8 Small Kitchen Islands With Big Ideas
See how to make an island work in a small kitchen with these space-smart designs
Even in a relatively spacious kitchen it can be hard to fit in a full-size island, but there are plenty of mini alternatives for small and medium-sized spaces. Take a look at these compact solutions and see if you get any inspired petite kitchen ideas.
2. Extend a single unit
A little island like this is just big enough to provide somewhere to perch for a cuppa or a quick meal, but there’s nothing too complicated about it. It’s fundamentally just a single base unit that’s been extended to create a neat space for a stool.
Most kitchen islands are made bespoke from individual units and can be configured to suit your space and the way you want to use it. So if you’d like an island but aren’t sure about dimensions, talk to your kitchen designer to see if you could create something similar.
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A little island like this is just big enough to provide somewhere to perch for a cuppa or a quick meal, but there’s nothing too complicated about it. It’s fundamentally just a single base unit that’s been extended to create a neat space for a stool.
Most kitchen islands are made bespoke from individual units and can be configured to suit your space and the way you want to use it. So if you’d like an island but aren’t sure about dimensions, talk to your kitchen designer to see if you could create something similar.
Find a kitchen renovation professional
3. See through it
The central unit in this little kitchen is a good illustration of how to get the extra prep space an island can offer in a compact room. By choosing a small table, open on all sides, the designers have ensured the unit takes up minimal visual space.
This type of island is probably best suited to tidy cooks, as the lack of closed storage space means everything is on display and clutter could quickly accumulate. However, it’s a good way to bring in extra worktop space and has the advantage of being relatively light to move around.
The central unit in this little kitchen is a good illustration of how to get the extra prep space an island can offer in a compact room. By choosing a small table, open on all sides, the designers have ensured the unit takes up minimal visual space.
This type of island is probably best suited to tidy cooks, as the lack of closed storage space means everything is on display and clutter could quickly accumulate. However, it’s a good way to bring in extra worktop space and has the advantage of being relatively light to move around.
4. Dare to be square
Islands are traditionally rectangular, but if space is tight, a small square island might work better. The owners of this kitchen have simply squared off a small rectangular unit with a piece of worktop cut to size.
They’ve then been able to tuck two small bar stools underneath the overhang, thus creating the worktop space of a larger unit with the footprint of a smaller one.
To create something similar, ask your kitchen designer how far your island worktop could be extended, but if it’s in a high-traffic area, ensure the corners are safely rounded off to avoid accidents.
Meet, eat and play at the kitchen-table island
Islands are traditionally rectangular, but if space is tight, a small square island might work better. The owners of this kitchen have simply squared off a small rectangular unit with a piece of worktop cut to size.
They’ve then been able to tuck two small bar stools underneath the overhang, thus creating the worktop space of a larger unit with the footprint of a smaller one.
To create something similar, ask your kitchen designer how far your island worktop could be extended, but if it’s in a high-traffic area, ensure the corners are safely rounded off to avoid accidents.
Meet, eat and play at the kitchen-table island
5. Have fun with the design
Larger island units often have to work hard as an integral part of a kitchen design, housing the sink or stove for example, so they usually need to be custom-built. But in a small room, if the main purpose of the island is to provide an extra work surface, you can afford to have a little fun.
Upcycling a piece of storage furniture can be a great way to add character to your kitchen. An ex-shop fitting, like this haberdashery unit, can make a wonderful island if the size works for your space, or look in second-hand shops for smaller worktables or benches.
The key with looking for the right second-hand piece is to always have your room measurements jotted down and handy, so you can seize the moment if you spot something perfect.
Larger island units often have to work hard as an integral part of a kitchen design, housing the sink or stove for example, so they usually need to be custom-built. But in a small room, if the main purpose of the island is to provide an extra work surface, you can afford to have a little fun.
Upcycling a piece of storage furniture can be a great way to add character to your kitchen. An ex-shop fitting, like this haberdashery unit, can make a wonderful island if the size works for your space, or look in second-hand shops for smaller worktables or benches.
The key with looking for the right second-hand piece is to always have your room measurements jotted down and handy, so you can seize the moment if you spot something perfect.
6. Maximise a butcher’s block
A traditional piece of kitchen equipment, the humble butcher’s block makes an excellent freestanding island unit, especially if you find a design with a storage shelf underneath like this one.
Vintage models with a well-worn surface add real character to a new kitchen, but these can be quite large, so if space is really tight, you might be able to find a new block that’s a little more compact.
Several of these smaller units are on wheels, too, so can be moved into the centre of the room as needed then tucked away close to the wall when not in use.
Browse more kitchen designs
A traditional piece of kitchen equipment, the humble butcher’s block makes an excellent freestanding island unit, especially if you find a design with a storage shelf underneath like this one.
Vintage models with a well-worn surface add real character to a new kitchen, but these can be quite large, so if space is really tight, you might be able to find a new block that’s a little more compact.
Several of these smaller units are on wheels, too, so can be moved into the centre of the room as needed then tucked away close to the wall when not in use.
Browse more kitchen designs
7. Choose a high table
If you want your island to serve mainly as somewhere to sit with a glass of wine in the evening or a bowl of cereal in the morning, a slim bar table could be your best option.
A lightweight model like this is a great option for renters or indecisive homeowners alike, as it’s neat and compact, and it doesn’t have the permanence of a fixed island.
If you want your island to serve mainly as somewhere to sit with a glass of wine in the evening or a bowl of cereal in the morning, a slim bar table could be your best option.
A lightweight model like this is a great option for renters or indecisive homeowners alike, as it’s neat and compact, and it doesn’t have the permanence of a fixed island.
8. Big up a little unit
Keen on the two-tone kitchen look? There’s no reason why you can’t make an impact with a standout shade on even the teensiest of islands. The earthy green colour on this cute unit creates a centrepiece, with the many cupboards around the perimeter visually receding rather than making the kitchen feel crowded.
Keeping the same worktop material, though, was a good design move. Such a small island could have felt a bit lost, but this link makes it clearly part of the scheme.
Three drawers, a kitchen-roll holder and a chopping-board-sized worktop make this more than decorative. And the fact it’s on wheels means the space is flexible, too.
TELL US
Have you managed to slot in a small kitchen island? Share photos and tips in the Comments section.
Keen on the two-tone kitchen look? There’s no reason why you can’t make an impact with a standout shade on even the teensiest of islands. The earthy green colour on this cute unit creates a centrepiece, with the many cupboards around the perimeter visually receding rather than making the kitchen feel crowded.
Keeping the same worktop material, though, was a good design move. Such a small island could have felt a bit lost, but this link makes it clearly part of the scheme.
Three drawers, a kitchen-roll holder and a chopping-board-sized worktop make this more than decorative. And the fact it’s on wheels means the space is flexible, too.
TELL US
Have you managed to slot in a small kitchen island? Share photos and tips in the Comments section.
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When planning an island, it can be tempting to try to squeeze in some extra seating by placing bar stools along one side. However, in a small- or medium-sized space, this can feel cramped and look messy.
The owners of this kitchen have resisted the urge to add seating to their island, choosing a slim unit with no overhang instead. This means they’ve left enough floor space to the side of the island to comfortably fit in a dining table, with room to walk easily between the two.