Kitchen Island Ideas for Small Spaces

A kitchen island can transform your kitchen into an ideal spot for in-kitchen dining, family get-togethers, and entertainment, allowing you plenty of space to prepare meals and clean up.

A small kitchen size does not mean you cannot have a pleasurable experience with a kitchen island. Rather, you should look out for creative ideas on kitchen islands for small spaces.

Here are a few tips to guide you along the way.

Can you put a kitchen island in a small kitchen?

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Yes, you can. Not only can you install a kitchen island, but you can also add some major style points to your home by doing so. While you may not necessarily need the extra storage space and countertop, you may reap the benefits of why so many kitchens are centered around these pieces.

What type of kitchen island can you fit in a small kitchen? A large, built-in kitchen island does not always suit the space and budget at hand. There are some types of kitchen islands that can fit into smaller spaces. These include:

1. A Freestanding Island

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A freestanding kitchen island is a prefabricated unit that has shelves, drawers, and even a sink built into it. You can customize it to have nearly anything else you can dream up, and your budget is likely to determine the features that the island bears.

You can choose different details like the sizes of drawers, cabinets, hardware, and any additional accessories that you find necessary. Some homeowners choose to install wine racks and fridges to the island for maximum use and enjoyment, particularly when entertaining company.

There is a wide array of countertop choices you can select for your freestanding island. These include quartz, granite, butcher block, concrete, and laminate.

Freestanding islands typically cost between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the complexity and amount of included accessories. Cheaper units are available, such as prefabricated kitchen islands that require some on-site assembly. These cost between $100 and $500, depending on the size and what you choose to include in the kitchen feature.

1. A Mobile Island

A version of a kitchen island that is on wheels is quite effective as it allows you to enjoy the benefits of additional storage and meal prep space with the convenience of wheeling it into an unused corner or a closet to keep the kitchen clear when the island is not in use.

1. Base Cabinet with Countertop

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This type of kitchen island is firmly anchored to the floor and can be customized to suit different needs and budgets. Units like the one shown above can be the perfect option for a cozy kitchen.

1. Repurposed Table

You can use a second-hand table gotten from another room in the house to act as a kitchen island. Ideally, a wood table with tiered storage slots can be brought into the kitchen to act as an additional meal prep and dining space. 

On top of the practical benefits of a kitchen island, a repurposed table acts as a visual room divider and brings some rustic character into the heart of your home.

1. Narrow Island

You can install a standing-height table that is narrow and can be used either as a meal prep surface or a bar for snacks and buffets. Remember that you will only be able to use it for one purpose at a time and that you can set it aside when it is not in use to create more space.

Experts recommend an island that is at least 40 inches (1 meter) by 40 inches for a small kitchen. This will give you enough space to work and move around the kitchen freely.

What is the smallest kitchen size for an island? Experts recommend that the minimum size for a kitchen island ought to be at least 48 inches long and 24 inches wide.

How do I make the most of my kitchen island? 

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There are many ways to use your kitchen island and to find the best way for you, you should start by deciding what you need most from it.

Do you need storage space or are you just looking for more space for meal prep? Your answers will help you plan out the kitchen island and accessorize it effectively.

One way to do this is to opt for a butcher block, which is ideal if you do a lot of chopping and slicing during meal prep. You do not have to get a large piece, since for small kitchen islands you can find compact square blocks.

Alternatively, you can choose to make the entire surface of the kitchen island into one large wooden block that acts as a countertop and doubles as a chopping board.

Make the most of your kitchen island by choosing a version whose lower section can be fitted with shelves, drawers, and cabinets. Consider adding a pot rack to make the best use of the sides that would otherwise remain unused.

You can make your kitchen island the centerpiece of the kitchen by choosing colorful splashes with bold accents, bright cabinetry, and colors. This is possible by using creative backsplashes, fruit bowls, colorful cabinet fronts, and linens such as aprons hung on the side.

Conclusion

Just because you have limited kitchen space, you do not have to skimp on extra dining or meal prep space. A kitchen island customized for a small layout can be a perfect space-saving solution.

Kitchen islands come in many shapes and sizes, and there are many options to suit small kitchen spaces. You can choose from narrow islands, rolling islands, and suspending islands among many others to suit the available space in your kitchen.