old appliances and fixtures for newer streamlined ones. Refinish cabinets and update pulls and hardware.
Lighting
Increase lighting with plenty of recessed cans, under cabinet task lighting, and pendant lights over islands and peninsulas.
Pros and Cons of a Galley Kitchen
The galley layout has both advantages and drawbacks to weigh:
Pros
- Space-saving layout great for small kitchens
- Efficient work triangle
- Easy to remodel on a budget
- Simple, streamlined design
Cons
- Not ideal for multiple cooks
- Difficult to incorporate a dining area
- Can feel closed-in or cramped
- Limited traffic flow
Galley Kitchen Inspiration
Looking for galley kitchen ideas for your compact space? Here are a few beautiful designs:
Scandinavian Galley
This airy galley uses white Shaker cabinets, open shelving, and rattan pendant lights over a slim workspace for a chic Scandinavian vibe.
Vintage Galley
Knotty pine cabinets and checkerboard flooring give this galley kitchen a nostalgic farmhouse feel despite its modest proportions.
Contemporary Galley
A sleek contemporary galley kitchen comes alive with glossy gray cabinetry, bold tile backsplashes, and stainless steel appliances.
Rustic Galley
Weathered wood surfaces, antique-style hardware, and an apron-front sink create rustic charm in this cozy single-wall galley.
Is a Galley Kitchen Right for You?
The elongated galley design comes with unique perks and challenges. Consider the following to see if it may work for your household:
Lifestyle Needs
Galley kitchens work best for singles, couples, and smaller families who don't need a large eat-in kitchen. If you regularly cook for crowds or host large gatherings, a more spacious layout may better suit your needs.
Everyday Cooking
Do multiple people cook together in your home? The tight quarters of a galley kitchen will impede multiple cooks. But for primarily solo cooks, a galley can offer an efficient workspace.
Formal dinner parties may be tricky in a narrow galley, but these kitchens can readily support intimate gatherings and small informal get-togethers.
With an understanding of the unique layout, storage solutions, and design ideas for compact galley kitchens, you can create a beautiful, functional space.