A copper island can be a gorgeous focal point in any kitchen. The warm, reddish-orange glow of copper immediately draws the eye while adding a touch of old-world charm and elegance. Copper islands come in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to farmhouse cozy, so there’s an option for every taste and decor. Here’s an in-depth look at the many benefits of incorporating a fabulous copper island into your kitchen design.
Why Choose a Copper Island?
There are many great reasons to choose copper for your new kitchen island:
Unmatched Aesthetic Appeal
Without a doubt, nothing beats the visual beauty and interest of copper’s lively metallic finish. The rich color enlivens a space and feels luxurious. Copper has tons of character with a patina that develops gracefully over time, adding to its uniqueness. The metal’s soft glow and warmth provide a welcoming vibe.
Perfect Focal Point
A copper island commands attention, instantly becoming the star of the kitchen. The eye is naturally drawn to the distinctive color and patina. It’s a bold yet elegant choice that gets noticed. The island ties the whole room together when positioned at the center.
Adds High-End Style
The upscale look of copper lends an air of sophistication to any kitchen. Long prized by interior designers, copper raises the level of polish. The material has an inherent expensive appearance that suggests high quality. A copper island feels custom, artisanal and chic.
Compliments Other Finishes
A major advantage of copper is that it pairs beautifully with a wide range of materials and color palettes. It works equally well with light or dark cabinetry in woods like oak, maple or walnut. Countertops in granite, quartz, marble or butcher block also coordinate seamlessly with copper. The island can pick up colors from backsplashes and appliances too.
Naturally Antimicrobial
Copper has natural antimicrobial properties that suppress the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. This ability to resist germs makes it the perfect surface for food contact areas. Research indicates copper islands can kill bacteria within hours.
Provides Contrast
A copper island prevents a kitchen from feeling flat or monotonous. The dynamic finish stands out boldly from typical countertop materials like stone. The eye-catching contrast creates visual interest and livens up the whole space.
Long-Lasting Durability
Copper boasts excellent durability and stands up well to heavy daily use. The metal is resistant to corrosion and withstands scratches, dings and dents better than many alternatives. Islands are built to last for generations when properly maintained. The patina protects the copper over time.
Offers Resale Value
Unlike some luxury finishes that feel dated after a few years, copper maintains its timeless appeal and market value. The material’s natural beauty and character remain desirable. Copper islands add long-term resale value and appeal to potential home buyers.
Fabulous Copper Island Styles
Copper islands are available in an array of shapes, sizes, finishes and styles to match any kitchen decor. Consider some of these fabulous options:
Sleek Modern
For a contemporary minimalist kitchen, nothing beats a streamlined copper island on thin legs. This pared-down style has bold visual impact. Combining the metal with glossy cabinets and engineered stone or concrete countertops creates a trendy industrial vibe.
Rustic Farmhouse
In cozy farmhouse kitchens, a copper-clad wood island lends warm, rustic flair. The metal’s patina couples beautifully with distressed wooden cabinets, open shelving, butcher block and vintage accents. Apron-front sinks and metal base accents enhance the look.
Transitional Chic
For an elegant but relaxed transitional kitchen, try coupling a tapered-leg copper island with painted or stained cabinets in gray, cream or navy. Crisp white quartz countertops keep the look light and airy. Add glass pendant lights for an extra polish.
French Country
A thick, ornate copper island feels right at home in a French country style kitchen. Flourishes like cabriole legs, carved aprons and detailing plays up the Parisian charm. Pair with cabinetry in antique white, soft blues or buttery yellows.
Industrial Style
The industrial look capitalizes on copper’s cool, gritty vibe. Try a beefy, metal-edged island on black steel legs alongside exposed brick walls and ductwork. Concrete or butcher block counters contrast nicely.
Midcentury Modern
For midcentury appeal, a sleek copper island with beveled edges and tapered legs sets the mod mood. The warmth of the metal prevents the space from feeling too sterile. Walnut cabinetry and retro lighting complete the fun retro look.
Traditional Elegance
In formal traditional kitchens, a gracious copper island adds a refined touch. Opt for turned legs, ornate corbels and hand-hammered copper detailing. Marble or granite counters command further elegance. Glass-front cabinetry maintains the bright, open feel.
The fabulous style diversity of copper islands lets you perfectly tailor the look to your particular kitchen decor and tastes.
Choosing the Right Size & Layout
When planning a copper island, considering size and layout impact both aesthetics and function. Follow these tips:
Size It Right
Allow a minimum 36-inch circumference around a copper island to enable traffic flow. For a family kitchen, aim for a 4 by 8 foot island size. In a large open concept kitchen, a 10 foot long island can anchor the whole space beautifully.
Central Position
Centering the island is ideal to create a natural focal point. Situate it near or under lighting sources to highlight the copper shine. Allow enough room around all sides for seating and circulation.
Complement Triangle
Position the island to form an efficient work triangle with the stove and sink. This allows easy movement between task zones. Keep 12-15 feet between island and perimeter counters.
Seating Space
Incorporate at least 12-18 inches of overhang for seating space and design interest. Barstools around a copper island create casual gathering place. Two different surface heights add further flair.
Storage Options
Maximize function with storage features like drawers, cabinets, shelves, towel bars, and racks for spices, utensils or cookbooks. Open shelving keeps a light visual footprint.
Allow for Appliances
If including sinks or appliances, allow a 3-6 foot width for one, or 8+ feet for a double layout. This provides ample room for prep and clean-up tasks. Position appliances near outlets.
Fabulous Copper Island Countertop Materials
The countertop paired with a copper island impacts the overall look tremendously. Consider how these fabulous options complement the copper:
White Marble
For dramatic contrast, nothing beats white marble with gorgeous gray veining. The stone’s cool elegance plays beautifully against the copper’s warmth, creating a luxe designer look.
Butcher Block
Wood countertops like oak or walnut butcher block add lovely organic texture next to copper’s metallic sheen. The materials share natural, timeless appeal. Butcher block offers a budget-friendly option too.
Granite
For a luxe traditional kitchen, team a copper island with exotic granite in a bold color like emerald green or midnight black. The stone’s speckled pattern pairs nicely with copper’s patina.
Concrete
The industrial chic look of polished concrete coupled with copper’s workmanlike sturdiness strike an artfully raw, utilitarian chord. Concrete’s muted color keeps the island as the focus.
Stainless Steel
Matching a stainless steel countertop to a copper island creates a contemporary, high-contrast look. The sleek modern materials play off each other in an eye-catching yet cohesive way.
Tile
For a cottage or farmhouse kitchen, try topping a copper island with vintage-inspired tile like Moroccan encaustic or classic white subway. The tile’s handmade appeal complements the copper.
Quartz
With its durability and array of color options, quartz makes a practical choice. For a lighter look, white or cream quartz complements copper nicely. Bold colors like crimson or black make a dramatic statement.
Fabulous Finish Options
Beyond the standard shiny copper finish, there are some fabulous patina and textural options to consider:
Natural Patina
Embracing the copper’s gradual aging to a soft greenish-brown patina has undeniable old-world charm. Let this finish develop naturally for a mellow, antique look.
Distressed patina
Some islands feature hammered or etched copper with tarnish strategically worked into crevices and edges for immediate visual interest and rustic appeal.
Brushed Copper
A softly brushed satin texture adds dimension and mutes the shine slightly for a more low-key, modern look. The finish plays well in contemporary spaces.
Verdigris Patina
This blue-green patina finish mimics aged copper’s classic color but at an accelerated pace. The distinctive turquoise hue creates serious wow-factor.
Oiled Bronze
With an oil-rubbed dark charcoal finish, copper takes on a mysterious antiqued personality. The depth of color and luster pair especially well with wood elements.
Gold Accents
Warm up a copper island’s attitude with the addition of gold detailing. Hinges, handles and feet in polished gold provide eye-catching contrast.
Fabulous Backsplash Pairings
The backsplash is another prime opportunity to complement a fabulous copper island. Consider these chic combinations:
White Subway Tile
Crisp white subway tile is a popular choice for good reason – the clean color and beveled edges serve as a neutral backdrop that keeps the focus on the copper island while providing texture.
Stainless Steel
For those seeking an ultra-modern industrial edge, stainless steel backsplashes crank up the metallic shine. The sleek, reflective surface plays off the copper beautifully.
Patterned Tile
From Moroccan fish-scale tiles to ornate floral motifs, painted and glazed ceramic or porcelain tile in a colorful pattern makes a dynamic pairing with copper. The island ties it together.
Glass Tile
For sparkle and shine, glass tile mosaics catch and reflect the light gorgeously. Tiny glass tiles come in range of hues like coppery-orange that complement the island.
Stone Mosaic
Bits of marble, travertine or other natural stone organized in mosaic layouts lend organic nuance and luxury. Keep grout lines thin for visual continuity with the copper island.
Rustic Wood
In farmhouse settings, a reclaimed wood plank backsplash adds rustic charm that feels right at home with a copper island. Varying natural wood grain patterns play off the patina.
Green Glass Subway
Layering shades of green is an eye-catching approach. Dark green glass subway tiles reference the island’s aged patina while transparent glass maintains lightness.
Fabulous Lighting Ideas
The right lighting elevates a copper island into a truly fabulous focal point:
Pendant Lights
Counter-height pendant lights over a copper island create a cozy glow for meal prep. Opt for exposed filament bulbs, copper hardware or colorful blown glass for character.
Track Lighting
Linear track lighting aimed down at the island surface highlights the warmth and patina beautifully. Go for individual adjustable spots.
Recessed Cans
Groupings of 6″ recessed can lights guarantee uniform illumination across the entire island. Aim for at least 50 lumens per square foot. Dimmer switches allow adjustment.
Under Cabinet Lights
LED lighting strips installed under upper cabinets cast attractive downlighting onto the island below. This ghostly glow subtly accentuates the island after dark.
Chandelier
For serious drama, hang a statement chandelier like an oversized Packard-inspired vintage style low over the island. Choose a brass, bronze or aged metal finish.
Natural Light
Strategically placed windows and skylights allow sunshine to highlight the island during daytime hours. Copper’s luster and color shine best in natural light.
Accent Lighting
Use mini recessed lights, puck lights or strip lighting to spotlight interior glass-front cabinets or display areas, adding dimension and drama after dark.
Fabulous Island Storage Solutions
While providing beauty and comfort, a copper kitchen island needs to function efficiently as well. These storage solutions maximize usable space:
Drawers
Multiple drawers of varying sizes are perfect for organizing tools, cutlery, napkins and other essentials. Full-extension drawer slides enable easy access.
Cabinets
Base cabinets provide copious hidden storage. Opt for adjustable shelves, pull-out trays and other specialty inserts tailored to your needs. Glass-front doors maintain open sight lines.
Prep Sink
An apron-front copper sink offers handy space for food prep tasks while adding old-world farmhouse character. Flanking drainboards increase work surface.
Towel Bars
Handy horizontal copper towel bars mounted below the countertop edge or on the apron front provide space to hang dish towels and pot holders within easy reach.
Pot Racks
Vertical copper racks with S-hooks mounted on the end of an island are perfect for air drying pots and pans or displaying cooking utensils in easy view.
Spice Racks
Built-in racks with rows of tiny hooks located near the cooking surface keep spice jars visible and accessible when cooking. This also frees up cabinet space.
Shelves
Open fixed or adjustable copper shelves are great for cookbook storage or displaying cherished serveware. Try glass-fronted shelves with interior lighting as well.
Baskets
Woven baskets slipped into open lower shelves corrall fruits and vegetables. The rustic texture feels right at home with copper’s handcrafted appeal.
Styling a Fabulous Copper Island
A few key styling choices can elevate your copper island from great to truly fabulous:
Fresh Flowers
A vase of fresh-cut blooms or greenery placed in the center of the island adds life and color. Opt for a copper, glass, or stone vessel. Change arrangements seasonally.
Fruit Bowl
A hammered copper bowl filled with fresh lemons, oranges, pears or pomegranates adds organic texture and a burst of color against the island’s warmth. Keep fruit visible and accessible.
Cookbooks
Artfully arranged stacks of cookbooks help reinforce the island’s role as command central for culinary pursuits. Keep favorites within reach.
Textiles
Layer woven baskets, a textural rug pad and cozy kitchen towels to soften the island vibe. Coppery shades and natural fibers feel cohesive.
Warm Lighting
Flanking the island with table lamps or sconce lighting casts a beautiful glow over the metal’s surface and warms up the overall effect after dark.
Barstools
Counter-height barstools invite casual gathering around the island for chatting, dining or relaxing. Choose wood, leather or metal stools that complement the decor.
Servesware
Displaying handsome copper pots, pans and serving pieces on open shelves or racks highlights the coordinated metals throughout the space.
A fabulous copper kitchen island draws the eye while serving as the functional centerpiece of culinary endeavors and family connection. With style versatility, durability and timeless beauty, copper is a winning choice sure to enhance any kitchen. Let your copper island become the fabulous focal point it was destined to be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copper Kitchen Islands
What are the benefits of a copper kitchen island?
Some key benefits of a copper kitchen island include visual appeal as a focal point, old-world charm, ability to patina gracefully over time, natural antimicrobial properties, durability, and matching diverse styles. The island becomes the heart of the kitchen.
Does copper turn green?
Copper forms an outer patina coating when exposed to oxygen that initially appears brown or black, then gradually turns green over years. This patinated finish is highly desirable visually but also protects the underlying copper metal.
How is copper island patina achieved?
Natural copper patina occurs slowly over several years of aging. Some islands feature treated copper finishes to immediately mimic an aged green/brown patina. Distressed hammering and torching also accelerates patination in textured areas.
Can you clean and polish patina off copper?
Yes, if desired, the green patina layer can be removed from a copper island using a copper cleaner and polish to restore the original shiny finish. But many choose to leave the aged patina for its vintage aesthetic appeal.
What are common shapes for copper islands?
Copper islands come in many shapes including rectangular, square, oval, round and teardrop. Rectangular with defined ends is most common. Curved shapes can soften an island’s look. The island shape often echoes the kitchen layout.
How thick is an average copper countertop?
Copper countertops are commonly milled to around 1/16” thickness, then bonded to a durable substrate like MDF or plywood at 3/4″ total thickness. Thicker gauge copper with 1/8” -1/4″ thickness can be used for a heavier look.
Can you have seams in a copper island countertop?
On larger islands, visible seams are unavoidable due to the width of available copper sheets. Experienced metalworkers will strategically place seams in the least conspicuous areas. Seams can be camouflaged using patina treatments.
How durable is a copper island?
Copper rates 3-4 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively soft metal, but still durable for daily use. The patinated finish resists wear and masks scratches. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Handles and edges may show wear over time.
Can copper be sanitized?
Yes, copper surfaces effectively self-sanitize naturally to kill bacteria just through contact. You can also periodically sanitize a copper island using a mild citric acid-based cleaner diluted with water and rinsed well.
