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Two-line kitchen: functional design for any room size

    11/02/2026

    5 min.

    LeBon Design | Grüner GmbH/Florian Thierer | werkhaus küchen | Jeroen Kampshof/Maxime van der A

Two-line kitchens combine clean lines with great suitability for everyday use. Two work areas opposite each other create short distances, plenty of work surface and storage space. The concept fits into narrow rooms as well as open-plan living areas. Here you will find compact planning tips, design ideas and examples for different room sizes. 

Construction of a two-line kitchen

The two-part kitchen, often also called two-row kitchen, arranges the washing-up, preparation and cooking areas in two parallel rows. In between, the movement space is created with an aisle width of at least 1.2 m so that pull-outs and doors can be used comfortably on both sides. One row usually accommodates the sink and dishwasher, the other the cooktop.  The BORA X BO steam oven can also be integrated into one of the kitchen units. The clear separation ensures structured processes and a calm appearance. 

Room sizes: What fits where?

A two-row kitchen works in many layouts. The decisive factors are width, walking distances and the desired equipment. 

 

Room sizePlanning recommendationSpecial feature
up to 10 m²narrow two-line kitchen with tall cabinetsmaximum utilisation of space
11-16 m²two-line kitchen with dining area or open transitionideal for couples/small families
from 17 m²modern two-line kitchen with island or countergenerous character 

A two-tier kitchen also works in an open-plan living area. A row zones the room. With a BORA cooktop extractor, the view remains clear and odours are captured directly at the cooktop. 

 

A cooking island or peninsula can be added from around 16 m²of floor space. It extends the work surface, creates storage space and enables communication close to the kitchen.

 

Tip: If the aisle width is less than 1.2 m, consider the alternative single-line kitchen - everything in one line. 

    Advantages of a two-line kitchen

    Lots of work surfaces on a compact footprint, good storage space balance, simple routing and more: Kitchens with several rows offer many advantages. 

     

    • Efficiency The working triangle of fridge, sink and hob can be logically mapped. 

     

    • Storage space High cupboards, pull-outs and larder units fully utilise the space. 

     

    • Flexibility: From small two-row kitchens to modern two-row kitchens with an island. 

     

    • Aesthetics: With the BORA cooktop extractor, there is no need for a bonnet and the visual axes remain clear. 

     

    • Ergonomics Short distances, tidy zones, work surfaces where they are needed. 

     
    Anyone who wants to cook efficiently and prefers a clear kitchen shape will appreciate the advantages of two-row kitchens. Singles, couples and families benefit from the short distances and the optimally utilised storage space

    Design ideas and materials

    Material mix: Wooden fronts bring warmth, stone or ceramic emphasise value. You can find ideas for this in our article on modern kitchens.

    Colours Light colours open up small rooms, dark accents ground large rooms. 

     

    Lighting: Work light under wall units, accent light above the centre aisle. 

     

    Handles Handleless fronts appear calm, while profiled handles set subtle accents. 

     

    Floor and niches: Uniform coverings visually connect the rows, niche rear walls create ease of maintenance.

      Two-row kitchen with dining area

      A dining area functionally complements the kitchen and creates a social centre. 

       

      • Counter as breakfast bar on a row

      • freestanding table parallel to the rows

      • peninsula with seating for quick snacks

      In open-plan layouts, a row becomes a room divider. The guide to the feel-good kitchen provides inspiration. 

        Two-line kitchens in small rooms

        The narrow two-row kitchen is also convincing when every surface is effective. 

         

        • Wall units up to the ceiling and narrow pull-outs

        • Internal organisation with dividers and boxes

        • Compact appliances and multifunctional appliances

        • BORA cooktop extractor systems for a clear view instead of an extractor bonnet

        • Light fronts and calm lines for more visual space 

        Choice of appliances for a two-row kitchen

        Multifunctional appliances save space and travel - like the BORA X BO steam oven, which combines baking and steaming in one appliance. Hobs with integrated extractor keep the air clean and replace extractor bonnets. From medium floor plans (from 16 m²), peninsulas can be planned. 

          Functionality meets modern design Perfect solution for two-line kitchens

           Innovative cooktop extractor technology that integrates perfectly into double-row kitchens.

          Planning: Distances, zones and workflows

          Planning aspectRecommendationNote
          Aisle widthapprox. 1.2 mConvenient for pull-outs open on both sides
          Zone sequenceStore - sink - prepare - cookWork surface between sink and hob
          Electricity/waterPlan earlyCheck appliance arrangement
          LightWork and accent lightCombining function and atmosphere

          Pro tip: Continuous worktops (90-120 cm) are particularly valuable in a small two-row kitchen

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