23 Small Kitchen Island Ideas to Upgrade a Compact Cooking Space
Add style and storage space with these clever designs.
A small kitchen can be charming, but it can also pose certain design challenges. Since you don’t have as much floor space to work with, finding a layout that makes the most of every inch is crucial. We’ve collected our favorite small kitchen island design ideas to inspire you, whether you’re planning a full renovation or a simple DIY upgrade.
Ideally, kitchen islands can provide additional storage space, a prep surface, and a cozy dining area. Many people opt for islands with built-in cabinets or shelves to hold small appliances and other items. But if you don’t need extra storage, something like a vintage table can make for a charming kitchen island.
Some of our favorite small kitchen island ideas include rolling carts that can be tucked away, hanging countertops where you can set up a stool, and islands with tiny built-in sinks to make prepping dinner a breeze. Whether you’re leaning into a modern, industrial feel or a colorful cafe-inspired atmosphere, there’s sure to be a small kitchen island design here you’ll love. If you’re looking for more small space inspiration, read up on the small living room design ideas we love and small dining room ideas to maximize style and space.
Use a Wine Table as an Island
Take it from designer Jeanne Barber and swap a traditional kitchen island for a small French wine table. "It serves as extra counter space and a cozy spot for morning coffee. The tilting top adds versatility—easily stowed away when entertaining calls for more open floor space," says Barber, the founder of Camden Grace Interiors.
Photo by: Jared Kuzia
Go for Stainless Steel With Shelving
Not only is a stainless steel island with shelves convenient—it also injects personality into a small kitchen without taking up too much space. "It adds just the right amount of extra storage and prep surface. The stainless steel is a dream to clean, and since it’s on wheels, the island can easily move wherever it’s needed, making it as flexible as it is functional," says designer Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories.
Photo by: Emily Redfield Photography
Embrace a Narrow Footprint
"Small but mighty" is the best way to describe this kitchen island, according to Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors. "Moving the dividing wall between the two rooms wasn't enough—we were still left with a narrow footprint that demanded an inventive solution," says Jung.
She didn't think twice about a compact island, featuring warm wood to draw the eye. "By incorporating a prep sink and extending it into an intimate dining table, we transformed a spatial constraint into the kitchen's defining feature. What began as a floor plan challenge became the room's hero."
Photo by: Christopher Stark
Repurpose a Base Cabinet
Love a good DIY? Ananda from A Piece of Rainbow put her creativity to the test—and saved money in the process—by making this farmhouse island from an IKEA base cabinet and a butcher block countertop. She finished the look with mint green Sherwin-Williams Latex Emerald Paint, then added a rail to hang utensils and wheels so it can easily move about the space.
Add Bistro Counter Stools
When designer Nancy Davilman was renovating this kitchen for a chef, it was important to create room for guests to gather while she cooked. Davilman settled on a blue island with a pair of bistro counter stools.
"The island may not be huge, but it provides ample storage and, most importantly, a spot for people to sit and enjoy the action in the kitchen," says Davilman, the founder of ND Interiors.
Photo by: Julie Leffell
Add Storage on Both Sides
Make a small kitchen stand out with a sleek island that's equipped with storage on both sides. "This kitchen island, with storage on both sides and an integrated glass partition, works perfectly for small spaces: it defines the entrance and the kitchen area while providing practical storage solutions, all without blocking light between the two zones," says designer Maya Thonney of L'Agencerie.
Photo by: Haute'xposure
Deck It Out in Blue
Even though this condo's kitchen is just 800 square feet, designer Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow didn't shy away from color and pattern. The green island and cabinets, along with the ceiling's peel-and-stick wallpaper, brought the space to life. Of course, the setup is functional, too.
"My kitchen island was designed by the home's builder, but it offers an easy meal prep station and dine-in zone for me to enjoy without moving into my formal dining space. It's also large enough for hosting guests, and doubles as a buffet when having several guests over for the holidays," Guyton says.
Photo by: Marc Mauldin Photography
Use a Hanging Countertop for Extra Space
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.
Add Drawer Dividers
If your kitchen island has drawers, make the most of them with 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.
Make It Mobile
The best thing you can do in a small space is have furniture that's a breeze 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.
Use It as a Table
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
Stick With Neutrals
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.
Maximize Storage
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.
Incorporate Shelving
Create a cute spot for your cookbooks with convenient built-in shelving like this setup from Lindsay Lucas of Lindsay Laine Interiors. This slim island design doesn't take up too much room, yet it provides counter space, seating, and shelving without minimizing walking space in the kitchen.
Tuck in the Stools
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
Have Dinner for One
Here's a great idea for a long, narrow kitchen that lacks width. Krystal Reinhard of Old Soul Design Studio incorporated 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
Embrace Vintage Furniture
Is thrifting your thing? We've got the perfect kitchen island idea for you. Although it may not look like the typical island, antique pieces like the one shown here can add character to your space and get the job done. This one even has drawers built in already. All you have to do is head to the thrift store or take a scroll through Facebook Marketplace to find the best deals.
Go for the Diagonal
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.
Incorporate Wine Storage
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
Add Another Sink
You can never have too many sinks when it comes to cleaning up messes in the kitchen. Incorporate a small kitchen island with an added sink and extra drawer and cabinet space beneath it.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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