People often refer to the kitchen as the heart of the home, a gathering area for family and friends to prepare delicious homemade meals, eat, and spend time together as a team. But what’s the heart of the kitchen? Well, it could be the kitchen island!
Typically, kitchen islands are not necessary, but they give comfort and offer a separate place to cook, store cutlery, and even dine. Moreover, no one will deny that the kitchen island is an amazing addition to the kitchen design. The problem is it’s hard to choose a kitchen island. You may visit any shop and find a visually pleasing island, but what if it won’t last long? We have prepared a few tips on choosing a perfect kitchen island!
Types Of Kitchen Islands
Before we proceed with tips, let’s discuss several types of kitchen islands on the market. There are five general types:
- Fully-functional island. This sort of island has all of the benefits of traditional counters, such as power, a sink, drainage, and plenty of room. It’s almost like having a separate kitchen since it has everything!
- Table. It has a flat counter and four legs and is open underneath. Simply put, it’s a table in the middle of your kitchen but with additional shelves or drawers.
- Base cabinet with a counter. Unlike the previous two varieties, these islands are fixed to the floor. Simply put, you can’t move it.
- Mobile cart island. These compact, mobile carts on wheels are ideal for small kitchens since you can move them to open more space. They offer extra storage space and a counter to prepare food.
- Non-mobile island. This island is identical to the previous example but doesn’t have wheels.
If you have enough space in the kitchen and want something extra, go for the fully-functional island. However, you can consider other options if you are short on space.
Tips To Choose A Kitchen Island
Here are a few extra tips to consider before choosing a kitchen island:
- Consider free movement around the kitchen. An island should ideally have 36 to 48 inches of room around all sides to allow easy movement.
- Consider your specific needs. If you cook a lot and plan to use an island for this purpose, ensure the counter is made of a lasting material, like marble.
- Consider size and height. Provide at least 24 inches of width per person if you use it as a dining place. Ensure it has around 9 to 13 inches between the knees and the bottom of the counter.
Hopefully, these tips will help you choose the kitchen island of your dreams!