IKEA Kitchen in a Small NYC Apartment: Design Tips and Real Examples

IKEA Kitchen in a Small NYC Apartment

Living in New York City means mastering the art of small-space living, and nowhere is that more critical than the kitchen. A typical NYC apartment kitchen ranges from 30 to 80 square feet, far smaller than the national average. The good news? IKEA's modular cabinet system is perfectly suited for small spaces, and with the right design approach, even the tiniest kitchen can be both beautiful and highly functional.

Why IKEA Works for Small NYC Kitchens

IKEA's SEKTION system offers several advantages for small spaces:

• Narrow cabinet options (12" and 15" widths) that fit where custom cabinets can't
• Wall cabinet height options (15", 20", 30", 40") to maximize vertical storage
• Customizable internal organizers that make every inch count
• Slim drawer systems that provide better access than doors in tight spaces
• Cost efficiency that lets you invest in smart solutions rather than basic boxes

Space-Maximizing Layout Strategies

#### The Single-Wall Kitchen

Common in studios and one-bedrooms, a single-wall kitchen puts everything on one wall.

IKEA optimization tips:

• Use 40" tall wall cabinets all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage
• Install a 36" wide base cabinet with MAXIMERA drawers rather than two narrower cabinets with doors (drawers provide better access)
• Consider a 24" wide sink base to free up counter space
• Add a narrow 12" pull-out base cabinet for spices and oils next to the range
• Use under-cabinet lighting to make the small space feel larger

#### The Galley Kitchen

Two parallel runs of cabinets with a walkway between them. Very common in pre-war apartments.

IKEA optimization tips:

• Keep the walkway at least 36" wide (42" is ideal). This may mean using 21" deep base cabinets on one side instead of the standard 24".
• Put the sink and cooktop on opposite walls to create a natural work triangle
• Use open shelving on one wall instead of wall cabinets to prevent a tunnel effect
• Consider glass-front JUTIS doors on wall cabinets to add depth
• Install matching cover panels on the ends of all cabinet runs for a polished look

#### The L-Shaped Kitchen

If you're lucky enough to have two walls of kitchen space, an L-shape provides the best workflow.

IKEA optimization tips:

• Use a corner base cabinet with a lazy Susan to maximize the corner
• Place the sink in the corner or near the corner for the most efficient plumbing
• Leave at least 18" of counter space on each side of the cooktop
• Use the wall cabinet corner for less frequently accessed items

Storage Solutions for Tiny Kitchens

When you don't have the luxury of space, every cubic inch matters. Here are the IKEA solutions that make the biggest impact:

#### Vertical Storage

• 40" tall wall cabinets instead of 30" standard, they add 33% more storage
• Full-height pantry cabinets (80" or 90") with pull-out shelves can hold an astonishing amount of food and supplies
• Toe-kick drawers - IKEA offers toe-kick drawer accessories that add a hidden storage drawer at floor level. These are perfect for flat items like baking sheets and cutting boards.
• Above-fridge cabinet - Don't waste the space above your refrigerator. A 24" deep wall cabinet fits perfectly.

#### Interior Organizers

• MAXIMERA drawer dividers keep utensils organized without a separate drawer organizer
• UTRUSTA pull-out shelving in base cabinets means you never dig into the back of a dark cabinet again
• VARIERA shelf inserts double the storage capacity of any shelf
• Door-mounted VARIERA racks for spices, foil, and cleaning supplies

#### Creative Small-Space Ideas

• Pegboard backsplash (SKADIS) - Mount an IKEA pegboard on the backsplash area for hanging utensils, herbs, and small containers
• Magnetic knife strips instead of a knife block that consumes counter space
• Wall-mounted rail systems (KUNGSFORS) for hanging pots, utensils, and even small shelves
• Rolling cart (RASKOG) as a movable island and extra prep surface

Making a Small Kitchen Feel Larger

Design choices that make a small NYC kitchen feel more spacious:

#### Color and Finish

• Light-colored cabinet fronts (white, light gray, beige) reflect light and make the space feel larger
• Matching upper cabinets to the wall color blurs the boundary between wall and cabinet, making the room feel bigger
• High-gloss or semi-gloss finishes reflect light better than matte in small spaces
• Consistent countertop color that doesn't visually break up the space

#### Lighting

• Under-cabinet LED lighting (OMLOPP or IRSTA) eliminates shadows and brightens the work surface
• In-cabinet lighting with glass doors creates visual depth
• Avoid large pendant lights that hang low and visually shrink the space

#### Visual Tricks

• Open shelving in place of some wall cabinets opens up the visual field
• Continuous countertop without visual breaks makes the space feel longer
• Reflective backsplash (mirror tiles, high-gloss subway tile) bounces light
• Minimalist hardware or push-open doors for a cleaner look

Real NYC Apartment Kitchen Examples

#### Studio in Chelsea - 40 sq ft Kitchen

• Single-wall layout, 8 feet long
• 5 base cabinets, 5 wall cabinets (40" tall)
• HAVSTORP white fronts for brightness
• 24" apartment-size dishwasher integrated
• Butcher block countertop for warmth
• Total cabinet cost: ~$2,800
• Installation service details

#### One-Bedroom in Williamsburg - 55 sq ft Galley

• Two walls, each 7 feet long
• 8 base cabinets, 6 wall cabinets, open shelving
• AXSTAD matte blue lowers, open oak shelving above
• Full-size appliances
• Quartz countertops
• Total cabinet cost: ~$4,200

#### Two-Bedroom in Park Slope - 75 sq ft L-Shape

• L-shaped layout with corner base and corner wall cabinets
• 12 base cabinets, 10 wall cabinets, 1 tall pantry
• BODBYN off-white for a classic Brooklyn townhouse feel
• Farmhouse sink in corner position
• Marble countertops
• Total cabinet cost: ~$6,500

Building Considerations for NYC Apartments

Installing a kitchen in a NYC apartment involves unique challenges:

• Delivery logistics - Walk-up buildings require carrying 40-80 heavy boxes up stairs. Plan for this with your delivery team.
• Noise restrictions - Most buildings restrict construction noise to weekdays 9 AM - 5 PM. Some are even stricter.
• Building approval - Co-ops and condos may require board approval, architect review, and insurance documentation.
• Plumbing limitations - Moving a sink in a NYC apartment can be expensive and sometimes impossible due to stack locations.
• Electrical capacity - Older apartments may have limited electrical capacity. Adding a dishwasher or garbage disposal may require an electrician to evaluate your panel.

For more on navigating these requirements, see our NYC building codes guide.

Our team specializes in small kitchen installations across NYC, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Bronx. We understand the unique challenges of apartment renovations and know how to deliver outstanding results in tight spaces. Schedule your free consultation.