Save These Kitchen Dimensions Every Designer Knows

mona929
Oct 15
2 min read

Designing a kitchen isn’t just about beautiful finishes and stylish cabinetry—it’s also about function. A well-planned kitchen makes cooking, cleaning, and gathering effortless, and that all comes down to dimensions. Interior designers work with a set of key measurements that ensure your kitchen not only looks good but also works brilliantly. Here are the dimensions every designer keeps in mind.

Wood cabinets and a white range hood in a kitchen under renovation. Counters covered with paper, blue tape visible. Tile backsplash.

Traffic & Clearance: 36" Minimum

Flow is everything in a kitchen. A minimum of 36 inches of clearance allows people to move comfortably, even while someone else is cooking or loading the dishwasher. This keeps the space from feeling cramped and ensures your kitchen is as practical as it is inviting.

Countertop Height: Standard 36"

There’s a reason countertops almost always measure 36 inches high—it’s the sweet spot for comfort and efficiency. At this height, prep work, cooking, and everyday use feel natural and ergonomic.

Luxurious kitchen with marble island, ornate pendant lights, and modern appliances. Fresh bread and lilies on the counter. Neutral colors.

Dishwasher Spacing: 40" Unloading Zone

Unloading the dishwasher should never feel like a juggling act. Allowing at least 40 inches of clear space in front ensures the door can open fully and gives you plenty of room to unload straight into cupboards or drawers.

Range Hood Height & Spacing

For safety and function, the height of your range hood matters:

Electric cooktop: 24–30 inches above the surface
Gas cooktop: 30–36 inches above the surface. This keeps your kitchen well-ventilated while ensuring the hood doesn’t feel obtrusive.

Modern kitchen with dark wood cabinets, white countertops, and black faucet. Potted plant by the window, cutting board, and lemons add warmth.

Landing Zones

Designers always plan “landing zones”—those handy spaces right next to your most-used appliances:

Next to the fridge: At least 15 inches of counter space
Next to the oven: At least 15 inches of counter space
Next to the sink: 15–24 inches of counter space. These surfaces give you somewhere to set groceries, hot dishes, or washed items, making the kitchen flow smoothly.

In Closing

The beauty of a well-designed kitchen is that it doesn’t just look stunning—it works seamlessly with your lifestyle. These dimensions may seem like small details, but together they create a space that feels intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use. When your kitchen is designed with both form and function in mind, it becomes the true heart of the home.