Best Single Wall Kitchen Layouts that Maximize Cabinet Space

When every square foot matters, a single‑wall kitchen works by lining up all the cabinets, appliances, and work zones along one straight run. These types of kitchen layouts free up floor space for dining or other furniture, making them a favorite in open concept rooms, studio lofts, or apartments. Today’s single‑wall designs go beyond the “basic kitchenette,” they offer everything one could expect, such as plenty of cabinet space, appliance garages, pantries, and integrated space-saving options. In this guide, we’ll explore five single wall kitchen layouts for a variety of home sizes and styles for your remodeling inspiration.

9ft Compact Single Wall Kitchen with Pull-Out Pantry Layout

This compact kitchen floor plan combines an effective work space by keeping the refrigerator and the range on either side with the sink in the middle surrounded by countertop space. 

Designed for ultra-compact homes, like studio apartments, (ADU’s) accessory dwelling units, or rental suites, this single wall kitchen lines up all of the core functions along one side. It has a 24-inch range that anchors the left end, with the sink sitting in the center, and a 24-inch counter-depth refrigerator positioned on the right. A slender 15-inch stretch of uninterrupted counter space lies between the range and sink and the refrigerator on the other side that acts as the primary prep and clean-up zone. Above this are open shelves so pots and spices can stay within arm’s reach.

Beneath that prep sink there’s a two-tier pull-out pantry with full-extension slides to let you store your frequently used dry goods that would otherwise steal valuable cabinet space. Because the work centers are clustered tightly (range to sink to fridge), the cook’s footsteps are minimized for a functional cooking design. A 25-inch-deep countertop provides plenty of surface area for cutting boards and other accessories.

Dimensions:

• Total length: 9 ft (108 in)
• Counter depth (base cabinets + overhang): 25 in
• Appliance widths
  • Range: 24 in
  • Undermount sink base: 24 in
  • Counter-depth refrigerator: 24 in
• Dedicated prep/landing space: 15 in between range and the sink
• Pull-out pantry footprint: fits a 24 in-wide base cabinet on full-extension slides (approx. 10 to 12 in interior depth)

Design Tips:

• Choose apartment-size appliances. These should be 24 in wide and used to fit in the slim profile design.
• Install open shelving above the sink. This provides quick-grab storage for daily dishes, pots and pans, or spices.
• Use a pull-out pantry below the sink. This can have adjustable wire or solid shelves to accommodate larger dry goods and items.
• Opt for a single-lever faucet and an integrated sink drainboard. Offers more work area when washing produce or dishes.
• Light the under-shelf space. Run LED strip lighting beneath the shelving to illuminate the work surfaces.
• Specify a counter-depth fridge. This way doors won’t protrude into the aisle.

10ft Single-Line Kitchen with Vertical Storage Tower Floor Plan

By placing the oven into a tall cabinet tower and using a full-size refrigerator and large basin sink, this single-wall plan squeezes professional-level cooking and pantry capacity into its 10-foot-long floor plan.

Stretching 10 feet from end to end, this single-line kitchen offers full-size appliances at the expense of countertop space. A 30-inch counter-depth refrigerator sits on the left side, followed by a 24-inch sink centered under a run of upper cabinets, and followed by a 24-inch induction cooktop and an oven housed in a tall storage unit. The vertical storage tower stacks a built-in wall oven at eye level with pull-out trays and pantry cubbies located below. Together, the refrigerator, sink, cooktop, and oven form a tight work footprint.  The 25-inch-deep countertop with staggered cabinets above provides room to work at each station. A shallow spice rack can be placed on the back wall between the sink and fridge so oils and seasonings stay handy without hogging cabinet space.

Dimensions:

• Total length: 10 ft (120 in)
• Counter depth (base cabinets + overhang): 25 in
• Appliance/cabinet widths
  • Refrigerator: 30 in
  • Sink base: 24 in
  • Induction cook-top base: 24 in
  • Vertical oven-pantry tower: 24 in
• Continuous counter frontage: 90 in usable (minus the sink cut-out)
• Recommended aisle width in front: 36 in minimum for one cook 

Design Tips:

• Use a sink cutting board to add more work space. Since the countertop surface is limited, adding another surface for cutting and prep work is recommended.
• Install a pull out cutting board under the induction cooktop. This can add a touch more surface area for meal prep.
• Use the oven-pantry tower for vertical storage. Keep the oven up high for ergonomic loading, while rollout trays are below for baking sheets and dry goods.
• Install LED strip lighting under the upper cabinets. This helps light the worktop and prevent shadows. 
• Mind the fridge door. Ensure the door can swing fully open and internal drawers slide out unhindered.
• Keep spices away from the heat sources. Place the spice rack between the refrigerator and the sink to avoid overheating.
• Consider a portable cart or island. This helps provide more counter space when needed. 

12ft One-Wall Minimalist Kitchen with Appliance Garage Layout

With its dedicated appliance garage and spacing for full-size appliances, this single-wall kitchen delivers a clutter-free workspace that performs like a pro.

This 12-foot one-wall kitchen layout is built for minimalists who need full-size cooking power and room to hide all of their cooking utensils and small appliances out of sight. From the left side, there’s a 30-inch range with a four-burner surface and a standard oven below. Next to the range sits a small counter space and a 30-inch sink. Instead of crowding the counter with items, a dedicated “appliance garage” sits just to the right of the sink. It’s constructed with an upper-and-lower cabinet combo that’s fitted with a lift-up door and concealed outlets that’s perfect for the toaster, coffee maker, or mixer. A 36-inch counter-depth refrigerator is placed on the far right side, completing a logical cook–clean–store design. Because all cabinets are 25 inches deep, there’s room for plenty of storage capacity.

Dimensions:

• Total length: 12 ft / 144 in
• Counter depth (base cabinets + overhang): 25 in
• Appliance widths
  • Range: 30 in
  • Sink base: 30 in
  • Appliance-garage base/upper cabinet: 30 in
  • Counter-depth refrigerator: 36 in
• Continuous counter frontage: 104 in (minus the sink cut-out)
• Recommended aisle width in front: 40 in for comfortable two-person traffic flow

Design Tips:

• Install a lift-up or tambour door on the appliance garage. This way, small appliances disappear behind a door.
• Add an outlet strip inside the garage. This can keep devices plugged in and ready to use at any time you need them.
• Run a single slab or full-height backsplash. This can reinforce the minimalist aesthetic and make clean-up much easier.
• Choose a counter-depth fridge (under 30 in deep).  This keeps the door from protruding into the walkway.
• Specify drawer bases beneath the range and sink (instead of shelves). This can speed access to pots, pans, and cleaning supplies.
• Undermount the sink and opt for a single-lever faucet with pull-down spray.  This cuts down the visual noise.
• Add toe kick drawers at the bottom. It’s a great way to utilize all of the cabinet space for awkward baking sheets or cutting boards.

14ft Kitchen with Integrated Dining Nook Layout

This single-wall kitchen packs a dining nook with a bench to transform the design from a mere cooking strip into a complete eat-in hub for friends and family.

This 14 ft linear kitchen floor plan amps up the fun by bringing in a corner dining nook complete with storage bench. Appliances go from left-to-right in logical prep order, starting with a 33-inch wide counter-depth fridge, followed by counter space, then a 30-inch sink under a window, leading to a 30-inch range for cooking. Instead of ending the run with another cabinet, the rightmost side has a built-in dining table with a bench. The bench hugs the right-hand wall at a right angle to the cabinets, giving you café-style seating for two. A lift-up seat bench can be used to hide extra pots, linens, or small appliances. This setup is ideal for studio lofts or narrow homes that need an eat-in option but can’t spare a separate dining room.

Dimensions:

• Total length: 14 ft (168 in)
• Standard counter depth: 25 in
• Appliance widths
  • Refrigerator: 33 in
  • Sink base: 30 in
  • Range: 30 in
• Dining-nook projection: 30 in deep from the cabinet front to the end wall
• Recommended bench depth: 18 to 20 in (with 12 in knee space to the counter edge)
• Suggested aisle width in front of cabinets: 42 in, so someone can pass while another is seated

Design Tips:

• Install a lift top seat on the bench. This provides additional storage space underneath.  e
• Add a pair of shallow drawers under the range. This helps compensate for the storage lost to the built-in bench.
• Use a flip-up or pocket door on upper cabinets above the sink. This way, they stay open without blocking the work zone.
• Paint the bench in an accent color or use upholstered cushions. This can signal the start of the “dining zone” to add visual interest.
• Choose a counter-depth fridge. This helps with door swing issues into the aisle.  
• Place the sink under the window. This way you can enjoy outdoor views while cleaning up.

16ft Luxury Kitchen with Hidden Butler’s Pantry Floor Plan

With everything in a straight line, this kitchen offers plenty of functionality that runs into a fully equipped pantry behind a hidden, push-to-open door.

This 16 ft single wall kitchen layout starts on the left side with a hidden 24-inch entry cabinet door that leads to a fully fitted 4 × 5 ft butler’s pantry. After the pantry entry, there’s a 30-inch double wall-oven tower with heat shielding to ensure the refrigerator next door remains cold at all times. Next, sits a 36-inch wide refrigerator with some countertop space besides a generous 36-inch sink. After another countertop there’s a 36-inch five-burner cooktop to finish the run. A continuous 26-inch-deep countertop (slightly deeper than standard) provides extra space in the back for cutting boards, a knife rack, or spices without interfering with the work surface. 

Dimensions:

• Total cabinet run: 16 ft (192 in)
• Counter depth: 26 in (accommodates flush full-height cabinetry)
• Appliance & cabinet modules
  • Hidden-pantry entry cabinet: 24 in wide
  • Double wall-oven tower: 30 in wide
  • Refrigerator opening: 36 in wide
  • Sink base: 36 in wide
  • Cooktop base: 36 in wide
  • Butler’s pantry interior: 4 × 5 ft (20 sq ft) with 24 in-deep shelving
• Recommended working aisle: 42 in for an easy two-cook flow

Design Tips:

• Add a portable cart or movable island. If you have an open plan design, this can add valuable work space.
• Use a reach in closet instead of a walk-in pantry. By swapping the butler’s pantry room for a reach in closet you can save space.
• Install pull-out tray shelves inside the pantry. This is excellent for housing small appliances.
• Center the sink between fridge and cooktop. This creates a balanced prep zone on both sides and minimizes crossover traffic.
• Install a counter-depth, panel-ready fridge. This will keep the front plane flush with adjacent cabinetry.
• Choose drawer bases beneath the cooktop and sink. Using deeper drawers speeds access to pots, pans, and silverware.
• Conceal the pantry entry cabinet door. This creates a cool aesthetic and conversation piece.
• Reinforce cabinetry with heat shields between the refrigerator and oven. This helps maintain the cold zone separate from the oven.