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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. top rated stainless steel sinks
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Adding contrast through mixed materials keep a kitchen interesting.
It’s easy for a small kitchen space to feel crowded—even more so if you add a kitchen island without considering the material and how it interacts with the rest of your kitchen design choices. In this kitchen, designer Michelle Gage wanted the space to feel cozy but not cramped. “To achieve this, we mixed materials,” she says. “The center island is a light wood while the walls are lined with light blue cabinets.”
A sleek island with clean lines maintains order and serenity in a smaller space.
Does your kitchen open up into an open living space? Opt for a small kitchen island with clean lines that’s pared down. In this condo, Kelly aimed to tailor the kitchen design for the young, active family living there. “Every detail was thoughtfully curated to support a dynamic lifestyle, from modern, adaptable furnishings to a scaled-down island that transitions effortlessly from food prep and dining to entertaining—blending seamlessly into the open living space for easy, everyday functionality,” she says.
Make the most of your space by incorporating appliances and other necessities directly into the island.
Though slightly larger, pull inspiration from this project by Kelly and free up extra counter space by adding cleverly hidden features to your small kitchen island. “Knowing our clients truly embraced the kitchen as the heart of the home, this kitchen island was full of hidden features that maximized functionality: from an inset sink and microwave drawer to charging outlets and storage,” says Kelly. The blue pop of color is a vibrant addition to the all-white kitchen too.
A peninsula, which is often attached to one wall, can be the perfect island solution in a small kitchen.
Who says a kitchen island must live in the middle of the room? In a galley-style, narrow kitchen, an island seems impossible. And yet, designer Amy Peltier reimagined a small peninsula with bar stools as the built-in island this kitchen needed. “This peninsula is a small little island breaking up the long, narrow feeling of the kitchen,” she says. “We also used it as a design element in the space, adding a bit of charm and personality.”
Maximize functionality with a dual-height island.
Installing dual-height countertops to your kitchen island adds needed flexibility in a small space, with the traditional-height countertop ideal for meal prep and the lower-height countertop comfortable as a makeshift dining table. “This dual-height setup creates a subtle, natural flow within the kitchen, allowing for multiple activities to happen simultaneously without feeling cluttered or cramped,” says Santiago.
Open shelving keeps a small kitchen feeling light and airy.
Open up a tiny kitchen by opting for an open shelf, like the one on this custom-made freestanding island. “There are drawers for storage and a bottom shelf for easy access to large kitchen items that look beautiful just sitting out,” says Kelsey Haywood, owner and principal designer of Haywoodmade Interiors. “It saves the flow of the space and saves in the budget by forgoing custom cabinetry on the island.”
Though it may not make for great storage, a small table can work in place of an island when extra countertop space is needed.
While renovating this back kitchen, the designers at Kobel & Co uncovered a beautifully unique gem—an antique butcher block island original to the home. The U-shape kitchen layout was just large enough that a tiny kitchen island was needed, but not so large that it could handle a full-size option. This small, rounded table now adds a charming touch with its antique wood.
If pressed for square footage, consider how existing structural elements can be incorporated into a small island design.
If your small kitchen has distinct structural elements that make you think it’ll be impossible to add an island, try working with them for a cohesive look. “The kitchen island became a focal point, strategically placed where the original beams and column once stood,” says Oravec. “Instead of working around these structural elements, we embraced them, cladding the beams to tie them seamlessly into the design.”
The island can stand out if the floor and cabinetry match.
Matching the kitchen cabinets to the floor can help visually enlarge a compact space—plus it allows the countertop material to make a bold statement, like with this waterfall marble top. “To make the compact area feel larger, we used consistent materials like reclaimed wood on the cabinet fronts, blending them with the flooring for a seamless look,” says Nicole Lanteri, owner and principal designer of Nicole Lanteri Design. “The centerpiece is a kitchen island that balances beauty and practicality.”
Consider texture when looking for ways to add interest to a small kitchen.
Paneling is a subtle way to add texture to a small space. “This kitchen is small but mighty, and we needed to create more with less,” says Meredith Huck, owner and principal designer of House of Huck. “We added interest through texture and dimension—our neutral tile backsplash has variations throughout which looks like a higher-end, hand-painted watercolor tile, and we added paneling to the island for an elevated look.”
Mobility can be key for improved island functionality.
A small, stainless steel island on wheels is the perfect workhorse for this tiny kitchen—plus it offers three tiers of shelving and counter space, offering maximum functionality. “We opted for a mobile, stainless-steel island that comfortably fits into the kitchen design while still providing extra storage and counter space,” says Miranda Cullen, principal designer and founder of Inside Stories. “The mobile nature allows the homeowner to move the island to wherever it is needed in the space.”
By focusing attention on the island’s details, you can create a statement piece.
Your kitchen island doesn’t need to blend into the surrounding kitchen design—you can opt for something a bit more eye-catching instead. “The island is small but is a statement in the center of the room, as we designed it much like a furniture piece with legs, intricate wood detailing, and a blue countertop,” says Katie Schroder, principal designer and founder of Atelier Interior Design.
An island doesn’t have to be in the middle of the kitchen. Consider other placements that may help you maximize space more.
The kitchen island doesn’t always need to be centered in the room—think outside the box where needed. “This home was a new-build construction that lacked space on the main level, so we had to be creative in renovating the layout to give the homeowners a full living room, dining room, and kitchen in one open space,” says Schroeder. “The island is attached to the dining banquette to make up for space.”
Slender legs can make an island feel more streamlined—ideal in a smaller room.
If opting for an open-shelf kitchen island, an island with slender legs can create an airy feel. In this kitchen designed by Kobel & Co., powder-coated metal and a walnut top on slender legs combine beautifully to echo other materials in the room.
“It’s really nice when a client is willing to try new things and take risks,” Allison Crawford says, in reference to this mirrored backsplash.
Honed-leather black granite, meet wallet; wallet, meet a sneaky and chic way to save money. Not only will this underutilized countertop help you save a buck, but it’s also easy to clean and hides dirt. Case in point: this chic kitchen by interior designer Allison Crawford.
The magical Marmoreal kitchen island, which is composed of four classical Italian marbles, is just as fabulous as the story that goes with it. It’s a custom-made piece by Dzek and Max Lamb.
Steer clear of boring and expected countertops by adding a terrazzo slab to your kitchen island. Looking for an even more astounding design? Follow the lead of photographer Sidney Bensimon’s kitchen design and choose Marmoreal, terrazzo’s arguably cooler cousin. The statement-making material uses larger segments of colorful Italian marble, allowing for natural shapes and textures to thrive.
Homeowners Nick Spain and Michael Bolognino moved the kitchen from its antiquated position in the back of their house to a prime central location in order to situate the room within the heart of the home.
Deceive the eye and make your kitchen space look bigger by opting for a waterfall-like marble kitchen island, as homeowners Nick Spain and Michael Bolognino did in their kitchen renovation.
Pops of red were one of the most important elements of this kitchen design. Designers Kate Harry and Emily Rogers of Fabrikate wanted it to be a playful contrast to the natural wood details, even when it came to the small island nook.
At a loss when it comes to spicing up your kitchen island? Swap out your standard sink faucet for something a bit brighter, like in this Fabrikate-designed kitchen. Choose a color that matches the accents around your space for a more cohesive look.
The blue chair by Jean-Louis Bonnant combines with Roger Tallon folding stools. The yellow light fixture is Anders Pehrson for Atelje Lyktan.
For extra-tiny islands, matching the island to the materials of your cupboards and countertops can help the space feel more cohesive, like in this Paris kitchen designed by Thibaut Picard that combines stainless steel surfaces and wood cabinetry.
“I’ve always wanted a stainless steel kitchen,” says homeowner Chris Bletzer.
Stainless steel tables can be found at restaurant supply stores, and their slim profiles (and incredibly low price) make them a great kitchen island option for tiny kitchens. The tabletops can also be outfitted with a butcher block top for a less industrial look. Homeowner Chris Bletzer designed his stainless steel kitchen with Bowery Restaurant Supply.
White cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a Caesarstone countertop brighten a once dimly lit corner kitchen, which also features a charming light-blue-and-wood island.
Small butcher block tables are ideal for avid chefs who are constantly chopping and slicing. You can find tables like the one that Shoko Wagner got for her Harlem apartment in different sizes, including compact square versions that can be squeezed into tight spaces. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a reno project, switch out your existing countertop for one that doubles as a chopping board.
In the kitchen, the original Catalan vaulted ceiling competes with the color palette for best detail. (It had been hidden by plaster!)
Make the most of your island by choosing a version with shelves, cabinets, or drawers within the base, just like this coral pink Barcelona kitchen that got a makeover thanks to architecture firm Conti, Cert. If you’re making the island a permanent addition to the room, consider adding a pot rack to utilize the space above (and free up the cabinets for other items).
“I was going to stain them, but ultimately, when the cabinetry people came in, they said how difficult it was going to be,” Carly remembers. “But it actually does make the space feel a little bit larger, not having such a contrast between the cabinetry and the floor.”
If you don’t have room for an island in the center of your space, position it perpendicular to the cabinetry or a wall. This will create an extension that can have bar seating and provide extra counter space, as artist and interior designer Carly Berlin’s kitchen island shows.
The kitchen tiles are from San Francisco–based Clé. Forrest, his mom, and a friend did the tiling themselves, which, Forrest says, “was quite an endeavor that I wouldn’t do again if I had the choice.”
Just because your kitchen island is small doesn’t mean it can’t be the centerpiece, as the Tropico Photo founders’s kitchen island design proves. Make a colorful splash with unexpected accents like barstools that match bright cabinetry, and layer in prints and pops of color everywhere you can—whether it be the backsplash, linens, fruit bowls, or cabinet fronts.
“I don’t generally like the way kitchens look,” says Jeni, who tucked hers around a corner. Lacanche Chagny range in ivory with brass trim. White oak cabinetry fabricated by Brian McGown with a custom finish. Countertop and wall tiles, Bianco Dolomiti from Artistic Tile. Vola faucet.
Depending on your floor plan, if you have a small kitchen that opens to a bigger room, you can always draw a kitchen island out into that space. Though it might cost you extra square footage, it can certainly pay off whether you hope to use your kitchen island as a breakfast bar or as a workspace. The white kitchen in Jeni and Johnny Erbes-Chan’s Brooklyn townhouse is the perfect example.
In this kitchen, the island hides extra storage space in plain sight.
One can never have too much storage...ever. Be like food blogger Anna Barnett and choose a kitchen island that includes sneaky storage with hidden door handles and discrete cabinets.
A vintage Turkish rug from Etsy adds a homey vibe.
A kitchen island can be handy when you’re cooking, but it also takes up floor space the rest of the time. Find a version with wheels—or add them to your existing island—so that you can roll it into a corner or closet and keep the kitchen clear. Food photographer Ashleigh Amoroso did exactly that for her own workspace.
“The experience of cooking in my now open kitchen and having a huge countertop is life changing,” homeowner Molly says. “I feel so much happier not being closed off.”
In this apartment remodel, Project AZ knocked down a wall that once created a very tiny kitchen. The space is still rather small, but the removal of that wall allowed an island to be put in place. The island adds a soft separation while still allowing the homeowners to feel connected to the living room.
stainless steel sink tidy Jacquelyn Jablonski worked with Henrybuilt to design her kitchen.