island vs. kitchen table
Comments (34)
K Laurence
6 years agoLauren
6 years agoRelated Discussions
kitchen table forum vs conversations side of kitchens forum
Comments (8)I think you'll find that the Kitchen Table is a fun diversion. Like Gina said, nothing to do with kitchens, but it's a nice group who share lots of things, from family and work, to cars or sharing fun websites or games or whatever. Just like visiting with some old friends. Gina's right, that most forums have their own flavor, and you know most of the people who frequent them. But the KT forum is like a group of friends who just enjoy each other's company. Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Table...See MoreTable vs. Island
Comments (17)I love all the thought put into that table! Given the need for the addition to our kitchen, it is hard to sort of "fake" where the island would be and what the stool needs would be for now. But I have definitely been thinking about the stools, as if we do away with the kitchen table I want the seating to becomfortable! deedles, we do have a dining room - the door next to the seating area/range run is into the dining room, and when we have dinner together we eat in the dining room. Breakfast is in the kitchen, usually me feeding the kids during the week, and the four of us on weekends. lunch is pretty casual, and often not all together. The dining room being so close to the kitchen helps get me comfortable with losing the table. I envision making the opening btw dining room and kitchen larger if we do an addition - it's currently 36". The problem with the counter height table on casters is that it doesn't reside in the right place for prep/cooking, so would be being moved back and forth constantly. But, I like the idea of not doing an addition if we don't need to!...See Morepros and cons of an island (and an island vs. a table)
Comments (12)As RHome410 & ShannonPlus2 mentioned, I prefer a table for family meals. Sitting around a table is more conducive to meal-time conversation & family bonding. Oh, and no TV! Also like ShannonPlus2's mother, my mother finds counter-height seating uncomfortable...but in her case for her back. She needs something under her feet to bring her legs/knees up to the "proper" sitting height...which means propping them up w/boxes. To be honest, I'm also finding that as much as I like our stools, I don't like having to perch my feet on edge of the stool frame...it gets uncomfortable after awhile--for my feet. (My DH wants to put in a bar foot rail along the back of our peninsula for foot perching!) But, I do have to admit when I'm at a party, I prefer standing around an island to sitting at a table. As others have said, islands can make a kitchen more or less functional...it all depends on how you design your kitchen and space you have to work with. So many people try to cram an island in just b/c everyone has one, or b/c they think it's "the" thing right now, or b/c they've been at home where an island really works...so they think they want one too, no matter what!...See MoreUpcoming tiny kitchen remodel...space for table vs. island?
Comments (10)I declare my bias up front as a disliker of islands. Island lovers will tell you it's worth it to cram them in no matter what, if that's what you want. And we're both right. Unless we're both wrong. But seriously. It's your house. Your bias is the only one that counts. My thing about islands, particularly in small rooms is that they're a hazard to navigation. They're always THERE and you're always walking around them. So my suggestion is, if you must have an island (though I prefer a table, always) then go for a nice, solid MOVEABLE island. Either on lockable wheels, or just one big and heavy enough that it stays in place. Nobody wants a wimpy, tippy island. They come pre-made, or you could have one made custom, or there are pieces of furniture that would serve the purpose. That way, if you hate it, or even if you just have a party, or want to do something in the kitchen that requires a lot of open space, you can just move it off to the side for a buffet or bar station or whatever. You are also freer to make an island like this a little bigger, since you can move it out of the way if it bothers you where it is. It also leaves the "dining or island?" option open to the next owner, and doesn't make it for them. Which I think is even better for resale. Just something to consider....See MoreK Laurence
6 years agoLauren
6 years agofunctionthenlook
6 years agoLauren
6 years ago
Melissa Gallagher
6 years agoLauren
6 years agoMelissa Gallagher
6 years agoMelissa Gallagher
6 years ago
auntthelma
6 years agoMelissa Gallagher
6 years agoLauren
6 years ago
Nidnay
6 years agoI would go with an island. Here is a pic of my kitchen. It’s 20 x 16, so I have an extra foot. The island is 8' 3" (99") x 6' 8" (80"), and seats 4 comfortably and there is plenty of isle room (both isles are 53” wide and the isle for the stove area is 60”).
Lauren
6 years ago
PROCAD4interiors
6 years agoWhy don't you extend the cabinets to create a U shape.. ?. I'm going to need more information. I'm not visualizing the current kitchen.
One tip that I would say is that counter heights table are so out, you'll never going to use it, plus if you add the island you'll have more storage.
If you really need the table I'll just add a rectangular shape dining table like the images attached.
Lauren
6 years agoKAZA, thanks for the reply! I’m attaching some pics of the actual kitchen to help. There is a window that extends to the floor on the far wall, and that’s the only reason I didn’t extend the cabinets to make a U shape. I am open to that idea though, however I’d prefer not to lose that light, and I’m sure it’s not necessarily inexpensive to take out half that window.
Maureen
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoMy brother opted for an island for his family of five and gained a really functional spot - a gathering place when they entertain, a great location to lay out a buffet for large gatherings and convenient when someone is cooking and you can sit and chat, it just feels more connected. Go as big as you can and you'll never look back and make sure you can add enough comfortable chairs.
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago- PRO
CAD4interiors
6 years agoLauren,
Having a pantry in that location changes everything. With that said, I don't think you need to touch that window though. One important thing here is the circulation area, If you add a countertop height table in the island you'll have interrupted circulation.
I agree to build an island with the sink and a dishwasher. (make sure you have enough room for moving and open and closing doors). Then you can keep the layout you draw. The nook area could be on the opposite side with a 54 R table, next to the other window on the left. That way you can move the play area to the right and use the storage for your kid's stuff.
I truly think you need to keep that roundtable. It is where you are going to spend most of the meals with your family. The table in the island is more to eat and then leave. I'm not a big fan, as you can see.
Make sure there's enough room to extend the cabinets to the wall (you should have 24" from wall to window). Also, take a look at the passageway measurements.
Milly Rey
6 years agoLauren
6 years agoLauren
6 years ago
Emily Jowers
6 years ago- PRO
CAD4interiors
6 years agoJust leave the pantry where it is and add some pull out drawers. I also like the idea of tall cabinets to take advantage of the space. I think yoir kitchen will turn out spacious and gorgeous.
Take a look at the kitchen renovation we just made. We changed the layout, extended the kitchen and added to the layout a preparation island. The client loved it.
Melissa Gallagher
6 years agoLauren
6 years ago- PRO
CAD4interiors
6 years ago - PRO
CAD4interiors
6 years ago Lauren
6 years ago
PROSativa McGee Designs
6 years agoLauren
6 years ago
LaurenOriginal Author