20 Compact Islands Fit to Serve
Readers share photos and details of how they’ve incorporated small islands into their kitchens
Our recent story on how to squeeze a narrow island into a small kitchen garnered numerous contributions from readers who have managed to make a mini island work in their homes. These narrow and small islands cleverly bring extra storage, prep space or seating into a space-challenged kitchen. Here’s a look at some of the best.
2. Custom design. Kellifonte had trouble finding an island that would work in her small kitchen, so she had one custom-made.
She requested a drop-leaf design, which gives her the flexibility to use the island for an occasional meal. But because she can fold down the leaves when not in use, she gets a little extra circulation space as needed.
She requested a drop-leaf design, which gives her the flexibility to use the island for an occasional meal. But because she can fold down the leaves when not in use, she gets a little extra circulation space as needed.
4. Kitchen hangout. Melanie Hon’s husband worried an island would get in his way while he cooked. After seeing just how useful it is, though, he gave it a thumb’s-up. It’s become the perfect spot for the kids or guests to perch while the resident chefs whip up a meal.
5. Off-the-shelf solution. Karebair has limited space for an island but was able to find exactly what she needed at a home furnishings store, no customization needed.
French kitchen island: Crate & Barrel, similar available on Houzz
French kitchen island: Crate & Barrel, similar available on Houzz
6. Open concept. This open-shelf island posted by Joe Torres puts it all out on the table — perfect for allowing guests to easily help themselves to a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or whatever food or beverage is being offered.
7. Storage galore. Rosiej54 was determined to get a small island into the prep area of her kitchen. It’s a relatively tight space, but she was able to squeeze one in. She loves the extra storage it provides and finds the surface area super handy.
8. DIY for daughter. When bhurley49’s daughter complained about not being able to fit a table in her kitchen, as well as about a lack of of adequate storage space, bhurley49 created an island for her from a used cabinet; the “before” version is seen above.
There’s a shelf on the bottom for storage, and a drop leaf provides a spot to grab a bite to eat. The island is on casters so it can be moved out of the way when needed.
There’s a shelf on the bottom for storage, and a drop leaf provides a spot to grab a bite to eat. The island is on casters so it can be moved out of the way when needed.
9. Nice and narrow. Melanie Poland loves her narrow island. She had it built with deep drawers on one end, a shelf for vintage cookbooks on the other end and a big pullout in the middle for tall items. It also houses an outlet, so she can plug in the various small appliances she uses when she cooks and bakes.
10. Compact cabinet. Forgo an extending countertop if it will hinder circulation in your kitchen. You can still gain a good bit of storage and countertop space even without the extension, as shown here in this charming kitchen by McNally Interiors.
11. Butcher block-topped. Mar Ler created a long, skinny island by using a handsome antique cabinet for prep space and placing a maple butcher block cart on the end.
12. Long and lean. Currently remodeling a home damaged from a flood, lwfromny shared this photo of an island about to be installed. This beautiful piece measures 18 by 42 inches and is topped with butcher block, making it not only good-looking but also super functional.
13. Flexible function. According to shifflet65, this piece replaced a fixed island that had housed a cooktop. The new island is the perfect landing area for items going to or coming from the sink, range or refrigerator. And, because it’s not fixed, it can easily be moved aside as desired.
14. Cozy with a cart. Katherine likes that her small island cart is easy to move and narrow enough that it doesn’t get in the way of opened appliance doors.
Solid wood cart: Ikea, similar available on Houzz
Solid wood cart: Ikea, similar available on Houzz
15. Repurposed buffet. After moving into a new home with a smaller kitchen, Cheryl found she was unable to fit in a regular-size island. Determined to squeeze one in, she repurposed an old buffet from a previous dining room — and added a new marble countertop to coordinate with the perimeter countertops. She is very happy with the result.
16. Banking on the island. Guylaine Tremblay salvaged this piece from a bank that was shutting down, and cleverly put it to use as an island. It’s perfect for making breakfast or having coffee with a friend, and it also serves as a landing spot between the refrigerator and the range. The stainless steel strip in the middle allows Tremblay to place hot pots directly onto the island without damaging it.
17. Small island with big storage. “We cook a lot and wouldn’t think of not having an island, no matter how small,” Pam Day says. She homed in on a design that would allow her to gain a highly functional island without compromising the flow in the kitchen.
Cabinets: Ikea
Cabinets: Ikea
18. A touch of glass. After updating her kitchen, Nancy Saint found a beautiful antique piece she just had to add to the mix. She had a piece of glass cut to fit the top, which protects the wood underneath and allows for easy cleanup.
19. Perfect for prep. Erin Vogel loves her narrow island: “It’s the perfect prep space right across from the stove, and it gets me out from under the cabinets while I’m working.” It’s also a great place to unload groceries, since the kitchen lacks adequate countertop space on either side of the refrigerator. She finds that the island’s butcher block countertop is a much better surface than the marble on the perimeter when it comes to prepping acidic foods.
20. Island-table hybrid. Jennifer Markham posted this photo of her handsome piece that seats four quite comfortably but can also be called upon for storage and prep.
More
8 Narrow Kitchen Islands With Function to Spare
Houzz TV: Let’s Go Island Hopping
How to Make Your Kitchen Island Your New Favorite Dining Spot
More
8 Narrow Kitchen Islands With Function to Spare
Houzz TV: Let’s Go Island Hopping
How to Make Your Kitchen Island Your New Favorite Dining Spot
It gives her extra prep space close to the sink but, because of its compact size, doesn’t interfere with the flow of the kitchen.