Kitchen Island Styles
Kitchen Island Styles
While you’re dreaming about your kitchen, you’ve probably dreaming about your kitchen island as well. Of course, the ideal island would have your whole kitchen on it, stretch the length of the house, and lower out of sight when not in use – along with the dirty dishes.
In a slightly more realistic version, the kitchen island styles, shape and features, has much to do with how happy you will be with it afterwards. Proper planning can greatly enhance its usefulness.
The Many Kitchen Island Shapes
- Square – a popular choice for smaller islands and rolling kitchen carts. Square kitchen islands often have tops that are different materials than the rest of the counter space; for example, a marble or granite surface for baking prep.
- Rectangular – the most popular type. They come in a wide selection of sizes, and can range from a simple table with wheels, to a complex multi-level top with matching or contrasting cabinetry to the rest of your kitchen. Larger models can allow seating on one or more sides, have display as well as storage space (cookbooks are one example of display), and can have almost any option you can visualize, depending on space and budget.
- Curved or curved end – another popular choice. Kitchens, mostly because of their combined storage/working duties, tend to fall into straight lines. Curves break this up, making the kitchen feel less formal. Curved ends on a rectangular cabinet can allow for seating away from the prep areas, without having to include a raised level.
- Circular – a recent choice for larger kitchens is a round island. This provides a visual focus for a large kitchen, and can prevent a break in traffic flow if the kitchen narrows. Some have veggie sinks in the middle of a fairly large counter circle, enabling full veggie prep without leaving the island. Another style has a small griddle in the center, allowing items to be grilled separately from the regular kitchen. A third type is a wet bar, with a sink, small refrigerated drawer for garnishes, and a pullout rack for glasses.
Some numbers to know
- Your regular counter heights are probably 36 inches; this is “standard height”.
- Most rolling kitchen islands and kitchen carts are slightly lower; check the specs carefully.
- Most “snack bar” or serving areas run from 38-42 inches. Some types of kitchen islands have two or more levels of counter top, allowing for multiple uses.
- If you want to have folks sitting at your island, allow at least fifteen clear inches between the counter edge, and the counter body. This makes room for knees and legs.
- When considering bar or kitchen stools, remember to allow for space around the island for when they’re pulled out, instead of only for storage. It might affect the size or orientation of your island.
With the variety of kitchen island styles to choose from, and many kitchen island shapes, only space and your pocketbook can limit you, on your path to your dream kitchen.
Here are a few to consider:
