How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
Installing an island can enhance your kitchen in many ways, and with good planning, even smaller kitchens can benefit
Graeme Wilson
10 June 2019
Houzz UK Contributor. LWK Kitchens are a design-led German Kitchen specialist based in London. We supply a very high standard of service based upon the principals of professionalism, honesty, diligence and intimate design knowledge. All of our specialist team of people are extremely committed to this ethos; allied with our extensive range of high quality kitchen products this means we can offer our clients a first rate experience.
Aside from German kitchen furniture we also specialise in Siemens, Neff and Miele appliances; we are currently one of the only Siemens approved IQ700 Design Studios in London.
Houzz UK Contributor. LWK Kitchens are a design-led German Kitchen specialist based... More
A well-planned kitchen island layout can allow a smooth workflow and provide a comfortable space for preparing and cooking food. Islands also frequently provide space for dining, working and storage. But while a well-planned layout offers much enjoyment, a poorly planned island can be frustrating. This is particularly true if there is insufficient space for an island to begin with. If you’re considering a kitchen island, follow these tips to help you decide whether you have enough space to make an island work for you. And if you don’t, see what else you can try.
One size doesn’t fit all
When it comes to kitchen islands, don’t assume that if your kitchen is small, an island won’t be possible, or that you can’t include the options you want. There are many possibilities for making an island work, even where space is limited. Most kitchen companies or designers offer options with a reduced depth, a customised height or extra-large cabinets tailored to suit a specific design and the space it is intended for.
Design an island bench with a kitchen designer or renovator near you on Houzz
When it comes to kitchen islands, don’t assume that if your kitchen is small, an island won’t be possible, or that you can’t include the options you want. There are many possibilities for making an island work, even where space is limited. Most kitchen companies or designers offer options with a reduced depth, a customised height or extra-large cabinets tailored to suit a specific design and the space it is intended for.
Design an island bench with a kitchen designer or renovator near you on Houzz
Determine your clearance zone
When clients ask if they have room for an island, designers must consider factors such as how many people live in the house and how they use the space. But first and foremost, they need to know the size of the room.
In a rectangular room that’s five metres wide and six metres long, the main run of cabinets would often be positioned along one of the walls. The depth of the cabinets from the back wall to the front of the cabinets will measure about 650 millimetres. Within the design, you should leave a gap between the benchtop edge on the back run of cabinets and the island’s benchtop edge. This space between the two working areas forms part of the island’s clearance zone, which is the space surrounding the island.
Tip: The ideal distance for the clearance zone is about one metre. This is best for enabling free and safe movement around the island and throughout the kitchen.
When clients ask if they have room for an island, designers must consider factors such as how many people live in the house and how they use the space. But first and foremost, they need to know the size of the room.
In a rectangular room that’s five metres wide and six metres long, the main run of cabinets would often be positioned along one of the walls. The depth of the cabinets from the back wall to the front of the cabinets will measure about 650 millimetres. Within the design, you should leave a gap between the benchtop edge on the back run of cabinets and the island’s benchtop edge. This space between the two working areas forms part of the island’s clearance zone, which is the space surrounding the island.
Tip: The ideal distance for the clearance zone is about one metre. This is best for enabling free and safe movement around the island and throughout the kitchen.
Consider safety
A safe distance for your kitchen island also includes the right amount of clearance between the island and the opposing cabinets and appliances, so that all doors, drawers, ovens and dishwashers can be opened safely and without obstruction.
Potentially the most dangerous item is always the dishwasher door. These doors open downward, so if you walk past, you risk tripping, falling and hurting yourself or others – particularly dangerous if you’re carrying knives or hot food. As such, it’s best to leave more space. The minimum distance you should allow between two fully extended drawers on opposing runs is about 900 millimetres.
A safe distance for your kitchen island also includes the right amount of clearance between the island and the opposing cabinets and appliances, so that all doors, drawers, ovens and dishwashers can be opened safely and without obstruction.
Potentially the most dangerous item is always the dishwasher door. These doors open downward, so if you walk past, you risk tripping, falling and hurting yourself or others – particularly dangerous if you’re carrying knives or hot food. As such, it’s best to leave more space. The minimum distance you should allow between two fully extended drawers on opposing runs is about 900 millimetres.
Squeeze an island into a smaller kitchen
Islands can vary in size and shape, but the minimum recommended size of a fixed kitchen island is about 1,000 by 1,000 millimetres. Although small, these recommended minimum kitchen dimensions still allow for a practical working island, including the option of integrated appliances or drawers below the benchtop.
An island of this size would require a minimal clearance zone of 800 millimetres. This is the smallest possible distance for safe and unobstructed passage. A clearance zone of this distance would be suitable for one person working in the kitchen but not, ideally, for two, as the space would feel cramped and could be hazardous.
See more compact kitchen ideas
Islands can vary in size and shape, but the minimum recommended size of a fixed kitchen island is about 1,000 by 1,000 millimetres. Although small, these recommended minimum kitchen dimensions still allow for a practical working island, including the option of integrated appliances or drawers below the benchtop.
An island of this size would require a minimal clearance zone of 800 millimetres. This is the smallest possible distance for safe and unobstructed passage. A clearance zone of this distance would be suitable for one person working in the kitchen but not, ideally, for two, as the space would feel cramped and could be hazardous.
See more compact kitchen ideas
Plan a multi-functional kitchen island
A kitchen island can be extremely efficient if it is planned from the outset as a multi-purpose workstation. An example is this island with seating, cubby storage, plenty of kitchen bench space and a gas stove. The layout was well-considered to accommodate the owner’s needs while maximising space.
A kitchen island can be extremely efficient if it is planned from the outset as a multi-purpose workstation. An example is this island with seating, cubby storage, plenty of kitchen bench space and a gas stove. The layout was well-considered to accommodate the owner’s needs while maximising space.
Stay in proportion
The average size of a kitchen island is about 1,000 by 2,000 millimetres. This would typically have a surrounding clearance zone of about 1,000 millimetres. But an island’s size is usually determined by the distances around it, so it makes sense that larger rooms can allow for bigger islands. But something too large for the room could spoil your kitchen’s aesthetic. A good kitchen designer will help you determine just how large you should go.
By not keeping an island’s dimensions proportional to its surrounding space, you also risk creating a cramped environment with an impractical and inefficient workflow. Even navigating around an island can be a chore if it’s too big. Also, in a larger space, it may seem logical to allow a wider walkway between the island and the work surface opposite – there is a drawback to this, however: a clearance zone wider than about 1,200 millimetres means the layout will be less comfortable to use, as the gap between the kitchen island and the main benchtop will feel less user-friendly.
The average size of a kitchen island is about 1,000 by 2,000 millimetres. This would typically have a surrounding clearance zone of about 1,000 millimetres. But an island’s size is usually determined by the distances around it, so it makes sense that larger rooms can allow for bigger islands. But something too large for the room could spoil your kitchen’s aesthetic. A good kitchen designer will help you determine just how large you should go.
By not keeping an island’s dimensions proportional to its surrounding space, you also risk creating a cramped environment with an impractical and inefficient workflow. Even navigating around an island can be a chore if it’s too big. Also, in a larger space, it may seem logical to allow a wider walkway between the island and the work surface opposite – there is a drawback to this, however: a clearance zone wider than about 1,200 millimetres means the layout will be less comfortable to use, as the gap between the kitchen island and the main benchtop will feel less user-friendly.
Go for a galley island layout
Chefs typically prefer a galley kitchen layout, which features two parallel runs of cabinetry. This layout is one you can adapt to a kitchen island too.
A galley-island layout allows you to stand at the island but turn with the spin of a heel to reach the workspace behind. In a well-executed design, this allows safe and easy access to all work surfaces, cabinets and appliances when cooking. But beyond a clearance of about 1,200 millimetres, most users would have to pivot then walk to reach the opposite benchtop. This creates a disconnect between the two spaces and can make the kitchen feel laborious to use.
Chefs typically prefer a galley kitchen layout, which features two parallel runs of cabinetry. This layout is one you can adapt to a kitchen island too.
A galley-island layout allows you to stand at the island but turn with the spin of a heel to reach the workspace behind. In a well-executed design, this allows safe and easy access to all work surfaces, cabinets and appliances when cooking. But beyond a clearance of about 1,200 millimetres, most users would have to pivot then walk to reach the opposite benchtop. This creates a disconnect between the two spaces and can make the kitchen feel laborious to use.
Ensure that the benchtop will fit through your front door
In addition to figuring out if an island will fit your kitchen space, consider the benchtop size it will require as well. Some benchtop materials have a maximum size limit before requiring a visible seam, which you may prefer to avoid.
Also – and this may sound obvious – be sure to check that your chosen benchtop will physically fit inside your house and into the kitchen before you order it. If, for example, your kitchen can be reached only via a narrow flight of stairs or winding passageway, you may have no choice but to reduce the size of the island for the benchtop to fit it in as a single piece and without the unwanted seam.
In addition to figuring out if an island will fit your kitchen space, consider the benchtop size it will require as well. Some benchtop materials have a maximum size limit before requiring a visible seam, which you may prefer to avoid.
Also – and this may sound obvious – be sure to check that your chosen benchtop will physically fit inside your house and into the kitchen before you order it. If, for example, your kitchen can be reached only via a narrow flight of stairs or winding passageway, you may have no choice but to reduce the size of the island for the benchtop to fit it in as a single piece and without the unwanted seam.
Investigate island-style alternatives
If you are set on a kitchen island but your space is just too small, there are various options.
The most dramatic is to rearrange your layout and open up the room to create more space. This may mean altering some of the interior structure, such as taking a wall down to make an open-plan setting or building an addition.
That, of course, won’t be feasible for every kitchen. So smaller-scale options include the use of butcher blocks, moving islands and trolleys – all great options when there’s no space for an island. Eye-catching in their own right, these small islands can be extremely functional, offering extra storage space and work surfaces. They are also much less costly than a fixed kitchen island.
Kitchenettes: What Are They and Do You Need One?
If you are set on a kitchen island but your space is just too small, there are various options.
The most dramatic is to rearrange your layout and open up the room to create more space. This may mean altering some of the interior structure, such as taking a wall down to make an open-plan setting or building an addition.
That, of course, won’t be feasible for every kitchen. So smaller-scale options include the use of butcher blocks, moving islands and trolleys – all great options when there’s no space for an island. Eye-catching in their own right, these small islands can be extremely functional, offering extra storage space and work surfaces. They are also much less costly than a fixed kitchen island.
Kitchenettes: What Are They and Do You Need One?
Break from the norm
When it comes to kitchen islands, there is a multitude of possible layouts, shapes and sizes to choose from. You may choose a small island with a raised breakfast bar for extra height and work surface. Or why not go for something really different – like this dramatic round kitchen island?
When it comes to kitchen islands, there is a multitude of possible layouts, shapes and sizes to choose from. You may choose a small island with a raised breakfast bar for extra height and work surface. Or why not go for something really different – like this dramatic round kitchen island?
Consider a kitchen peninsula
Finally, there is the option of a kitchen peninsula rather than a full island. The word ‘peninsula’ comes from the Latin for ‘almost an island’, and a kitchen peninsula shares most of the same appealing qualities as a kitchen island but is fixed at one end. Peninsulas are a practical and functional choice for small kitchens because, with one end fixed to a wall, they take up less floor space.
A peninsula also doesn’t require the same clearance as an island. For example, an average-size island, about 1,200 by 2,400 millimetres, would need a clearance zone of about 1,000 millimetres on all side. But a peninsula in the same space would, of course, require that extra metre only on three sides – giving you back valuable space.
Your turn
Have you made an island work in your kitchen? Share your experiences in the Comments below, like and bookmark this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Need more kitchen design inspiration? Don’t miss Best of the Week: 25 Range Hoods With Wow Factor
Finally, there is the option of a kitchen peninsula rather than a full island. The word ‘peninsula’ comes from the Latin for ‘almost an island’, and a kitchen peninsula shares most of the same appealing qualities as a kitchen island but is fixed at one end. Peninsulas are a practical and functional choice for small kitchens because, with one end fixed to a wall, they take up less floor space.
A peninsula also doesn’t require the same clearance as an island. For example, an average-size island, about 1,200 by 2,400 millimetres, would need a clearance zone of about 1,000 millimetres on all side. But a peninsula in the same space would, of course, require that extra metre only on three sides – giving you back valuable space.
Your turn
Have you made an island work in your kitchen? Share your experiences in the Comments below, like and bookmark this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Need more kitchen design inspiration? Don’t miss Best of the Week: 25 Range Hoods With Wow Factor
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In my married life, I have had many small kitchens, I don"t want that anymore! Big kitchens are better!
If you can, avoid putting a sink or stove on the island bench. Then guests can sit, stand around bench without feeling they're about to be splattered by mess!! Food can be served there buffet style. Also moving hot pans from stove to sink across a passageway can be dangerous with kids, pets.
Something rarely considered regarding kitchen islands, breakfast bars and kitchen benches is accessibility. When we designed our kitchen we made what would have been a breakfast bar/island into two levels, one standing height and one sitting height which is used as an eating area. This made it easy for everyone - children, elderly, wheelchair users - because there is no need to climb onto a stool and also everyone is seated at the same height to enjoy a casual meal. We had one of our kitchen benches made a similar height as well, to be used as a work bench to sit at and to increase accessible work space. Having different heights for work benches is beneficial when selling as the increased versatility means a home that was designed just for you has a better chance of meeting the next owner's needs too.