The Golden Rule of Kitchen Design

If you have ever cooked in a kitchen where the fridge was in another zip code or the dishwasher door blocked the stove, you've experienced a broken "Work Triangle."

Developed in the 1940s, the Kitchen Work Triangle is a design principle used to create efficient layouts.

What is the Triangle?

The triangle connects the three main work areas:

1. The Sink (Preparation & Cleanup)
2. The Refrigerator (Storage)
3. The Stove/Cooktop (Cooking)

The 3 Rules

To maintain efficiency, your layout should follow these guidelines:

1. Distance: Each "leg" of the triangle should be between 4 feet and 9 feet.
2. Total Sum: The sum of all three sides should be between 13 feet and 26 feet.
3. No Obstacles: No islands, cabinets, or heavy traffic patterns should cut through the triangle leg.

Does it still apply today?

Modern kitchens often have "zones" rather than just a triangle, especially with larger islands and second sinks. However, the core principle remains: Keep the path between the fridge, sink, and stove clear.

Try it yourself

Open the RoomyLab Editor and place a Sink, Stove, and Fridge.

1. Use the measurement tool to check the distance between them.
2. Are they too far apart?
3. Drag them closer until your workflow feels smooth.