A kitchen island can be a great addition, especially for homeowners needing more cooking, washing, and prep areas. It can also be an additional storage space for your kitchen. But what is the ideal kitchen island size to fit into your kitchen without disturbing your workflow?
Having one is a good idea if you have enough space in your kitchen, but getting the right kitchen island size for your space will require plenty of planning. Too small will lose its function, while too big will cause your space to be less comfortable to work in and even become a hazard.
Understanding how to get the right kitchen island size can help you design a workplace that outperforms your prep area. Here are some guidelines to guide you through the buying process to determine the right size for your kitchen space.
Determine The Kitchen Island Size #1 - Understand Average Kitchen Island Size
Floorplan and square footage are the keys to determining your kitchen island’s size. When determining the kitchen island size, considering the cabinet size will be a good place to start, as it can be any size. Standard cabinet sizes are normally 12, 18, 24, 30, 33, 36, or 48in wide and 24in deep. Besides, there are many combination possibilities, including fitting basin sinks.
An average kitchen island size is around 3 x 6 feet. You can set a hob, sink, or dishwater in with this size. There are many other choices of sizes to choose from to allow you to make the best of your space.
You will want to factor in a gap of at least 3ft (1m) between the edges of the kitchen island and the furniture next to it. If you want to go for a minimum size, your kitchen island shouldn’t be smaller than 4ft long by 2ft deep.
Determine The Kitchen Island Size #2 - Planning For Your Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are highly functional. If you plan it correctly, it can aesthetically become a beautiful focal point for your kitchen. The function of the kitchen island alone can be an appealing reason for you to install one in your kitchen.
With four accessible sides, it can be a good place to plan your menu. No matter you are preparing your meals or gathering with friends, it can be a good place to move around. As you plan, you will want to consider the function of the kitchen island and how you want to use it. It can help you to pick the right kitchen island size and style.
For example, if your countertop is always packed with ingredients waiting to be prepared or small appliances to use, having extra space on the island can be a good idea. Consider how much space you need for your food preparation. Besides, you can install a cooking hob on top of it. Consider if you want to cook on top of it.
Kitchen islands are also a good place to entertain your friends and family. But you will require plenty of space for them to move freely. All these are the factors you want to consider to determine the size of your kitchen island.
Determine The Kitchen Island Size #3 - The Space Between The Kitchen Island And Countertop
You wouldn’t want your kitchen to be over-cramped. You need to leave some space between countertops or cabinets to move around easily, or you will feel overwhelmed in the space. The ideal space you should leave between the island and the countertop should be at least 1-1.2m.
Leaving space in between allows you to walk behind someone if anyone is standing in between. It also ensures you can open your drawers and cupboards without limitation. If you have a smaller kitchen space but want an island, you can leave the gap around 90cm. But bear in mind the space may be very limited. So be sure you are okay with it.
You wouldn’t want to leave too much space, too, as it may look like your kitchen island isn’t fitting in the kitchen and look a little lost. Besides, you may need to take extra steps while preparing your food, which becomes inconvenient. So make sure the walking space between the island and the countertop is convenient and comfortable.
Determine The Kitchen Island Size #4 - Overhang For Seating
Some homeowners like cooking as well as entertaining. If you are one of them, an overhang kitchen island can serve the purpose for you to cook and entertain at the same time.
The minimum overhang is 20 cm and can go up to 30cm. The standard size will be 25cm. If you want to go over 30cm, you will need support. It can be legs or L-shaped brackets. The limit of the overhang also depends on the worktop you choose. The thicker the worktop is, the larger it can support the overhang. For example, a 12mm thick worktop can support a 200mm overhang. While a 30mm thick worktop can support a 300mm overhang.
Type Of Kitchen Islands - Double Tiered Kitchen Island
If you are looking for one that has a function for dining in and also a function for food preparation, a double-tiered kitchen island is a good option for you. This is a good option if you have a small kitchen space or are not going for a large kitchen island. You can still have a countertop to prepare your food and have a raised second tier for dining.
Not only does it serve a dual purpose, but it can also look stunning in your kitchen space. These can be a great option for medium-sized kitchens where they won’t take up much space.
But still, you will want to consider the dimension for this type of kitchen island. The amount of overhang will be around 8-10 inches. But don’t go over 12 inches, or you may need additional support.
Type Of Kitchen Islands - Portable Kitchen Islands
Some homeowners may love having a kitchen island but may not be ready to have a built-in model in their space. A portable kitchen island will be a good choice for them. Since it is portable, it may be smaller to move around easily.
It also suits homeowners with smaller kitchens where they may not have the space for a built-in kitchen island. Although a portable kitchen island may be small, it still offers many great features, such as cutting board options, additional storage, and shelves.
Some will have wheels where you can move them about in the kitchen for easy access. While others can be like a table in the center of the kitchen with the same functions and looks as a kitchen island.
Having an extra counter space and an extended dining area can be great. But it has no standard size that fits all the kitchen space. The kitchen layout will also affect the size of your kitchen island. Consider the flow in the kitchen and what function you want from a kitchen island when deciding on the size.
