Kitchen bars and islands are a great way to add extra seating and storage to your kitchen without taking up too much space. Clever designs allow you to maximize every inch, providing plenty of room for meal prep and entertaining. Here are 9 space-saving kitchen bar and island ideas to inspire your next remodel.
Multifunctional Kitchen Island
A kitchen island that does double or triple duty is a terrific way to add functionality without increasing the footprint. Look for islands that incorporate seating, storage, and extras like a sink or cooktop to get the most bang for your square footage.
Some space-saving ideas include:
- Opt for counter height or barstool seating to tuck stools under when not in use. Stools with backs maximize seating comfort.
- Incorporate cabinets, shelves, and drawers for hidden storage. Open shelving also works well for frequently used items.
- Add a small sink or cooktop to create an auxiliary prep space.
- Extend your countertop overhang to accommodate stools on one side.
- Mobile islands can provide flexible extra seating and be moved as needed. Locking casters allow you to keep them stationary when in use.
Choosing multipurpose island designs means you get all the benefits of extra seating and prep space without the island taking over your kitchen.
Compact Kitchen Peninsula
Connecting your island to one end of the countertop creates a handy peninsula. This gives you the functionality of an island while occupying less overall floorspace.
Here are some tips for maximizing a compact kitchen peninsula:
- Keep it narrow, around 32-36 inches wide. This leaves enough room for 1-2 barstools without impeding traffic flow.
- Incorporate seating on one side only to avoid a cramped feel.
- Use upper cabinets for storage rather than lower ones to keep the space visually open underneath.
- Add functional and decorative corbels or legs to support the overhang.
- Extend upper cabinets over the peninsula to gain storage above.
- Floating peninsulas without a connection to the floor can feel lighter and less bulky.
Kitchen peninsulas are great for small kitchens. The attached design makes them space efficient while still providing a place to sit and extra prep area.
Kitchen Island with Built-In Seating
Integrating the seating right into your island frame is an ultra space-saving idea. This design eliminates the need for bulky stools that stick out from the island.
Some options for built-in seating include:
- A lowered counter surface that serves as a bench. Add comfy cushions for seating.
- Box-frame base with a bench inside and lower surface for legroom.
- Barstool style seats recessed into the end of an island.
- Banquette seating built into one side of a larger island.
This integrated seating merges the structure of the island and seating into one. The result is a piece that provides seating for 1-4 people without increasing the footprint.
Compact Kitchen Bar
If your space is really tight, a kitchen bar may be just the solution. Kitchen bars are like mini islands attached to the wall. They provide a skinny spot for 1-2 people to sit without intruding too far into the workspace.
Consider these tips for a compact kitchen bar:
- Limit the depth to 25-30 inches from the wall. This allows for enough legroom when seated but avoids encroaching into the room.
- Incorporate an overhang or supports to hold up the extended counter.
- Use open shelving underneath for a lightweight, visually open feel.
- Floating bars detached from the floor minimize the bulky feel.
- Attach to a peninsula or island for additional seating.
Kitchen bars are great for small kitchens. They allow you to add seating for 1-2 without sacrificing valuable floor space.
Movable Kitchen Island Cart
Kitchen carts have wheels that allow you to roll them wherever you need extra prep space or serving area. When not in use, simply tuck them out of the way against a wall or in a corner.
Some tips for using a kitchen cart:
- Look for carts with locking wheels so they stay stationary when in use.
- Storage drawers, shelves, and cabinets provide concealed storage that doesn’t clutter your space.
- Consider fold-down leaves or flaps to expand your workspace as needed.
- Opt for adjustable-height designs to use your cart as a stand-in dining table or bar.
- Look for durable butcher block, stainless steel, or granite tops that make good work surfaces.
- Add hooks, paper towel holders and spice racks for handy storage right on your cart.
Kitchen carts are ideal for small kitchens. Roll them out when you need extra space and tuck them out of sight when you don’t.
Suspended Kitchen Island
Islands that hang from the ceiling are a dramatic way to add seating and surfaces while maintaining an open, airy feel below. Suspended islands help make a small kitchen feel more spacious.
Design considerations for hanging kitchen islands include:
- Floating shelves instead of bulky base cabinets keep the space below open.
- Avoid overly massive islands that might overpower the room.
- Include 2-4 barstools or counter-height chairs for seating.
- Make sure your ceiling structure can support the weight. Reinforce as needed.
- Allow proper clearance so chairs can scoot all the way under.
- Incorporate lighting, racks and hooks underneath for functionality.
Suspending your island opens up floor space visually and functionally. Just be sure it’s properly supported and the scale fits your room.
Kitchen Island with Pull-Out Seating
Islands with pull-out seating incorporate slim stools or benches that tuck away underneath when not in use. This design saves space and allows flexible seating only when you need it.
Options for pull-out seating in a kitchen island include:
- Built-in benches that slide out from a recess.
- Retractable stools on sliding tracks or runners.
- Barstools that tuck under an overhang when not needed.
- Flip-up counter extensions that can act as stool seats.
- Fold-down seating that collapses into the side or end of the island frame.
This retractable seating means you get extra seating only when needed. When stools aren’t in use, they tuck away neatly out of sight.
Kitchen Island with Drop Leaf
A drop leaf island allows you to expand your workspace as needed. Hinged or sliding extensions fold down or pull out from the sides to widen your island surface temporarily.
Here are some helpful hints for incorporating drop leaves:
- Choose a narrow island frame to minimize footprint when leaves are folded.
- Allow at least 12-15 inches of extension for each leaf.
- Make sure your room accommodates the expanded island size.
- Opt for self-supporting extensions that hold their own weight when open.
- Include locking supports to keep leaves from folding unintentionally.
- Coordinate drops leaves with your cabinetry for a streamlined look.
Drop leaf islands allow you to keep a compact footprint but give you the option for a wider surface when entertaining or prepping large meals.
Small Prep Island with Stools
Adding a secondary prep island provides extra workspace without eating up too much floorspace. Opt for a narrow piece just big enough for a cutting board and leftover storage. Then tuck stools underneath when not in use.
Ideas for a small prep island include:
- Slim rectangular island around 25-30 inches deep.
- Clearance for 1-2 barstools tucked underneath.
- Shelves or cabinetry for cookbook and recipe storage.
- Removable cutting boards sized to the island.
- Drawers for utensil storage and to hold serveware.
- Mini fridge, microwave or toaster oven for convenience.
- Locking wheels so it can be moved as needed.
Even a narrow prep island goes a long way toward adding function. Just be sure to allow clearance to pull stools out fully when seated.
FAQ about Kitchen Bars and Islands
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about kitchen bars and islands:
How wide should a kitchen bar or island be?
For a kitchen bar, 24-30 inches is ideal. For an island, allow 36-48 inches for comfortable meal prep and traffic flow. Go narrower than 36″ if space is very tight.
What is the standard height for a kitchen island?
Standard kitchen island height is 36 inches. For a bar, counter height around 40-42 inches is common.
What is the minimum clearance needed around a kitchen island?
Allow a minimum clearance of 42-48 inches around all sides of an island where stools will be pulled out. At least 32-36 inches is needed for traffic flow on sides without seating.
How much overhang should I allow for bar seating?
A 12-15 inch overhang is recommended to comfortably accommodate seated guests. Allow more overhang if you plan to sit at the island on both sides.
Should my kitchen island match my cabinets?
It’s common to match kitchen island finishes to your cabinetry for a cohesive look. However, a contrasting island can make a stylish design statement. Coordinate countertops for continuity.
Can I put a sink or appliances in my kitchen island?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to incorporate a sink, cooktop, or other appliances into an island as long as proper ventilation and clearances are accounted for.
What is the best material for a kitchen island countertop?
Granite, quartz, butcher block, and laminate are popular island countertop choices. Stainless steel or ceramic work well too. Choose a durable, easy-care surface.
What size should kitchen island stools be?
Standard kitchen island stool height is 24-27 inches. Allow 28-30 inches of clearance between the stool seat and your island overhang for comfortable seating. Opt for counter-height stools around 33-36 inches tall for a bar.
Conclusion
Kitchen bars and islands are a smart addition to any kitchen layout. Clever space-saving designs allow you to maximize every inch. Compact islands, retractable seating, mobile carts, and multi-purpose pieces provide seating and surface space without overpowering your room. Consider your specific needs and kitchen dimensions when deciding which of these space-maximizing island designs is right for your home. Incorporating one of these space-efficient options will give you expanded seating and functionality even in a petite kitchen. With some creative thinking outside the box, you can enjoy all the benefits of extra counter and prep space with an island that fits your footprint. Any of these space-saving kitchen bar and island ideas will upgrade your cooking and entertaining abilities without requiring more square footage.
