Kitchen design for wheelchair users

Where do I start?

First of all, consider what practical requirements you have. Consider your particular situation – do you require a wheelchair all or some of the time? How far will you need to carry hot pans? Is there anything you can do to make even the simplest task slightly easier? If you are coming up with this design for someone else, the most important thing is to ask them about their needs. For example, a wheelchair user will find it much easier to work with an oven that opens sideways rather than downwards.

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How do I fit everything in?

You should look on the compact kitchen as an opportunity rather than a problem. For example if the wheelchair user is elderly they might find it easier to work in a confined space rather than having to trek across an enormous kitchen with hot food. You should look into innovative storage design, such as pull out chopping boards and work surfaces as well as pull out bins and ironing boards. Deep cupboard drawers will help stay on top of clutter too.

Get some ideas on designing a small kitchen.

What am I likely to forget?

It is a matter of completely rethinking your kitchen design. For example, installing lever or infra-red taps. Make sure the hob controls are at the front of the unit, not on the top. Pull-down mechanisms for wall cupboards are available so that you don’t lose any storage space at higher levels. Also, it is important to consider how you can allow access to two things at once without moving the wheelchair. For example, can you offer a parallel approach to the sink and a forward approach to the dishwasher simultaneously? If so, a thousand tasks have just become twice as easy.

What about basic tasks like food preparation?

There are many designs for cupboards with height-adjustable tops so that the front of the cupboard is removed and self-stored, the wheelchair can move under the work surface and food preparation can take place on top of the cupboard at a convenient height.
There are sink designs where the wheelchair can do a similar thing, but here you must remember to buy a shallow sink so that the bottom of the sink does not block the path of your knees. You can also buy wall-mounted base-units without plinths to allow foot room for the wheelchair user, making turning a great deal easier, or simply leave the feet on freestanding base units exposed.
And if you can, give the fridge enough space so that the door can open 180 degrees – a parallel approach is so much easier.

Get our top tips on food storage and organising.

What about safety?

If you are designing for a relative it is important to allow enough room for the wheelchair to turn. And floors should be non-slip especially for anyone who also uses a walking stick or frame. Knives and other sharp instruments should not be stored in difficult to reach places.
Get some top tips on kitchen safety.

How do I make it feel bigger than it is?

One of the keys to this is lighting. Make the most of any natural light if you can, otherwise make use of spotlighting and under-cupboard lights. Reflected light works just as well, so consider shiny surfaces such as stainless steel and glass. If the kitchen also serves as a dining area then an extendable dining table is paramount.

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Get ideas to make your kitchen look bigger.