30 Small Kitchen Island Ideas That Prove Compact Is Cool
Don't settle for your built-in countertop!
If you've ever dreamt of having a large, sleek kitchen island with enough room to prepare meals, store appliances and seat multiple guests, you're not alone. However, we all know that's not always realistic, depending on the size and layout of your kitchen. You may have put that dream on hold, sticking to your traditional countertop space for all the prep and moving to the table when it's time to eat. We're here to tell you that you can have your dream island now, even if your kitchen is somewhat lacking in square footage. These small kitchen island ideas will transform the way you think about your cooking space.
Whether you're hoping for added seating, more cabinet space or room for an extra appliance or two, these compact islands get the job done. As long as you make the right choices when it comes to the spot and design of your island, we promise it won't get in the way. If you're working with a small space but have big dreams for your kitchen island, take inspiration from the brilliant setups below. And while you're at it, check out some of the top kitchen organization ideas that work for small spaces.
Use a Hanging Countertop for Extra Space
Designed by Lindsay Lucas of Lindsay Laine Interiors, this small, unique kitchen island takes on multiple roles. While the body of this island is decently small, the countertop pokes out for added seating and space to prepare a meal. Take a seat to chop some veggies or enjoy a meal once you're done. There are even cabinets underneath for added storage.
Introduce Rustic Wood
Leaving room for a walkway in front of and behind it, this simple yet effective kitchen island adds extra counter space for preparing meals (and eating them too). Plus, the wood juxtaposes the all-white look, offering a rustic, yet still modern, kitchen design.
Maximize Drawer Space
Take inspiration from Jennifer Strickler of Jennifer Strickler Design and maximize storage space. This compact yet mighty island has a whopping nine drawers for appliances, dishes, utensils and more. Strickler also made sure to install a taller countertop so her client can stand and eat (as per the homeowner's request). Luckily, that makes for more vertical storage space!
Photo by: Sarah Baker
Add Drawer Dividers
If your kitchen island has drawers, make the most of them with drawer dividers. Instead of throwing in as much cookware as possible, think strategically and install slats to make it easier to access what you need when it's time to cook.
Make It Mobile
The best thing you can do in a small space is have furniture that's easy to move. Add wheels to the island so you can easily move it out of the way whenever you have company or just need a bit more space in the kitchen.
Use It as a Table
While many households incorporate islands and tables into their kitchen, the truth is you really only need one. If having a kitchen island is important to you, make it do double duty. This stunning mid-century look by Gracie Turner of Gracie Turner Design is a perfect example of how a kitchen island can take on two roles without giving up any functionality.
Photo by: Sarah Baker
Stick With Neutrals
Kitchen islands don't have to be giant structures with multiple cabinets and compartments. They can be as simple as you want. Take this metal island for example. While it's pretty basic in structure, it provides extra counter space and seating. Plus, it matches the other steel appliances for a more cohesive design.
Attach Outlets
Have you ever had the blender out at the same time as your air fryer, toaster and coffee machine? If so, you've probably run out of outlets a time or two. Incorporate outlets into your island design like Leslie Sprik of Hill House Design does here. This way, you can plug in whatever appliances you need without the hassle.
Photo by: Sarah Baker
Maximize Storage
If you have a small kitchen, or even a small home or apartment in general, storage is everything. Make the most of your space by incorporating as many wide, deep cabinets as possible. This island fits crock pots, blenders, food processors and other appliances.
Add a Pop of Color
Use your island to incorporate some charm and color into your home. These red stools add character to a mostly black and white kitchen.
Incorporate Shelving
Create a cute spot for your cookbooks with convenient built-in shelving like Lindsay Lucas of Lindsay Laine Interiors does here. This slim island design doesn't take up too much space, yet it provides counter space, seating and shelving without minimizing walking space in the kitchen.
Tuck in the Stools
Being able to fully hide seating while you're not using it can be a game changer in a small space. Designed by Carissa Miller Design Co., this island expands into a seating area without using any extra space around it. Simply take the stools out when it's time to eat and tuck them away when you're done.
Photo by: Sarah Baker
Focus on Extra Counter Space
If you already have a dining table that you use regularly, there's no need to incorporate seating into your island. Use the space you have for extra meal prep room and create a simple shelf on the bottom for any bulky appliances that might not fit elsewhere.
Have Dinner for One
If your kitchen is narrow and long but lacks width, take inspiration from Krystal Reinhard of Old Soul Design Studio. Incorporate a slim island with floating countertop space. Regardless of whether you intend to eat there alone, it's nice to have the option to sit while you prepare dinner. The best part? You can tuck in the stool whenever you're not using it so that it doesn't take up any extra space.
Photo by: Meghan Balcom
Store Pots and Pans
Go for open shelving underneath your kitchen island to store essentials. Think pots, pans, panini presses, cutting boards, you name it. Plus, without cabinets, it's super easy to find and grab whatever you're looking for when cooking gets a bit stressful.
Photo by: Danielle Daly
Embrace Vintage Furniture
Is thrifting your thing? We've got the perfect kitchen island idea for you. Although it may not look like the typical island, antique pieces like the one shown here can add character to your space and get the job done. This one even has drawers built in already. All you have to do is head to the thrift store or take a scroll through Facebook Marketplace to find the best deals.
Go for the Diagonal
Who says all islands have to be parallel or perpendicular to the counter? If an island would fit better on the diagonal, go for it. This one faces in so whoever's sitting can look directly into the kitchen and interact with ease.
Integrate Cabinet Space
This design by Carissa Miller Design Co. makes cabinetry a priority. Tucked away behind the stools, these cabinets are the star of the show in terms of function. Push the stools to the side and open the portal to your new storage space.
Photo by: Sarah Baker
Serve Apps
While islands allow for easier meal prep and more storage, they also function as a great space to gather around and enjoy the company of your family and friends. Often at the center of the room, they can really feel like the heart of the space. Plus, people can stand all around the island, making it a bit more casual than a formal dining room dinner party. Whip out the charcuterie boards and apps and simply enjoy the space!
Photo by: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Incorporate Wine Storage
If you're struggling to find space for an island, chances are you probably don't have room for an at-home bar. Why not build both at once? Create wine storage within your island so it also serves as a bar cart like Arterberry Cooke does here.
Photo by: Jill Weller
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
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