Mustering up ultrafunctional small kitchen island ideas may seem challenging, but it’s worth the effort. After all, an island is the star of the kitchen, and even with a tiny footprint, these pieces serve many purposes, from prep space to dining area to a spot to drop the mail. It also adds extra counter space, which is always a plus in a tinier kitchen. Below, we’ve gathered up the best small kitchen island ideas to help you make the most of your own interior, plus answers to frequently asked questions.
Is placing an island in a small kitchen a good idea?
Yes, it can be! It all depends on how you intend to use your small kitchen island—beyond extra prep space, a small kitchen island can serve as a workspace, a dining area, or a natural gathering point when you’re hosting. It can also bring much-needed storage space to a room that might be lacking in capacity. “If you’re still on the fence and not ready to bring a permanent structure into your space, there’s always an option for a moveable island that can be repositioned within the space based on your needs,” says Kerrie Kelly, owner and principal designer of Kerrie Kelly Studio.
How can you maximize space with a small kitchen island?
With limited space, you’ll want to ensure your kitchen design is as efficient as possible. “Prioritize multifunctional design elements,” advises Hannah Oravec, owner and principal designer of Lawless Design. “Include built-in storage to keep essentials like cookware or pantry items close at hand, and select a size that complements the flow of the room without restricting movement.” Don’t forget to pay attention to other design elements within the room so that your kitchen island is an asset rather than a hindrance, suggests Kelly.
How do you style a small kitchen island?
Styling a small kitchen island comes down to the age-old ethos of less is more, according to the designers we spoke with. “Avoiding excess clutter is key,” says Gabrielle Santiago, owner and principal designer of Gabrielle Santiago Design. “Keeping the island and countertops clean and minimal helps create the illusion of space and depth, making the kitchen feel larger and more open.” Santiago suggests keeping only a few carefully selected functional items that serve a purpose on the island. “The simpler and more organized the island, the more spacious the kitchen will feel,” she says. Other decor ideas include a simple flower arrangement or a beautiful bowl of fresh fruit.
How do I make the most of my kitchen island?
There are plenty of ways to best utilize your kitchen island, but first you must decide what you need most from it. Are you looking for more storage space? A place primarily for food prep? Are you looking to add pizzazz that the kitchen cabinets are not providing? Whatever the answer may be, use it as guidance for planning out your kitchen island (or accessorizing it, in the case that you already have one).
What can I do with a small kitchen island?
A small kitchen island can do so much more than any old piece of furniture: It can help create a better kitchen layout, serve as a focal point, add extra storage, offer a place to eat a quick meal, and provide a countertop for meal prep.
What can I use instead of a kitchen island?
Just about any table can be used in place of a kitchen island if you get creative. Ideally a kitchen island stand-in should include a tabletop suitable for chopping vegetables or otherwise preparing food, space underneath where you can store additional kitchen equipment, and for a full triple threat, a lip that allows you to pull up a bar stool or two. Both online retailers and vintage stores have plenty of options that would be suitable if you know what to look for. Included below are some specific (and out of the box) options.
Now, onto the ideas.
