Universal design for kitchens

Kitchens, along with bathrooms and laundries, comprise a home’s wet areas and need thoughtful design to make them easily accessible for both the able bodied and disabled.

Topics include

Accessibility
Universal design for kitchens
By
Alide Elkink
Last updated 19 May 2026
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The design of a kitchen is important for good accessibility and to enable universal design principles to be incorporated.

Space is important

Kitchens should have sufficient clear floor area to allow a person using a wheelchair or with restricted mobility to work effectively. A turning diameter of at least 1500 mm is required as well as a 1200 mm minimum approach in front of all workbenches and appliances (see Figures 1 and 2).

Illustrated kitchen layout showing benchtops, appliances, a central table, and open floor space with circulation paths marked
Figure 1 Typical kitchen – L-shaped.
Illustrated kitchen layout showing benches, appliances, storage units, and open floor space arranged around a central work area
Figure 2 Typical kitchen – U-shaped.

Adjust the work surface height

Some of the worktops and sink benches need to be low enough to use from a wheelchair and have wheelchair access below them (see Figure 3).

Diagram showing a wall‑mounted sink with clear space beneath, a shallow basin, and plumbing set back from the front edge
Figure 3 Knee/wheelchair space beneath fixed sink.

Several proprietary, adjustable-height, support bracket systems are available for height adjustment of work surfaces including fixed brackets and mechanical and electrical adjustable-height worktop mechanisms. The height adjustment range is generally 620–900 mm.

Where sink bench units are height adjustable, sinks must be fitted with a flexible plumbing kit (see Figure 4).

Diagram showing a wall‑mounted sink above an adjustable bench, with flexible water and waste connections beneath the sink
Diagram showing an adjustable bench fixing detail, with a fixed benchtop above, a vertical support with bolt holes, an end cleat, and a vertical range of adjustment marked
Figure 4 Adjustable-height worktops and sinks.

Shallow sinks and lever taps

Allow wheelchair access beneath sinks so that wheelchair users or people who have difficulty standing for any length of time can sit at and work beside the sink. Seated people have a shorter reach, so sink bowls should be shallow.

Lever mixer type taps are easier to use, and an extendable hose spray increases the range of use.

Cupboard and shelf design

Cupboards and shelves should be set at a height appropriate for the user or be easily adjustable (see Figures 5 and 6). Pantries and walk-in storage can be designed for wheelchair entry with clear wheelchair access below (Figure 7).

Illustration showing a person standing at a bench with shelves and drawers, indicating storage heights, reach ranges, and clear space beneath the bench
Figure 5 Accessible storage suitable for elderly ambulant users.
Illustration showing a wheelchair user positioned at a kitchen bench with shelves and drawers arranged above and below the work surface
Figure 6 Accessible storage for wheelchair users.
Illustration showing a wheelchair user reaching shelves and storage beside a bench, with upper and lower reach limits and clearances indicated
Figure 7 Wheel-in pantry.

Drawers are easier to access for wheelchair users but may not be for elderly or ambulant people with a disability. Solutions for low-level storage such as below-bench storage should be selected according to need. Mobile units that fit under benches or can be moved elsewhere provide increased flexibility.

A range of proprietary products is available:

● Electric lifts for wall-mounted cupboards that lower cupboards to a height where they can be accessed by a person in a wheelchair. These can be fitted to cupboards between 500–700 mm high. One motor lift will raise and lower a cupboard unit up to 1200 mm wide and weighing approximately 100 kg. A typical range of movement is 430 mm lowering extension and 180 mm outwards extension (see Figure 8).

Illustration showing a wheelchair user reaching into an upper cupboard that can be lowered, positioned above a benchtop with clear space beneath
Figure 8 Adjustable-height wall cupboards.

● Pull-down baskets and shelving that can be fitted into wall-mounted cupboards.

● Carousels or lazy Susans that can be fitted into corner cupboards for access to items stored at the back.

● Pull-out shelving units that are available in a range of heights and widths. These generally roll out on wheels.

Positioning appliances

Cooktops should be set into easily adjustable work surfaces and have front or face-mounted controls. Staggered burners can also reduce the need to reach across the cooktop.

A wall-mounted oven should be at eye level height to suit the user and the oven door side or upward opening (see Figure 9). Unfortunately, neither of these opening options is commonly available.

Mount a microwave at bench level and have a bench surface or pull-out shelf in front so hot dishes can be safely transferred from the microwave to the benchtop.

Illustration showing a built‑in oven with a side‑hinged door open, pull‑out shelves inside, and the oven positioned beside a benchtop
Figure 9 Requirements for ovens.