Kitchen cabinet layout and design is an important consideration when remodeling or building a new kitchen. Many homeowners wonder – do kitchen cabinets need to be symmetrical? The short answer is no, kitchen cabinets do not need to be perfectly symmetrical for the space to function and look good. However, there are some general guidelines regarding symmetry that can help create a kitchen layout that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

Balancing Function and Aesthetics

When designing a kitchen, it’s important to balance functional needs like storage, workflow, and efficiency with the overall aesthetic. While symmetry can potentially look great, it should not come at the expense of practicality. Here are some factors to consider regarding symmetry in kitchen cabinetry design:

Workflow patterns – The workflow in a kitchen is rarely perfectly symmetrical. Key work zones like the sink, stove, and refrigerator may be in an asymmetrical pattern. Cabinetry design should optimize the workflow, not force symmetry.
Appliance and window placement – Built-in appliances and windows/doors often break up symmetry. Adjust cabinet sizes and layout to fit.
Unique spaces – Older homes often have uniquely shaped spaces. Custom cabinetry modifications can optimize these spaces without rigid symmetry.
Budget – Custom cabinets to force symmetry can add cost. Asymmetrical layouts can provide function and storage while working with a budget.

The bottom line – symmetry does not have to be an absolute. Thoughtfully weigh symmetry versus functionality for each unique kitchen space.

General Guidelines for Symmetry

While perfectly matched cabinet sizes and layouts are not required, following some basic symmetrical guidelines can provide a clean, balanced look:

Upper Cabinets

Having upper cabinets on either side of a focal point like a vent hood or window generally looks best. The cabinet sizes and shapes do not have to match exactly, but having a similar size/shape on each side creates balance.

Lower Cabinets

The lower cabinet run containing the sink and countertops is often the most visible section. Symmetry can be desirable here, but allow flexibility based on what works best for room dimensions and workflow.

Island or Peninsulas

Islands and peninsulas have more visibility than other areas. Symmetrical sizing of cabinetry on both sides of an island/peninsula is ideal.

Focal Points

Focus on symmetry in cabinet sizes/placement near major focal points like ranges, hoods or decorative backsplashes. This gives a balanced visual framework around these focal elements.

Mirror Image

While not required, designing cabinetry as a mirror image on separate walls can create perfect symmetry and visual appeal.

Asymmetrical Balance

If perfect symmetry is not possible or ideal for a layout, asymmetrical balance is still visually pleasing. A few techniques:

Vary cabinet sizes, but maintain overall visual weight on each side.
Cluster cabinets on one side to balance large feature or dead space on the other.
Use a large focal point like a floor-to-ceiling pantry to balance asymmetry.
Add open shelving or decorative corbels only on one side to offset unbalanced cabinetry.

Mix of Upper and Lower Cabinets

Having both upper and lower cabinets provides more storage. Depending on kitchen dimensions and ceilings, options include:

Standard – Upper and lower cabinets on all walls.
Perimeter – Uppers on all walls, lowers only on perimeter.
Island – Uppers on perimeter, lowers only on island.
Partial – Uppers everywhere, lowers only on one key working wall.

Varying cabinet footprints on different walls add visual interest while still allowing practical asymmetry.

Unique Kitchen Layouts and Shapes

Many kitchens have unique dimensions or architectural details. Symmetry may simply not be possible or desired. Here are some examples:

Galley Kitchens

This long, narrow footprint works better with asymmetry. Focus cabinetry on one working wall, and use the other for open shelving, a focal point, or windows.

Angled Kitchens

Angled walls and creative kitchen shapes can make symmetry impractical. Optimize storage with creative, angular cabinetry.

Kitchens with Bumps Outs/Cut Ins

Existing bump outs like chimneys and cut ins for pantries often make a symmetrical look difficult. Work with these existing architectural details rather than forcing symmetry.

U-Shaped Kitchens

Base symmetry around the central working area. Vary cabinet sizes and footprints along the perimeter.

L-Shaped Kitchens

Focus symmetry along the long leg of the L. The short leg can be asymmetrical to optimize space.

The bottom line – let room shape and dimensions determine asymmetry vs. symmetry, not the other way around.

Work Triangle

The work triangle is the efficient workflow between the key zones of sink, stove and refrigerator. While symmetry may not be possible, optimal work triangle flow should take precedence.

Make sure main workflows are optimized, even in an asymmetrical space.
Adjust cabinet sizes and placement to avoid disrupting primary work routes.
Break up long stretches of cabinets with openings or glass doors to keep workflow open.

Balance Open and Closed Storage

The mix of open and closed storage should also be balanced, not necessarily symmetrical.

Include a balanced mix of standard cabinets along with specialty storage like:
Glass door cabinets
Open shelving
Tall pantry units
Use tall cabinets and high upper cabinets to balance high ceilings or windows.
Fill awkward narrow spaces with narrow pull-out cabinets rather than leaving dead space.

Symmetry in Specific Sections

While the overall kitchen does not need perfect symmetry everywhere, certain defined zones often look best with some symmetry elements:

Sink Cabinet Area

The main sink cabinet run is often the most visible section. Symmetrical cabinets on both sides of the sink create a balanced focal point.

Island

Islands and peninsulas have high visibility. Symmetry in cabinet sizes and placement on each side provides balanced visual weight.

Focal Point Zones

Areas drawing the eye benefit from some symmetry, like the range/hood zone or decorative backsplashes. Balance cabinetry around these focal points.

mirrored sections

Small, defined zones like a recessed cabinet planning desk or minibar can mimic each other on separate walls.

Creative Asymmetry

While general symmetry guidelines apply, don’t be afraid to get creative with asymmetry! Here are some examples:

Mix up upper cabinet sizes

Use a mix of standard width and extra wide upper cabinets. Add some glass doors. The varied sizes and shapes provide interest against standard base cabinets.

Open shelving

Add some open shelving just on one side for display space. This offsets solid cabinetry on surrounding walls.

Mismatched island

Make one side of the island open and one side with cabinets. This adds prep space while still feeling balanced.

Angled garage storage

Use angled cabinets in the hard-to-access corner near the garage door rather than forcing symmetry.

Summary

While perfectly symmetrical kitchen cabinets are not required, following some basic symmetry guidelines can provide a clean and balanced look. Focus on symmetry near major focal points like a range or island. Allow asymmetry where it optimizes function and spacing in unique kitchen footprints and shapes. Mix up cabinet sizes, add specialized storage, and feel free to get creative while keeping an overall visual balance. Symmetry should enhance, not hinder, great kitchen design.

Frequently Asked Questions About Symmetry in Kitchen Cabinets

Symmetry in kitchen cabinet design is a complex topic, with many homeowners wondering what considerations they should make. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about symmetry in kitchen cabinets.

Is symmetry absolutely necessary in kitchen cabinets?

No, symmetry is not an absolute must in kitchen design. While visually balanced, symmetry can potentially limit layout options. The priority should be optimizing space for functionality and workflow over forcing symmetry. Unique kitchen shapes and appliance placement also often make perfect symmetry impractical.

What are some general rules of thumb for symmetry in kitchen cabinets?

Some guidelines include aiming for symmetrical upper cabinets on each side of windows or focal points like a vent hood. Symmetry in cabinetry size and placement on each side of an island also looks best. While overall symmetry is not required, strategic use of symmetry around major focal zones helps provide visual balance.

How can I add symmetry to a small or awkward kitchen?

In small galley kitchens focus cabinetry on one wall, and add simple open shelving on the other wall for symmetry. For awkward corners or angled spaces, add specialty storage like pull-out cabinets or use glass door cabinets to open up sightlines. Use mirror image cabinet footprints in defined zones like around a minibar.

What if I need to prioritize function over symmetry?

Workflow and efficiency should take priority over forcing rigid symmetry. Adjust any symmetrical cabinet plans to optimize triangle workflow between key appliances. Break up long cabinet runs with specialty storage like open shelving to keep pathways open. Fill awkward dead spaces with narrow pull-out cabinets rather than leaving empty space for symmetry.

How can I create balanced asymmetry?

There are several techniques to provide visual balance without rigid symmetry. Vary cabinet sizes and shapes but keep similar overall visual weight on each side. Cluster storage on one side to balance large dead space on the other. Use large statement focal points like a floor-to-ceiling pantry. Add corbels, shelving or other decorative touches only on one side.

Should I design my entire kitchen or just sections symmetrically?

It depends on your space. You can start with major focal zones like around the range hood as a symmetric foundation. Building the entire kitchen as a mirror image provides consistency. But many kitchen shapes simply do not allow total symmetry. Focus on key zones like the island, and allow asymmetry where it optimizes space.

How important is symmetry in a kitchen island or peninsula?

Islands and peninsulas have high visibility, so symmetrical dimensions on each side provide ideal visual balance. Spacing the cabinets evenly on an island contributes to a cohesive look. But islands can also be designed asymmetrically, with different footprints and open or closed cabinets on each side.

Can I play with creative asymmetry in certain zones?

Definitely! While some symmetry provides a foundation, you can create visual interest by varying cabinet size, storage style, and finishes in asymmetric ways. Some ideas are open shelving just on one side, angled cabinets in a hard-to-use corner, or a minibar that mimics the footprint of cabinets across the room.

Conclusion

Symmetry provides beautiful visual balance, but should not come at the expense of practicality. Focus on symmetry in high visibility zones like islands and near focal points. Allow asymmetry where it optimizes function and spacing. While not required, strategic symmetry combined with creative asymmetry provides ideal kitchen design. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your dream kitchen!

Do Kitchen Cabinets Need to be Symmetrical?

The layout of kitchen cabinets plays an important role in both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. While symmetry can potentially create a pleasing visual balance, it is not strictly necessary. Here are some key considerations when evaluating the role symmetry can play in kitchen cabinet design:

Workflow – Avoid letting symmetry override optimized workflow patterns. The kitchen workflow is rarely perfectly symmetrical, so cabinet placement should facilitate efficiency.

Windows/Doors – Built-in architectural elements like windows, doors or recessed pantries will disrupt symmetry. Adjust cabinet sizes and layouts around them.

Unique Spaces – It is very common for kitchen spaces to have irregular dimensions or angled architectural details. Pursuing perfect symmetry in these unique spaces is often impractical.

Focal Points – Symmetry is appealing around major focal points in the kitchen like the range, hood and decorative backsplashes. Balance cabinetry around these zones.

Islands/Peninsulas – Islands and peninsulas have high visibility. Symmetrical dimensions on each side provide an ideal visual balance.

Mix and Match – Consider symmetry just in certain zones or sections rather than the entire space. Combine symmetry near focal points with asymmetrical variations elsewhere.

Creative Asymmetry – Don’t be afraid to purposefully vary cabinet sizes, storage styles and finishes on each side to add interest through asymmetry.

Prioritize Function – When in doubt, optimize practical workspace and storage over symmetry. Break up long cabinet stretches with specialty storage pieces to facilitate flow.

Unique Layouts – Galley, L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens often have dimensions and angles that make symmetry impractical. Focus on storage function.

While not strictly necessary, strategic use of symmetry aligned with kitchen function can provide an ideal blend of form and function. Use these tips when evaluating symmetry in your cabinet layout!

Symmetry Considerations by Cabinet Area

Here is an overview of symmetry considerations for specific kitchen cabinet zones:

Upper Cabinets

Place uppers symmetrically on each side of windows, focal hoods or other centralized elements.
Size/shape do not have to match exactly if visually balanced.
Can break up long asymmetrical runs with glass door sections.

Lower Cabinets

Symmetry along sink cabinet run provides pleasing balance.
Allow asymmetry where needed for optimal room dimensions and workflow.
Break up any long lower cabinet spans with specialty pull-out pieces.

Island/Peninsula

Symmetrical dimensions on each side ideal for visual weight.
Balance cabinets evenly spaced across island span.
Can design asymmetrically with different cabinet footprints on each side.

Focal Point Zones

Range hood zone should have balanced cabinetry placement.
Glass door cabinets provide symmetry while opening up visibility.
Symmetrical cabinets on each side of decorative backsplash.

Unique Spaces

Galley kitchens focus cabinetry along one wall, open shelves on other.
Angled corners use angled cabinetry to optimize storage.
Work with existing bump outs and architectural details.

Transitions

Use height variations in upper cabinets to transition spaces.
Custom cabinetry modifications rather than cookie cutter symmetry.

Conclusion

These zone-by-zone symmetry considerations provide a template for planning kitchen cabinet layouts. Focus on symmetry in high visibility gathering zones and around major focal features. Allow asymmetry where it benefits functionality and storage optimization in each unique kitchen space.

Symmetry Design Tips

Here are some useful tips when evaluating incorporating symmetry into your kitchen cabinet design:

Overall Aesthetic – Symmetry provides visual balance, but do not force it if it disrupts function or layout flow.

Focal Points – Any major focal point like a hood or decorative tile provides a great opportunity for symmetrical cabinet framing.

Islands – Islands have high visibility. Symmetry in cabinet placement and size results in ideal visual weight balance.

Work Triangle – Optimize the critical work triangle between sink, stove and refrigerator above all else.

Tall Storage – Use tall cabinetry on only one side to balance tall windows or ceilings on the other.

Angled Spaces – Embrace unique angles instead of fighting them. Avoid forcing symmetry.

Specialty cabinets – Use specialty pieces like glass door cabinets, open shelving and pull-out cabinets to break up long spans.

Task lighting – Add task lighting above countertops on just one side to provide balance.

Mix up colors/finishes – Use asymmetry in painted cabinet colors and hardware finishes to add interest.

Limit lower cabinets – Utilize lower cabinets only on one key working wall rather than all around, with uppers still throughout.

Mirror image zones – Define small specific zones that mimic each other on separate walls, like planning desks.

Work with architecture – Don’t force symmetry where existing architectural elements like windows or bump-outs would disrupt flow.

Keeping these tips in mind throughout the design process will allow you to maximize both the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen cabinet layout.

Achieving Balance without Symmetry

For kitchen spaces where perfect symmetry is impractical, there are many ways to still achieve an overall visual balance:

Vary cabinet dimensions but keep roughly equal overall visual weight on each side.
Cluster cabinets/storage on one side to balance open floorspace on the other.
Incorporate a statement piece like a floor-to-ceiling pantry to balance asymmetry elsewhere.
Add open shelving, corbels or other accent touches only on one side to balance solid cabinetry on surrounding walls.
Use monochromatic cabinets on one side to balance more colorful feature cabinets on the other.
Create zones with mirrored footprints on separate walls, like planning desks or minibars.
If lower cabinets are limited to just one wall, repeat the same footprint with uppers throughout.
Create “dominant” and “subordinate” sides to establish visual hierarchy, keeping overall balance.
Use tall vertical elements like tall cabinets to balance horizontal spans or high ceilings.

Thoughtfully combining symmetric and asymmetric approaches throughout the kitchen creates attractive blended visual balance. Don’t be afraid to get creative with cabinetry elements!

Stock vs Custom Cabinets

One factor impacting kitchen symmetry considerations is whether stock or custom cabinetry is being used:

Stock Cabinets

Offer limited sizes – creativity needed for optimal fit.
Adding filler pieces impacts seamlessness.
Using extra wide styles help balance odd dimensions.
Work within existing cabinet footprints for simplified install.
Modify placements to work with existing windows/doors.

Custom Cabinets

Provide greatest flexibility for optimized symmetry.
Precisely planned dimensions and seamless look.
Ability to build cabinets around architecture details.
More costly – weigh custom symmetry vs. budget.
Great for angled corners or uniquely shaped rooms.

The bottom line – stock cabinets limit symmetry options, while custom offers more flexibility. Weigh symmetry goals against budget when exploring cabinetry options.

Symmetry in Kitchen Layout Styles