30 Small Kitchen Island Ideas That Prove Compact Is Cool

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.

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.

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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

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.

RELATED: 100 Best Organizing Tips for the Tidiest Home Ever

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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Use your island to incorporate some charm and color into your home. These red stools add character to a mostly black and white kitchen.

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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.

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

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.

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If your kitchen is narrow and long but lacks width, take inspiration from Kristen 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

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

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.

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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

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

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