IKEA Kitchen Planning Guide
This guide will help you through all the steps you need to take along the way, including everything from finding your style and measuring your IKEA kitchen to plan, order, and install it.
Introduction
Let's get started with your new IKEA kitchen.
At IKEA, you'll find all the products you need to realise a complete dream kitchen. Whether your kitchen is large or small, IKEA offers a wide range of well-designed and coordinated kitchen products to support every need, style, and personality. IKEA kitchens are designed to be simple enough for you to put together by yourself.
Planning a kitchen is a complex project with many choices. To make the journey convenient and stress-free, IKEA provides highly skilled kitchen experts at IKEA stores and Customer Services. A complete service package is also available, as detailed on page 18. IKEA also understands that kitchens cost money and offers finance options to help make your dream a reality, as detailed on page 18.
What type of kitchen are you looking for?
Take some time to dream a little. This is when your dreams and ideas start to take shape. By adding your needs and what your ideal kitchen looks like, you'll find a perfect match at IKEA.
Consider if you're more of a classic type who likes a kitchen with lots of details, or if you prefer a more modern approach with streamlined designs and drawers hidden behind larger fronts. Alternatively, perhaps you're somewhere in between and want the best from both worlds.
Whether you're looking for a complete kitchen system like METOD that you can personalise any way you want, or a simpler kitchen that you can install in a day, IKEA has options to suit different needs and wishes.
METOD kitchen system
The METOD kitchen system includes cabinets in various sizes to fit your room layout and kitchen habits. Its flexibility offers endless choices, allowing you to customise a kitchen ideal for you and your space. IKEA also offers an extensive range of kitchen organisers and interior fittings for easy access. You can choose from a vast selection of front styles, worktops, lighting, sinks, taps, knobs, handles, and much more to personalise your kitchen.
ENHET kitchen
The ENHET kitchen fits any home shape. Find pre-combined, affordable solutions online and assemble them without special tools, as they simply click together. ENHET offers great freedom to personalise your kitchen with open and closed storage, doors in different colours, and various accessories.
KNOXHULT kitchen
KNOXHULT comes in pre-set modules that can be arranged as preferred. Combined with LAGAN appliances, you can get a complete kitchen with basic functions at a low price. You can add a sink, tap, knobs, and handles of your choice to complete the look. The simplicity of the pre-set modules makes installation easy, allowing for a fully functional kitchen on the same day you bring it home.
Discover all the styles, functions, and ideas IKEA can provide. You can explore kitchens at your local IKEA store, opening doors and drawers to see inside, checking appliance functions, and chatting with kitchen experts for more ideas. Book an appointment online at IKEA.be.
On the IKEA website, you'll find stylish and functional ideas. Check out the kitchen inspiration gallery on the kitchen department pages. Each kitchen is broken down into its components to make it easier to mix, match, and create your dream kitchen. See more at IKEA.be.
Measure
Be thorough when measuring
To measure the room for your kitchen installation is straightforward, but getting it right is crucial as your measurements will form the basis for all your planning. Give yourself plenty of time to measure precisely in millimetres to ensure your new kitchen fits your space correctly.
Measuring your room
- Have proper tools handy: pen, paper, and measuring tools.
- Draw your room layout on a sheet of paper. It is recommended to use one piece of paper for each wall.
- Measure the floor to ceiling, marking the highest and lowest points.
- Measure each wall fully from floor to ceiling and from doors to windows. Remember to include door and window frames.
- Note anything that protrudes from the room, such as radiators, ventilation shafts, or window sills.
- Measure the ventilation outlet for the kitchen extractor hood.
- Note all water supply and drain pipes, and their new locations if you plan to move them.
- Mark existing power outlets, switches, and gas lines, and their new locations if you plan to move them.
Measuring your worktop
It is important to get the measurements for your worktop right, especially if you plan to order a custom-made one.
- Have proper tools handy: Carpenters rule/tape measure, pencil, and angle square.
- Measure your worktop starting from one corner to the opposite end. Ensure all length and depth measurements are taken from at least two places. Add 30 mm to the length for cover panel and overhang.
- Measure from the corner of the worktop to the centre of the base cabinet where your sink is located.
- Measure from the corner to the centre of your hob. Note where the joints are and keep this in mind.
- Measure the thickness of your worktop.
- If you have a kitchen island, measure your existing worktop, including the centre of cut-outs.
Kitchen measuring and tools
Take your own measurements: A great kitchen plan starts with accurate measurements. Follow steps 1-8 on the previous page to measure your kitchen yourself.
Custom worktop calculator: This calculator lets you design your kitchen worktop and get an immediate price estimate. Combine different worktop and kitchen sink materials, sizes, and styles from IKEA's range to create a worktop that's perfect for you.
[Link to video: How to measure your IKEA kitchen]
Read more about IKEA's measuring service and kitchen planner on page 19.
Plan your kitchen
Now it's time to make your dreams and ideas take shape
There are many things to consider and think about. Take your time to ensure you end up with the kitchen you wished for. The following pages offer recommendations and tips to help you along the way.
Think about how you normally use your kitchen and what feels comfortable. Look at your existing kitchen and list the things you like and what you'd want to change.
Workflow
A good natural flow between the fridge/freezer, the cooking zone, and the washing up zone will make your everyday kitchen life much easier.
When planning your kitchen, keep the three work zones in mind:
- Preparing/cooking
- Washing up
- Food storage
The positioning of your work zones and the distance between them is called a working triangle. A good working triangle helps you move quickly and easily from task to task, and it simplifies if more than one person is in the kitchen doing different tasks simultaneously.
Planning
01 Single-line kitchens: Perfect when space is limited. While not strictly a triangle, the three points are still connected.
02 Parallel kitchens: Great if many people cook at the same time. Offers ample room for food preparation and storage.
03 L-shaped kitchens: Make the most of a corner. Ideal for adding a small dining table or kitchen island.
04 Kitchen island: If space allows, adding an island provides extra storage, ample work space, and serves as a social hub. Ensure at least 1200 mm clearance between the island and other cabinets for easy movement.
05 U-shaped kitchens: Ideal for large rooms, offering maximum space and storage options.
06 U-shaped kitchen with peninsula: Provides plenty of storage and a functional workspace for food preparation. An overhang on the exterior side with bar stools creates a convenient seating area.
Kitchen planning
The Kitchen planner: Plan your kitchen yourself using the online Kitchen planner. Request a free plan validation before ordering to ensure your design is ready for purchase and installation.
Kitchen planning service: Remote and in-store services are available, each including a one-on-one session with a professional kitchen planner. You'll receive a full kitchen plan, plus product and installation quotes.
Read more about IKEA's measuring service and kitchen planner on page 19.
Recommendations
Keep in mind
Here are some recommendations to get the most out of your kitchen.
01 The best place for preparing food is the work surface between the hob and the sink.
02 Ensure the distance between opposite rows of cabinets is wide enough for doors on both sides to be opened simultaneously.
03 Place wall cabinets high enough not to block the view over the worktop.
04 Make space next to the hob for pot stands, where hot objects can be placed.
05 For safety and functionality, follow the recommended height for the extractor hood as shown in the assembly instructions. The height varies depending on whether an induction or gas hob is installed.
06 Leave space for cover panels if wall cabinets are placed next to the extractor hood/fan.
07 Place a filler piece (minimum 50 mm) between base and wall cabinets and the wall to ensure enough space to open doors and drawers fully.
08 If the worktop protrudes over the cabinet more than 250 mm, add an extra support.
09 Place the sink and hob in the same line to avoid moving hot objects across the floor.
Keep in mind for small space solutions
When space is limited, there are always options to make it work.
01 Use a small sink that fits into a 600 mm cabinet. Ensure at least 100 mm between the sink and the worktop edges for sturdy construction.
02 To have a good preparation area, try to ensure at least 400 mm workspace between the hob and the sink.
03 Maintain at least 200 mm space between the hob and the wall for safe cooking.
04 If your space is too narrow for 600 mm deep cabinets, consider using 370 mm deep cabinets instead.
05 Utilise wall space to maximise storage opportunities and free up worktop space.
06 Add a trolley to optimise small spaces and create more storage possibilities.
Read more about IKEA's measuring service and kitchen planner on page 19.
Tips
01 An elevated oven means you won't have to bend down to reach it.
02 Locate the dishwasher close to the water supply and drain pipes. Having it near the sink makes loading easier and avoids spills.
03 Keep utensils, pots, and pans close to the hob and sink for easy access during preparation and cooking. Keep cutlery in a drawer near the dinner table.
04 Drawers offer great overview and easy access. Add drawer mats to prevent items from moving and reduce noise when putting things away.
05 Place your waste sorting bins in a drawer under or near the sink for easy access.
06 Push openers are useful when your hands are full; use your knee or elbow to open drawers, avoiding stains from sticky fingers.
07 Optimise the space behind fronts with inner drawers. The exterior can remain sleek while the interior is fully utilised.
08 Use wall rails and accessories to maximise wall space and minimise worktop clutter. This keeps frequently used items close at hand for efficient cooking.
Don'ts
01 A sink by the window is pleasant for washing up. However, if windows open inwards, ensure they won't be blocked by the tap.
02 Placing a sink next to a wall or at the end of a cabinet row disrupts workflow by limiting workspace.
03 An oven next to a wall disrupts workflow and risks exposing the wall to heat and cooking stains.
04 Positioning appliances like ovens, dishwashers, or extractor hoods in corners might obstruct cabinets and drawers from opening fully.
Lighting
01 Good lighting that illuminates the entire worktop evenly creates a functional workspace.
02 Use drawer lighting to easily find items, even when the kitchen is not fully lit.
03 Display fine glasses on tempered glass shelves behind glass doors. Add cabinet lighting to enhance a cosy atmosphere and make the room appear larger.
04 Kitchen island lighting is essential to illuminate the area and provide task lighting above the workspace. It also complements general room lighting.
Read more about IKEA's measuring service and kitchen planner on page 19.
Checklist
Keep in mind
Before contacting customer service or visiting IKEA kitchen experts, please consider the following to make your planning easy and efficient:
You'll need to bring:
- [ ] Your kitchen measurements
- [ ] Your Kitchen Planner log in details
Think about services, too:
- [ ] Measure
- [ ] Planning
- [ ] Finance
- [ ] Picking
- [ ] Picking and delivery
- [ ] Delivery
- [ ] Installation
It's good if you've considered:
- [ ] Cabinets and drawers
- [ ] Doors and drawer fronts
- [ ] Knobs and/or handles
- [ ] Worktops
- [ ] Sinks
- [ ] Taps
- [ ] Oven
- [ ] Microwave oven
- [ ] Hob
- [ ] Hood - what kind of ventilation do you have?
- [ ] Fridge/freezer
- [ ] Dishwasher
- [ ] Lighting – work and ambient light
Order, get it home and install
When you're satisfied with your kitchen plan, it's time to order it
It is recommended to visit your local IKEA store and consult with kitchen experts before ordering. They can help with any uncertainties and review your plan to ensure everything fits. You can then place your order directly.
You have three options for how to place an order for your kitchen:
- In the kitchen department at your local IKEA store.
- On our website.
- Directly in the Kitchen Planner.
Services
You can do it yourself, but you don't have to
IKEA Kitchens are designed to be installed by you. Start by picking up the kitchen installation guide at your local IKEA store or use the digital version on the IKEA website. It shows you how to do it yourself, step by step. It is important to follow the assembly instructions included with all product packaging.
Installation guide
These guides provide an overview of the installation order for your IKEA kitchen, along with tips and ideas for solving tricky challenges.
If you need help with some or all of the installation, you can hire a craftsman or take advantage of IKEA's Kitchen installation services.
Read more about IKEA's installation services on page 21.
Services
IKEA's broad service offer allows you to design your own price tag by choosing products that suit your budget and deciding how much you want to do yourself versus how much you want IKEA to do for you. Services offered include:
Finance
If you've found the perfect kitchen but need help spreading the cost, IKEA offers a range of finance options to help make your dream a reality.
Planning
Get help planning your new kitchen by booking an appointment with an IKEA expert. Bring your measurements and a drawing or picture of the area, and IKEA will help with functional solutions for cabinet placement, appliances, storage, lighting, and sinks.
To read more about different planning services (Remote, In-store, In-home), pricing, and to book an appointment, visit IKEA.be.
Collection
Save time on your next shopping trip. Submit your order online, and it will be ready for pick-up upon arrival.
Delivery
Whether shopping in-store or online, regardless of purchase size, IKEA will handle the heavy lifting and deliver to your home or business.
Kitchen installation
You choose the extent of help you need. IKEA provides a 3-year workmanship guarantee. Packaging is taken for recycling once your new kitchen is in place.
Assembly service:
Assembly of cabinets, doors, drawer fronts, handles, worktops, interiors, and side panels.
Installation:
Installation of worktop lighting, gas and/or electric appliances, sinks, and wash-basin mixer taps purchased from IKEA.
More information and guidance
The Kitchen Planner
Want a kitchen perfect for your unique space? Design your dream METOD kitchen in a 3D environment. The free kitchen planner, combined with your imagination, can help bring your ideal kitchen to life. You'll see a realistic picture of how to create a space that works for you. Print your drawings and product list at home, or save them to the IKEA website. At the IKEA store, you can discuss your design and get advice from kitchen experts. Learn more at IKEA.be.
Kitchen configurator
Rely on the ENHET kitchen configurator for a fast and smooth purchase. After choosing your favourite ENHET kitchen, use the online configurator to customise and style it. Once satisfied, add appliances and lighting to complete your kitchen.
Visit IKEA.be.
IKEA.be
On the kitchen department pages online, explore different kitchen systems and find inspiration and ideas for your kitchen, whether it's new or an existing one you want to refresh. You'll find all products to personalise and create your dream kitchen.
Visit IKEA.be.
Buying guides
These guides offer advice on building your kitchen and planning the inside of cabinets.
Installation guides
These guides provide tips and step-by-step instructions for installing your kitchen yourself.
Guarantee brochure
Everyday life puts high demands on a kitchen. IKEA tests kitchens thoroughly to ensure they withstand heavy weights, high temperatures, and everyday use. Guarantees are valid for domestic kitchen use and subject to terms and conditions stated in the folder.
You can pick up all brochures and guides at your local IKEA store, or view them on IKEA.be.
Remember, it's okay to change your mind.
For complete peace of mind, if you have a change of heart after getting your kitchen home, you have 365 days to return it. Keep your receipt safe to make returns easier.
[Link to Return Policy]
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Customer Services.
