The best kitchen island is the one that best fits the footprint of your kitchen, offers the best storage options, and features your favored design aesthetic. There is simply not one single best kitchen island design and no one size fits all approach to great kitchen design. Take into consideration the layout of the room, the preferred materials, and the demand that will be placed on the area.

Choosing the Best Kitchen Island for Your Home

Regarding kitchen islands, there are many options to choose from. Whether you want a pre-built rolling cart island or a built-in full-size island, this guide will help you make the best decision for your home. Kitchen islands provide extra counter space, storage, and even seating. So it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best kitchen island for your home.

Ideally, what do you want from your kitchen island?

A kitchen island is a great way to add extra counter and storage space to your kitchen. Ideally, you want an island that is both functional and stylish.

When choosing an island, you should first decide what purpose it will serve in your kitchen. 

Do you need extra storage space? 

Islands can provide a lot of extra storage space for your kitchen. Open shelves can be used to store items such as dishes, pots and pans, and glassware. Cabinets can be used to store food, small appliances, and napkins. Drawers can be used to store utensils, silverware, and other small items.

Countertop space for food prep? 

An island can give you more countertop space which is ideal for food prep. The extra space an island provides allows you to have a designated spot for cooking and entertaining. Plus, with the added prep space, you can easily add butcher block countertops as a work surface or a cooktop.

Do you want an island that can double as a dining table for entertaining guests?

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it's a great place to entertain and serve guests. Islands can act as another dining area when you have guests. A kitchen island is a great way to entertain guests while still being able to cook and prepare food. Having ample seating is important so that your guests are comfortable and can enjoy their time. Bar stools are a great option for seating because they take up less space than traditional chairs, and you can include an overhang on the island for comfortable dining.

Once you know what function you need your island to serve, you can start shopping for the perfect one. There are many different styles and sizes of kitchen islands to choose from, so take your time and find one that fits your needs and tastes.

Want some more island inspiration? Check out our article on Beautiful Kitchen Island Ideas!

Consider the size of your kitchen and the workspace you'll need

An island can be a great addition to any kitchen, but you need to make sure you have the space for one. You should have at least 4 feet of open space around the perimeter of the island and, ideally, more if you want to be able to move around easily. 

The island should also be big enough to accommodate the extra workspace you'll need from it. If your kitchen is small, you might not be able to fit an island and still have enough open space. In that case, it might be better to go without an island or look for a smaller option. We've included some smaller island options below to help you find the perfect kitchen island for your space.

Rolling Kitchen Cart / Non-Portable Small Kitchen Island

If you have a small kitchen, you know that every square inch counts. That's why a rolling cart island mounted on caster wheels is such a great option for adding extra prep space and storage. This small, portable island is ideal for storing frequently used items, décor, or cookbooks, as they are usually equipped with open shelving. Plus, they're easy to move around as needed, so you can make the most of your limited space. 

If you're tight on space in your kitchen but still want the option for an extra food preparation surface, you may want to consider a small pre-built non-portable island. These islands are similar in size to kitchen carts, but they don't have wheels, so they act similarly to a built-in island. Because they're not considered part of the permanent kitchen fixtures, they don't need to meet building code requirements. That means you can get one without paying for the extra costs associated with a larger built-in island.

Countertop Height Work Table

A work table for your kitchen can be an excellent option for a kitchen island, provided storage space isn't your main reason for needing an island. Kitchen islands are a great way to add extra countertop space to your kitchen, and a work table can provide that space without taking up as much room as a traditional island.

One thing to keep in mind when considering a work table as an island is the height of the countertop. You'll want to make sure the workspace is at a comfortable table height for you to work on, as well as being ergonomically friendly. Storage is another consideration - if you need extra storage space in your kitchen, a work table may not be the best option. However, if you have other storage solutions in mind, a work table can make a great addition to your kitchen layout.

Adding an island or work table is all about maximizing work flow. This is essential when designing a kitchen, and we wrote an article all about it!

Full-Size Traditional Kitchen Island

If you're in the market for a kitchen island, it's hard to beat a traditional full-size kitchen island. It matches your kitchen cabinetry and can be used in many ways, making it a focal point in your kitchen. Adding an island to your kitchen can provide additional storage, prep space, and optimized workflow. It can also be used as a dining table or breakfast nook. If you have the space, a traditional full-size kitchen island is a great addition to the center of the room in any kitchen. 

Appliances like cooktops and sinks are a necessity in any kitchen, but when they're built into an island, it just makes things that much more convenient. Not to mention, it looks really sleek and modern. Countertop materials also play a big role in the overall look and feel of an island. Granite and sintered stone are two popular options because they're durable and easy to clean. But ultimately, it's up to you to decide between different countertop materials which will best match your kitchen's style.

Island Design

Last but not least, let's talk about design options for Kitchen Islands. As kitchen carts, non-portable, and work table island options are typically pre-built and lacking custom features, this section will primarily cover traditional built-in islands.

When designing your custom island for your kitchen, consider design features like color, countertop material, and style. You want it to fit in with the rest of your kitchen, but you also want it to be unique. Here are a few things to consider when designing your custom island.

Consider the side of the island that will face away from your kitchen. You want an island that has a good-sized overhang so that you can comfortably eat at the counter. You also want a durable surface material that will withstand spills and cooking messes. As anyone who has ever shopped for a kitchen knows, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right countertop. It not only needs to be the right color and style, but it also needs to be functional. One option that is both beautiful and functional is a waterfall countertop.

A waterfall countertop is one that extends down the side of your kitchen island, creating a seamless transition from the counter to the floor. This can give your kitchen a more open feel and make it easier to move around in. Waterfall countertops are also very easy to clean, which is an important consideration in any kitchen.

Deciding on a countertop can be hard. Our article on “How to Choose the Best Countertop For Your Modern Kitchen” can help!

Style is also important when choosing a custom island. You want something that compliments the rest of your kitchen but still stands out as unique and adds character to the space. A good way to achieve this is by choosing a color or material for your island that is different from the rest of your kitchen.

If you have a kitchen island that is built in, you will likely need to have it hooked up for electricity. This means having electrical outlets installed so that you can use small appliances and chargers on the island. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is actually not too difficult to do for yourself. With a little bit of planning and some basic knowledge of electrical work, you can have your kitchen island up and running in no time.

Final Thoughts on Kitchen Islands

In conclusion, adding an island to your kitchen can be a great way to enhance its value, functionality, and look. However, it is important to take the time to look at your options and choose the type of island that works best for you. With so many different types of islands available, there is sure to be one that meets your needs and fits your kitchen perfectly.