How to make the most out of my galley kitchen space

In a narrow galley kitchen, every space counts. Here, we’ll look at how to make the most of the space so your kitchen is both practical and good-looking.

Understanding galley kitchens

Galley kitchens are named after ship’s kitchens, where space is often tight and there’s little room for manoeuvre. In the UK, many terraced houses have galley kitchens: long, narrow rooms with one or two worktops running parallel to the walls. While some galley kitchens are much more generous on space, in tiny kitchens, everything needs to work harder than usual, with worktop space and storage at a premium.

However, these characteristics and constraints can also be seen as a virtue. Galley kitchens can be built on simplicity, and their tighter dimensions mean everything is satisfyingly at hand when needed.

Galley kitchen design ideas and space-saving tips

While galley kitchens come with some unique challenges in terms of organisation, there are plenty of space-saving options and creative design ideas you can pursue to transform yours into a functional, beautiful space.

From having a clear-out to getting smart with storage, using worktops more efficiently and planning the perfect colour scheme, here are our top tips for making your galley kitchen work better.

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Check out our Oak worktops

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Declutter and organise

One of the simplest ways to maximise space in your galley kitchen is to declutter. By removing unnecessary and underused items from cupboards, counters and drawers, the kitchen will look more spacious and you’ll easily be able to lay your hands on what you need. Keep only the essentials on your worktop; a clear surface does wonders to make a room feel larger.

Set a reminder to have a regular reshuffle and reconsider whether you still need everything or whether a trip to the charity shop might be in order.

Once you’ve decided on what stays and goes, go for clever storage solutions such as hooks, racks and drawer organisers to keep everything in its place.

Smart storage solutions

Small spaces can still be fully functional. To ensure everything has a home, opt for hidden storage options such as pull-out shelves, deep drawers in cupboards or under-oven compartments. Make the most of your vertical space by extending cabinets or shelving to the ceiling, and install corner cabinets to utilise awkward areas that are often overlooked. If you have something specific in mind, consider investing in custom-made cupboards or shelves that fit your kitchen perfectly, to achieve peak organisation.

Efficient layout and design

The classic ‘kitchen triangle’ – where the fridge, oven and sink are arranged in a triangular shape for easy movement and efficiency – can be made to work well in a galley kitchen.

The sink in a galley kitchen is often under a window, with the oven on the opposite surface. Fridges and food cupboards may be in the same room or, in very small kitchens, they may be in an adjoining lobby. To avoid unnecessary movement across the kitchen, position appliances in logical places, so you are within easy reach of everything you need.

Small galley kitchens are prone to bottlenecks, as people pass through or move into other rooms. Consider traffic flow and plan your layout to ensure movement through the space is as smooth as possible. Handle-less cupboards and sliding doors can be helpful additions to enhance the efficiency of tight kitchens.

Multi-functional furniture

One of our best small galley kitchen tips? Employ items that serve a dual purpose to make your galley kitchen a more versatile and efficient space:

• Fold-out tables: Need another work surface for meal prep or an extra space for entertaining guests? Fold-down tables or butcher’s blocks on wheels can offer flexibility when you need it most.
• Extendable worktops: Change the dimensions of your kitchen to accommodate your needs with a countertop that moves with you.
• Integrated seating: Incorporate bar stools under the worksurface to create a stylish dining area or breakfast bar without causing a bottleneck.
• Storage benches: Get the most out of seating by doubling up benches as storage spaces for lesser-used gadgets and culinary items.

Lighting and colour schemes

While you can’t change the dimensions of your galley kitchen without physically extending it, you can improve people’s perception of the space by choosing a well-considered colour scheme and making wise choices about lighting.

Light colour palettes always work best in tight rooms, helping to make them feel bright and airy. Go for pale tones when choosing cabinets and worktops, and neutral walls and tiles. Add personality with accents of colour.

Where possible, maximise natural light by keeping windows clear and clean. Balance under-cupboard lighting with overhead lights or use spotlights to illuminate the room and make it feel more spacious. Opt for reflective surfaces such as glossy tiles and worktops to bounce light around the kitchen and brighten it further.