One Wall Kitchens: Design Ideas, Layout Tips & Expert Advice for UK Homes 

A one wall kitchen (also known as a single wall kitchen) is one of the most space‑efficient kitchen layouts available, making it a popular choice for flats, narrow rooms and open‑plan living spaces across the UK. When designed well, it can feel sleek, practical and surprisingly spacious — but it isn’t the right solution for every home. 

In this expert guide, we’ll explain exactly what a one wall kitchen is, who it works best for, typical UK dimensions and costs, plus practical design tips to help you decide whether this layout is right for your space. 

Who Should Choose a One Wall Kitchen (and Who Shouldn’t)

A one wall kitchen works best when space is limited and simplicity is a priority — but it isn’t suitable for every home. 

A one wall kitchen is ideal if you: 

• Live in a studio flat or compact apartment 
• Have a narrow or awkwardly shaped room 
• Want to keep an open-plan living space feeling uncluttered 
• Are working with fixed plumbing and electrics on one wall 

You may want to avoid a one wall kitchen if you: 

• Regularly cook with more than one person 
• Need large amounts of worktop space 
• Rely heavily on extensive cupboard storage 
• Have room for an L-shaped or U-shaped layout that would function better 

Careful kitchen design can overcome some of these limitations, but it’s important to choose a layout that genuinely suits how you use your kitchen day to day. 

Is a One Wall Kitchen Right for You?

A one wall kitchen places all cabinets, appliances and worktops along a single wall. This frees up floor space and keeps the room feeling open, which is why this layout is commonly used in: 

• Studio flats and apartments 
• Narrow or awkwardly shaped rooms 
• Open‑plan kitchen‑diner or kitchen‑living spaces 
• Renovations where plumbing and electrics are fixed to one wall 

However, one-wall kitchens require careful planning. Limited storage and worktop space can become frustrating if the layout isn’t designed properly — especially in busy households or homes with more than one cook. 

One Wall Kitchen Dimensions & Space Requirements 

Quick guide: 

• Minimum wall length: around 2.4 metres 
• Ideal wall length: 3–4 metres for better spacing and storage 
• Minimum clearance space: 1–1.2 metres in front of the units 

These measurements help ensure appliances can open safely and the kitchen remains comfortable to use. 

Understanding the practical dimensions is essential before committing to a one-wall kitchen design. 

Minimum wall length 

• Absolute minimum: around 2.4 metres 
• More comfortable: 3–4 metres, allowing for better spacing and storage 

This length typically accommodates a sink, hob, oven and fridge without the kitchen feeling cramped. 

Clearance space 

• Aim for at least 1–1.2 metres of clear space in front of the kitchen run 
• This ensures doors and appliances can open comfortably and allows safe movement while cooking 

Appliance spacing tips 

• Keep the sink close to the dishwasher for easy loading 
• Avoid placing the hob directly next to tall units 
• Allow landing space beside the oven and fridge wherever possible 

Key Benefits of One Wall Kitchens 

• Space efficiency 
  By consolidating everything along one wall, this layout maximises usable floor space. It’s particularly effective in open‑plan homes where the kitchen needs to blend into the living area rather than dominate it. 
  
• Cost‑effective layout 
  With fewer cabinets and shorter worktop runs than L‑shaped or U‑shaped kitchens, one-wall kitchens are often more budget‑friendly. Installation costs can also be lower thanks to simplified plumbing and electrics. 

• Clean, modern aesthetic 
  A single run of cabinetry creates a streamlined, contemporary look that works well in modern and minimalist interiors. 
  
• Social and open‑plan friendly 
  Because the kitchen doesn’t enclose the room, it’s easier to interact with family or guests while cooking — ideal for open‑plan living. 

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While one wall kitchens work brilliantly in the right space, there are some limitations to keep in mind. 

Advantage	Consideration
Compact footprint	Less worktop space than other layouts
Lower installation cost	Storage can be limited
Simple layout	Less separation between cooking zones
Modern appearance	Requires smart design to stay practical

Good design can mitigate most of these issues, but it’s important to be realistic about how you use your kitchen day to day. 

How Much Does a One Wall Kitchen Cost in the UK?

One wall kitchen costs vary depending on size, specification and finishes, but as a rough guide: 

• Budget range: £4,000–£7,000 
• Mid‑range: £7,000–£12,000 
• Premium: £12,000+ 

What affects the price?

Cabinet quality and internal storage solutions 

• Cabinet quality and internal storage solutions 
• Worktop material (laminate vs quartz or stone) 
• Integrated vs freestanding appliances 
• Lighting, splashbacks and finishes 

Although this layout is often cheaper overall, investing in clever storage and high‑quality finishes can dramatically improve usability and longevity.  

One Wall Kitchen Design Ideas & Styling Tips 

Colours and finishes

Light colours help visually expand smaller spaces, making white, soft grey and neutral tones popular choices. Gloss or satin finishes reflect light and add depth, while handleless cabinetry enhances the clean, linear look. 

Storage solutions that make a difference 

• Full‑height cabinets to maximise vertical space 
• Internal pull‑outs and drawer organisers 
• Wall‑mounted shelves for everyday items 
• Integrated larders instead of multiple small cupboards 

In our experience designing one wall kitchens for compact UK homes, vertical storage planning is the single biggest success factor. 

Appliances for One Wall Kitchens

Integrated and compact appliances are ideal for maintaining a seamless look. Consider: 

• Single ovens with microwave functions 
• Slimline dishwashers 
• Induction hobs with built‑in extraction 
• Integrated fridge‑freezers 

Energy‑efficient appliances not only save space but also help reduce long‑term running costs. 

Lighting & Ventilation Essentials

Good lighting is critical in a one wall kitchen, where everything happens in a single zone. 

• Task lighting: LED strips under wall units 
• Ambient lighting: ceiling spots or pendants 
• Accent lighting: plinth or internal cabinet lighting 

For ventilation, a high‑quality extractor — whether integrated or ceiling‑mounted — is essential, especially in open‑plan spaces. 

Can You Add a Kitchen Island to a One Wall Kitchen?

Yes — but only if space allows. A slim kitchen island or peninsula can: 

• Add valuable prep space 
• Increase storage 
• Create a visual separation in open‑plan rooms 

As a rule of thumb, you’ll need at least 3.5–4 metres from the kitchen wall to the opposite side to include an island comfortably. 

One Wall Kitchen FAQs 

Design Your Ideal One Wall Kitchen

A one wall kitchen can be a stylish, practical and cost‑effective solution — especially for smaller or open‑plan homes. The key is expert planning that balances layout, storage and aesthetics. 

If you’re unsure whether this layout will work in your space, speaking with a kitchen specialist can help you avoid costly mistakes and create a design that truly fits your lifestyle. 

Written by My Kitchen Specialist