Small kitchens are found in many apartments or even houses. This leads to difficulties arising in the process of their arrangement. This problem usually occurs in Khrushchev buildings. That is why furniture for a small kitchen should be selected wisely and carefully so that a multifunctional space is created with minimal cluttering of free space. You should not only think about right choice furniture, but also how to place it so that it is convenient to use.
Initially, you need to decide what kind of furniture you must purchase for a small kitchen. It is not allowed to litter a limited space with various unnecessary elements or decorative objects.
Be sure to purchase for a small kitchen:
- kitchen furniture designed for storing various products or utensils. A standard set consisting of many cabinets is considered optimal. They can be floor-mounted or wall-mounted. Even for a kitchen of 5 sq. m. you can choose corner set, consisting of several cabinets and wall cabinets. It will hold a lot various items, and also will not take up much space. Allows purchase different systems stored separately, but they should fit well together;
- appliances - this includes a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, steamer and other household appliances used for cooking or storing food. A 6 m kitchen refrigerator is chosen to be small, and built-in appliances are also ideal. It is placed in cabinets, so it does not take up extra space in the room;
- working area - it is intended for direct cooking indoors. Most often they act as tabletops, placed on the lower cabinets of the headset. If such a set is not available, then an ordinary bar counter for a small kitchen of 6 sq. m. is an excellent alternative. It can additionally act as storage for various utensils;
- dinner Zone- often a small kitchen is used not only for cooking, but also for eating. This is due to the fact that Khrushchev simply does not provide for additional room for these purposes. In this case, a dining area is set up in a certain corner of the room. A small table and a few chairs are used. You can also place a very small kitchen corner.
A transformable table for a small apartment is considered an excellent choice, since when assembled it does not take up much space and is disassembled only when necessary.
It is desirable that furniture options for a small kitchen be modular. In this case, the optimal and only the most necessary modules are selected, and they are easily replaced or supplemented.
Manufacturing materials
Furniture designed for small kitchens can be made from various materials. When choosing furniture material for small-sized kitchens, it is important to consider that it must be durable, safe and resistant to various negative influences encountered directly in this room.
Most often furniture for small kitchen created from materials:
- MDF - this material is suitable for rooms with high humidity. It is resistant to moisture, durable and inexpensive. It is considered easy to process and can withstand exposure to hot steam. Interior items made from MDF cost less than those made from wood, but have many positive parameters;
- wood - kitchen furniture small size, made of natural wood, is considered the most expensive. It is attractive and environmentally friendly. It is important to make sure that all elements have been treated with special protective compounds at the factory. For production purposes, larch or spruce, pine and oak, as well as birch are used. Each material has its own characteristics;
- multiplex - this material is produced by gluing individual layers of wood. Products made from it are suitable for small kitchens or large rooms. They are highly resistant to moisture or various deformations;
- Chipboard - most often produced from this material modular furniture. She has low cost, however, formaldehyde is often used in its production process, so it is not acceptable for kitchen furniture. If you choose high-quality structures, they will be durable, safe and easy to process. Very serious mechanical shocks and constant exposure to high humidity will quickly lead to their failure;
- plastic - for a small kitchen, plastic furniture is often chosen. It is moisture resistant and comfortable, resistant to fading and other factors. Available in numerous designer colors and textures. Possesses for a long time operation, and is also well located in small spaces;
- artificial stone - furniture in a small kitchen made from this material looks luxurious and elegant. It has a high cost, but is environmentally friendly, very beautiful, resistant to moisture and absorbs foreign odors. It comes in different forms, so you can place it in a room not exceeding 5 square meters.
For small kitchens, you are allowed to choose different types of furniture for a small kitchen, made from various materials, but it is important that the interior items are comfortable, small and roomy.
Multiplex
Facades
When choosing furniture for a Khrushchev apartment, you should pay attention to what facades it is equipped with. In the process of choosing facades, the taste of the owners of the room, their financial capabilities and the style chosen for the entire room are taken into account.
When choosing facades for a kitchen whose size does not exceed 10 square meters. meters, the designers’ recommendations are taken into account:
- high moisture resistance;
- resistance to both high temperatures and constant temperature changes, since the cooking process is regularly carried out in the kitchen, which leads to the creation of difficult conditions;
- reliability;
- high strength.
Even small room can accommodate many different interior items. They can be large, so you can easily integrate various equipment into them. Any built-in design will not spoil appearance premises, and will also be convenient for constant use. If you cannot choose facades that are optimal in color or texture, then optimal choice their finishing is considered by different means or films.
Arrangement methods
It is quite difficult to equip a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building. At the same time, it is important not only to decide what kind of furniture will be purchased for this room, but also to decide how to arrange all the furniture in a small kitchen. Each correctly placed piece of furniture guarantees the creation of a multifunctional, convenient and comfortable space.
Arranging furniture in the kitchen can be done in different ways:
- linear - one wall of the room is selected, along which individual objects will be placed, forming a full-fledged set. This method Usually suitable for long kitchens, but they should not be too narrow, otherwise there will simply be no room for free movement in the room. To design this layout, it is taken into account where the sink and stove will be located, and they should not be next to the refrigerator, so floor cabinets will certainly be installed between these elements;
- corner - this arrangement of all the furniture in a small kitchen suggests that a certain corner of the room is selected. The main part of the kitchen unit is mounted in it. On the sides of it are other elements intended for use in the kitchen. The photo design of such an arrangement can be seen below. For a small-square room, this solution is considered optimal;
- island - not very suitable for a small room, as it involves installing a certain piece of furniture in the center of the room. Usually a hob or bar counter is installed here. On the sides of it, near the walls, other interior items are mounted. This arrangement of furniture requires quite a significant amount of space, so if the kitchen has less than 8 square meters, then such a layout is not used.
There are many other layouts, but they are considered unsuitable for small kitchens, since it is not possible to correctly place all the interior items in accordance with specific rules.
Linear
Ostrovnaya
Selection rules
For a kitchen whose size does not exceed 8 square meters, it is necessary to choose all interior items wisely. They must meet certain requirements:
- multifunctionality, since one element must perform several important functions at once, so that the space does not have to be crowded with numerous objects, therefore transformable furniture is considered optimal;
- small sizes that allow them to fit even into the most limited space, so bulky and large cabinets or chests of drawers, as well as standard dining tables, are in no way suitable for such a room;
- resistance to high humidity and regular temperature changes, since these are the conditions that are installed in almost any kitchen;
- ease of cleaning, since during the cooking process various liquids or dirt can get onto different surfaces of the furniture.
We arrange all interior items in such a way that no obstacles are created for free movement around the room, otherwise it will simply be impossible to use it for its intended purpose.
The best choice for small kitchens is the purchase of folding or built-in structures, as well as transformers. When assembled, they do not take up much space, and they are folded out only when the need arises.
Nuances of a small kitchen
Small kitchens, photos of which are located below, are quite popular. This is due to the fact that many developers devote more space to the corridor or bedroom. The arrangement of such premises has certain difficulties, and it is often difficult to choose the optimal interior items for them.
The main features of the design of a small kitchen include:
- Only designs made in light shades are purchased, guaranteeing visual extension limited space;
- It is not recommended to use any classic or exquisite styles for interior decoration, since they need significant space to arrange all the items;
- all kitchen furniture for a small kitchen should be multifunctional, since it will not be possible to fill the available space with numerous elements, each of which has its own purpose and functions;
- An excellent choice for such a kitchen is the installation of a corner kitchen unit, which ensures that a fairly large free space on one side of the room;
- It is not allowed to use interior items made in dark shades in such a room, so as not to visually make it even smaller.
Furniture designed for a small kitchen is manufactured by many companies. It is issued in different styles and colors, so for each room there is an opportunity to choose best option. It must be multifunctional, easy to clean and attractive to make it truly optimal premises for permanent use.
Video
Photo
Unfortunately, not all apartments and houses can boast of a spacious kitchen. In order to reduce the cost of housing, developers often reduce the area of this particular room. Modern designers offer a solution to the problem of organizing space in the kitchen using correct selection furniture.
Features of arranging a small kitchen
The kitchen should contain two zones at once: a working zone, used for cooking, and a dining zone, used for meals. Their arrangement in conditions limited area becomes a real problem.
If you sacrifice practicality and do not place some pieces of furniture or appliances, it will be more difficult for the housewife to cope with everyday affairs. And if you make the kitchen functional, there will be no free space left for the dining area.
Types of kitchen units for small kitchens - how to choose
Selecting a kitchen set for a small kitchen can be a real headache for home owners.
In order not to make a mistake with your choice, it is necessary to consistently evaluate the following characteristics of the furniture complex:
- shape;
- types and number of headset elements;
- colors.
Shapes of kitchen sets and methods of planning a small kitchen
Depending on the shape, a small kitchen set can be:
- straight (linear);
- corner.
A linear kitchen set for a small kitchen is a design in which all the elements are lined up along the wall. It has the following advantages:
- ease of use - direct placement of furniture provides access to all modules of the structure;
- wide design possibilities - linear arrangement of modules allows you to implement the most different ideas, including using contrasts and visually expanding the room;
- cost-effectiveness - as a rule, the price of straight headsets is more affordable than corner ones.
A corner kitchen is an L-shaped or L-shaped furniture layout. Its advantages include:
- saving space;
- ergonomics – the ability to rationally use corner space;
- zoning – a corner set allows you to separate the dining area from the working area.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which set will be preferable for a cramped kitchen. It depends on the shape of the room:
- for square kitchens will do corner set;
- for rectangular, elongated and narrow rooms it is better to choose a straight structure and install it along a long wall.
What cabinets can be included in a kitchen set for a small kitchen?
Once the form has been chosen, you need to decide on the content of the set. Designs for cramped kitchens use floor, wall and cabinet cabinets.
Floor modules are the basis of the furniture composition, and it is from them that the assembly of the set begins. They are cabinets and cabinets 70-85 cm high, top part which is represented by a tabletop (working surface), and the base is used as a storage system or a place for embedding household appliances.
Wall-mounted elements are mounted on walls and can be in the form of open shelves or locked lockers. They allow you to organize organized storage kitchen utensils or products. It is not recommended to overload the already modest space of a small kitchen with them.
In addition, wall cabinets for a small kitchen should be miniature. Otherwise, they will not only clutter up the space, but also cause injury.
A cabinet cabinet is a module whose height is significantly greater than its width. They are used for storing kitchen utensils and integrating household appliances. Their combination of high capacity and compact size makes them ideal for tight spaces.
Often, a set for a small kitchen includes cabinets up to the ceiling, as they have more space. But, on the other hand, they can clutter up space. In addition, the top compartments are only suitable for rarely used items.
A set for a small kitchen usually consists of 6-10 items. The more modules, the smaller their size and functionality, so using many elements is not recommended.
Rules for choosing the color of a small kitchen set
For a small kitchen, the color of the furniture is extremely important. After all, some colors and textures can visually increase space, while others, on the contrary, reduce it.
To create the illusion of a spacious room, interior designers advise:
- use neutral light colors: gray, beige, light brown. They will expand the room;
- give up too dark or, on the contrary, flashy colors - bright accents in design they “eat up” space;
- do not use “overloaded” colors - the design of a small kitchen set with complex patterns visually compresses the space, making the room cramped;
- if you really want to buy a dark set, then it is better to make the kitchen walls light - then it will look appropriate.
General rules for choosing kitchen units for a small kitchen
To choose a set for a small kitchen that ideally suits your needs and taste, focus on the following parameters:
- the nature of the filling of its elements;
- facade;
- door opening mechanism;
- the material from which the furniture is made;
- countertops;
- arrangement of the apron.
Internal filling of cabinets - types of storage systems
The filling of the cabinets determines its functionality. In conditions of lack of space, it must be thought out to the smallest detail.
To arrange the internal space of kitchen modules use:
- shelves and drawers are standard elements of the storage system for various accessories and products. Retractable structures are especially convenient;
- coasters for dishes in the form of plastic or metal grates;
- U-shaped baskets are designed for heavy loads, but at the same time are easy to use. They are ideal for household chemicals;
- dividers are special designs that allow you to quickly clean up your closet by dividing it into several zones.
Types of kitchen cabinet facades: materials and decor
The façade of a furniture set is its front part. It is she who determines the appearance of the kitchen.
TO kitchen facades have high demands: they must be practical, resistant to scratches and shocks, and also not be afraid of high temperatures and moisture.
For their manufacture the following is used:
- Chipboard is slabs of wood-based material glued together with synthetic resins. They are afraid of moisture, so if the furniture’s coating is damaged, it will not last long. The only advantage of this material is its low cost;
- MDF is the same chipboard, but it uses natural resins, and the chips are pressed under high pressure. Therefore, MDF facades are environmentally friendly and durable;
- solid wood is a safe, elegant and expensive material that requires special care.
If you want to save money, you can purchase a set with paneled facades. In it, the frame of the product is made of wood, the inner part is made of chipboard or MDF, covered with veneer (panel).
As for the appearance, it is desirable that the facade of a small kitchen be glossy - this gives volume to the space.
For finishing, it is better to choose inexpensive and light textures - glass, plastic, synthetic wood textures, as well as enamel and film coatings. Usage natural materials– wood, metal or stone in a cramped kitchen will be unreasonably expensive and impractical.
Types of opening systems for kitchen cabinets and drawers
Please note what door opening mechanism is used in the headset:
- swing - the doors are attached to hinges and open towards themselves. The availability of free space for opening the canvases must be thought out in advance;
- folding - such doors open upward using spring or gas lifts. They are reliable, move smoothly and are mainly used for upper modules;
- retractable – the doors move thanks to a guide system.
In order to restrict the contents of cabinets from children, locking mechanisms are used - durable plastic locks with tape or special latches.
In a cramped kitchen, it is good to use various pneumatic mechanisms and closers to easily and quickly open drawers and cabinets.
What materials are kitchen cabinets made from?
The following materials are used for the production of kitchen furniture:
- Chipboard - when laminated and with a finishing coating, products made from it look impressive, and their affordable cost determines their wide popularity. However, chipboard is afraid of mechanical damage and wears out quickly;
- MDF is the best option both in terms of quality and price. Eco-friendly and safe, this material is strong enough to withstand high loads on a daily basis;
- solid wood - furniture made from it is very expensive, so it is almost never used for small kitchen sets.
Types of countertops: advantages and disadvantages
The tabletop is the surface of the lower modules of the headset. It can be used as a work surface, a place to place utensils and household appliances, as well as for embedding hobs and sinks.
The performance properties of the countertop depend on the material from which it is made.
Good day, dear readers! Judge the usefulness of the article for yourself. Today I will tell you how to choose a kitchen set for a small kitchen. Relevant? Absolutely!
Beauty and convenience are the main requirements that housewives place on kitchen furniture.
Spacious kitchens began to be planned no more than 10 years ago; before that, almost every apartment was “rewarded” with a small kitchen. And, unfortunately, not everyone can afford a new spacious apartment, but a studio with no kitchen as such is possible. Let's see what we can come up with.
When choosing a set for a small kitchen, it is important to devote time to planning: formulate your needs, familiarize yourself with the latest furniture industry products, determine the location and carefully calculate the dimensions of each element.
Agree, a kitchen set is a matter of not only comfort, but also practicality. What is included in this kitchen set? Cabinets for storing food or places for built-in appliances, hidden by facades in the general style.
The qualities practically do not depend on the size of the kitchen, because you can equip a huge room with a bulky old-fashioned set, or you can organize the space in a miniature kitchen so that everything is stylish and at hand.
To properly plan your work area, you must proceed from technical features premises: location of the pipeline, gas outlet, drain or presence of a heating boiler. Of course, you can change not only such nuances, but also the layout of the room as a whole, but why such difficulties if you can choose furniture that harmoniously emphasizes the advantageous moments and hides all the shortcomings.
Even the smallest kitchen can be made original if you think through the ergonomics and design to the smallest detail.
It is for this purpose that the location of household appliances and other dining furniture should be planned and the comfort of the hostess and her guests calculated.
First of all, clearly define your needs regarding kitchen furniture: how often do you cook and wash dishes, how many people are usually in the kitchen, how much food do you usually store.
When choosing a set, please note that for a small kitchen, a corner set may be not only a good option, but perhaps the best solution. You can place a sink in the corner or use this area for microwave oven, toaster, kettle. This way you will save space.
If the kitchen is used as a resting place or a study, you will have to take this into account - where to install computer desk, how to organize lighting so that everyone is comfortable.
Smart solutions for upper cabinets
Upper cabinets can become the main helpers in a small kitchen. Household appliances are hidden in the lower drawers: a washing machine, a dishwasher, an oven or even a refrigerator? The upper space is necessary for storing food and utensils.
In addition to our wishes, there are other details that dictate the layout of the kitchen: gas pipes, water supply and sewerage, hoods, wall projections, ceiling heights.
Wall cabinets up to the ceiling are more practical. Thus, you will visually increase the height of your kitchen and save space. For visual increase facades should be glossy, and doors should be vertical blinds or roller shutters. It's fashionable and practical. For the lower level, this solution is no less suitable.
To plan a kitchen, you need to carefully measure the room, taking into account all the nuances, determine the location of the “working triangle” - sink, stove and refrigerator - and only then look for a place for the furniture modules.
Consider the corner upper space, where you can place a cabinet with a “secret”: a compartment for bottles (cans) or a cabinet on a carousel mount for pots and bulk mixtures.
For very small kitchens - 4-6 square meters - it is very difficult to choose a convenient ready-made set; you will have to order furniture according to your sizes.
There is nothing to do in the kitchen without a clock: cooking and eating times must be checked by clock. Where to place a clock or timer in a small kitchen? In the front of the top drawer. Will the cost of the headset become higher due to the introduction of the “gadget”? It will, but the costs will justify expectations.
Sometimes arranging a small kitchen resembles playing Tetris on a difficult level, but it’s all the more pleasant to get a good result.
The best solutions for floor standing cabinets
Dishwashers and other appliances can be located behind the lower facades. But if in your small kitchen there is another place for technical innovations, then there should be cabinets for dishes and food below. Choose non-standard solutions for doors that slide or open in a non-standard way (depending on the layout of the space). Look for an option with a rotating mechanism so you can make the most of all the cabinet space.
Many furniture companies will be happy to make your wildest wishes come true and produce cabinets, shelves, and modules for built-in appliances of any non-standard sizes.
Saving space and work surface in a small kitchen can lead to streamlining of both processes and space. So cutting board, located above the trash can and equipped with an opening for dumping garbage or additional surface in the form of a retractable table, hidden when there is no need for it, will help turn the cooking process into an activity that brings pleasure.
Even before choosing a set for a small kitchen, pay attention to simple techniques, allowing you to carve out space and make the kitchen space more convenient.
Which facades to choose for a small kitchen?
A small kitchen is not a death sentence! Approach wisely the organization of space (described above) and the design of the headset from the point of view design solution, the result will surprise you.
Facades should be as glossy as possible. The reflection of light will visually increase the space, so this option is optimal for any small room, not to mention the kitchen. The technique is relevant not only for facades. You are taking glossy ceilings or work surface apron material.
Extend the window sill and turn it into a table, this is especially effective for a narrow kitchen.
From a design point of view, not every style can accept “gloss”, and not all materials accept this approach. For example, natural wood prettier if it maintains structure. You can varnish it, but this is not always pleasing with its style and appearance.
With an original layout, you can do kitchen chores while in the living room.
On the other hand, for a small kitchen, a set made of natural materials is unreasonably expensive and bulky: natural stone, wood or metal - great option, but for the room more to emphasize style and luxury.
If you are the happy owner of a loggia, consider combining it with a kitchen.
What color is best for a kitchen set? small room? This is a matter of taste, not style. If the design of your room is hi-tech or loft, choose cool shades. It is possible to use black or white in its pure form, do not reject bright colors: light green, orange, purple.
Classic style, shabby chic, Provence mean pastel shades, warm shades: cocoa, beige, gray.
Instead of a large dining table, you can install a folding or folding table, or maybe a narrow bar counter.
Bright gloss will become an accent and make a small room bright, beautiful, and spacious at first glance, and competent planning– convenient to use.
Color and design play a big role in the perception of a kitchen.
Which handles are suitable for a small set?
Don't choose bulky options. If you choose the TIP-ON mechanism or similar systems, you can ditch the pens. A light touch of the hand opens any cabinet. Today, many companies offer a similar solution.
| Evaluation Aspect | TIP-ON | Standard handles |
| Practicality | Very convenient during cooking. One click - and the cabinet is open | In any case, touch is necessary; if your hands are dirty, there is a danger of staining the fittings. |
| Aesthetic approach | A matter of taste. The decor can be chosen elsewhere, and the lack of handles is interesting | There are very beautiful design solutions, expensive fittings look just great. The only thing that scares me is the cost. |
| Originality of the solution | Original, but not suitable for all opening options, i.e. if you have roller shutters, you cannot use a similar approach | If you don’t invent a bicycle and use handles, then this option is suitable for absolutely any mechanisms and opening methods |
It’s up to you to make a choice, guided by your preferences and views. And the necessary design will emphasize elegance and breadth of thought.
The most bulky thing in the kitchen is the refrigerator; it can be placed in the hallway, thereby gaining space for a spacious cupboard.
You can choose Chinese components at a low cost or more expensive ones that complement the style and design of the kitchen.
Didn't find it in the store? – can be made to order.
You can make kitchen furniture yourself. Making a sofa, armchair and other complex furniture is not easy. But the kitchen set is easy. The material is wood, the coating is varnish or senezh, the facades do not have to be the usual natural color, use colors, create an indescribable image of your, albeit small, kitchen.
A small kitchen does not have to be boring if you take a creative approach to its planning and arrangement.
Action plan
- Draw a plan for the headset.
- Measure the required dimensions.
- Order suitable materials.
- Assemble the elements together with self-tapping screws.
Modern storage systems greatly increase the functionality of the kitchen.
If the room is small, then the size of the set will not scare the craftsman. Assembling a corner set will take more time and effort, but the principle is the same.
This is one approach. The second one is simpler, but its cost will be higher. This is an offer for non-standard kitchens or for non-standard approaches. If you couldn't choose suitable option, do not despair, because manufacturers must offer a customized solution to order.
Be sure to check out the latest slide-out, roll-out, rail and carousel designs, dividers and other gadgets that save space in your cabinets, make it easier to reach every corner of the kitchen and keep you perfectly organized.
You can often find a designer in studios. Such a person will offer a headset based on the sizes you mentioned. If the kitchen has complex shape and there is a measurer before the final order.
Among the additional functions there is an assembler that assembles everything with your own hands. It will perfectly adjust the nuances of the furniture and your set will fit like a glove. This applies not only to kitchen furniture or the corner set itself.
Give preference to tall cabinets that reach to the ceiling.
You can choose the material, color and shape. The cost of such an offer is not always higher than those offered in the studio.
Corner set as the best approach for a small kitchen
A corner kitchen set is suitable not only for a small kitchen. A medium-sized kitchen or even a huge kitchen with a separate dining area will look perfect with a corner set. Moreover, the set may have not one angle, but two or even three.
A small kitchen requires saving space. Corner furniture will help you use all the possible functionality of any room. In another room you can experiment, add or remove interior elements. Speaking of the kitchen, we have to place dishes and bulk products, which is why there is a need to use corner sets.
In addition, open shelves reduce the functionality of the room - after all, they can only store beautiful designer items, and not simple everyday dishes.
Summing up
It is clear from the article that a set for a small kitchen does not have to be ugly or poorly functional. You can choose the color you want, optimal shape or desired material. The cost depends on the material and design, size and complexity of execution.
By the way, open shelves can be a reason to exchange your old dishes for beautiful new ones - why not?
Moreover, you can make a kitchen set yourself, add color and assemble it yourself. And having such experience behind you, assembling other furniture will not be difficult. Give your preference to bright colors and unusual designs, then any furniture will delight you.
A radical option for expanding a small kitchen is to combine the kitchen with the living room, leaving a partition that serves as a table or bar counter.
VIDEO: Small kitchens photos and prices
Small kitchen. Do you consider this your sentence to lifelong torment?
We hasten to reassure you: this is not so!
If you choose the right kitchen set for a small kitchen, plan the ergonomics of the space and perfect the interior style, your kitchen will have no equal!
And we will teach you how to do all this yourself right now.
The optimal color and style of kitchen units for a small kitchen
Which shade is better to choose?
The choice of color is the most main question in creating the interior of a small kitchen. After all, if housing construction has not given you enough square meters of kitchen, design comes into play!
You can expand the space in two ways: actually and visually.
In the first case, you will need to demolish walls, combine rooms, coordinate this work with control services and a lot of other troubles.
In the second, you just need to arm yourself with a jar of paint (obviously, the cost of this option is several times less).
After all, our brain is like Pushkin in love: “Oh, it’s not difficult to deceive me, I’m glad to be deceived myself!” And it's really true!
Take a look at this picture: the light square seems larger to us, although it is exactly the same as the dark one.
It’s the same with the kitchen: the lighter its interior is (no matter whether it’s in a modern style or not), the more spacious it will seem to you.
There is another secret to working with color in a small kitchen.
In addition to the fact that colors are divided into light and dark, they are conventionally divided into warm and cold. So, warm shades are more dynamic and strongly focus our attention. Therefore, it seems to us that there are “more” of them. With cool colors everything is exactly the opposite. So, in order to visually make the space wider, experts recommend using a cool color palette.
But! There are exceptions to this rule. If your kitchen doesn't have enough natural light, warm colors can save the situation.
Which style to choose for a small kitchen?
Often the chosen colors largely determine the style of the interior, because most of them have their own established palette of shades: white-lavender for provencal style, white and beige for Scandinavian, brick and black for loft.
But if the square meter of the kitchen is small, it is important to take into account other features that are characteristic of each style.
Provencal cuisine cannot be imagined without decorative curls and elegant accessories, which, with a small number of meters, will take up extra centimeters usable space. On the contrary, the Scandinavian economy class style presupposes the presence of spacious storage systems, which is extremely important if not only the kitchen is small, but also the apartment as a whole.
A loft is more practical in terms of decorating a kitchen work area, but due to the rather dark color palette, you will have to use a minimal amount of furniture in the finished kitchen.
A universal solution for small ready-made kitchen considers modern style, minimalism or American classics. In the first two styles there is no strict reference to color (including when choosing a tabletop), so you can safely use any palette of shades, and the American classic interior itself is very light and at the same time discreet (unlike Provence), so it fits perfectly even into the smallest number of meters.
Features of furniture for a small kitchen
Corner kitchen
A corner kitchen (including economy class) is considered ideal solution for small spaces, since it allows you to create the most comfortable “working triangle” - a triad of washing, cooking and cutting areas in the kitchen.
The most important thing in choosing a corner kitchen set is the choice corner module. It can be straight or beveled. The tabletop is selected accordingly.
The beveled corner module increases the area of the working area, however, it also takes up more space in the finished kitchen.
The straight corner module is more compact and preferable for kitchens with a small area.
It is also very important to consider the method of fastening the facades in the corner module.
Corner module doors can be:
- swing
- folding
- bent
The latter are especially relevant if drawers are used in the corner module.
Direct kitchen
The easiest way to organize the space of a small economy class kitchen is to use a single-row (straight) layout.
It does not require any special installation tricks and allows you to fit everything you need into a small number of square meters in the most budget-friendly manner.
Among the disadvantages - most likely you will not have enough cabinets and drawers to store kitchen utensils.
On the plus side, you can put a small dining table or kitchen corner in the kitchen.
Kitchen with wall cabinets
Wall cabinets are used to store dishes, food, spices, kitchen utensils - i.e. everything that is used most often and (preferably) weighs little.
For convenience, place wall cabinets at eye level, but not lower than 60 cm from the work surface!
If you need a lot of storage space, make cabinets that go to the ceiling, but on the top shelves put things that you don't use very often, so you don't have to jump up and down every time.
Kitchen with folding (lifting) facades
In addition to standard hinged facades, there are so-called folding or lifting facades.
And this is simply a must have for every small kitchen!
Take a look.
Kitchen with corner shelves
Corner shelves for kitchen units - additional opportunity create coziness and comfort in your kitchen. They help visually smooth and lighten the ends of the kitchen unit. Here you can put some trinkets, jars of spices, tea house or a pot of blooming hydrangea.
Kitchen with roll-out and pull-out cabinets
Roll-out and pull-out cabinets will definitely make your life in a small kitchen easier!
Instead of rummaging through the depths of regular cabinets (which are sometimes not so easy to reach, especially on the bottom line), you simply roll out the contents of the module and look for what you need. Isn't it lovely?
Front options for a small kitchen
Facades are different:
- wooden
- metal
- glass
- combined
- plastic
In fact, the appearance of your finished kitchen depends on the facades by 80 percent.
In many ways, the choice of facades depends on the style of interior design. Plastic is more suitable for kitchens in modern style, wood - for the kitchen in Provençal or classic style, and metal is for the loft. The same requirements apply to countertops, by the way, although stone is a fairly versatile material.
In terms of the visual perception of your kitchen, there is one general recommendation: Use as little decoration as possible. The fewer details, the less cluttered the space will appear.
It is also not advisable to make the top line of the kitchen darker than the bottom - the space will seem unbalanced.
Bar counter for a small kitchen
In a small economy class kitchen, a bar counter can easily replace a dining table. This will look especially relevant in a kitchen in a modern or loft style.
It can be placed as an extension to a standard kitchen set (corner or straight), but now it is fashionable to turn it into a bar counter... a window sill!
It is stylish, beautiful, functional, and ergonomic.
Take a look!
But you should categorically refuse retractable bar counters on a metal leg - this is already a relic of the past.
Accessories and equipment for a small kitchen set
Storage systems
Modern kitchen sets represent a carefully thought-out storage system and space organization. Of course, budget options are more limited in the choice of modules than premium options, which have a fairly wide range of kitchen components. However, there is always a choice.
Thus, a useful component of a kitchen set in a small kitchen will be a cargo - a narrow roll-out cabinet in a modern style for storing liquids: vinegar, vegetable oils, wine, etc.
A narrow pencil case will be a useful acquisition for storing bulk products.
Some kitchen corners have built-in drawers for storing kitchen utensils under the seat.
Lighting in a small kitchen
There should be a lot of light in kitchen design!
So that you can cook comfortably, make it easier to clean, and in general, so that the kitchen looks stylish and beautiful.
The very first light source in your kitchen is a window and daylight. But it doesn’t always happen the way we would like. Therefore, general lighting comes to the rescue. As a rule, this is a chandelier or several ceiling lamps (in a loft). Remember, if your kitchen does not have a hood, all the soot and dirt will settle on surfaces, including the chandelier.
Another important type of lighting is functional. In the kitchen, this is lighting for the work area; it is often placed under the upper cabinets. Modern technologies allow you to do kitchen aprons immediately with lighting to make the cooking process easy and enjoyable. Functional lighting can also be used in cabinets.
Decorative lighting is designed to make your kitchen more beautiful. This includes both various lighting in a contemporary style, as well as lanterns with candlesticks. More often it is selected to match the style of interior design.
Drawers
Drawers allow you to keep your essentials close at hand. For kitchen design, it is better to make several low drawers than one or two deep ones (however, the cost in dollars may vary due to the cost of components). Then you will be able to arrange their contents in one row and find the right thing at first glance.
Organizers in a small kitchen
Organizers will be a useful addition to kitchen drawers and cabinets, as they provide separate storage space for each item or group of items (for example, spices).
However, remember! Having an organizer is not enough to keep your kitchen tidy!
To keep your kitchen tidy, it is very important to put things in their place. Therefore, when choosing a place for something, be guided by where it will be more convenient for you to put it back (in the upper cabinet, in the lower cabinet, or even in drawer), and not on where it would be more convenient to take it.
Pens
In a small kitchen, handles often become the cause of torn clothes and bruises. Choose handles that are as streamlined as possible, and if possible, avoid them altogether.
Rails for a small kitchen
A rail is a tube above the work surface on which kitchen utensils are hung. Previously, hooks under the upper cabinets were used for this, but the beauty of the rail is that you can hang an unlimited number of items on it.
Placing kitchen appliances in a small kitchen
Refrigerators
From a very small kitchen, it is better to move the refrigerator into the hallway.
Built-in refrigerators will be invisible, but for this you will need a special kitchen set, which will take up more space than a regular one.
But a refrigerator can become a stylish accessory and bright decoration your kitchen, for example if it will unusual color or retro style (dollar prices may vary).
Gas water heaters
Gas water heaters do not look very aesthetically pleasing in kitchen design, so it is better to hide them behind the facade of the upper cabinet (with the obligatory preservation of access at any time!).
Manufacturers of kitchen sets for small kitchens
Kitchen to order
Making a custom-made kitchen will allow you to make the most of every centimeter of space in accordance with your individual needs and wishes.
Ready-made kitchens from modern manufacturers are mostly modular and allow you to assemble your own kitchen set. Here are examples of small kitchen sets from the most famous manufacturers(cost in dollars can be found on official websites).
Kitchen Maria
Kitchen Stolplit
Kitchen CALL
In standard small-sized apartments, kitchens are small and sometimes even tiny. And when choosing furnishing elements for such a room, you will have to try hard - you can’t put the first furniture and equipment you like in a small room. We will look at how to choose the right kitchen set for a small kitchen in this article.
Choosing a kitchen set
The most important detail of every kitchen is a comfortable and functional kitchen set.
There are three main options for the shape of a kitchen set:
- L-shaped is a corner set;
- U-shaped - a set with two corners, shaped like the letter “P”;
- linear, which is located along one wall.
Most often, L-shaped sets are installed in small kitchens, since this shape makes it possible to make maximum use of the “triangle principle,” which will be discussed below.
This set is considered the most convenient and functional, as it has a sufficient working surface.
But single-row sets also look good and often become the most advantageous option - much depends on the location of the window, the number of household appliances, and the organization of the dining area.
Disadvantages - a minimum number of cabinets and a small work surface, but such furniture does not take up much space, and all work objects are at hand.
Materials
Kitchen facades are made mainly from the following materials: MDF ( fibreboard), chipboard (chipboard) and laminated chipboard, as well as natural wood.
Sometimes they are complemented by glass or metal. Facades made of chipboard, MDF are covered with enamel, PVC film, veneer, decorative plastic.
Enameled facades, are good because here you can choose absolutely any color for your kitchen set. This façade can be either glossy or matte, is easy to clean, and does not absorb odors.
Flaws: high cost, tendency to fade under the influence of the sun, fear of mechanical damage, and such facades require frequent cleaning - fingerprints remain on them when touched by hands.
PVC film- most cheap material for covering the facade headset. It can imitate absolutely any coating: wood, enamel, varnish, stone, metal and others.
Advantages of the material: wide range of colors, durability, strength, low cost. Cons: the film can peel off from the panel, is sensitive to high temperatures and is not resistant to fading when exposed to sunlight.
Decorative plastic glued on top of the base. Compared to PVC film and enamel, it is more durable, resistant to impacts and sunlight, waterproof, and resistant to high temperatures.
This material has few disadvantages: Glossy plastic often leaves fingerprints, while matte plastic is difficult to clean. Sometimes the plastic coating may become distorted.
Wood – a good option for the manufacture of kitchen sets, including countertops, but not cheap. Depending on the type of wood, the set will have only its own color and pattern. Most often, kitchen furniture is made from pine, spruce, larch, birch, and oak.
The main drawback– high cost (1 linear meter will cost about 2-3 thousand rubles). Yes and bright kitchen You can’t create it from wood - it’s a shame to spoil it natural material. Pros: environmental friendliness and aesthetics.
Advice! If you don’t have a lot of money, but you want a high-quality, inexpensive kitchen set, then choose decorative plastic, this is the best option.
For the countertop it is very important to choose a durable and quality material, since this is the most important surface in the kitchen where the creative process takes place.
The material must be resistant to moisture, temperature, and be very durable. For the manufacture of countertops, laminated chipboard, porcelain stoneware, metal, natural and artificial stone are used.
The simplest option is laminated chipboard. The price depends on the thickness of the canvas, and the strength depends on the thickness of the coating. The material is moisture resistant and can withstand high temperatures, but is easily scratched. 1 sq.m. such material 16 mm thick will cost about 200-250 rubles.
Porcelain tiles is not afraid of hot dishes, moisture, or impact sharp objects, but it looks very aesthetically pleasing. Countertops made from this material are made from tiles sealed with sealant, or from whole piece porcelain stoneware.
Disadvantage of material– high cost and complexity of processing. The average price is about 10 thousand rubles per linear meter.
Countertops from natural stone They differ slightly in characteristics from porcelain stoneware countertops, but are more expensive: a finished countertop measuring 1400×600×30 mm will cost about 30 thousand rubles.
Tabletops are also made of metal – of stainless steel. Suitable for furniture and kitchens in modern and high-tech style.
It is a durable, heat-resistant material that is relatively resistant to moisture. Minuses– requires careful polishing and is not suitable for classic-style kitchens. The price is about 1,500 rubles per linear meter.
It is very difficult to say unequivocally which material is better for kitchen sets: everyone must choose the material independently in accordance with their desires and capabilities.
Accessories
European-made fittings are considered the generally accepted standard of quality. Mechanisms produced by Blum, Hettich, Boyard, and Edson have proven themselves well. The cost varies depending on the quality of materials and complexity of production.
Such fittings will require additional financial investments, but the level of convenience and functionality of the kitchen will increase significantly.
Kitchen appliances
When arranging a kitchen, it is useful to use the principle of a “working triangle”, the vertices of which are the sink, refrigerator and stove.
Maximum convenience in the kitchen is created by the arrangement of these points in the shape of a triangle. They should not be adjacent to each other and at the same time it is important that they are close enough to each other.
Most objects can be successfully “hidden” in the kitchen unit itself: narrow built-in stoves, dishwashers. Instead of a stove, you can purchase a hob, and underneath it you can organize a drawer for storing kitchen utensils.
The microwave oven can be installed on special brackets mounted on the wall.
The refrigerator should be narrow but tall to accommodate all the food items. Built-in small refrigerators are also available for sale.
If the refrigerator is large, and a dining area is planned in the kitchen, then it is advisable to move it into the corridor or part of the apartment adjacent to the kitchen.
It is important to take a hood small sizes, and on top of it you can place a cabinet or brackets for a microwave.
Small equipment should be placed based on the frequency of use: what is used more often should be at hand - on the lower shelves or on the countertop or in special drawers.
You can also install a small flat-screen TV in the door of the kitchen unit. The main thing is to choose comfortable spot so that the handle of the adjacent door does not injure the screen.
Increasing functionality
The railing located along the apron is a good option for storing kitchen utensils. Its disadvantage is one thing: all kitchen equipment remains visible.
Opt for high wall cabinets to the ceiling: they will take up the remaining centimeters on top, while giving an extra couple of shelves.
Give up swing doors headset: it is better to use blinds or doors that open upward, as well as doors that fold into an accordion.
It is also convenient to have a bottle holder - a small narrow cabinet that will take up the remaining centimeters somewhere in the corner, but will accommodate several containers with liquids.
Advice! You can integrate scales, clocks, timers and much more into a small set, which will increase the cost of the set, but will give the kitchen additional functionality.
Choosing a color
When creating the interior of a small kitchen, you should be guided by simple principle: light shades increase space, and dark shades hide.
The kitchen should have as many light shades as possible combined with bright or dark accents. The most best colors for a small kitchen set the following colors are considered: white, beige, vanilla, light wood, light blue.
The color scheme should not be variegated: stop at 2-3 colors and combine them.
A combination of white, beige and black with a predominance of light shades looks good. You can also use bright colors combined with a neutral shade.
If the kitchen has light wall coverings, then the set can be bright red with a gray countertop, rich blue accompanied by light shades, grass green and other colors.
Also, the color of the headset must be chosen taking into account the color of the walls, floor and ceiling. For example, the color of the wallpaper should be the same tone as the set. And the tabletop can be made in color flooring kitchens.
In a narrow small kitchen, it is undesirable to use a set with a pattern in the form of horizontal stripes - it will visually elongate the kitchen. But vertical stripes make the room more harmonious.
Advice! Do not use in the kitchen only White color, otherwise such a room will become uncomfortable. Add a few bright aspects, at least a picture on one of the walls - this will enliven a small kitchen.
And finally, some useful tips:
- Avoid installing furniture in small spaces unusual shape, volumetric structures - they will make the kitchen bulky. You can round the corners of the headset a little - this will add a little free space.
- If you choose a corner set, then place the sink in the corner so as not to clutter the work surface.
- To increase the working surface, a roll-out tabletop is suitable.
- Use drawer organizers - they will create order.
- Use the windowsill, if it is wide, for cutting food.
- Sometimes in a small kitchen it is advisable to make a small bar counter - it will be used as an additional work surface or as a dining table, and in its corner you can place a rotating counter with shelves or baskets.
- When choosing a facade and countertop set, choose glossy surfaces - they reflect light, which will make the room visually more spacious.
- The facades of the furniture in a small kitchen should not be blank and closed - they are complemented with glass inserts, but from frosted glass so that kitchen utensils are not visible.
You can make any kitchen, even a small one, functional and cozy. The correctly chosen kitchen set also plays a significant role in creating the interior.