Full-width vs shorter movable cabinet under window for small kitchen

[rossi22]

Hi everyone,

I’m designing a kitchen for a small apartment and I’m trying to decide between two options for the space under a window.

The wall with the window is 340 cm wide and 270 cm high. The two side walls are 190 cm each. This is part of a larger open-plan space that will combine the kitchen, dining, and living areas. On both side walls (190 cm), there will be base and upper cabinets. In the middle, under the window, I have about 220 cm available.

I’m considering two options (see attached images):

Option 1:
A full-width base cabinet module (220 cm), movable, filling the entire space between the side cabinets. This would give me maximum storage and a cleaner, built-in look. However, since the module needs to be movable (on wheels, for access to the window/external AC), there will be small side gaps (around 3–5 mm on each side), and the countertop will not be connected to the adjacent cabinets.

Option 2:
A shorter, island-style movable module (around 100–120 cm), leaving open space on both sides. This would be more flexible and allow easier access, with no concerns about side gaps, but it offers less storage and doesn’t look as built-in visually.

My priorities are that, since it’s a small apartment, I want to use the space as efficiently as possible, while keeping a clean look and making it practical for everyday use.

I would really appreciate your opinion on which option you would choose in this situation and why. Do the small side gaps in Option 1 sound like a real visual issue, or are they usually not noticeable in real life? From your experience, which option tends to feel better in everyday use? Also, does Option 2 with the smaller movable module look well-balanced, or does it feel unfinished?

I’m especially interested in real-life experiences rather than perfect renders.

Thanks a lot!

 

[securespark]

Maybe not to do with your particular layout, but I have helped parents in law with the kitchen in their new bungalow.

Ordered them lots of pull out baskets so they don't have to grovel at the back of the cupboards for stuff.

Also, they want pull down baskets for wall units, so no reaching up.

Makes life much easier for them!

 

[Tigercubrider]

Option 2 allows access to the windows should you wish to get closer, and allow access to the cupboards on the LH and RH walls.
Option 1 allows a bit more storage, but makes the cupboards on the LH and RH corner hard to access.. it also means that peering out of the window is harder.
You can avoid the gap in option 1 by buying a decor strip and cutting in to fit, secure it to the movable units on one end and the fixed ones on the other - or use hinges to attach them so they fold.