A galley kitchen is a narrow kitchen design where the cabinets, appliances, and countertops line up along two parallel walls, like a galley on a ship. Galley kitchens are space-efficient, but the narrow walkways can make them feel cramped and claustrophobic. With some thoughtful design choices and handy storage solutions, you can make the most of your galley kitchen’s compact footprint and create an inviting, highly-functional cooking space.
Evaluate the Layout and Make Adjustments
Take a critical look at your galley kitchen’s current layout. Are there any changes you can make to open it up or make it more user-friendly? Here are some ideas to consider:
Widen Walkways
The walkways in galley kitchens are notoriously narrow. If possible, remove upper cabinets on one side to open up the space. You can replace the lost storage with open shelves. For lower cabinets, consider drawers instead of doors where feasible to reduce swing space.
Create Visual Interest
Galley kitchens tend to look long and monotonous. Break up the visual expanse with variations in cabinetry, island/peninsula, backsplash tile, or paint color. For example, use one color on the upper cabinets and a different color on the lowers.
Let In Natural Light
Natural light makes any space feel more open. If your galley kitchen has limited windows, consider replacing a section of upper cabinets with glass ones or adding a skylight. Paint the walls white to bounce and maximize light.
Use Reflective Surfaces
Strategically placed mirrors will make a narrow galley kitchen look wider and brighter. Install a mirror on the wall opposite a window. Use mirrored cabinet doors and backsplashes. Hang a shiny pendant light centered over the sink or island.
Add Architectural Interest
Exposed beams, arched doorways, vaulted ceilings, and accent walls with texture or color break up the linear look of a galley. If remodeling, consider adding one of these elements for visual appeal.
Install Sliding Doors
Swinging doors limit usable space in a galley kitchen’s tight walkways. Replace them with sliding doors or pocket doors to open up floor space. Glass panel doors also enhance the sense of openness.
Rethink the Fridge Location
Instead of at the end of the galley, position the fridge halfway down one wall or island side for better access. Move it away from the cooking zone to improve traffic flow.
Maximize Storage in Smart Ways
Careful storage planning is key to keeping galley kitchens organized. Use every inch of space efficiently with these tips:
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Pantry Shelving
Take advantage of all available vertical storage space. Customize floor-to-ceiling shelving in the pantry area to fit your needs. Use narrow shelves for canned goods, wider ones for appliances.
Optimize Corner Cabinets
Use corner cabinets with lazy susan turntables or vertical storage systems to neatly organize cookware and bulky appliances. Keep front corners accessible with diagonal rollouts.
Add Pull-Out Shelving
Install pull-out shelves under countertops and in lower cabinets to neatly arrange cooking equipment and staples within easy reach. Full-extension gliding racks provide full access.
Get Creative with Drawers
Use drawer organizers or dividers to neatly store utensils, baking pans, and other odd-shaped items. Designate a deep drawer for pots and pans.
Consider Open Shelving
Open shelves give you visual access to everything. Install them above eye level with commonly used items. Choose pretty baskets, canisters, etc. to corral loose items.
Hang Practical Wall Storage
Make use of vertical space by mounting pegboard, knife strips, pot racks, and shelves on walls. Hang frequently used tools like spoons and spatulas for quick access.
Store Appliances Smartly
Keep countertop appliances readily accessible but out of the way. Store inside a pantry cabinet or slide into a customized space between cabinets.
Stash Trash Cans Discreetly
Minimize messy countertop canisters in a tight galley kitchen. Use pull-out trash/recycling bins or hide the garbage inside a cabinet or pantry.
Choose Space-Saving Furnishings
From portable islands to fold-down tables, compact furnishings suited for galley kitchens can provide extra prep space and storage without cluttering your tight footprint.
Add a Slender Rolling Island
A narrow cart-style island provides bonus counter space and storage. Lock the wheels once in position or choose a stationary slim island secured to the floor.
Install a Fold-Down Table
Mounted on a side wall or pantry door, a fold-down table can serve as a space-saving extra prep surface when needed, out of the way when not.
Consider Portable Kitchen Carts
Carts with locking wheels add movable prep space and storage. When not in use, slide under existing counters or nestle in a corner. Opt for customized drawer configurations.
Use Multi-Level Carts
Tiered carts double your storage and workspace. Opt for stainless models with wipe-down surfaces. Lock the wheels for stability when working.
Install Adjustable/Folding Tables
Tables that fold flush against the wall or have height-adjustable tops maximize flexibility. Use for food prep or casual dining with adjustable-height stools.
Choose Retractable Power Outlets
Retractable power cords allow you to conveniently position portable kitchen islands and carts without restrictive cords.
Design an Efficient Workflow
A galley kitchen’s efficiency depends largely on a logical workflow between tasks. Position appliances and prep zones to minimize steps.
Separate Cooking and Cleanup Areas
Position the cooktop, oven, and food prep areas on one galley side. Locate the sink and dishwasher on the other for an organized workflow.
Cluster Meal Prep Tasks
Group appliances like the mixer, food processor, and knife block that you use together for meal prep. Nearby counters offer landing space.
Ensure Adequate Landing Space
Landing space around work areas prevents cross-contamination and clutter. Allow 12-18 inches of countertop beside appliances and the dishwasher door swing.
Install a Peninsular Prep Zone
Adding a peninsula or kitchen island provides communal meal prep space. Place it across from the cooktop and sink for efficient multi-cook workflows.
Zone for Multiple Cooks
Designate spaces along the length of the galley for different cooks. Allow room to comfortably pass behind an occupied zone.
Allow Room to Open Appliances
Ensure adjacent surfaces don’t crowd appliances like the oven and fridge that require clearance to fully open doors/drawers.
Minimize Reach Distances
Frequently accessed items should be close at hand. Position cooking equipment, staples, and dishware to minimize reaching across the aisle.
Choose Space-Saving Appliances
Standard appliances may be too large for narrow galley kitchens. Look for smaller or narrower versions to save precious space.
Install slender fridge and freezer units
Instead of one wide refrigerator, opt for two single fridge and freezer units aligned horizontally along facing walls or galley sides.
Choose a compact dishwasher
Look for slim dishwashers roughly 18 inches wide that can fit in tight spaces and still hold a standard number of place settings.
Consider a drawer microwave
Drawer microwaves have a compact footprint. They free up room on crowded counters and have easy access.
Use multi-function appliances
Units like the Instant Pot combine multiple appliances like a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and rice cooker into one.
Install a wall oven
Positioning a wall oven (or microwave) higher up frees space for more lower cabinets and drawers.
Buy apartment-sized appliances
Models designed for small home kitchens have truncated dimensions but normal capacities.
Choose induction cooktops
Induction models take up less visual space than gas cooktops or electric coils. Plus, easier to wipe down!
Get Creative With Countertops
Choosing the right countertops helps small galley kitchens function efficiently. Consider these creative options:
Use butcher block islands
Butcher block islands double as extra food prep space and a cutting surface. Choose a movable cart-style island.
Add a butcher block accent strip
Running a butcher block accent strip along one counter seamlessly incorporates a cutting board built-in. Use a contrasting wood species.
Opt for stainless steel countertops
Stainless counters have an ultra-modern look. The reflective surface makes spaces seem larger and brighter.
Install solid-surface counters
Solid surface materials like Corian or Silestone seamlessly integrate the sink bowl for a fluid look. They have limited seams.
Choose seamless countertops
Eliminate seams and crevices with pourable surfaces like concrete, resin, or recycled glass aggregates. Hygienic and stylish.
Consider quartz or laminate
Quartz and laminate counters are budget-friendly options available in long slab lengths to minimize seams in galley kitchens.
Use Color Strategically
Color choices profoundly impact the ambiance of a narrow galley kitchen. Pick palettes that foster feelings of openness and brightness.
Stick with light neutrals
White, off-white, or light gray base cabinets keep things airy and reflective. Use sparingly as accents on darker cabinets.
Add pops of energizing color
Bright secondary hues on an accent wall or backsplash inject life into monotonous galleys. Opt for yellow, green, or blue.
Avoid dark colors
Dark cabinetry or bold accent walls close in already-narrow spaces. Skip navy, black, dark red, and brown paints and stains.
Choose reflective finishes
Glossy cabinet and counter finishes bounce light around. Matte or textured finishes absorb light and feel heavy.
Add visual interest at eye level
Use color selectively within the field of vision. For example, go bold on just the lower cabinets or backsplash.
Take the kitchen outdoors
Extend tile, cabinets, and flooring outside to visually blend indoor/outdoor cooking spaces for more breathing room.
Install Clever Lighting
Proper lighting prevents a galley kitchen from feeling dark and dreary. Maximize natural light and supplement with plenty of task and ambient fixtures.
Add skylights and sun tunnels
Skylights and sun tunnels draw natural light into windowless interior galley kitchens and create bright, airy ambiance.
Install recessed can lighting
Recessed lights placed strategically over workstations provide focused task lighting without taking up space.
Use undercabinet lighting
LED strip lighting mounted under upper cabinets directly illuminates countertops and illuminates faces with flattering light.
Position pendants thoughtfully
Mini-pendants lined up over the center of a galley beautifully illuminate the entire space.
Include accent lighting
Small fixtures over accent walls or display nooks provide alluring illumination with dramatic focal impact.
Install dimmers
Dimmable fixtures allow you to set just the right mood and ambiance in your galley kitchen, from bright task lighting to soft dinners.
Use reflective surfaces
Mirrors, mirrored backsplashes, glass cabinets, and glossy counters bounce and amplify light.
Incorporate Clever Decor
Carefully curated, space-savvy accents make efficient use of every inch while personalizing a galley kitchen’s style.
Display collections on open shelving
Show off pretty dishware, glasses, or cookbooks. Curate vignettes in nooks. Rotate seasonal items.
Hang art vertically
Position art vertically above eye level. Choose long, skinny pieces that suit tight spaces. Gallery walls add color and texture.
Add shelving over sinks and stoves
Dead space over appliances becomes display space for plants, cookbooks, or decor. Just keep 6 inches of safety clearance.
Use wall-mounted magnetic strips
Magnetic knife strips, pot racks, and spice racks keep essentials visible and close at hand while decorating walls.
Install glass cabinet accents
Glass doors, shelving, and interior lighting elegantly display dishware or glassware collections so they double as decor.
Maximize window space
Frame windows with full-length curtains. Display plants or accessories in window boxes and sills. Add a window seat.
Include personal accents
Photos, meaningful mementoes, favorite art prints, and positivity decor like uplifting wall quotes make a galley feel homey.
Embrace Open Shelving
One of the best ways to make a cramped galley kitchen feel more spacious is to take the visual clutter of cabinet doors off the walls with open shelving. Here are tips for pulling it off beautifully:
- Stick with sturdy metal or solid wood shelves that can handle weight without sagging.
- Maintain at least 15 inches of vertical clearance between shelves for accessing items.
- Use matching shelf brackets and boards for a cohesive built-in look.
- Add task lighting above or under shelves to illuminate stored items.
- Style shelves with decorative bookends, bins, baskets, and vignettes.
- Edit down your display to everyday essentials and rotate seasonal items. Clutter defeats the purpose!
- Group items by category or color scheme for coordinated styling that looks curated.
- Store less attractive items like small appliances in closed cabinets; highlight pretty dishware.
- Clean shelves regularly to prevent greasy buildup.
- Consider glass rails to prevent items from falling without obstructing views.
- Add doors or curtains only if needed for high dust zones.
Make It Multi-Functional
Counter space comes at a premium in galley kitchens, so look for ways to get double duty out of furnishings and spaces:
- Use an island or peninsula as a casual dining spot with stool seating.
- Look for tables or carts with fold-down leaves to expand work areas when serving meals.
- Mount a wall-folding table to use as a desk or extra prep space when extended.
- Install banquette seating with storage drawers underneath. Use for dining or workspace.
- Select stools that tuck under counters when not in use. Store less frequently used small appliances in nearby base cabinet space.
- Opt for rolling carts that can be moved around to where extra surface area is needed most.
- Use space vertically to mount racks for spices, utensils, or cookware on walls, pantries, and sides of shelves.
- Install pegboards for hanging oft-used cooking tools within easy reach. Dress with fun custom outlines.
- Undercabinet mount a coffee station, charging station, or projector screen to use walls efficiently.
- Let natural light in and maintain open sight lines by using interior frosted glass cabinet doors.
Prioritize Organization
Organization is essential in compact galley kitchens. Clutter quickly progresses to complete chaos without diligent systems.
Edit ruthlessly
Only keep items you use regularly and love. Donate unused gadgets and dishware.
Give everything a designated home
Label shelves, drawers, and cabinets so everything has an organized spot.
Use trays and bins
Prevent disorderly piles with bins for like items. Trays corral small loose items.
Choose creative storage
Opt for caddies mounted inside cabinet doors, pull-out vertical spice organizers, or under-shelf knife blocks.
Take advantage of dead space
Use wasted narrow gaps between cabinets or appliances for narrow, custom-fit organizers.
Install racks conveniently
Mount racks for commonly used items like spices, utensils, pans, and towels for quick access while cooking.
Get mobile
Use carts or trays on wheels to conveniently transport items as you cook. Just park out of the way.
Edit pantry frequently
Keep your pantry edited down to staples you actually use so no food gets buried and expired.
Questions About Making a Galley Kitchen Work Better
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about optimizing galley kitchens:
What is the best color for a small galley kitchen?
Light, cool hues like white, light gray, or pale blue make narrow galley kitchens feel more open and airy. Darker colors can close in the space. Small pops of energizing brighter colors like yellow are recommended as accents.
How do you maximize storage in a galley kitchen?
- Use drawer organizers and dividers to optimize cabinets
- Install pull-out shelves in base cabinets and pantry
- Mount shelves floor-to-ceiling in the pantry
- Use wall space for open shelving, racks, and pegboards
- Store appliances on rolling carts or slides in base cabinets
What is the best flooring for a galley kitchen?
Seamless, durable, and easy-to-clean surfaces like luxury vinyl plank, porcelain or ceramic tile, and polished concrete suit galley kitchens.
How do you decorate a long narrow kitchen?
- Break up the visual expanse with variations in cabinetry, backsplashes, or paint color
- Add architectural interest like exposed beams or textured accent walls
- Make strategic use of mirrors and reflective surfaces to add depth
- Display collections neatly on open shelving
- Hang art vertically for visual interest
- Maximize natural light with windows, skylights, and sun tunnels
What size island is best for a galley kitchen?
Narrow galley kitchens do best with mobile cart-style islands around 30-36 inches wide and anchored peninsulas 24-42 inches wide. Islands 36-48 inches wide can work well if you have ample floor space.
Should upper or lower cabinets be darker in a galley kitchen?
To create visual interest, make lower cabinets darker than uppers in a galley kitchen. The eye is drawn down to the lower, bolder color. Using darker lowers also makes the room feel lighter and less weighty.
