Kitchen Island Skinny (2024)

FAQs

What is the narrowest a kitchen island can be? ›

The minimum recommended size of an island is 2-by-4 feet. However, the island's total area should be at most 10% of the kitchen area. For example, if the kitchen is 150 square feet, the island should be at most 15 square feet. On the other hand, height is pretty simple.

“Typically, around the sink and dishwasher area I like to get 42” to 45” of space from counter to counter if I can, but 39” is acceptable. You can go to 36” but that is the least I would go and definitely try not to go that tight.”

Don't go too big or too small or your island will look disproportionate. And don't try to squeeze in an island where there simply isn't space (regardless of how much you want one). It won't look right, and it will make your kitchen feel very cramped, particularly if more than one person is trying to use it at a time. '

The minimum size for a kitchen island is four feet by two feet, so it's big enough to be functional. However, the average size for a kitchen island is six feet by three feet, so it's a good idea to go bigger if you have the space.

The standard 12-inch overhang is ideal for most people, providing a comfortable and practical seating area. A 10-inch overhang can work if space is limited, but it might not be as comfortable. An 18-inch overhang offers plenty of legroom but requires additional support.

Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.

Use a White Color Scheme

Not only does this color reflect light well and brighten your space, but it can also make the ceiling height look taller. Whether you use it for wall cabinets, countertops, or everything, this tip alone is sure to give you the appearance of a larger kitchen.

If you plan to include seating at the island, provide a comfortable overhang for legroom. A typical overhang for seating is around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) from the edge of the countertop to the outer edge of the seating area.

If your kitchen is narrow or small, there may not be space for an island. Your available space should be about 10 feet wide by 12 feet long at a minimum to fit an island, or else it will overwhelm your room.

The recommended distance is 42 to 48 inches between the kitchen island and countertops, with exceptions for unique layouts and additional accessibility space. Our guide will cover the recommendations for a comfortable and stylish kitchen island layout.

How to fit an island in a narrow kitchen? ›

If you don't have room for an island in the center of your space, position it perpendicular to the cabinetry or a wall. This will create an extension that can have bar seating and provide extra counter space, as artist and interior designer Carly Berlin's kitchen island shows.

It's recommended that an island is no less than 40 by 40 inches (1 by 1 meter) for a small kitchen, but if you're using an elongated table as opposed to a square, you'll want to go for something no less than 24 inches (61 centimeters) wide to give yourself enough work space.

Doorways and Walkways

Passageways through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide (or desirably larger if you're building an open floor plan kitchen). In work areas, the minimum walkway width in the kitchen should be at least 42 inches for one cook or 48 inches for multiple cooks.

Generally speaking, a countertop overhang of 12-18” is a good place to start. It's worth noting that 12” likely won't allow your bar stools to tuck in all the way.

To accommodate comfortable and safe movement throughout the kitchen, the island should have a minimum clearance of 36 inches on all sides. This means that the kitchen itself must be at least eight feet deep and more than 12 feet long. Consider the space needed to open and access appliances, drawers and doors.