Kitchens are often the focal point of any home. If you want your kitchen to be beautiful and convenient, it should have all the conveniences you need. A kitchen island plays an important role in providing these conveniences. In large kitchens, there is enough space for Islands with seating and you can utilize your space in various ways. But what if your kitchen is small? How can you design an island with seating? It’s easier; you must understand how to make it work in your smaller space.
The kitchen island might be pictured as a large, impressive unit in the middle of a large room. Even small kitchens can enjoy the perks of having an island despite limited space.
Islands offer extra, back-to-back countertop space, perfect for food prep and socializing at the same time. Plenty of options, like versatile kitchen islands on wheels or stationary ones that feel built-in. You don’t need a large, upscale kitchen to add one of these beautiful surfaces to your home. There are great options even for the tiniest kitchens.
Adding an island can make a big difference in a small space, providing extra counter space and a cozy spot for morning coffee. Below, we’ve rounded up the best small kitchen island ideas to help you maximize your space. And yes, small kitchens with islands do exist beyond just your imagination!
01. Freestanding Island
Many people renovating their kitchens dream of having a center island, but a large, built-in one isn’t always practical due to budget or space limitations. Freestanding islands offer the same benefits, like extra counter space and storage, but they usually take up less floor space and cost less, just like in this kitchen.
02. Giantex Mobile Kitchen Island
Need extra prep space for cooking? This clever island has a rotating tabletop that doubles your counter space in seconds! It also includes a built-in wine rack and many drawers, shelves, and cabinets for storage. Buy Now
03. Artful Centerpiece
The size of your island isn’t as important as making it visually interesting. Treat it like a statement piece like designer Fitzhugh Karol did in this 400-square-foot studio apartment. Karol hand-carved this small kitchen island from fallen oak and cherry logs, adding a unique touch to the space.
04. Hide and Seek Island
Since this kitchen has very little space, a “Go Hide and Seek” island is an excellent solution. You can set it up under the counter and easily pull it out. Once you’re done, it can be tucked back under the counter. Adding wheels to this small island makes it even more convenient, allowing you to move it around easily.
05. Waterfall Island
Choosing a small kitchen island allows you to invest in the countertop style you want. In this kitchen designed by Julee Wray of Truss Interiors, the stunning granite creates a waterfall countertop, making the island’s appearance the highlight rather than its size.
06. Westly Can Kitchen Cart Island
This rolling cart combines classic caning with a fresh white finish, adding a coastal chic touch to your kitchen. It can also serve as a bar cart when you’re hosting guests. Buy Now
07. Butcher Block Island
This small kitchen island idea doubles as a cutting board in a cooking space where every spare inch counts. You can use this butcher block island for many things. You can place chairs around it to enjoy tea, have a meal, or even prepare food.
08. Stainless Steel Island
This kitchen island features an oxidized steel countertop, offering a unique alternative to granite or marble. Over time, the steel will develop a patina, adding character. Its rough texture contrasts nicely with the kitchen’s stainless steel refrigerator and brass accents, making it perfect for a small kitchen.
09. Glossy Tiles Island
Designed by Studio Helder, this eye-catching kitchen features shiny tiles from DTile. It blends retro and futuristic styles, and a small island extends out, perfect for pulling up a bar stool and enjoying breakfast.
10. Basic Wood Island
The cabinets extend to the ceiling in this kitchen, providing ample storage space. The long, simple wooden island adds beauty to the kitchen and helps with meal preparation.
11. Use Open Shelving
To make your small island feel bigger, create the illusion of extra space by using open shelving instead of cabinets. Designer Colleen Saglimbeni chose this approach for the end of a small kitchen island in a floating home with limited space, adding a lovely splash of color to the room.
12. Restaurant Style Stainless Island
This slim kitchen island with barstools adds extra counter space and seating, making the space more functional. Restaurant supply stores are excellent places to find stainless steel tables and shelves that help maximize space in a small kitchen.
13. Winston Porter Rolling Island With Solid Wood Top
Add a splash of color to your kitchen with this portable island in a lovely mint green. It has an open shelf and two cabinets, so you can store everyday items out of sight and show off your favorite dishes or decorations. Buy Now
14. Swap In a Vintage
Although many small kitchen islands are fixed in place, adding casters to a favorite vintage piece can make it more versatile. Designer Lynn Kloythanomsup chose this antique Swedish butcher block for a small San Francisco kitchen. Its wheels allow it to be easily moved around or taken along if the homeowners decide to relocate.
15. Wheel Island
Need more workspace in your kitchen? This rolling island adds both style and functionality. One side has storage for items like a stand mixer, sheet pans, and cutting boards, while the other offers extra seating. Ideal for small spaces, this portable kitchen island can be easily rolled out when needed and tucked away when you don’t.
16. Kaden Rolling Kitchen Island
This elegant minimalist island is made from solid, kiln-dried wood with a water-based charcoal finish. It provides lots of storage space and has two rolling wheels for flexibility. https://www.westelm.com/products/kaden-rolling-kitchen-cart-h12367/
17. Beach Cottage Kitchen Island
This small beach bungalow, just under 1,000 square feet, is designed with an open concept that makes the most of its space. The kitchen, though compact, is well-planned and functional, featuring an island with built-in drawers that provide extra storage. Thanks to this clever design, you can keep things neat and organized even in a small space.
18. Keep It Clutter-Free
This compact Nashville kitchen island packs a punch. One side of the countertop is open underneath, perfect for fitting a single seat, while the other side is equipped with plenty of storage drawers. Rather than placing all the cooking essentials on the countertop, Studio Dearborn stores them in these drawers.
19. Blue Gray Island
A blue-gray island and matching range hood bring a splash of color to this white kitchen. They demonstrate how a kitchen island can be a stylish accent, even in a small space. This island fits perfectly in your small kitchen with three seating stools. You can tuck the stools under the table when not in use and pull them out when needed.
20. Square Off Island
Rectangular islands are common, but a square kitchen island can be more efficient, especially if it offers extra storage and seating. In this modern Seattle home, designer Andy Beers made the most of the standalone counter, packing it with useful features.
21. Sea Foam Green Island
Silver bar stools and striking pendant lights bring a modern touch to this sea-foam green transitional kitchen. The matching island blends seamlessly into the overall design. This island takes up very little space in the kitchen, and its chairs can be tucked underneath it when not in use. When needed, the chairs can be pulled out easily. If you have limited space, consider using this island style to make the most of it.
22. Monochromatic Island
Choose a monochromatic color scheme that complements the surrounding elements to make your small kitchen island appear larger. This kitchen has a fresh, modern appearance thanks to the vibrant green paintwork on the island, cabinets, and window frames.
23. Punctuate With Panels
This slim island is long and simple, except for the decorative panels on the front. Without these details, it might be easy to overlook. However, the added decorations make the island stand out and look more attractive.
24. Hyper Functional Island
This bright green bar with stools draws attention to the kitchen island, which features a butcher-block top and open shelves for storing various items. The island can be used for meal preparation and sitting down to eat.
25. Double The Island
Why settle for just one small kitchen island when you can have two? In this design by Kelly McGuill, two matching islands are placed back-to-back. The symmetrical arrangement looks great and adds a lot of practical value.
FAQs
Can you fit an island in a 10×10 Kitchen?
Indeed! An island can be accommodated in an L-shaped 10×10 kitchen or a U-shaped kitchen that links to the remaining cabinets.
Can you add an island to an existing kitchen?
A kitchen island can be a great addition if you want more counter space, better storage or to improve your kitchen’s design and functionality. There are endless options, including different sizes, shapes, countertop materials, cabinet styles, and colors.
What is the smallest recommended kitchen island?
For a kitchen island to be truly useful, it should be at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide, but bigger is better. Consider using a mobile butcher block station or a simple table if your kitchen is too small for a full-sized island.
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