ᐅ Planning and Installing Ikea Metod Kitchen Units Ergonomically and Space-Efficiently

suru61 schrieb:
My advice: Pay attention to the correct height of the countertops, which should be between 85 and 95 cm (33 and 37 inches) depending on your height, so you don’t have to bend your back all the time.

I would qualify this recommendation a bit. The optimal height is generally based on elbow height, but tasks vary a lot: cutting usually requires a slightly higher surface, while washing up can be done on a somewhat lower one. Therefore, it can be worthwhile to combine different heights along a single countertop if space allows.

Also, the triangle concept from harold’s post is a good approach, but it can be difficult to implement in small kitchens. Sometimes you have to set priorities and focus on the most important functions.

Thank you for all the helpful tips so far! I would like to add a few details and ask some questions:

- Are there any specific cabinet options or accessories within Metod that you would particularly recommend for saving space while maintaining ergonomic use in small kitchens?
- How do you approach combining base cabinets and tall cabinets? I’m concerned that tall cabinets might visually overwhelm the space, but I still need enough storage.
- One more question about ergonomic working height: I’m about 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) tall. What would be a good countertop height for me if I do a lot of cooking and chopping?

Looking forward to more opinions and experiences!

getar0 schrieb:
I am about 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) tall. What would be a good countertop height if I do a lot of cooking and chopping?

At a height of 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in), your elbow height is probably around 95 cm (37 inches). Subtract about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) from that, which means the countertop height should be between 80 and 85 cm (31 and 33 inches).

I recommend leaning toward the upper end at 85 cm (33 inches) if you do a lot of chopping, as a higher surface reduces strain on your back.

Regarding storage: In small kitchens, narrow tall cabinets, for example 40 cm (16 inches) wide, are helpful with the Metod system. You can visually break up tall cabinets by adding open shelves or compartments in between. As tangi already mentioned, using accessories like internal drawers, shelves, and pull-outs is important to maximize space.

Corner solutions shouldn’t be overlooked either—carousel units (e.g., Le Mans) use corner space efficiently and make everyday routines easier.

getar0 schrieb:
I’m worried that tall cabinets will visually overwhelm the space, but I still need storage.

If you have limited space, it’s better to use fewer tall cabinets and choose narrower ones. Instead, use a variety of base cabinets with drawers, which are more ergonomically accessible and space-efficient. You can visually lighten tall cabinets by selecting light-colored fronts and simple designs. Keep the space as open as possible to avoid a cluttered appearance.