What is the most important thing in the kitchen?Color, appliances, material, cost? No, how convenient it is. An incorrect work surface height forces you to make a third more movements, which leads to fatigue and wasted time. We asked a pro what exactly is important to consider when thinking about the design of a countertop. Why can you have a good time in the kitchen, cooking a whole feast, and fall from fatigue, brewing a cup of tea? It's all about organizing the space - it is studied by the science of ergonomics, and not just like that, but with the noble goal of optimization. The physical parameters of the owners, their health and activity, rhythm and lifestyle - all this must be taken into account, based on known scientific facts, in order to make the only right decision about the height of the countertop. 1. Don't neglect your health The key to productive and enjoyable work in the kitchen is in the correct body position. During cleaning and cooking, we use about 40 muscles, but this number doubles if we have to bend over or stretch. Also note that many production standards were created in the middle of the last century, before the acceleration of women's growth - now they are on average slightly higher. Remember that any long-term inconvenience, even if it seems insignificant and quite tolerable to you, in the long term leads to at least problems with the spine. What a reason not to neglect your well-being and remember that the height of the tabletop should be calculated individually! !
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2. Measure your height
So, the base for calculating the heightThe first characteristic to consider for countertops is your height. If you are shorter than 150 centimeters, the ideal height is 76-82 centimeters. 160-180 centimeters is the most common height, for which the countertop height should be at the level of 88-91 centimeters, this is a kind of “gold standard” for most manufacturers. If you are tall (over 180 centimeters), arrange the countertop at a level of approximately one meter from the floor.
Kitchen factory Ewe, showroom Kitchen interiors
3.Use an individual approach We have listed the standards, but aren’t you unique? We work with our hands, which means their length plays an important role. There is a great way to check if the countertop is the right height: stand up straight, bend your arms at the elbow at a right angle. The distance from the elbow to the surface should be 13-15 centimeters. More or less means you will have to strain yourself twice as much. Larisa Baraeva, interior designer: - There is a standard formula for calculating the average comfortable countertop height: 13-15 centimeters from the bend of the elbow. Be sure to take into account the height of the plinth and legs, if any, and think about placing the sink slightly higher, and the hob slightly lower than the general level. If several people use the kitchen, calculate who spends more time here. Focus on him. However, if, for example, your husband constantly takes on the washing of dishes, choose a countertop with a sink so that it is convenient for him, given his height.
4.Think about the sink area A countertop is any surface in the kitchen, including a hob or a place for washing dishes. And its optimal height depends on the nature of the actions performed, their intensity and direction of movement. For example, a standard sink configuration involves working in an inclined position. If there is no dishwasher and your family is large, you often have to strain your spine. You can “lay down some straw” and avoid overwork by making the sink at a slightly higher height than other surfaces - about 10 centimeters from the elbow.
Kitchen factory Ewe, showroom Kitchen interiors
5.Arrange the work surface The large surface where you will cut vegetables and mix ingredients should be located at the middle level - 13-15 centimeters from the bend of the arm. But there is a subtlety here: if you often have to do operations that require effort (kneading dough, cutting meat), then it is more convenient to do this on a countertop located lower, at waist level. Consider this when planning the kitchen. Perhaps it is worth providing an additional pull-out table.
6.Look into the pots If there is a hob on the countertop, another important parameter comes into play - the height of the pots. You should be able to comfortably look into both the frying pan and the largest saucepan. On average, this means placing them at a height of 80-82 centimeters. But you may have to look closely at your favorite cookware and take its dimensions into account.
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7.Look for compromises What if the kitchen is regularly used by people of different heights? It will be difficult to find a compromise in a dormitory, you will have to be content with an average height for everyone, but in a small family you can still find one. One option is to take into account the parameters of only the one who uses the countertop more often. The second is to provide separate zones for those who help with the housework, for example, specializing in cutting meat, in accordance with their parameters. The third is to provide interchangeable surfaces at different heights, for example, a sink next to the stove and another additional one on the kitchen island. Lena Gordina, head of the architectural bureau, chief architect and designer: - There is a standard level of a kitchen countertop - 900 mm. This is the height recognized as optimal in the ergonomics of kitchens and work surfaces. But, for example, German kitchens have always been distinguished by the ability to make countertops of different heights. In some cases - at a height of up to 1,200 mm, allowing a smooth transition to a bar table. And it is much more convenient for tall people to work like this. It is convenient to place equipment or machinery that should be at hand on low surfaces (700-800 mm). Thus, two main options for the height of the tabletop - 900 and 1,200 - can be played with if you want to diversify the composition. Such variability is now, however, not in fashion, everything is simplified and minimized. And often on sale there are tabletops at the level of 900 mm, with a transition to the island and a bar table that does not change their height. lenagordina.ru
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Kitchen factory EWE, showroom “Kitcheninteriors” 8. Calculate the time It is important to think first of all about the convenience of those operations that take a lot of time and effort, especially in the case when an individual approach to the height of each surface has to be sacrificed. For example, scientists say that a housewife spends 40-50 percent of her total time at the sink. But is this true for you if you are used to relying on a dishwasher? Perhaps you use an oven, pressure cooker or microwave more often - then their correct placement is better for your health.
9.Think about storage If we talk about what else we spend time on in the kitchen, then, according to scientists, a fifth of it is lost searching for the necessary items and ingredients. This is especially relevant for small kitchens. Perhaps it is worth thinking about storage systems that are as open and easily accessible as possible. Organizers on the table or sink, drawers hidden in the far part of the countertop that are easy to reach with one movement, open shelves at eye level. This will save you effort.
10.Give preference to thoughtful design Yes, standard options cost less. But is your life a standard? No, you and your desires, features, possibilities and needs are unique. Choose not something average, but what suits you, and you will see how your well-being and mood will change for the better. For example, a countertop of the right height and increased depth (more than 60 centimeters) will add storage space, and work surface area, and will increase the viewing angle, because the wall cabinets will not be located close to the face. Modern ones are not prêt-à-porter, but haute couture - and you can afford it if you value your comfort and health.
Kitchen by Varenna factory, Kitchen interiors salon
Kitchen by Varenna factory, showroom "Kitchen interiors"
Table top height: how to choose the right kitchen
