Kitchen Design
7 Reasons to Choose a Freestanding Kitchen Island
Islands on legs have benefits, including an airy look. Would any of these work for you?
For a kitchen island with a light and airy feeling, consider a design that resembles a freestanding piece of furniture instead of a solid group of cabinets.
2. Combine Island Function With a Table Look
If you’re torn between having an island and a big table, a design like this could be a nice compromise. The top and legs form a tablelike structure, while the cabinets and shelves increase its function. The oak island complements the rest of the kitchen, which was composed to look like a series of separate furniture pieces.
If you’re torn between having an island and a big table, a design like this could be a nice compromise. The top and legs form a tablelike structure, while the cabinets and shelves increase its function. The oak island complements the rest of the kitchen, which was composed to look like a series of separate furniture pieces.
3. Try a Trestle Table
If you would like to keep your kitchen as open as possible, consider a workbench-style island. Trestle legs support a chunky black marble countertop for an industrial look.
An open design like this means that everything is on show, so think carefully about your appliances and plumbing. The pipe for this gas cooktop, for example, runs along a groove routed out of one leg. A walnut strip covers the pipe, which then attaches to the gas pipe in the floor.
If you would like to keep your kitchen as open as possible, consider a workbench-style island. Trestle legs support a chunky black marble countertop for an industrial look.
An open design like this means that everything is on show, so think carefully about your appliances and plumbing. The pipe for this gas cooktop, for example, runs along a groove routed out of one leg. A walnut strip covers the pipe, which then attaches to the gas pipe in the floor.
4. Blend Styles
Try combining two looks by tucking a freestanding console table next to an island on a plinth. This large painted island is a sturdy presence in the room, while the bare wood unit alongside adds some lighter interest.
The mix brings a more industrial look to a traditional kitchen. The Shaker-style island looks quite different from the contemporary dining area, but the freestanding piece helps tie them together.
Try combining two looks by tucking a freestanding console table next to an island on a plinth. This large painted island is a sturdy presence in the room, while the bare wood unit alongside adds some lighter interest.
The mix brings a more industrial look to a traditional kitchen. The Shaker-style island looks quite different from the contemporary dining area, but the freestanding piece helps tie them together.
5. Customize Leg Height and Drawer Depth
This island takes the freestanding look a step further, with legs that are even longer than usual. The designers created a row of deep drawers, which provide lots of storage while leaving plenty of room below.
The spacious gap gives the room a lighter feel and shows off the beautiful stone floor underneath.
Find a cabinetmaker in your area
This island takes the freestanding look a step further, with legs that are even longer than usual. The designers created a row of deep drawers, which provide lots of storage while leaving plenty of room below.
The spacious gap gives the room a lighter feel and shows off the beautiful stone floor underneath.
Find a cabinetmaker in your area
6. Create a Kneehole and a Footrest
A freestanding island can lend itself nicely to a breakfast bar. The designers of this island opened up one side to accommodate a row of stools and a built-in footrest for comfort. It makes the kitchen more of a sociable space, and the open area adds to the freestanding feel of the island.
Shop for bar stools and counter stools on Houzz
A freestanding island can lend itself nicely to a breakfast bar. The designers of this island opened up one side to accommodate a row of stools and a built-in footrest for comfort. It makes the kitchen more of a sociable space, and the open area adds to the freestanding feel of the island.
Shop for bar stools and counter stools on Houzz
7. Add a Rustic Vibe
Do you fancy a rustic-modern feel in your kitchen? Then an island like this is ideal. The large countertop with drawers, crates and shelves below has casters to make it movable. The design adds eclectic personality to the room and provides loads of versatile storage.
Tell us: Do you prefer a freestanding island or one with a plinth? Share your thoughts and pictures in the Comments.
More on Houzz
How to Design a Kitchen Island
See other photos of kitchen islands
Find a kitchen remodeler
Shop for kitchen and dining products
Do you fancy a rustic-modern feel in your kitchen? Then an island like this is ideal. The large countertop with drawers, crates and shelves below has casters to make it movable. The design adds eclectic personality to the room and provides loads of versatile storage.
Tell us: Do you prefer a freestanding island or one with a plinth? Share your thoughts and pictures in the Comments.
More on Houzz
How to Design a Kitchen Island
See other photos of kitchen islands
Find a kitchen remodeler
Shop for kitchen and dining products
If you’ve chosen an attractive floor, such as patterned tile or herringbone parquet, it makes sense to display as much of it as possible. An island with legs, instead of a plinth, is ideal for ensuring that you can see the flooring beneath it. The parquet is a gorgeous feature in this room, and the pale green island sits lightly above it.
Find a local kitchen designer on Houzz