The right kitchen island can organize your kitchen and transform it into a home hangout favorite.
Best Kitchen Islands for Specific Needs
Best Option with Bar Seating
You may think that incorporating bar seating on one side of your island would diminish your storage options, but that’s not necessarily the case. This lovely, slightly distressed farmhouse island boasts roomy cabinets on three sides and extra seating on another. The sliding barn doors add a rustic, trending flair.
Best Portable
If space is too tight for a large center island, or if you just prefer greater flexibility, consider a wheelable kitchen island or cart. The mobility allows you to bring in some extra working space for your baking or cooking project, then tuck the island away in a corner when you’re finished. This naturally finished wood cart by Butcher Block Co even contains removable cutting boards.
Best for a Small Kitchen
You may think that incorporating bar seating on one side of your island would diminish your storage options, but that’s not necessarily the case. This lovely, slightly distressed farmhouse island boasts roomy cabinets on three sides and extra seating on another. The sliding barn doors add a rustic, trending flair.
Kitchen Islands with Unique Storage Options
Most kitchen islands offer a mix of cabinets and drawers as storage. You may wish to mix it up a bit to add a flare to your kitchen. Consider these twists on classic storage options.
Glass Inserts for Doors and Drawers
Most cabinets and drawers are made of wood, but glass is another classy option. Consider an island which makes use of decorative glass inserts, like this beautiful maple piece from Medallion Cabinetry. This option can brighten up your space and put your wares on display. You’ll never forget where you stashed that dessert plate again.
Open Shelving
Most cabinets and drawers are made of wood, but glass is another classy option. Consider an island which makes use of decorative glass inserts, like this beautiful maple piece from Medallion Cabinetry. This option can brighten up your space and put your wares on display. You’ll never forget where you stashed that dessert plate again.
Drop Leaf for Extra Counter Space
An island with a drop leaf countertop attachment is another great way to expand your space. With more counter space ready with just a flip, you have the option to permanently store some appliances, like your coffeemaker, on top of your island without worrying about losing workspace. We love everything about this piece from ECustom Finishes, from the drop leaf to the little spice drawers with windows. As the name says, you can choose the type of wood and color of paint or finish.
Customized Kitchen Islands
Custom Shapes
For dream homes and forever homes, customization is the name of the game. If you think your kitchen’s shape is too awkward for a kitchen island, think again. You could design an island to exactly fit your kitchen’s space and storage needs. Whether you want a curved or L-shaped island, NIMA can bring your imaginations to life.
Custom Materials
Don’t stop with just a customized shape. You could opt for a unique material to truly turn your kitchen island into a statement piece. Concrete and copper countertops are all the rage right now. The Concrete Exchange has created award-winning designer pieces that don’t compromise on storage.
About the Author
Caylah Coffeen is a writer and editor sharing her insight on unique home products that help readers make their homes feel more like home. She also mentors fiction authors at her publishing company, Creative Cornerstones, based in Huntsville, Alabama.
