How to Plan a Kitchen Island That Works for Your Space
A kitchen island can be one of the most rewarding additions to any home. It adds worktop space, storage, a social hub and, when designed well, a real sense of character to the heart of your home. But getting it right takes more than picking a style you like online. At Online Kitchen Store, we design and manufacture bespoke kitchens every day and we know that a kitchen island only truly works when it’s planned around your specific space and how you actually live.
Start With Your Space
Before anything else, measure carefully. A kitchen island needs breathing room on all sides to function safely and comfortably. As a general rule of thumb:
- Minimum 900mm of clearance of each side for walkways
- 1,000 - 1,200mm is ideal if you want people to move freely past
each other - 1,200mm or more if you plan to have seating on one side
If your kitchen is on the smaller side, don’t be disheartened. A well-proportioned island (even a compact one) can still make a meaningful difference. It’s about getting the dimensions right for your room, not replicating what you’ve seen in a showroom.
Think About How You Use Your Kitchen
An island should work hard for you. Before settling on a design, ask yourself:
- Do I want extra preparation space or is storage the priority?
- Will I use it for casual dining or family breakfasts?
- Do I need it to house an appliance such as a hob or wine cooler?
- How many people typically use the kitchen at once?
Your answers will shape everything – from the footprint and height, to whether you include an overhang for seating or deep drawers for pots and pans.
Consider Height and Seating
Standard worktop height is around 900mm, which works well for food prep. If you want bar-style seating on one side, a raised section at 1,050 - 1,100mm with tall stools can look smart and save floor space.
Split-level islands (with a lower prep area on one side and a raised breakfast bar on the other) are a popular solution that balances practicality with a sociable layout.
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Storage and Features to Consider
One of the biggest advantages of a bespoke island is that every centimetre can be put to use. Think about:
- Deep pan drawers for bulky cookware
- Integrated recycling or waste bins
- Open shelving for displaying cookbooks or crockery
- A built-in larder section for dry goods or small appliances
- Wine rack or integrated wine cooler
Bespoke Makes the Difference
Off-the shelf islands are designed to fit the average kitchen. Yours isn’t average, and your island shouldn’t be either. At Online Kitchen Store, we design every kitchen and island from scratch, working closely with our customers to ensure that every detail, size, layout, finish and storage, is tailored to their home and lifestyle.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch with our team today, we’d love to help you bring your dream kitchen to life.
