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12 Types of Kitchen Islands for Every Kitchen Layout
By: Andrew Saladino | 
8 min
May 2nd, 2023
If you're planning a kitchen remodel, one of the most popular elements to add is a kitchen island. Kitchen islands can provide additional workspace, seating, and storage while simultaneously boosting your home's resale value. But which type of kitchen island is best suited for your layout?
From rolling carts to bar and dining table combos, we looked at the space requirements, advantages, and drawbacks of 12 types of kitchen islands to help you choose the most practical and stylish design.
Table of Contents
1. Galley Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands featuring fixed base cabinets and a fitted countertop are standard options that will provide plenty of extra prep space and storage. This is a no-frills, all-function style suited for most kitchen layouts, whether you're working with limited room or have plenty of floor space to fill.
Best For: small or large kitchens, especially open-concept kitchens with galley or L-shaped layouts
Pros:
Suited for most kitchen sizes and layouts- Simple, functional design
- Provides additional prep and storage space
- Can serve as a breakfast bar
Cons:
May not have the option to add seating- May disrupt room flow if placed in a too-small or narrow space
- Won't be able to add appliances without costly electrical and plumbing work
2. Table-style Island
For a truly unique take on kitchen islands, consider repurposing a tall work table or an antique dining table into a functional kitchen island. This is a great way to add some warmth and personality to a modern, traditional, or transitional kitchen while also providing plenty of workspace.
Best for: homeowners wanting to incorporate a custom furniture piece into their kitchen design
Pros:
- One-of-a-kind piece
- Adds warmth to modern kitchens
- Can be moved as needed
- Relatively inexpensive
- Light visual footprint
- Ability to add seating
Cons:
- Not a lot of storage space
- Not as stable as fixed kitchen islands
- Won't increase home value if the current owner takes it with them
3. Rolling Kitchen Island
Working with a tiny kitchen layout or a temporary rental kitchen? A rolling kitchen island adds flexible prep space without committing to one fixed location. Mobile kitchen islands can be locked in a central location but moved when more floor space is required.
Best for: rental kitchens or tiny kitchens, but can also provide supplementary prep space for any size kitchen
Pros:
- Affordable
- Can be added or removed as needed
- Can be brought along when moving to a new location
Cons:
- Not as stable as fixed kitchen islands
- Can be difficult to move
- Countertop and storage space is usually limited.
4. Two-tier Kitchen Island
One of the main advantages of kitchen islands is the ability to create an eat-in space, but separating dining and cooking areas may be necessary - especially for messy chefs or families with small children. A two-tiered kitchen island with a raised dining area keeps rogue splashes and spills away from guests.
Multi-level islands are also more comfortable to eat at - the ideal countertop height for a standing cook is 36 inches, while the optimal bar top height is 42 inches. With two tiers, you get the best of both worlds.
Best for: large family kitchens or multipurpose kitchen islands
Pros:
- More comfortable to eat at
- Protects guests from splashes and spills
- Highly functional
- Provides an eat-in area
Cons:
- Takes away from prep and cooking areas
- May isolate kitchen from adjacent rooms
- May require expensive custom design work
5. Double Islands
If you're hoping to get every ounce of function out of your kitchen island layout, consider not one, but two standard kitchen islands. Double kitchen islands are fantastic for large families, entertainment areas, and anyone whose kitchen doubles as an office or homework zone.
Two smaller islands in lieu of one giant one offer more opportunities to zone your kitchen. For example, you can designate one for food prep and cooking, while reserving the other for socializing and eating.
Best for: large open-concept kitchens, big families, or homeowners who love to entertain
Pros:
- Maximizes counter and storage space
- Ability to designate islands for separate purposes
- Provides space for dining and entertaining
Cons:
- Not practical for small kitchens
- Expensive
- May disrupt kitchen flow
6. Chef's Island
Want to be part of the conversation while simultaneously sauteing your renowned Mongolian noodles? Installing your stovetop on your kitchen island allows you to prep dinner without keeping your back to family or guests. This kitchen island design requires proper ventilation and expensive electrical work, but for those who love to showcase their cooking skills, it may be worth the investment.
Best for: homeowners who plan on using their kitchen as an entertainment space
Pros:
- Ability to prep and cook while socializing with family and guests
- More ways to create a functional kitchen work triangle
- Ability to add a seating area
Cons:
- May be dangerous in households with young children
- Lack of a backsplash can lead to rogue splatters and splashes
- Require expensive electrical work
7. Round Kitchen Island
Who said kitchen islands had to be rectangular? Kitchen islands featuring curved edges offer even more seating space for entertaining and family dinners. Plus, round kitchen islands are customizable, so you can get creative with the shape and create an island that flawlessly fits your floor plan.
Best for: homeowners who love to entertain and want an eye-catching statement island with plenty of seating
Pros:
- Unique
- Customizable
- Ideal for socializing
- More seating space
Cons:
- Expensive
- May have to sacrifice storage space
- May require more floor space than a standard island
8. Kitchen Island + Breakfast Bar
A breakfast bar takes your standard kitchen island and expands the countertop so it's wide enough to tuck counter-height stools under. This simple eat-in island design makes for a super functional social space, especially for smaller homes that may not have room for a formal dining table.
Best for: homeowners who'd like a casual eat-in kitchen or an efficient dining table alternative
Pros:
- Multifunctional
- Takes up less space than a formal dining table
- Provides additional countertop and storage space
- Ideal for small kitchens
Cons:
- No separation between prep/cooking areas and dining area
- Not ideal for small children
- Multi-level island may be more comfortable to eat at
9. L-shaped Island
Have a lot of empty space to fill? A large L-shaped island will provide an impressive kitchen layout in addition to plenty of extra storage and countertop space. True to their name, L-shaped islands feature two legs of usable cooking and seating space, so they can accommodate multiple chefs and even more guest seating.
Best for: large, open-concept floor plans and homes with multiple cooks in the kitchen
Pros:
- Ample storage and countertop space
- Suited for multiple chefs
- More seating room
Cons:
- Corner cabinet storage may be difficult to access
- Can appear bulky in small spaces
- Might constrict traffic flow
- Not suited for small or narrow kitchens
10. U-shaped Island
U-shaped islands are another type of kitchen island best suited for a large, open-concept kitchen. This style island adds a third side to the L-shaped island, creating its namesake shape and even more usable space. U-shaped islands are the most versatile of the bunch - you'll have the ability to install multiple appliances, such as a sink, range, or beverage fridge, and still have plenty of space for veggie prep and a charcuterie spread.
Best for: homeowners looking for ways to boost efficiency in a one-wall open-concept kitchen layout
Pros:
- Provides more storage, work, and entertainment space than any other kitchen island type
- Can house multiple appliances
- Can provide structure for a dining nook or an efficient cooking area depending on the direction of the legs
Cons:
- Requires more space than any other type of kitchen island
- Kitchen space and walkways will be diminished by the large island
- Two corner cabinet units may be difficult to access
11. Waterfall Kitchen Island
A waterfall kitchen island has countertops that extend all the way to the floor for a breathtaking contemporary look.
The waterfall kitchen island trend has taken kitchen design by storm. This style features countertops that extend over the edge of the island all the way to the floor - as if it were pouring off the edge. Waterfall islands provide the strong, crisp lines essential for contemporary kitchens. Plus, they create an elegant statement piece that'll elevate your entire kitchen design.
Best for: homeowners wanting a modern or contemporary kitchen island that's sure to impress
Pros:
- Versatile design that works with a wide variety of countertop materials
- High-end statement element
- Durable and can help protect your cabinets from damage
Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficult to add outlets
- May limit seating on the sides of your island
12. Extended Multi-level Island
Your kitchen serves many purposes, whether it's a place to prepare a warm bowl of soup, catch up on emails, or even collaborate on school projects and crafts. An extra-long kitchen island with a table-height extension provides an ideal designated space for "non-kitchen" activities.
Best for: homeowners who believe the kitchen should be a space for more than just meal prep
Pros:
- Efficient kitchen-to-table design
- Ability to separate kitchen activities from everything else
- Casual eat-in option ideal for large families and young children
Cons:
- Requires an open-concept kitchen and large floor plan
- Expensive
- May disrupt traffic flow
What To Consider When Designing Your Kitchen Island
Designing the best kitchen island for your space requires careful planning. Consider the following factors before choosing your new island.
Kitchen Size
The size of your kitchen will be a determining factor in ensuring you have the right size kitchen island -too small or too large, and your beautiful new island can throw off your entire kitchen floor plan. Here are a few general guidelines to sizing your island:
- Your kitchen island should take up 10% of your total kitchen space at most.
- You'll need 36 to 42 inches of walking space around the island.
- Allow for at least 44 inches of walking space behind a seating area.
- Plan to designate 24 inches of countertop space per person; for example, a 48-inch-wide island is ideal for two seats.
- There should be at least 18 inches of workspace to one side of an island sink.
- Cooktops should have at least 15 inches of workspace on one side, 12 inches on the other, and 9 inches behind it.
Pro tip: If you're uncertain about the best size for your kitchen island, put a table in your kitchen to help visualize it. Cut a cardboard top the size you're considering and tape it to the top of the table, then carry on with your daily activities to get a feel for how your island will impact your workflow.
Kitchen Layout
Standard rectangular-shaped kitchen islands typically work in most kitchen layouts, but you may want to consider a circular kitchen island or a rolling island if you're working with a smaller floor plan.
On the contrary, larger open-concept layouts will allow for more flexibility when choosing an island shape. Think about how much storage and countertop space you'll really need. While it may be tempting to splurge on a U-shaped kitchen island, you may find yourself only using one side while the other two become dumping grounds for week-old mail and misplaced toys.
Budget
The more creative you get with your kitchen island design, the more likely you'll have to hire a professional cabinet maker to execute it. If you're renovating your kitchen on a budget, standard galley kitchen islands are the most affordable option for fixed islands. These can range from $2,000 to $2,500, depending on the quality of the materials.
If you plan on installing a custom-shaped island or one with appliances and plumbing, expect to pay over $3,000 for it. With all the bells and whistles, a custom kitchen island can run as high as $10,000!
Need help planning your kitchen island layout? Reach out to our NKBA-certified designers for personalized design recommendations and a complimentary kitchen design plan.
Types of Kitchen Islands FAQs
Still not sure which type of kitchen island will suit your design best? We answered a couple of the most common questions to help you decide.
How large is an average kitchen island?
The average size of a kitchen island is 40 x 80 inches.
What can you put in a kitchen instead of an island?
Kitchen island alternatives that still provide plenty of style and room to work include repurposed industrial worktables, rolling carts, chef's prep tables, and even salvaged dressers, buffet tables, or wine barrels. There's a creative solution for every style of kitchen.
What's the difference between a kitchen island and a kitchen peninsula?
Kitchen islands are free-standing kitchen cabinet units, while kitchen peninsulas are an extension of the kitchen cabinets and countertops. Both provide ample workspace and an opportunity to add seating.
A kitchen island can make a stylish and functional addition to most kitchen layouts, whether you're designing a small L-shaped kitchen or a massive open-concept layout. There's a type of kitchen island suited for every kitchen remodel.
If you're looking to update your layout, you'll likely need new cabinets for a complete kitchen refresh. Browse our wide selection of top-quality ready-to-assemble and pre-assembled kitchen cabinets to find a style and finish you'll love for years to come.
