01Kitchen in the south-east
The south-east (agni corner) is considered ideal for the kitchen. North-west is the next-best option.
Kitchen direction as per Vastu: a practical guide
Traditional Vastu guidance for the kitchen, and how to apply it in a modern modular kitchen.
Many families plan their kitchen direction as per Vastu. Vastu Shastra links the kitchen with the fire element and traditionally recommends the south-east corner of the home. It also gives guidance on where the stove, sink, fridge and storage go.
Here are 12 commonly followed kitchen Vastu guidelines, followed by tips for flats where the kitchen position is already fixed. These are traditional beliefs; follow what works for your family.
Stove placed so the cook faces east
02Cook facing east
The cook should face east while cooking, so the stove sits on the east wall or the south-east counter.
03Stove in the south-east corner of the kitchen
Within the kitchen, place the hob in the south-east part of the counter.
Kitchen sink placed on the north-east side
04Sink in the north-east
Water and fire are kept apart: the sink goes in the north-east of the kitchen.
Counter space separating stove and sink
05Keep stove and sink apart
Avoid placing the stove and sink right next to each other. A gap or a counter section between them is recommended.
06Fridge in the south-west or west
Heavy appliances like the fridge go in the south-west or west.
Tall storage unit on the west wall of a kitchen
07Storage on south and west walls
Tall units and grocery storage go on the south or west walls.
Kitchen with an east-facing window
08Windows in the east
An east window for morning light and ventilation is preferred.
Chimney on the east wall above the hob
09Exhaust in the east or south
Place the chimney or exhaust fan on the east or south wall.
Floor plan showing kitchen away from bathrooms
10Avoid the kitchen under a bathroom
Kitchens directly below or beside a toilet are traditionally avoided.
Built-in oven and microwave in the south-east
11Vastu for microwave and oven
Electrical cooking appliances also go in the south-east.
Clean, bright kitchen with organised counters
12Keep the kitchen clean and bright
A clean, well-lit kitchen is a core Vastu principle and simply good practice.
Want a kitchen layout that follows Vastu and still cooks well? Our modular kitchen in Kolkata service plans both.
Applying kitchen Vastu in a flat
- You can't move the kitchen, but you can arrange it. Focus on stove direction and stove–sink placement.
- Use a compass app on site to confirm directions.
- If facing east isn't possible, many families accept facing north as a compromise.
- Keep plumbing practical. Moving the sink far from existing points adds cost and leak risk.
- Combine with good design. The work triangle and ventilation matter for daily cooking.
Materials and rough cost factors
Following Vastu in a modular kitchen mostly affects layout, not materials. Costs can rise if:
- Plumbing is moved to shift the sink.
- Gas lines need rerouting for the hob.
- Chimney ducts need a new route.
Use BWP ply for base cabinets regardless of layout.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Which direction is best for the kitchen as per Vastu?
The south-east of the home; north-west is considered the next-best option.
Which direction should I face while cooking?
East, according to Vastu.
Where should the sink be as per Vastu?
In the north-east of the kitchen, away from the stove.
Can the stove and sink be next to each other?
Vastu recommends keeping them apart, with counter space between fire and water.
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