See How Peninsulas Can Get You More Storage and Countertop Space
Make the most of a compact kitchen with a mini peninsula
Jennifer Ott
January 28, 2017
San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer's work has been featured in many print and online publications. Her recently-published book, "1000 Ideas for Color Schemes," is a beautifully illustrated and easy-to-navigate guide that takes the guesswork out of selecting the perfect color palette for your home or special event. For more information on Jennifer Ott Design, visit http://jenottdesign.com/.
San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer's... More
We recently profiled options for skinny islands in small kitchens. For those who can’t swing a micro island, either due to the size or the layout of their kitchen, perhaps a petite peninsula can fill the need for more storage or countertop space. Here’s how.
The main difference between a kitchen island and a peninsula is that the former is open and unattached on all four sides, whereas the latter is open on just three sides. Because of this, a peninsula tends to be a fixed piece of cabinetry in a kitchen, unlike an island, which can be a free-standing piece of furniture or even a cart on wheels.
But what a peninsula lacks in flexibility it more than makes up for in function. As with an island, the base can be used for extra storage, and the surface can be used for cooking prep or as a casual place to sit around. It’s therefore a terrific alternative in a kitchen where an island simply isn’t an option.
But what a peninsula lacks in flexibility it more than makes up for in function. As with an island, the base can be used for extra storage, and the surface can be used for cooking prep or as a casual place to sit around. It’s therefore a terrific alternative in a kitchen where an island simply isn’t an option.
One advantage peninsulas have over islands is that they can act as a friendly barrier to keep kitchen visitors at bay. This is crucial if your kitchen is on the smaller side. The chef or chefs can be prepping a meal without having to dodge people perched around an island.
By putting the seating area on the outer edge of the peninsula, away from the work zone, your kids or guests can sit nearby and visit with you while you work, but not be underfoot or in the way of any cabinets you need to access.
By putting the seating area on the outer edge of the peninsula, away from the work zone, your kids or guests can sit nearby and visit with you while you work, but not be underfoot or in the way of any cabinets you need to access.
Keep in mind that if your peninsula is going to serve as a place for people to sit at, you’re going to want to include an overhanging countertop for knee space. The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends allowing 15 inches of clear knee space for a standard 36-inch-high kitchen countertop, and 12 inches for a 42-inch bar-height countertop.
I’ve worked in less space than this, but be aware that if you go less than 10 inches, it can start to get uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time.
I’ve worked in less space than this, but be aware that if you go less than 10 inches, it can start to get uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time.
A peninsula also can house appliances, allowing for the setup of specialized work zones. Place a wine or beverage refrigerator in a peninsula alongside a cabinet to store glassware, and you have a nice little wine/beverage nook that guests can access without getting underfoot in the main work zone. Or create an area just for the kids by putting a microwave and a refrigerator drawer at an accessible height in the base of the peninsula.
This is another advantage of a peninsula, as it can be a challenge to feed electrical or plumbing lines into a stand-alone island.
This is another advantage of a peninsula, as it can be a challenge to feed electrical or plumbing lines into a stand-alone island.
Of course, you don’t have to include a base cabinet or appliances beneath a projecting peninsula-style countertop to get function out of it. Perhaps all you need is an extra little surface area for two people to gather around. By cutting the base cabinetry out of the equation, you can give more area over to knee space.
This is an option that would probably work in even the tiniest kitchens. If yours is a very tight space, try putting the extending piece of countertop on a hinge so that you can lower it out of the way when it’s not in use.
Your turn: Tell us how you have put a petite peninsula to work in your own kitchen and share your pictures in the Comments.
Browse the latest photos of kitchen peninsulas
This is an option that would probably work in even the tiniest kitchens. If yours is a very tight space, try putting the extending piece of countertop on a hinge so that you can lower it out of the way when it’s not in use.
Your turn: Tell us how you have put a petite peninsula to work in your own kitchen and share your pictures in the Comments.
Browse the latest photos of kitchen peninsulas
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Karen,
I like what you did. Looks like you, like us, had an island that was just always in the way. I was always backing into it. Now, with the peninsula, I have more counter space and a cart on wheels topped with bamboo cutting board, it can she anywhere for chopping or over to an outlet for the crock pot.
Looks like you had to move the range hood too! I thought I had it bad when I had to repaint ours to match the new colors! Beautiful view from the dining room, which you can see from your new peninsula.
Love all these little peninsulas! Husband took out a pantry to build this tiny, hardworking addition. And, surprise.....
guests so often want to gather round that we had to purchase 2 folding stools to accommodate!
I have a peninsula in my current house and had one in my former house. I love them. I am, for one thing, a person who bumps into things when I am in a rush. An island would probably be a daily injury opportunity. Also I do not like that they often have a sink in them. I think it is unsightly to make the scullery the kitchen centerpiece.
My peninsula is tiny but I do most of my prep there because I can face outward toward the breakfast room and it is not as claustrophobic as facing a wall. Also I can watch the news as the television is across the way. Mine does not have an overhang on the other side for seating which would also be nice but the kitchen table is nearby. As it would require ripping out a perfectly good Corian countertop to make an overhang I am going to forego. But I loved the photos of the pretty white peninsulas and colorful chairs or barstools.
I have clutter problems on the kitchen table as it is. I hesitate to think what would happen if I had an island. I do appreciate the suggestion that a good mud room fixes that for most people. Alas there is no way to incorporate that into this 1936 house. People used to have less stuff and this house reflects that. But I love it for the plaster walls and the wonderful siting of the windows for both light and ventilation-they used to see those at central to comfort and livability.