Want to have a kitchen island even in a tiny apartment? It's totally possible!! Read & learn 10 of the most practical & space-saving kitchen island ideas for small kitchens that work wonders!
Are you tired of feeling limited by your small kitchen space? Do you dream of having a functional and stylish kitchen with a full-value island but think it's impossible?
Think again! In this post, I'll guide you through a collection of practical, space-saving but still stylish kitchen island ideas for small kitchens specifically tailored for the smallest of spaces!
So get ready to explore 10 of the BEST the possibilities and discover the perfect kitchen island solution for your small kitchen.
THE BEST KITCHEN ISLAND IDEAS FOR SMALL KITCHENS
01. Try a breakfast bar with storage
If you'd love to provide yourself with an extra work surface in your kitchen, but don't want to take too much of your space up, a breakfast bar with built-in storage will be an excellent choice for you!!
These compact, narrow and stylish islands provide a convenient space for dining & cooking, while also offering additional storage compartments underneath.
You can keep your cutlery, small appliances, or even recipe books neatly organized, making the most of your limited kitchen space! Not only that, but since you'll be using it as both a workstation AND a dining table, you can also double your kitchen's functionality!
02. Get an island with a slide-out / Drop-Leaf table
Don't have a dining room but still want one? Can't make compromises because of how tiny your kitchen is? Then an island with a slide-out table or a drop-leaf island is a perfect solution due to its high flexibility!
If you're really short on space, you'll LOVE how these versatile islands can be expanded ONLY when needed and easily tucked away when not in use! With this, you can say goodbye to a basic dining table that only takes up your space and does nothing in return!
You get to enjoy the benefits of a two-in-one larger workspace & a mini dining table without sacrificing valuable floor area in your small kitchen! This is huge!!
03. Give new purpose to your dining table
If we're already talking dining rooms: if your dining table takes up too much space, consider repurposing it as a multifunctional kitchen island!
Yes, you don't need to get an ACTUAL island for your kitchen! Simply assign an extra function to your dining table! This is surely one of the most practical kitchen island ideas for small kitchens, isn't it?
So pull the table closer to your kitchen & start using it as a kitchen island if you've run out of countertop space! Do the cooking & baking on it, and don't forget to store your utensils in cute utensil holders, cutting boards, etc. on top of it!
04. A tiny butcher block island is always a good fit
Butcher block islands are known for their durability and timeless appeal.
For small kitchens, a compact butcher block island can work wonders! ANY kitchen, no matter how tiny it is, can fit a little butcher block island!
And why exactly would you want one? Well, a small rectangular butcher block island comes with all the most practical perks!
First, it provides a very much needed extra surface for food preparation & storing your kitchen essentials. Second, it adds a touch of warmth to your kitchen decor! So they're very appealing, especially if you're trying to achieve a rustic look!
And finally, since it's tiny, it won't overcrowd your kitchen while still offerring functionality!
05. Opt for a rolling kitchen island with ample storage
Versatility is key when it comes to small kitchen, you know that!
A rolling kitchen island with ample storage is a fantastic option for those who require flexibility & an insane amount of extra storage space. Additionally, the wheels allow you to move the island around effortlessly, adapting to your changing needs!
Choose islands that feature shelves, drawers, and cabinets, even a pot rack or towel holder on the side!
PRO TIP: match the top of the island to your countertops! So if you have wooden countertops, prioritize rolling kitchen islands with wooden tops in similar shades & designs!
06. Buy an island with a built-in breakfast bar
One of the best kitchen island ideas for small kitchens is to get an island with a built-in breakfast bar. This will provide you with ample leg room & a nice, spacious seating area!
No, not for hosting! Whether you live alone or with a partner, a kitchen island with a breakfast bar is such a space-saver! It helps you nicely tuck away your bar stools when they're not in use, making sure you have maximal space to yourself in your kitchen & that those useless stools are never in the way!
Not to mention the very practical, comfy dining area they provide you with!
These kinds of islands actually come with TONS of built-in storage, like drawers & side storage, so they're basically twice as effective!
07. Refurbish old dressers / console tables
Do you have an old dresser or console table collecting dust?
Give it a new lease on life by transforming it into a stylish kitchen island! With a fresh coat of paint, some decorative knobs, and a bit of creativity, you can repurpose these furniture pieces into unique and functional islands that provide a few inches of extra work space for you!
The drawers can serve as storage for utensils or linens, and the tabletop provides an excellent space for meal preparation!
If you're not into all that DIY-ing, there are a bunch of gorgeous ready-made kitchen islands that look refurbished & will be a nice addition to your space without all that hassle!!
08. A bar cart might be helpful
For small kitchens with limited floor space, a bar cart can be an ingenious alternative to a traditional kitchen island!
With its compact size and wheels, a bar cart offers great mobility and versatility.
Use it as a movable workstation, a storage unit, or even a serving trolley during parties. The best part is that you can easily tuck it away when not in use, freeing up valuable space in your kitchen.
09. Narrow it down
When you're constantly worrying about space, you might think a kitchen island is not worth it at all!
However, you can still have a very much needed island without sacrificing all your space with one of the most helpful kitchen island ideas for small kitchen: that is, to opt for a narrow kitchen island!
There are lots of longer, but also narrower designs out there, just like the one you can see above. These sleek and slender islands are designed specifically for compact kitchens: they provide a functional workspace and additional storage without obstructing the flow of your kitchen! With their streamlined design, narrow islands are both practical and visually appealing.
They're especially good choices for a more European-type kitchen, a room that's enclosed, but long.
10. Try an extendable kitchen island
When you need extra counter space or a bigger dining table on demand, an extendable kitchen island is a fantastic solution!
These innovative islands feature hidden extensions that can be easily pulled out when you need more workspace or for when you're hosting a party for your friends.
So whether you're prepping a large meal or spreading out your recipe ingredients, an extendable kitchen island offers the flexibility you need in a small kitchen.
What's more, the fact that they're convertible means that they're super flexible & will adapt to your needs perfectly, saving you tons of precious space!
This post was all about the best kitchen island ideas for small kitchens.
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