The kitchen is the heart of any home. It’s where you perform some of the most important tasks, from preparing food for the family to washing dirty clothes. But don’t feel down if you don’t have a massive kitchen. Here are 38 neat, narrow kitchen ideas that should keep you inspired!
38 Narrow Kitchen Ideas
The biggest ideas come in small packages, and this is especially true with small kitchens. Here are 20+ images of beautifully designed narrow kitchens to kickstart your next home design project!
Steel and Wood
Credit to interline.design
Feel free to combine different materials when working in a narrow kitchen! This homeowner stuck to a classic wooden décor but with a metallic twist. The bottom and overhead cabinets—installed for massive storage—are covered in stainless steel.
The metal contrasts well with the natural wood on the counter and wooden-style vinyl floors. Ultimately, this two-tone narrow kitchen offers plenty of mobility from end to end.
From Narrow to Spacious
Credit to caplansappliances
While it may be impossible to add square footage to a narrow kitchen, that doesn’t mean you can’t create an illusion of spaciousness! Here, we’re tricked into believing a narrow kitchen is wider and taller with the help of natural lighting from all angles.
The gleamy, white surfaces reflect light, which keeps all corners of the kitchen within light’s reach. Even the dark granite surface seems brighter than it actually is.
Comfy Living
Credit to home_decor_inspo_ltd
There are several things you can do to make a narrow kitchen appear larger. This designer suggests using hanging shelves, which allows us to see the walls and creates an illusion of space. A portable kitchen island can also work wonders as it provides additional space for preparing ingredients.
It’s also a good idea to use integrated appliances, such as the oven and microwave shown in this image. That way, you won’t need to dedicate as much floor or countertop space for the essentials.
Upward Focus
Credit to topologyinteriors
For some homes, narrow kitchens may be blessed with high ceilings. If this is the case, then it might be wise to focus your designing efforts upward rather than being limited to horizontal spaces.
Open shelving can usually do the trick, but this designer went with top cabinets that nearly reach the ceiling. Also, smaller handles can trick us into believing the cabinets are wider than they truly are.
Sleek and Neat
Credit to tidplus_design
As stated previously, light creates the illusion of spaciousness. In this image, we can see just how big a role light plays in making a narrow kitchen appear larger than life. The light cabinets and walls keep light in, and even the light-gray countertop has a bright gleam to it.
This homeowner cleverly added a folding door to their kitchen, which reduces the amount of space it takes when opened. Plus, a view into the city is a huge upside for this narrow kitchen.
Multi-Function Furniture
Credit to rumahkucom
Single-purpose tools in the kitchen are a huge no for any home cook, and the same can be said for single-purpose furniture! This designer showcases a floating rack for spices and small appliances, keeping the countertop free of mess.
The open pantry near the end of the kitchen is a good idea as it increases storage space while maintaining accessibility. The whiles and floor may be darker in tone, but there’s plenty of light to go around!
Integrated Appliances
Credit to youssefelbarbary
Having freestanding appliances can be a nightmare if your kitchen doesn’t have the floor space to accommodate them. The simplest answer to this conundrum is to get integrated appliances. As you can see from this pic, this homeowner has an oven and microwave, as well as a washing machine sitting flush with the adjacent cabinets.
And not far from that is an under-the-counter dishwasher. And let’s not forget to show love for the upper cabinets with tons of additional storage space!
Tight Lines
Credit to localslovelocal
To ensure you’ve made the most out of your kitchen, your fixtures need to take up as little space as possible. This is only possible with the help of tight, straight lines, as you can see in this image. From the ground to the ceiling, there’s absolutely no lost space, allowing a decently wide path from one end of the kitchen to the other.
Furthermore, the window and skylight allow light to naturally split the kitchen into two parts—one for food prep and the other for storage.
Floating Shelves
Credit to ciuffocabinetry
This long, narrow kitchen looks nothing short of amazing. The dark cabinets have golden accents that give it a feel of sophistication, and the tall cupboards create an illusion of a room being taller than it really is. A few lights here and there keep the kitchen from looking too gloomy.
The floating shelves on the end of the kitchen don’t just keep cups out of the way—they also make the kitchen feel more open due to a lack of doors.
Light and Bright
Credit to howdensjoinery
This kitchen combines modern and class. You can’t help but appreciate the cleanliness of the kitchen due to the light gray cabinets and geometric wall tiles and backsplash. A skylight is a welcome addition as it lets in plenty of sunshine, which makes the kitchen appear larger.
Neat and tidy truly are the main qualities of this narrow kitchen. You can achieve similar results by sticking to lighter hues while also installing plenty of storage cabinets on opposite sides.
Contrasting Tones
Credit to growingupgowler
You don’t need to stick to one or two colors to achieve a timeless look for your narrow kitchen. This designer came up with a multi-tone décor with contrasting colors that work beautifully—a bit of silver here, an aqua-green color there, and bright colors covering at least three walls.
Floating shelves typically don’t have visible supports, but the dark brackets here just work. An area rug in front of the sink is a nice touch.
With a View
Credit to housethome
Some designers aim to make narrow kitchens look and feel larger, but this one went a completely different route. The green, reflective cabinets look like they leave very little in terms of pathway, but even then, it doesn’t look too cramped.
The dark upper cabinets are reflective, so they aren’t as overbearing as they otherwise would be. Plus, the view on the opposite wall is definitely a source of pride.
Industrial Look
Credit to hex.cores
Home is wherever you feel comfortable, regardless of how it looks. In this home, we see a kitchen that’s completely different from the previous ones: a kitchen with an industrial theme. All that’s missing are exposed ducts on the ceiling!
One neat feature is the plate rack over the sink. While it can’t store small appliances and spices like a traditional cabinet, it creates an open feel in a narrow kitchen.
Minimalistic at Its Finest
Credit to hanart_dekoracje_okienne
At first glance, you may not even know you’re looking into someone’s kitchen. This is because of an ultra-minimalistic theme, where appliances and countertops are virtually nonexistent. Of course, there’s a sink and range above the stove, but other than that, there’s really nothing that gives away that this is a kitchen.
If you’re unsure whether minimalism is your thing, consider this: less stuff means less cleanup. And in the kitchen, that means a whole lot!
Practicality in Mind
Credit to getclever
Anyone would fall head-over-heels in love with this simplistic kitchen design. The wooden cabinets and floor create a cozy feeling, with enough drawer space to keep the countertops free of clutter. With everything pushed to opposite walls, there’s plenty of space for movement here.
This kitchen was clearly designed with practicality in mind. The primary focus here is built-in storage made with natural materials.
Small Space, Big Ideas
Credit to m.mieszkanie
We’ve seen plenty of kitchens with overhead cabinets. They’re great and all, but if you’re looking for something with more headspace, this is the kitchen for you. Storage isn’t an issue, thanks to the countless cabinets and abundance of counter space.
The retro-style refrigerator gives this narrow kitchen a ton of personality, and the slanted skylights allow the kitchen and users to bask in natural sunlight.
Windows Galore
Credit to inresidencenz
It’s no secret that windows are a must-have for any narrow kitchen. This example shows just how big a role they play. The angled ceiling naturally draws eyes upward, but the skylights may keep you from staring up for too long.
Apart from inviting warm sunlight into the kitchen, the windows offer a welcome sight into nature, creating a fresh and airy vibe for all. Talk about lifting moods while also being functional!
Integrated Lighting
Credit to sigma3kitchens
One problem with narrow kitchens is that sunlight may not penetrate all four corners of the room. In such cases, there’s nothing wrong with installing integrated lights to fill in the gaps. Here, we see integrated lights in all their glory, especially around the edges of the counter.
As for the ceiling lights, they don’t need to be excessively bright, especially if your aim is to create a more romantic vibe. And we can’t get enough of the marble tile used as a makeshift backsplash!
A Touch of Nature
Credit to jeanieannnew
If you can’t cook in nature, invite nature into your narrow kitchen. This designer did just that and with tremendous results! You can find floating wicker baskets above the counter, but the potted plants dotted here and there are the true stars of the show.
While the oven takes a bit of floor space, it’s strategically located so as not to hinder movement. If you want to prepare food in an indoor garden, this is probably your top narrow kitchen design!
A Lot to Unpack
Credit to hoppshouse
Sometimes, there are so many options to choose from that settling can be difficult. Here, we see the homeowner didn’t settle on a single thing, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Lovely tile patterns, a vintage mint-green fridge, and a washing machine with a wooden countertop?
There’s nothing basic about this narrow kitchen design. The Persian-style runner somehow fits the overall theme of this kitchen, despite its clashing color.
High Ceiling
Credit to mariechristinedesign
If you have high ceilings, make use of them! Tall cabinetry is a classic way of getting the most storage space, but if that’s not possible, floor-to-ceiling wall tiles are the next best thing. The tiles here serve as a backsplash, as well as a feast for the eyes.
The wooden beam in the corner contrasts heavily with the clean-and-simple décor, but it works like a charm.
Classic Narrow Kitchen with Dark Cherry Cabinets
This long, narrow kitchen uses rich cherry wood cabinets and patterned wallpaper to create an elegant, traditional aesthetic. The galley layout maximizes wall storage, while soft lighting keeps the space welcoming. It’s a great inspiration for homeowners wanting old-world charm in limited spaces.
Sleek Modern Narrow Kitchen with Glossy Cabinets
Clean lines and a white color palette make this narrow kitchen feel bright and open. The glossy cabinets, integrated handles, and a pop of blue create a seamless modern look. Perfect for small spaces where style and functionality need to coexist effortlessly.
Eclectic Narrow Kitchen with Rug and Vintage Accents
This quirky kitchen embraces a mix of patterns, textures, and vintage furniture. A bold Persian-style runner and mid-century chairs bring personality into the compact layout, proving small kitchens can be full of charm and character. Great for creative minds and collectors.
Mid-Century Narrow Kitchen with Two-Tone Cabinets
With natural wood upper cabinets and white lower units, this narrow kitchen captures the charm of retro design. Black hardware and checkerboard flooring add nostalgic flair. The large window helps flood the space with light, making it feel much larger than it is.
Custom Corner Shelves for Awkward Angles
Strategically placed floating shelves make use of every inch in this narrow corner. Items are thoughtfully layered and spaced to prevent visual clutter, while earthy textures and greenery soften the angular layout. This is a clever solution for tricky layouts that usually go unused.
Window Sill Used as a Plant or Spice Shelf
By using the window sill to store fresh herbs and spices, this kitchen maximizes sunlight and function at once. The compact wire baskets keep items elevated but within easy reach. It’s a simple adjustment that instantly boosts practicality and charm.
Bistro-Style Seating in a Narrow Kitchen
This compact kitchen cleverly tucks a slim breakfast bar along the wall, doubling as a prep area. With two stools and pendant lighting, it feels inviting without interrupting flow. The subtle blend of industrial and cozy makes it feel both stylish and personal.
Slim Kitchen With a Pegboard Wall Organizer
Every tool has its place in this slim kitchen thanks to the pegboard organizer. Wooden shelving and countertops warm up the space while keeping everything on display and within arm’s reach. It’s practical storage that doesn’t sacrifice personality.
Skylight Over a Narrow Kitchen
Natural light pours in through the overhead skylight, instantly opening up the narrow layout below. The light green cabinetry and wood countertops create a fresh, inviting palette. It’s proof that smart lighting can redefine how a space feels.
Compact Island With Storage and Seating
Even in a narrow space, this compact kitchen island adds value with drawers, shelving, and casual seating. The butcher block top ties into the surrounding countertops for visual continuity. A thoughtful blend of form and function, perfect for multitasking.
Narrow Kitchen With Hanging Herb Garden
Herbs double as décor in this clean, narrow kitchen. Mounted planters keep greenery organized above the stove, adding a fresh aroma and splash of green. This setup is ideal for cooks who like their ingredients within reach but off the counter.
Built-In Nook for Microwave or Coffee Maker
A recessed nook seamlessly houses the microwave and coffee essentials without interrupting countertop space. This built-in area blends in with the cabinetry, keeping everything tidy. It’s a smart fix for keeping clutter out of sight while maintaining convenience.
Narrow Kitchen With Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors flood this space with natural light and offer direct access to the outdoors. Soft green cabinetry and butcher block counters give it a relaxed, cottage feel. It’s a great setup for those who want their kitchen to feel connected to nature.
Ladder Shelf Used as Vertical Storage
The leaning ladder shelf offers a decorative and practical twist on vertical storage. Woven baskets keep items tidy, while the open shelving prevents the area from feeling boxed in. A charming way to blend storage and styling in tight corners.
Narrow Kitchen With Large Window at the End
Anchored by a tall, multi-pane window, this kitchen feels open despite its tight layout. Natural light spills over both workstations, while warm wood accents balance out the white cabinetry. A bright and welcoming design that takes full advantage of its layout.
Slim Kitchen With Vertical Pantry Storage
Cabinet doors open to reveal a deep, well-organized pantry that’s tucked neatly at the end of the kitchen. Every shelf is maximized without feeling overloaded. It’s a streamlined approach to storage that adds a surprising amount of room in a small footprint.
