Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to miss out on having an island. A kitchen island can add extra storage, seating, and work surface to a small kitchen. The key is finding the right island design that doesn’t overwhelm the space but still provides plenty of function. Here are some of the best small kitchen island ideas and designs to make the most of your compact kitchen.
Choosing the Right Small Kitchen Island
When selecting an island for a small kitchen, there are a few important factors to consider:
Size
The island should be proportional to the overall kitchen size. Aim for an island around 32-42 inches wide and 16-24 inches deep. This allows enough room for seating or work surface without crowding the space.
Style
Look for island shapes and styles that fit with your kitchen layout. A rectangular or oval island works well for galley kitchens. Round or curved islands complement modern kitchens with soft lines. For cottages or farmhouse kitchens, a butcher block island has character.
Function
Decide how you will use the island. If mainly for extra seating, allow a 16-18 inch counter overhang. For extra work area, maximize counter space. For storage, choose an island with cabinets, shelves or drawers.
Mobility
Islands on casters allow you to easily move the island around. This helps open up space when needed.
Small Kitchen Island Ideas
1. Butcher Block Kitchen Island
A butcher block island on wheels adds rustic charm and functionality. Use it for food prep or casual dining. Look for one in solid wood with drawer storage and towel racks. Position it off-center in the kitchen to delineate work zones.
2. Bar Height Kitchen Island
An island with bar stools instead of standard chairs saves space. The floor area under a bar height island can still be utilized. Try a small bar height island on casters in the center of a galley kitchen.
3. Banquette Seating Island
Include banquette seating as part of a custom designed kitchen island. The L-shaped seating tucks neatly under the island countertop to maximize use of space. Place opposite the cooktop for an eat-in kitchen.
4. Concrete Kitchen Island
A concrete island makes a bold style statement. Concrete’s durability and ease of maintenance is also ideal for busy kitchens. Try a sleek rectangular concrete island on iron legs in an industrial kitchen.
5. Rustic Wood Kitchen Island
Rustic wood islands work well in country kitchens. Try reclaimed barn wood on a farmhouse-style island fitted with shelves and drawers. Or use live-edge wood for a unique hand-crafted look.
6. Metal and Wood Kitchen Island
Combine materials like stainless steel or powder-coated metal with wood for an eclectic island design. This island has an industrial metal base with a rich wood countertop perfect for small urban lofts.
7. Colorful Kitchen Island
Make a small island really pop with colorful cabinetry or bold paint hues like navy, green or yellow. A colorful island injects fun and personality into small kitchens. Pair with neutral cabinetry.
8. Small Kitchen Peninsula
If space is very tight, consider a peninsula instead of a full island. A peninsula attached to a wall or cabinets provides seating and surface area without taking up as much floorspace.
9. Small Kitchen Cart Island
For small kitchens, a portable kitchen cart makes an affordable island alternative. Look for carts with storage drawers and locking wheels. Use it as a serving station or extra work surface.
10. Repurposed Furniture Island
Give a small vintage sideboard, cabinet or dresser new life as a small kitchen island. Look for pieces with character that offer storage and functionality. Add wheels or legs to achieve the right height.
Small Yet Functional Island Designs
Here are some specific island designs and ideas to maximize function within a small kitchen space:
Movable Multipurpose Island
- 32″ x 24″ rectangular butcher block island on lockable wheels
- Towel bar and spice rack on one side provide extra functionality
- Can be moved easily to open up floor space as needed
Seating Banquette Island
- Custom built banquette island with L-shaped seating for 3
- Seating tucks under raised island counter when not in use
- Cafe curtains on banquette provide softness against hard surfaces
Concrete Prep Island
- Slim 36″ wide rectangular concrete island
- Countertop extends 16″ past base for seating area
- Built-in cutting boards and knife block keep essentials handy
Rustic Wood Storage Island
- Live edge natural wood island top with hand-carved details
- Box storage base with cabinet doors and drawers
- Iron brackets on base and wood top add industrial accent
Color Block Island
- 36″ wide square island painted navy blue
- White quartz waterfall countertop visually extends surface
- Open shelving on one side rather than doors for easy access
Retro Bar Cart Island
- Vintage golden metal frame bar cart with locking wheels
- Handles removed and top repurposed as island work surface
- Bottom shelf holds cookbooks and baking pans within easy reach
Peninsula with Seating
- 42″ wide galley kitchen peninsula attached to wall
- Overhang allows for 2 barstools for quick meals and snacks
- Upper shelves rather than lower cabinets maintain openness
Farmhouse Style Island
- Oval reclaimed wood island with rounded edges
- Turned legs and apron-front drawers with antique knobs
- Removable towel racks and spice shelves maximize function
Industrial Modern Island
- Slim stainless steel island frame with wood shelving
- Built-in electrical outlets and USB charging ports
- Wheels locked in place once final position is set
Eclectic Bistro Island
- Metal base painted glossy red with retro details
- Rich wood countertop and built-in cutting board
- Two stools tucked under island overhang when not in use
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Small Kitchen Islands:
Here are some common questions about small kitchen islands along with concise answers:
What are the benefits of a small kitchen island?
Some benefits of a small kitchen island include extra work surface for food prep and dining, additional storage solutions, space delineation in an open floor plan, and the possibility for casual counter seating.
How much space do you need for a kitchen island?
Aim for 32-42 inches between a small kitchen island and other surfaces. Islands should be proportional to the overall kitchen size. Allow for at least a 32 inch clearance if the island will be used for circulation.
What is the best small kitchen island size?
The ideal small kitchen island size ranges between 32-42 inches wide and 16-24 inches deep. This allows enough space for seating or work surface without overwhelming a small kitchen.
Should a small kitchen island be movable?
Having a kitchen island on wheels or casters allows it to be moved easily. This helps open up needed floor space in a small kitchen. Just be sure to use locks on the wheels once positioned.
What is the best small kitchen island shape?
The best shapes for small kitchen islands are rectangular, oval or rounded. Avoid large square islands or shapes with sharp corners that don’t fit well in tight spaces.
Should a small kitchen island have seating?
Incorporating seating can help maximize a small island. Allow for at least a 16-18 inch overhang for stool seating. Or opt for space-saving banquette seating as part of a custom island.
What about storage for a small kitchen island?
Incorporate storage like cabinets, shelves or drawers to get the most function from a small island. Closed storage is ideal for hiding clutter while open shelving provides easy access.
How can you customize a small kitchen island?
Ways to customize a small island include using color, materials like concrete, metal or rustic wood, built-in features like spice racks, special details like live-edge wood, and personal style elements.
What are good alternatives to a kitchen island?
If space is extremely tight, kitchen peninsulas, carts or repurposed furniture like dressers can provide some of the benefits of an island like extra storage and surface area without taking up as much space.
Conclusion
Small kitchens can gain big function with the right island design. Focus on allowing adequate circulation area and choosing an island shape and size that fits the existing layout. Incorporate seating, storage and other built-in features tailored to your needs. And opt for wheeled islands or alternative designs like kitchen carts or peninsulas to maintain an open feel. With some clever choices, even the smallest kitchen can enjoy a customized island that maximizes both style and efficiency.
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