People often refer to the kitchen as the heart of the home, the place where family and friends gather to prepare delicious home-cooked meals, eat and spend time together as a team. But what is the essence of the kitchen? Well, that could be a kitchen island!
Typical, kitchen island not required, but provide convenience and offer separate places for cooking, storing cutlery, and even eating. Plus, there’s no denying that kitchen islands are a wonderful addition to any kitchen design. The thing is difficult to choose a kitchen island. You can visit any store and find a visually appealing island, but what if it doesn’t last long? We’ve prepared some tips for choosing the perfect kitchen island!
Kitchen Island Type
Before we move on to the tips, let’s discuss several types of kitchen islands on the market. There are five general types:
- Fully functional island. This kind of island has all the benefits of a traditional counter, such as electricity, sink, drainage and lots of space. It’s almost like having a separate kitchen because it has everything!
- Table. It has a flat counter and four legs and is open underneath. In simple terms, it is a table in the center of your kitchen but with additional shelves or drawers.
- Base cabinet with table. Unlike the two previous varieties, these islands stick to the floor. Simply put, you can’t move it.
- Mobile cart island. This compact mobile cart is ideal for small kitchens because you can move it to open up more space. They offer extra storage space and a table for preparing food.
- Non-mobile island. This island is identical to the previous example but has no wheels.
If you have enough space in your kitchen and want something extra, choose a fully functional island. However, you may consider other options if you are short on space.
Tips for Choosing a Kitchen Island
Here are some additional tips to consider before choosing a kitchen island:
- Consider free movement around the kitchen. An island should ideally have 36 to 48 inches of space on all sides to allow for easy movement.
- Consider your specific needs. If you cook often and plan to use the island for this purpose, make sure the countertop is made of a durable material, such as marble.
- Consider size and height. Allow at least 24 inches wide per person if you are using it as a dining area. Make sure it’s about 9 to 13 inches between your knees and the bottom of the table.
We hope these tips will help you choose the kitchen island of your dreams!
