10 Small Kitchen Ideas with an Island: Creative island solutions for compact kitchens based on my 10+ years of design experience.Sophie LiangSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Slimline Island with Storage2. Mobile Kitchen Cart Island3. Drop-leaf Counter Extension4. Built-in Seating on One Side5. Double-duty Island with Appliances6. Tiered Counter Heights7. Light-reflective Materials8. Open-shelf Ends9. Overhead Pot Rack Above Island10. Peninsula Island ConversionFAQTable of Contents1. Slimline Island with Storage2. Mobile Kitchen Cart Island3. Drop-leaf Counter Extension4. Built-in Seating on One Side5. Double-duty Island with Appliances6. Tiered Counter Heights7. Light-reflective Materials8. Open-shelf Ends9. Overhead Pot Rack Above Island10. Peninsula Island ConversionFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client insisted on having a massive kitchen island in her 6m² apartment kitchen. I nearly laughed — until I realized we could make it work by rethinking the proportions and adding multi-function tricks. That project taught me that small kitchens can turn limitations into pure creativity.In fact, even tiny spaces can benefit from clever island designs — it’s all about smart planning, proportion, and making every centimeter count. Today, I’ll share 10 ideas I’ve used to successfully install islands in small kitchens that not only look great but make daily cooking so much easier.1. Slimline Island with StorageInstead of the chunky standard, go narrow. A slimline island saves floor space but still gives you a prep surface and hidden drawers. I once paired this with a bright counter to make the room look bigger. Planning its size carefully in a room planner helped us nail the proportions.save pin2. Mobile Kitchen Cart IslandWheels are your friend. A mobile cart can act as an island when you need it and roll out when you don’t. I’ve used this for clients who love entertaining but need flexibility day-to-day.save pin3. Drop-leaf Counter ExtensionPerfect for studio apartments. The foldable section becomes an island counter when opened and disappears when folded down. Cost-effective and apartment-friendly.save pin4. Built-in Seating on One SideIf you integrate bench seating or stools into one side of the island, it doubles as a dining table. Great for social kitchens where space is precious.save pin5. Double-duty Island with AppliancesIncorporate a small oven or wine cooler into your island. It frees wall space and keeps everything central. It does mean more complex wiring, so plan ahead with your electrician.save pin6. Tiered Counter HeightsOne side for food prep, another lower or higher for dining. This makes a small island work harder, plus adds a nice visual break midway in the kitchen.save pin7. Light-reflective MaterialsGlossy surfaces and lighter tones bounce light around and make small kitchens feel airy. I once used high-gloss quartz that, according to my client, made the whole kitchen "sparkle." Testing layout in a free floor plan creator can help you see the effect before committing.save pin8. Open-shelf EndsInstead of solid panels, I like open shelving at the island ends for cookbooks or decor. It softens the bulk visually and adds accessible storage.save pin9. Overhead Pot Rack Above IslandIn tight kitchens, going vertical is vital. A pot rack above the island frees cabinets and becomes a design feature. Just make sure it’s high enough not to bump your head!save pin10. Peninsula Island ConversionWhen floor space seriously limits a freestanding island, turn your countertop edge into a peninsula. It offers almost the same benefits for less footprint. L-shaped small kitchens benefit the most — I’ve simulated this in kitchen layout planner many times to test flow.save pinFAQ1. Can you put an island in a very small kitchen?Yes, if designed right. Using slim or mobile designs can make it work without blocking movement.2. What’s the best size for a small kitchen island?Ideally 60–90 cm deep and 120–150 cm long. Always keep at least 90 cm clearance around it.3. How much space do you need around a kitchen island?Most experts recommend at least 90–100 cm of clearance space for comfortable movement.4. What’s the cheapest way to add an island?A repurposed table or a mobile cart is budget-friendly and flexible.5. Can a kitchen island have appliances?Yes, many small islands can integrate cooktops, mini-fridges, or dishwashers if planned properly.6. Does an island increase home value?According to the National Association of Realtors, upgraded kitchens — especially with functional islands — are top buyer attractors.7. What lighting is best above a small island?Pendant lights hung 75–90 cm above the countertop are practical and create a design focal point.8. Is a peninsula better than an island in a small kitchen?In very tight spaces, yes — it offers similar function without requiring clearance on all sides.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE