A kitchen island can serve many purposes, from a dinner preparation and eating location to a craft and school project work area. In this guide, we’ll compare and contrast the various styles and delve into factors like storage space and the possibilities for entertaining that make kitchen islands useful.
What Is a Kitchen Island?
A kitchen island is a freestanding countertop or cabinet unit that one can access from all sides. These islands provide additional space for work and storage in the kitchen, and they are available as a mobile or fixed piece and in a range of sizes.
Pros and Cons of Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands can offer convenience, but they also take up space in your kitchen. Read on to see if a kitchen island is the right choice for you.
Pros of Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands provide versatility and convenience. Whether you need extra space to drop off groceries or you’re hosting a party, you’ll likely find that you will use a kitchen island many times throughout your day. A few benefits of kitchen islands include the following:
- Additional counter space to accommodate food prep, serving, and dining
- Casual seating option for meals, socializing, or homework
- Extra storage via cabinets, drawers, and shelves
- Improved workflow by minimizing trips between workstations
If you have a spacious kitchen with sufficient clearance, an island could enhance the overall kitchen experience.
Cons of Kitchen Islands
A downside of kitchen islands is that they take up space, so smaller kitchens might feel cramped with an island in the middle. Here’s a list of drawbacks to consider:
- Can create a cramped feeling
- High cost for purchase and installation
- Impeded traffic flow
If you have a narrow or tiny kitchen with a limited floor plan, an island could occupy valuable real estate. A movable cart or peninsula is a great alternative if your kitchen is on the small side.
Similar to shown: John Boos Cucina Culinarte kitchen cart with butcher-block top, $1,000; Amazon
Prefab vs. Custom Kitchen Islands
You can choose a prefabricated option or a custom-made island. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll discuss below.
Custom-Built Kitchen Islands
Custom kitchen islands can deliver tailored design and improved quality, as you can select superior materials.
Here are some advantages of custom kitchen islands:
- Tailored design: Can be designed to space specifications no matter the size or shape of the kitchen
- Unlimited versatility: Expertly made to order, fitted, and personalized
- Superior quality: You can specify high-grade materials and methods
- Warranty and support: Reputable manufacturers often supply a warranty to back up their products
Custom kitchen islands also have a few disadvantages:
- Costly: The average cost for a custom-built kitchen island is between $3,000 and $5,000, with the possibility of up to $10,000 for more complex and intricate islands*
- Extended production time: Most custom builds require a longer wait time to allow for crafting
- Expertise required: Due to the complexity and sophistication of the process, proper installation may require a professional craftsperson
Prefab Kitchen Islands
Premanufactured islands, also known as prefabricated islands, are preassembled units that can be delivered to a site and installed immediately.
Some advantages of prefab kitchen islands include:
- Convenience: Easily obtainable and quick to install
- Cost-effective: Typically cheaper than custom-built islands, these may cost as little as $100
- Variety: Manufacturers offer a wide range of styles, designs, and materials to select from
Prefab kitchen islands may have disadvantages:
- Quality issue: Some prefabs make use of low-grade materials and fabrication methods
- Restricted customization: There is no guarantee that the prefab islands will fit your space, particularly if your kitchen has uncommon dimensions
- Size limitations: The standard sizes may not fit your space perfectly
*Cost data in this section sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.
Prefab or Custom: Which Island Option Is Better for You?
When deciding between a prefab or a custom kitchen island, consider which will best suit your needs and tastes. To aid you in making a more informed decision, here are some key items to consider:
- Affordability: Prefab islands tend to be more moderately priced, while custom islands can be a noteworthy investment.
- Space limitations: If you have limited space in your kitchen, a small, prefab island could be the best choice. Conversely, a custom island can be modified to fit in those difficult spaces and around obstacles.
- Flexible design: Custom islands can provide infinite design possibilities—special features and materials can be incorporated to ensure your needs and your personality are reflected.
- Maintenance: Prefab islands could be easier to maintain. The synthetic components typically used to construct prefab islands can be easier to clean and repair if necessary. In contrast, custom islands made with wood, marble, or butcher block, for example, may require more specific cleaning methods and repairs.
Similar to shown: Narrow Islander leg in maple; Osborne Wood Products, Inc.
Cost of Kitchen Islands
Upgrading your kitchen with an island can increase functionality while enhancing the overall aesthetic—but there is still the question of cost. Costs can range widely depending on variables such as materials, add-on features, style, and size.
Below, we’ll focus on the variable of style to give you a clear idea of your potential investment. Stationary kitchen islands generally come in six styles—galley, rectangle, L-shaped, furniture, U-shaped, and curved/circular. Check out the average cost and the cost range for each in this table:
| Style | Average Cost | Cost Range* |
| Galley | $4,250 | $1,500–$7,000 |
| Rectangle | $5,750 | $1,500–$10,000 |
| L-Shaped | $7,000 | $2,000–$12,000 |
| Furniture | $8,500 | $2,000–$15,000 |
| U-Shaped | $9,000 | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Circular | $10,500 | $3,000–$18,000 |
*Cost data in this section sourced from contractor estimates used by Fixr.
Kitchen Island Design
In home design, each room has a centerpiece. In the case of the kitchen, the kitchen island can be a versatile focal point that you can customize to match almost any decor. Below, we’ll explore three popular kitchen island designs to spark your imagination.
Craftsman
Craftsman-style kitchens are influenced by classic American design. Distinctive traits include shaker-style cabinets featuring simplicity and few embellishments. Natural materials such as wood and stone may be incorporated, and colors like terra-cotta, cream, and sage contribute to the warmth factor.
Contemporary
Contemporary kitchen islands have a polished and sophisticated look. Features may include waterfall countertop edges for a seamless appearance and minimalist hardware. Bold color schemes and geometric shapes can be incorporated, yet the bottom line is functionality. Materials often used include glass, quartz, and steel, paired with white, black, and metallic hues.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse-style kitchen islands emanate warmth. Typical elements may include reclaimed wood, distressed finishes, or an apron sink. Shiplap bases, which are wooden beams, can provide a rustic feel. Color schemes commonly found with this style are creams, whites, blues, and earth tones.
Kitchen Island Seating Options
The options for kitchen island seating represent a range of configurations to suit various needs and lifestyles. Whatever option you choose, we recommend you allow 28–30 inches for each seating space. You can divide the length of your island’s counter by 30 inches to figure out how many seats will fit comfortably. Here’s a brief outline of some different seating options:
Bar Stool Seating
Bar stool seating creates a suitable space for both preparing food and social gatherings. The height of the bartop—usually 42–48 inches—provides for comfortable seating and mingling while allowing free movement around the kitchen island.
Counter Seating
Unlike bar seating, counter option involves arranging stools at a height of 34–38 inches. This option can provide a comfortable and convenient seating area ideal for families with small children or for frequent project work.
Nook-Style Seating
With nook-style seating, a built-in banquette or bench seating is constructed, often in conjunction with a table or countertop. This option is perfect for creating a relaxed, intimate seating area, and there are many options for customization with upholstery, decorative pillows, or cushions.
Kitchen Island Size Guidelines
You’ll need to calculate your kitchen dimensions precisely to ensure that your kitchen retains ideal space for comfort and flow after you’ve added an island. Here are some industry standards to keep in mind in terms of sizing:
Overall size: We recommend that you include a minimum width of 36–42 inches for preparation space, with a depth of 18–24 inches for comfortable working and seating.
Height: For most users, 30–36 inches is an ideal island height.
Clearance: Leave at least 42 inches of clearance on all sides to allow for walking and opening appliances with ease.
Tips for Choosing Your Kitchen Island
Selecting the perfect island for your kitchen doesn’t have to be a chore. The process can be simple and even enjoyable if you follow these four tips:
- Measure carefully: Before choosing an island, measure your kitchen space carefully to help ensure the island fits.
- Prioritize your needs: Identify what features are most important to you, like practicality, design, or cost.
- Research manufacturers: Do your homework. If you decide to go for a prefab island, research manufacturers to ensure the use of high-quality materials and construction methods.
- Ask an expert: If you choose a custom-built island, consult with a professional contractor or designer to ensure your design meets local building codes and regulations.
Similar to shown: Custom cabinet in hickory; Plain & Fancy
Our Conclusion
Kitchen islands can provide a convenient element to any kitchen, supplying additional counter space, storage, and seating possibilities. The benefits of kitchen islands—including improved functionality, adaptability, and storage—make them a popular choice for many homeowners.
When picking out a kitchen island, consider size, style, and budget concerns. Prefabricated islands can offer a less expensive alternative, yet you can’t customize them. Custom-built islands offer increased flexibility but typically come at a higher price. Whatever style you choose, be sure to measure your kitchen space as accurately as possible and take into account your personal preferences and specific needs.
Inspirational Island Ideas
We invite you to explore the following images to inspire your dream island.
Wine Storage
Shown: Custom, painted cherry island with Florentine curved inset doors; Rutt
Refrigeration
Similar to shown: Custom cabinet in hickory; Plain & Fancy
Baking Center
Shown: Quincy2 cabinets in maple; QualityCabinets
Prep and Wash
Similar to shown: Custom, painted-maple island, 24 by 48 inches, starting at $1,500; Plain & Fancy
Cooking
Similar to shown: Semi-custom maple island with cabinets and open shelves, 30 by 60 inches, about $1,200; HomeCrest Cabinetry
Cooking and Eating
Furniture Pieces
Appliances
Cooktops
Stainless Steel
L-Shaped
Stone Countertop
Open Shelves
Similar to shown: Custom bookcase in painted maple; Plato Woodwork, Inc.
FAQ About Choosing a Kitchen Island
Kitchen island projects typically cost around $4,000, but your final price will depend on many factors, including labor. Depending on how customized the island is, you may need to account for additional labor charges from a kitchen remodeling contractor, plumber, HVAC technician and/or electrician. Labor costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
A kitchen island can add value to your home when you’re ready to sell. Potential homebuyers may like the extra counter and storage space, and a fresh design can be eye-catching.
If your island extends beyond the typical 7–8 feet in length, you’ll face a more limited selection of seamless countertop materials.
Custom-built kitchen islands typically cost more than stock islands, with the average cost between $3,000 and $5,000. Larger, more complex islands with special features and high-end materials could run as much as $10,000.
The minimum recommended size of an island is 2 feet by 4 feet. However, the island’s total area should be at most 10% of the kitchen area. For example, if the kitchen is 150 square feet, the island should be at most 15 square feet.
An island can make a small space feel tight and less functional. You need at least 42 inches of free space around an island for optimum functionality.
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