9 Really Smart Small Kitchen Island Ideas for Your House

An island is perhaps one of the most multi-functional fixtures in a kitchen. From being a prep space for your cooking, a practical storage unit, to a mini dining area — this surface can do it all. It won’t be wrong to say that it’s more a necessity than a luxury. And those who do not have a sprawling kitchen, need not fret. You can still have a small kitchen island to fulfill a lot of purposes.

Even in the tiniest of kitchens, a small island is very much possible if you plan your space well. After all, adding an island can give you extra counter space and the perfect spot for your morning coffee. Also, it amplifies the room’s compact square footage in a practical way. 

Want some island inspiration for your small kitchen? We have your back. We’ve listed out some of the best small kitchen island options and ideas to help you make the most of your floor plan with limited square footage. 

Let’s make your cooking space more enjoyable and utilitarian. So, here we go:

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1. Opt for a narrow free-standing console or table

Whether a large kitchen or a small one — a compact kitchen island is a good idea. Instead of a bulky one, you must go for a narrow free-standing island that has sleek legs. 

The minimalist design will let you enjoy all the benefits of a kitchen island while clearing a lot of floor space. Top it with a butcher’s block, marble, quartz, or granite, and easily create more room to get your meals ready.

The slim island or console will add style and an extra surface to your kitchen. You can even push it up against a wall to get it out of the way when you don’t require it. This will significantly extend your counter space

And, do you know what the best part is? Since it’s not built-in, the console can be moved to the living area for all your get-togethers too!

2. Create a stainless steel chef’s table with a small kitchen island

Love cooking up a storm for your family and friends? We have a simple yet practical solution to inspire the chef in you. Bring home a sleek stainless steel small kitchen island a la restaurant style. 

Such an island is not only great as a prep area, but it’s also easy to clean and maintain too. What’s more, it doesn’t cost much. You can pick one up at your local restaurant supply store. Hang a stunning metal pendant light fixture over it and your kitchen will gleam in all its glory.

3. Let your kitchen island double up as a minibar

A great way to incorporate a small kitchen island into your house is to make it multifunctional. Let your creative juices flow and use a single furniture item in more ways than one. Here, we love how the kitchen island is also a minibar cart. 

Select a model that has plenty of room for bottles and glasses down below while having a good amount of counter space for your dinner preparation. And, if you get a smart kitchen island, it might also be able to house a concealed mini-refrigerator.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Island Lighting? Let’s find out!

4. Get your kitchen island to multitask as a workstation 

Who says a kitchen is only for cooking. If you’re one of the many new-age millennials, chances are you have a job that requires you to work from home. And, what better way than to create a cozy workspace right in your kitchen. Amidst the aroma of freshly baked bread! 

You can customize a kitchen island with a solid countertop and lots of power outlets to plug in your laptop or lamp. Add a comfortable chair and your home office is set.  

5. Opt for a kitchen island in a different shape

The regular square-shaped kitchen island is a great idea but a small kitchen will do well with a round kitchen island too, preferably one with a lot of storage space. It will easily maximize your space. Furthermore, such a design is accessible from all sides — making it easy for you to operate around it. Also, there are no sharp edges to poke you if you have a kitchen with limited space. Throw in a couple of chairs around the island and you’re ready to have a little up close and personal tete-a-tete with your friends. 

6. Invest in a small kitchen island with built-in shelving

There’s nothing called extra storage. Everyone loves a good space to stock all their pots and pans, prized pottery, or cookbooks in the kitchen. With a smart kitchen island that’s brimming with storage, who needs the too-high-to-reach kitchen cabinets. Ensure that your island has deep shelving or drawers within the base on at least three sides.

If you further utilize the space above the island, you can consider adding a pot rack. This will ensure that your cabinets are kept free for other kitchen items.

7. Combine your island and dining table

If your small kitchen doesn’t have enough space for a separate dining table, your kitchen island can easily become your dining area. Although this idea has been used for many years, some things never get old. Throw in a few dining stools and brighten up the room with soothing paint colors for a cozy nook. This eat-in kitchen makes the space functional as well as warm. 

All in all, you get a great place to sit and enjoy your family dinner and a counter-height table to work too. Choose a drop leaf island. You can pop it up when needed or drop it down for ease of movement in a small kitchen.

Read more: Best Materials for Your Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

8. Put your compact kitchen island on wheels

A portable kitchen island is a great idea if you have a tiny kitchen. In such limited square footage, there’s nothing more valuable than flexibility. Get an island with wheels that you can move around as and when required. Having friends over for dinner? Wheel your kitchen cart in and serve hot and delicious snacks.

A word of advice: choose high-density polyurethane wheels with a locking mechanism. The locks will keep the island from moving when you want it to be stationary.

9. Be creative and turn an old dresser into an island

There’s great satisfaction in turning your discarded items into practical home features. If budget or space is an issue, try transforming an old wooden dresser into a small kitchen island. It will have drawer storage too! 

You can add a top with butcher’s block or any other material. Such a do-it-yourself idea will significantly lower your kitchen remodeling cost and utilize repurposed furniture in the house. A win-win situation indeed. 

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Quick takeaway

Who doesn’t dream of an enormous kitchen with an equally huge kitchen island? However, if you do not have both, there’s no reason to lose heart. Just because your kitchen is compact, it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the glorious benefits of a kitchen island. 

You too deserve an amazing kitchen island that creates extra counter space with additional storage and is sized correctly.

We hope our nine small kitchen island ideas will inspire you enough to choose a design that makes the most of your kitchen without interrupting your workflow.

Read more: How To Modernize Your Kitchen?

Written by Ramona Sinha. August 7, 2019

Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depths of her soul.