ᐅ How do I install Ikea Metod cabinets in small kitchen layouts?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning a kitchen renovation and intend to use Ikea Metod cabinets. However, I have a very small kitchen with an area of less than 6 square meters (65 square feet). My question is: What is the best way to install Ikea Metod cabinets in small kitchen layouts, meaning in a tight space with limited floor area, to make the most efficient use of the available space? Which cabinet configurations, modules, and installation options are particularly suitable to ensure functionality without the space feeling too cramped? I am also interested in tips for planning corner solutions or custom-made combinations, especially if anyone has experience with these. Thank you in advance for your support!

Hello Ge_min, your topic is relevant to many people who want to furnish small kitchens. Basically, it is important to start by taking accurate measurements. The Ikea Metod system is flexible, but especially for small kitchens you should consider the following:

- Use tall wall cabinets that reach the ceiling to maximize storage space.
- Corner solutions like the corner carousel cabinet or cabinets with internal pull-outs can help make dead corners functional.
- Pay attention to the depth during installation: cabinets with a depth of 37 cm (15 inches) instead of 60 cm (24 inches) can create more room to move in tight kitchens.

Sometimes it also helps to use narrower drawers or pull-outs at the bottom and higher wall cabinets. What does your kitchen look like exactly (shape, windows, doors)? That can assist with the planning.

For very small kitchens, I recommend cabinets that are as tall as possible, preferably fewer but taller storage units. Use corner carousels wherever possible. Reduce the depth of the base cabinets.

Hello Ge_min,

to assist you best, I need a few more details: How long are the walls, and what is the layout (for example, galley kitchen, L-shape, U-shape)? Are there any special features like window sills, radiators, power outlets, or water connections that could affect the cabinet installation?

Generally, I recommend the following planning steps for small kitchens using Metod components:

- Create a floor plan on a millimeter scale to have the exact measurements of the room niches.
- Consider the optimal clearance width (at least 80 cm (31.5 inches) of passage space in front of the cabinets).
- For corner cabinets: Ikea Metod offers a space-saving solution like the “Magic Corner” system, which fully utilizes storage space in corner cabinets but is more expensive.
- Use slim cabinets where space is limited, for example, 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) wide base cabinets for spices or baking trays instead of a large 60 cm (24 inches) wide unit.
- Pay close attention to precise cabinet alignment during installation. In small rooms, construction inaccuracies are more noticeable and can affect the overall impression.
- Sometimes it is worth choosing wall cabinets with glass fronts, as they visually appear lighter.

One last tip: build a 3D model or use the Ikea kitchen planner with real measurements. This way, you can quickly see if the workflow makes sense.

Thanks for the feedback so far, very helpful! Regarding the details: The kitchen is L-shaped, with the longer wall measuring 2.40 meters (7 ft 10 in) and the shorter wall 1.85 meters (6 ft 1 in). The countertop should be about 60 cm (24 inches) deep, and the upper cabinets can reach up to the ceiling, which is 2.40 meters (7 ft 10 in) high. The room has a small window on the longer wall, and the water connections are on the shorter wall. I want to maximize storage space in the base cabinets because I usually use the upper cabinets for rarely used dishes. Thanks also for the tip about the Magic Corner. Is it suitable for a kitchen of this size, or would a pull-out system be more practical? How would you best utilize corner cabinets and the “dead corners” in such a small kitchen?

Super exciting challenge, Ge_min! Especially in small kitchens, clever ideas can make a big difference 🙂

Magic corner units can be great, but the mechanism alone takes up quite some space. In such small L-shaped kitchens, I would rather recommend drawers with full extension that can be fully pulled out. For the corner area, an L-shaped solution with two cabinets complementing each other on the left and right can also make a lot of sense and provide flexible storage.

Very important: use the height! Wall cabinets or shelves all the way up to the ceiling add storage space without compromising the floor plan. And if you choose a countertop at an ideal height (around 90 cm (35 inches)), you will work much more comfortably.

With a bit of planning, you will love your kitchen, guaranteed!