How Big Should a Kitchen Really Be? A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Kitchen Size

When people imagine their future home, the kitchen is almost always one of the first spaces they picture. It’s where mornings begin, where family meals are prepared, where conversations happen without planning them. Yet, when it comes time to design or choose a kitchen, many people feel unsure. How big should it be? What is too small? What is unnecessary? And most importantly, what feels right?

This article is not here to overwhelm you with rules or complicated explanations. Instead, it will help you understand kitchen sizes in a simple, human way, so you can make a choice that fits your life, not just a plan on paper.

Why Kitchen Size Matters More Than You Think

A kitchen doesn’t need to be large to be good. Many beautiful kitchens around the world are quite small. What matters is not size alone, but how the space supports your daily habits.

A kitchen that is too small can feel frustrating. You may bump into things, struggle to move, or feel tired after cooking. On the other hand, a kitchen that is too large can feel empty, expensive, and difficult to organize.

The goal is not “bigger.”
The goal is comfortable and practical.

Start With How You Actually Use a Kitchen

Before thinking about numbers, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Do you cook every day or only sometimes?
• Do you cook alone or with someone else?
• Do you like simple meals or long cooking sessions?
• Do you eat in the kitchen or in another room?
• Do you live alone, with family, or with guests often?

Your answers matter more than any rule.

A single person who cooks occasionally does not need the same kitchen as a family of five who cooks three meals a day.

The Smallest Kitchen That Still Works Well

Let’s start with the minimum.

A kitchen can work properly starting from about 4 to 5 square meters (around 43 to 54 square feet).

This type of kitchen is compact but usable. It usually has:

• A sink
• A cooking area
• A refrigerator
• A small work surface

This size is common in:

• Studios
• Small apartments
• Tiny houses
• Guest houses

It’s not luxurious, but it works. If well organized, it can feel efficient and calm.

However, this size is best for:

• One person
• Light cooking
• Limited movement

If you cook often or cook with someone else, you will likely want more space.

A Comfortable Everyday Kitchen

For most people, a kitchen feels comfortable starting from 6 to 8 square meters (around 65 to 86 square feet).

This is the size where cooking becomes enjoyable instead of stressful.

In this type of kitchen, you usually have:

• Enough space to move easily
• A clear area to prepare food
• Room to open doors and drawers without problems

This size works well for:

• Couples
• Small families
• People who cook regularly

It’s often considered the most balanced kitchen size—not too small, not too large.

When a Kitchen Starts to Feel Spacious

A kitchen begins to feel spacious at 9 to 12 square meters (around 97 to 129 square feet).

At this size, you gain comfort more than necessity. You can:

• Move freely
• Cook with another person
• Add extra storage
• Feel relaxed while cooking

This size is ideal if:

• You enjoy cooking
• You spend time in the kitchen
• The kitchen is part of daily family life

It’s not about showing space—it’s about enjoying it.

How Long Should a Kitchen Be?

Length matters just as much as surface.

A kitchen usually needs at least 2.4 meters (about 8 feet) of usable length to feel practical.

Below that, things feel tight. Above that, things feel natural.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• 2.4 meters (8 ft) → basic but workable
• 3 meters (10 ft) → comfortable
• More than 3 meters → very comfortable

You don’t need more unless you love cooking or have a large family.

Narrow or Wide: What Feels Better?

Many kitchens fail not because they are small, but because they are too narrow.

A kitchen should allow you to:

• Walk comfortably
• Turn around without stress
• Open doors without blocking yourself

If you feel squeezed when you stand in your kitchen, it’s not well balanced.

A good kitchen always feels like it’s working with you, not against you.

One-Wall Kitchens: Simple and Honest

A kitchen arranged along one wall is the simplest form.

It works best when:

• Space is limited
• Cooking is simple
• Design is clean

This type of kitchen usually needs:

• At least 2.4 meters (8 ft) of wall length
• About 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5–6 ft) of total depth including walking space

It’s honest, practical, and often underestimated.

Corner Kitchens: A Popular Choice

Many homes use an L-shaped kitchen because it feels balanced.

This layout usually feels good when:

• Each side is at least 2.4 meters
• The total area is around 6 square meters or more

It gives you separation between tasks and makes cooking feel organized without being complicated.

When Is a Kitchen “Too Big”?

A kitchen becomes unnecessarily large when:

• You walk too much to cook
• You lose track of things
• Cleaning feels tiring

More space is not always better. Sometimes it’s just more steps.

If your kitchen is larger than 12 square meters, ask yourself:

• Do I really need this space?
• Could this area be used better elsewhere?

Comfort comes from balance, not size alone.

The Emotional Side of Kitchen Size

People rarely talk about this, but kitchen size affects mood.

A kitchen that is:

• Too small → feels stressful
• Too big → feels cold
• Well-sized → feels welcoming

You should feel calm when you enter your kitchen.
You should feel capable, not limited.

That feeling matters more than numbers.

Common Mistakes People Make

Many people choose kitchens based on trends, not reality.

Some common mistakes include:

• Choosing a kitchen that looks good but feels tight
• Copying large kitchens without needing them
• Ignoring how doors and movement affect comfort
• Thinking only about furniture, not about living

A good kitchen is not about impressing others.
It’s about serving you every day.

How to Choose the Right Size for You

Here is a simple guide:

• If you live alone and cook lightly → 4–5 m² is enough
• If you cook regularly → 6–8 m² is ideal
• If cooking is central to your life → 9–12 m² feels great

For length:

• Aim for at least 2.4 meters
• Prefer 3 meters if space allows

If you remember only one thing, remember this:

A kitchen should feel easy, not impressive.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a kitchen size is not about rules. It’s about understanding your habits and respecting your comfort.

The best kitchens in the world are not always the biggest ones. They are the ones that feel natural, simple, and supportive.

If your kitchen allows you to move freely, cook calmly, and enjoy your time, then its size is right—no matter the number.