A kitchen island is not just a central focus of the kitchen. Besides as a preparation table, you can also dine here. If you do not want them too big, some small kitchen island ideas might fit your criteria.
Even if your kitchen is big enough, a small island is still more effective. There is more moving space with these seven ideas at home.
1. The Utilitarian Kitchen Island
Check out the restaurant supply stores near you. Stainless-steel kitchen islands like this one can be found easily. They are also very light and can be much lighter with additional wheels under their legs.
Pros:
- Stainless also means spotless. This kitchen island is easy to clean up. There are no stains left behind and no scratches either.
- They are slim, so you still have some decent moving space around your kitchen.
- They are very much affordable in price.
Cons:
- With such a shape, you may not be able to store much.
- If the temperature rises (either from the cooking activity or the summer heat outside), the stainless steel kitchen island will feel hot too.
2. The Butcher Block Kitchen Island
The butcher block type is the most common choice many would take. If you are the cook who loves chopping and slicing quickly while working in the kitchen, this is one of the best small kitchen island ideas that leave enough space.
Pros:
- They are easy to find. If you are into woodworking, you can even make your own, which means you will save money too.
- As long as the surface of the kitchen island is properly finished or sanded, cleaning up is an easy job.
- They can store a lot and be used as a prep table and to dine in as well.
Cons:
- They are rather heavy to lift or move around. (To solve this problem, you might want to add the wheels under their legs.
- Some stains from the spilling liquid (like sauce) tend to stay longer, no matter how hard you wipe it off. This will affect wood quality in the long run.
- Wood is easily infested by termites. A regular cleanup and maintenance are needed.
3. The Kitchen Island with More Storage
This is one of the small kitchen island ideas that you might find ideal. With two shelves on one side and drawers on another, you get to store a lot. If your kitchen cabinet is already stuffed with utensils, use this to store some more.
Pros:
- You can store your cookbook collection on the shelves. They will be easier to grasp.
- This kitchen island is also perfect for a preparation table before cooking. You can also dine here.
Cons:
- With a lot of storage, you might forget what to put where. Label each drawer so you will not forget.
- Since this kitchen island has no leg space under the top, sitting close to it for dining in may not feel that comfortable.
4. A Small Kitchen Island/Bar Dining Table
If your kitchen feels too small, you can set up a bar-style dining table as an island. It is a little bit higher than most regular tables, so you will need proper bar stools instead of chairs. Another idea would be to attach it to a sink set in the middle of the kitchen.
Pros:
- Since it is not wide but long, a bar dining table makes a perfect island for your small kitchen. You still have plenty of moving space.
- Since it is a dining table, you can dine more comfortably in the kitchen. You will not have to go far for more food.
- The stools can be dragged under the dining table when you are done eating, so they will not get in the way.
Cons:
- A bar dining table – just like all regular tables – are heavy to lift or move around when you need to do some floor-mopping.
- You cannot store anything here since a bar dining table does not have any drawers, cabinets, or shelves.
5. A Floating Kitchen Island
No, we are not talking about a flying kitchen island, which is impossible. This is one of the small kitchen island ideas that can also save your space. Whether it is an L-shaped wood plank built into the floor or wall, it works the same way.
Pros:
- It is easier to clean up too since you do not have to bend down so much.
- Just drag the stools under it when you are done eating, so they will not get in the way.
Cons:
- Since it is built-in, you cannot move it around unless it is torn down.
- Since it does not have any drawers, cabinets, or shelves, you can only store so much on its top.
6. A Kitchen Island with Pendant Lights
To make your kitchen island the main focus of the kitchen, add a pendant light or two overhead. Okay, three is the maximum amount. Especially if the hanging, pendant lights are artistic-looking.
Pros:
- The pendant lights help you to see better at night, especially if it is dark outside.
- The lights add extra warmth to the kitchen.
Cons:
- If the pendant light design does not fit the kitchen’s theme, it will look more out of place instead of beautiful.
- Do not hang them too low or your head might hit one of them by accident.
7. A Small Kitchen Island with Wheels
As mentioned earlier in the first example, a kitchen island with wheels is advisable. They can be moved around and repositioned easily when you want to. Plus, these portable kitchen islands give an industrial look to your kitchen.
Pros:
- You will not have to worry about lifting the kitchen island when you want to redecorate your kitchen.
- If it is not too big, it can function as a kitchen cart as well.
Cons:
- The kitchen island might slip and move away if you bump against it accidentally. It is not so comfortable for a dine-in.
- If something happens to one of its wheels, the fixing part is hard.
From these seven small kitchen island ideas, which do you like best?
