Have a small kitchen space? Need more function out of your kitchen without compromising on design? A kitchen island is a great way to add function and style to your kitchen.
Here are things to consider when looking for the perfect kitchen island for your space:
1. Butcher Block Kitchen Island
A butcher block island has become popular for its durable and functional surface. The butcher block counter top provides ready to use surface for meal prep and also as a snack counter. But keep in mind that this type of kitchen island requires maintenance- regular sealing with mineral oil to prevent damage.
This butcher block island has added hooks and drawers with an open storage base shelf for easy access. The nice sage green color adds uniqueness to a kitchen design.
source: Powell Company
✓ Prep Space
✗ Extra Counter Space
✓ Additional Storage
✗ Portable
✓ Appropriate Size
2. Rolling Kitchen Island
Rolling kitchen islands are great for those that want to add style and functionality but are not ready to commit to a built-in island in a small kitchen space.
This slender, rustic style rolling kitchen island is outfitted with shelves and drawers for storage of items such as pots. The extra added side bars could be used to hang towels or “s” hooks to hang other items like oven mitts. Its narrow nature allows it to be moved into the center of the room to provide additional meal-prep or food-staging space, and can also be tucked into a nearby nook/niche to reconfigure your design and space whenever you’d like.
source: Crosley Furniture
✓ Prep Space
✗ Extra Counter Space
✓ Additional Storage
✓ Portable
✓ Appropriate Size
3. Mobile Industrial Stainless Steel Kitchen Island (Kitchen Cart)
This unit is very functional and provides additional prep space. The large drawer and shelves are great for storage. Safely store your knives in the cutlery bay, a feature that chefs would appreciate.
Stainless steel is lighter than other alternative materials, such as wood, and can be easily relocated with the help of its large caster wheels. Move the unit to a nearby nook to promote efficient traffic flow while entertaining your guests.
This stylish stainless steel island adds a modern flare to this kitchen's traditional style.
source: Crosley Furniture
✓ Prep Space
✗ Extra Counter Space
✓ Additional Storage
✓ Portable
✓ Appropriate Size
4. Drop Leaf Kitchen Island
If extra counter space is what you need then a drop leaf kitchen island is the right choice for you. Pop up the drop leaf when extra counter space is needed and drop it down when not in use to free up space in a small kitchen.
This drop leaf kitchen island has a wooden drop leaf opposite to the cabinets and drawers. Bar stools could be added if drop leaf is used as an eating space. The cabinets, drawers, and side rack provide plenty of storage for utensils and silverware. The wheels make this island very portable and can be tucked away or moved to the side. The stainless steel counter top is very durable and hygienic and also serves as a style accent.
source: http://www.christellegeffroy.net/
✓ Prep Space
✓ Extra Counter Space
✓ Additional Storage
✓ Portable
✓ Appropriate Size
5. Open Storage Island
Take the look of your kitchen a step further with an island that combines and open and closed storage option. Not only does this aesthetically enhance your kitchen, this small island packs a punch with its cabinets on both each side for holding items such as silverware and dish towels, two drawers, three fixed shelves, wine racks on each side, towel rack. The added feature that’s not shown in the picture is the side counter located right under the counter top that pulls out for added counter space.
This open storage island design is perfect for making a small kitchen layout look light and airy.
source: Home Styles Furniture
✓ Prep Space
✓ Extra Counter Space
✓ Additional Storage
✓ Portable
✓ Appropriate Size
Which kitchen island did you love the most? Tell us what you think in the comment box below!
