What is the best size for a kitchen island?

The best size is whatever allows enough room for people to easily move around the kitchen island. A good minimum kitchen island size is 4 feet by 2.5 feet. If you have an oven or dishwasher under your island countertop, make sure there’s room for the doors to swing open freely. Even if you have a large kitchen, don’t oversize your custom kitchen island. If it’s too big, you won’t be able to reach far enough to clean the middle or even utilize that space. It’s better to build two smaller islands than one giant feature.

What is the best height for a kitchen island?

If you want your island the same height as your kitchen countertop, make it 36” tall. If you prefer a bar height, make it 42” tall. Be sure to include a countertop overhang between 12 and 15 inches so that everyone’s knees slide under comfortably.

12 Kitchen Island Design Ideas for Any Home and Style

Adding a kitchen island is a great way to gain extra counter space and storage space in your kitchen. But perhaps an island’s greatest power is how it invariably becomes the preferred gathering spot for your family and friends.

Depending on what elements you include in your island design, it can serve as a cooking, cleaning, dining, and/or prep space. If you don’t want to commit to a full kitchen remodel, you can still enjoy some of the benefits of an island by purchasing a movable kitchen island. Check out our collection of best kitchen island ideas and you’ll likely find one that’s perfect for your home.

1. Contemporary Kitchen Island Elegance

A contemporary kitchen benefits from a kitchen island that reflects modern kitchen design’s clean lines and surfaces. A pure white marble or quartz countertop is ideal in a contemporary kitchen, but darker marble or stainless steel work equally well. A grey or other neutral color palette allows your contemporary texture and design to stand out.

Modern kitchen with green cabinets, large island with stools, hanging lights, and glass doors opening to a garden view — Source: @dreamhouseimp via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, black cabinets, and a glass door opening to a living area; wall-mounted TV on the right — Source: @espresso_design_co via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, white countertops, an island with stools, and a fridge; bright and spacious design — Source: @gajayselva_home via Instagram

Modern kitchen with island, bar stools, pendant lights, and a wall-mounted TV; sleek cabinets and under-cabinet lighting enhance elegance — Source: @gridthirteenluxurykitchens via Instagram

Modern kitchen with blue and gray cabinets, large island, barstool, and panoramic windows overlooking a cityscape — Source: @houseworksireland via Instagram

Even so, color is definitely at home in contemporary kitchen design. Try a clear glass countertop on a brightly painted minimalist kitchen island. Go with hot pink, bright turquoise, or another favorite color to create a dramatic rectangular kitchen island. A bold metal pendant light fixture completes the look.

2. Choosing the Perfect Countertop

Since counter space is one of the benefits of having a kitchen island, put some serious thought into the type of countertop you choose. Not only does the material matter, the design plays a big part in the overall appearance of your island. Waterfall countertops are currently popular, where the marble or quartz surface “falls” over the corners to extend to the floor in one smooth line.

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, marble island, orange stools, and pendant lights; appliances and decor on counters — Source: @490oldgirl via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, marble island, gray barstools, and hanging pendant lights; elegant decor and appliances visible — Source: @angelaherreradesign via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a long island, wooden stools, dark cabinetry, and large windows offering natural light — Source: @dreamsanddistractions via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, a central island with white countertop, two white stools, and a refrigerator with a digital screen — Source: @gajayselva_home via Instagram

Kitchen with a large granite island, wooden cabinets, floral-patterned chairs, and cooking appliances — Source: @i_heart_decor via Instagram

Spacious kitchen with white cabinets, marble countertop island, stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring — Source: @racountertops via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a large island, pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, gray backsplash, and white cabinets — Source: @stelzdesignllc via Instagram

Spacious kitchen with white cabinets, dark countertop, large central island, hardwood floor, and vases of flowers; stainless steel appliances — Source: @valentino_unlimited_agency via Instagram

A cantilevered countertop is one that creates bar seating beneath the surface. It doesn’t have legs supporting it. There may be no additional support required, or it may be supported by corbels or brackets beneath. Marble, granite, or butcher block countertops are good choices when cantilevering is desired.

3. DIY Kitchen Island Inspirations

If you’re a relatively good woodworker, a DIY kitchen island may be a fun project to tackle. When you do it yourself, you can save money by using reclaimed wood or countertops. Hundreds of DIY kitchen island idea plans can be found online, including this one that features an under-counter microwave, seating, storage, and a marble quartz countertop:

Bright kitchen with wooden floors, white cabinets, and a large island with metal chairs, industrial lights hang overhead — Source: @adorablyshabby via Instagram

Kitchen island with a wooden top, black cabinets, a built-in microwave, and shelf holding wine bottles; countertop has fruit and a basket — Source: @curatedthings_1964 via Instagram

Modern kitchen with island, stools, and pendant lights; white cabinets and black appliances; "let's eat" sign above the door — Source: @hayscobarndominium via Instagram

Bright kitchen with large wooden island, pendant lights, white cabinets, sink under windows, and vase of flowers on counter — Source: @silandpark via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a center island with brown bar stools on a wooden floor — Source: @simplyheatherz via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a gray countertop island, three black stools, stainless steel appliances, and flowers on the counter — Source: @thediymadehome via Instagram

A portable kitchen island can also be a good DIY project for a smaller kitchen. This small kitchen island on wheels has a clean, basic style that will fit into any type of home decor:

4. Design Your Island to Complement Your Kitchen

For a cohesive appearance, design your kitchen island ideas around the existing countertops and materials already present in your kitchen. For example, if you have a white marble countertop, put that on the island, too. If you have brass fixtures on the kitchen sink, use brass drawer pulls on your island cabinetry.

A modern kitchen with a wooden island, bar stools, a book, fruit, and a cake stand as sunlight streams in lighting the herringbone wall — Source: @aina_designs_decor via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a curved island, glass countertop, and sleek wooden accents, illuminated by skylights — Source: @charlesyorke_ via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a black island, wood countertop, pendant lights, slate floor, and a glass cabinet filled with dishes — Source: @designermumetc via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, large island with black base, pendant lights, and glass doors leading outside — Source: @homeingosforth via Instagram

A spacious kitchen with a central island, three wooden chairs, and decorative vases; light wood cabinets and a tiled backsplash — Source: @jedwardsint via Instagram

Modern kitchen with wood beams, white cabinets, and teal fridge; island with three black chairs; large window with plants — Source: @shawniganlakerental via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a large white island, gray barstools, dark cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting — Source: @sheahomesaz via Instagram

This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, however. Sometimes the best kitchen island ideas are those that completely contrast the rest of the room. Paint your kitchen island an entirely different color from the rest of your cabinetry. Any shade of blue adds a swath of peace and calm to your kitchen, while yellow or red amplify the vibration of a busy home kitchen.

5. Discover Farmhouse Kitchen Island Ideas

A farmhouse kitchen is a great space to include a wood island, especially if it’s covered in white shiplap. Remember that farmhouse design includes lots of white paired with warm wood and dark metal accents. Any combination of these features will result in a great farmhouse kitchen island design.

Bright kitchen with a central island, white cabinets, black appliances, and decorative accents; hanging lights and blue rug add charm — Source: @citylifeinthecountry via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with an island and two stools, fridge, cube storage, and winter decor accents — Source: @enjoyingthelilthings via Instagram

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, island, and marble countertops; oven, dishwasher, and stainless steel fridge visible; warm wooden floor — Source: @frenchcoastalhome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a large island, bar stools, farmhouse sign, pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, and wooden flooring — Source: @littlecalifarmhouse via Instagram

A cozy kitchen with a wooden island, metal stools, stainless steel appliances, and decor including a vase with dried grasses — Source: @mrs_bethanymarshall via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, island with stools, open shelves, and hanging lights; wooden dining table in the foreground — Source: @murraymanor103 via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a wooden island, white cabinets, and three pendant lights; four wicker stools surround the island — Source: @reillywattersinteriors via Instagram

Bright kitchen with a black island, wicker stools, and festive decor; white cabinets, gold light fixtures, and stove with Christmas decor — Source: @shannongolddesign via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, island, stainless steel appliances, large windows, and wood flooring — Source: @thecrowdedfarmhouse via Instagram

Spacious kitchen with wooden cabinets, stone tile floor, black countertops, modern appliances, and a brick wall backdrop — Source: @whitehallflagstones via Instagram

With farmhouse decor, it’s especially popular to make your island look like a freestanding piece of furniture. Adding short legs to the bottom of your kitchen island is a simple way to achieve this look. A wooden, copper or galvanized steel range hood adds farmhouse style over an island stove.

6. Illuminating Your Island: Lighting Choices

Adequate island lighting is a must, especially if it’s where you most frequently use your knives. Pendant lights are a popular choice over kitchen islands, and can be found in modern, rustic, whimsical, or traditional designs.

Modern kitchen with a central island, marble countertop, hanging lights, large windows, and a black range hood over a stovetop — Source: @avila.electric.inc via Instagram

Bright kitchen with large island, wooden floor, white cabinets, and hanging lights; dining table in background, skylights above — Source: @boardwalkbristol via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white island, gray chairs, stainless steel fridge, large clock on wall, and elegant chandelier — Source: @crystalcraftsmyhome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with marble island, four wooden stools, pendant lights, and sleek cabinets in neutral tones and minimalist design — Source: @deroseesa via Instagram

Modern kitchen with island, three woven chairs, pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, and a tray with plants and fruit — Source: @dickensmitchener via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a black island, green velvet stools, and pendant light, white cabinets and flowers on the counter add elegance — Source: @minisnewhome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with marble island, hanging chandeliers, and a dining area with a round table and chairs by large windows — Source: @xyz_interiors via Instagram

Long, narrow chandeliers are another good island lighting option. If your ceilings are low, recessed lighting might be the best way to illuminate your island. If you have a small kitchen or a movable kitchen island, you may not need additional lighting over the island.

7. Extend Your Kitchen Outdoor with Island Design

Outdoor kitchens benefit from islands, too. Counter space may be limited in an outdoor kitchen, making the addition of an island necessary to accomplish serious cooking tasks.

Outdoor bar with concrete countertop, three white stools with turquoise seats, surrounded by greenery and trees — Source: @cenaoutdoor via Instagram

Outdoor kitchen with a grill, bar table, and stools under a pergola surrounded by palm trees and greenery — Source: @jacksondesignandremodeling via Instagram

Outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, and brick countertop beside a dining table with four chairs on a patio; green lawn and trees in the background — Source: @outdoorlivingofnj via Instagram

If you only have room on the patio for a dining table or an island, go with the kitchen island. Include a cantilevered surface and use bar stools for seating. Be sure to construct your outdoor island with weatherproofed materials, even if your outdoor kitchen is in a covered location.

8. Add Warmth with Rustic Kitchen Island

Since warm wood finishes are a mainstay of rustic decor, a butcher block island is the perfect kitchen island idea in a rustic space. Extend the island countertop to create a seating area and park rustic barstools beneath it.

Rustic wooden kitchen island with a dark wood top in a kitchen with light wood cabinets and various kitchen appliances — Source: @evolvinggerin via Instagram

Rustic kitchen with distressed blue cabinets, a farmhouse sink, and beige tiled floor. Framed art decorates the white walls — Source: @hardwoodinteriorsdesign via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with dark cabinets, farmhouse sink, island, and wood accents; pans hang on the wall as sunlight streams through the window — Source: @homemade.byjade via Instagram

Dark marble or granite countertop surfaces may also fit well into a rustic kitchen design. A concrete countertop is ideal if your rustic tastes trend toward an industrial vibe. Mix it up by incorporating concrete, stainless steel, and butcher block surfaces on your island.

9. Design the Perfect Seating Arrangement for Your Island

If you have a small kitchen that has no room for a breakfast nook or dining table, island seating can be a great alternative. Choose a bar stool design that works well with your decor and enjoy comfortable, casual dining.

Modern kitchen with a marble island, three grey barstools, gold pendant lights, and a bowl of lemons; large windows with sheer curtains — Source: @brabbu via Instagram

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, a wood-beam ceiling, island with stools, fruit bowl, and potted plants by the French doors — Source: @homeatthebarn via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a large island, bar stools, wood flooring, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a backsplash — Source: @homedecobylo via Instagram

Modern white kitchen with island, bar stools, pendant lights, and built-in appliances as daylight streams through large glass doors — Source: @livingmybesthome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, island with bar stools, stainless steel appliances, and a light wood floor — Source: @our_shakespeare_home via Instagram

Modern kitchen and dining area with a large island, patterned chairs, stainless steel appliances, and wooden floors — Source: @ourcactushome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with dark cabinets, a large island, rattan barstools, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting — Source: @signaturehomescommunity via Instagram

Upholstered island seats are more comfortable than hard surfaces, but you should spray them with fabric protectant for easier cleaning. Choose a fabric that ties together the different colors and overall style your kitchen represents.

10. Incorporate a Sink into Your Kitchen Island

If your kitchen space allows it, a kitchen island can be a great place to include a sink. Whether it’s your main kitchen sink, an apron-front farmhouse sink, or a small secondary sink, it will multiply your island’s usefulness.

Modern kitchen with a large island, marble countertop, blue bar stools, pendant lights, and beige walls, featuring natural light — Source: @el_designstudio via Instagram

Modern kitchen with black island, white countertop, wooden floor, and two wooden stools, stove and wall decor visible in background — Source: @freespiritdesigns.biz via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a skylight, island with chairs, potted plant, and wooden flooring; living area visible in the background — Source: @most.architecture via Instagram

Modern kitchen with large island, marble countertop, stainless steel appliances, gray cabinets, and geometric pendant lights — Source: @southernbeachrealestate via Instagram

Modern kitchen with marble countertops, pendant lights, and a built-in window seat with yellow cushions beside a small table — Source: @universalcountertop via Instagram

Of course, installing new plumbing will greatly increase the cost of adding a new kitchen island. However, you may find the expense well worth it in exchange for more useful work space. A secondary sink is also a great spot to introduce copper or another unique finish into your kitchen design.

11. Maximize Storage with Kitchen Islands

A need for more storage is a common reason homeowners add an island to their kitchen floor plan. Include as many shelves, drawers, and cabinets as the space allows. If extra storage space is your primary reason for adding a kitchen island, don’t waste space by relocating a microwave or other appliance there.

Modern kitchen with white walls, large island with dark cabinets, and a vase on top. Pendant lights hang above. Bright, spacious interior — Source: @3boysandahome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a large blue island, stainless steel appliances, brick accent wall, pendant lights, and wooden flooring — Source: @er_kitchencabinets via Instagram

Bright kitchen with an island, white cabinets, dark wood accents, and a modern light fixture; dining area visible in the background — Source: @maritza0830 via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a wooden floor, green cabinets, central island with stools, pendant lights, and a wooden dining table with chairs — Source: @milkwoodmilkwood via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, island, and barstools; colorful cow painting on the wall, stainless steel appliances, wood flooring — Source: @remodelkc via Instagram

Hang a decorative pot rack over your island to further expand its storage options. A wine rack is a nice addition to the end of a permanent kitchen island. Have an electrician add outlets to your island so you can use your mixer and other small appliances in the same area they’re stored.

12. Embrace the Beauty of Traditional Kitchen Islands

Although kitchen islands haven’t always been part of American kitchen design, they still work well in traditional home interiors. The colors and details you use are what gives your island a traditional look and makes it seem that it was included in the original construction.

Spacious kitchen with white cabinets, wood island, range hood, and marble floors; modern appliances and clean design — Source: @dreamhouseimp via Instagram

Spacious white kitchen with a large island, barstools, pendant lights, built-in appliances, and hardwood floors — Source: @selbakitchens via Instagram

Marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces are traditional countertop materials. If you love to bake, marble is a must even if you don’t want it covering the entire countertop. Marble stays cool longer than other materials, making it the perfect counter space surface for rolling out dough or fondant.

12 Kitchen Island Design Ideas for Any Home