15 Small Kitchen Island Ideas That Add Function and Style to Tiny Spaces

Add Built-In Storage

In small kitchens, you want to maximize every square inch. An island is an opportunity to incorporate additional kitchen storage, whether it's through an open bookcase on the side or cabinets underneath.

Choose a Stainless Steel Island

A mobile, stainless steel island is perfect for the kitchen and brings a polished look to the space.

"It adds just the right amount of extra storage and prep surface," says Miranda Cullen, owner and principal of Inside Stories. "The stainless steel is also a dream to clean, and since it’s on wheels, the island can easily move wherever it’s needed."

Layer in Elegance

In a small kitchen, it's easy to just grab any old island and call it a day—but space constraints are no reason to sacrifice style. This example features rich textures and soft hues that perfectly complement the rest of the kitchen.

"Small kitchens can still be grand. This design incorporated a classical millwork with a luxurious marble from Vermont," says interior designer Lisa Ellis.

Try a Butcher Block

A small island can be an opportunity to incorporate warmth and texture in an otherwise sleek kitchen. The black cabinetry in this space has a modern look; the wood butcher block island gives it a rich, moody warmth.

Keep the Colors Cohesive

This light and bright kitchen has a roomy island that beautifully matches the space's airy color palette. Using the same white cabinetry and light countertops makes the kitchen feel even more open and spacious.

Echo the Cabinet Style

Try a small island with its own storage space, like in this kitchen. The cabinets echo the style and hardware of the cabinetry on the walls, creating a consistent and stylish look.

Create a Console Island

This small kitchen needed extra counter space, but there wasn't room for a full island. Instead, a console table island provides an extra bit of space.

"It's just large enough to tuck stools under, but also have additional prep space," says Sarah Storms, interior designer and owner of Styled By Storms. "The frame was created from powder-coated metal for strength, and used the same stone as the perimeter."

Keep It Neutral

Using a neutral color palette throughout a smaller kitchen can make the space feel more open and inviting. In this kitchen, the island is consistent with the neutral tones from the rest of the room, allowing it to blend into the space, rather than awkwardly stand out.

Go Narrow

If you have a narrow kitchen, you'll need to think a bit outside the box for your layout. Often, these plans revolve around an island.

In this example, Rebecca West, owner of Seriously Happy Homes, made the island only one cabinet deep—so there was just enough space on both sides for foot traffic. "Since the room had plenty of length, we were able to integrate a small prep sink and still include generous storage—both high on the wishlist," she says.

Maximize Your Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen can be completely transformed by incorporating a narrow island, especially if it's mobile.

"A moving island made from pilasters, panels, and floating cabinets can easily move depending on if the homeowners are cooking, baking, or entertaining," says Rebecca Sutton, senior designer at Kitchen Design Concepts.

Add a Table-Height Island

If a kitchen is too small for both an island and a table, then combine the two features into one. This kitchen has a marble-top table that's lower than the countertops; however, because of its sleek, flat surface, it can function similarly to an island. It's both a prep space and a place to pull up a chair for a meal.

Add Vintage Appeal

In this crisp white kitchen, a vintage-style, counter-height wood table adds a touch of nostalgia and warmth. It doesn't have to be big, either—a simple square with a shelf for storage is enough to bring in this retro look.

Add a Styling Moment

If your small island has shelves, then you can use them as an opportunity for a styling moment. Giving space to these beautiful objects will help make a room feel more intentional, which is key in a small kitchen.

Pull Up a Seat for Two

A kitchen island that fits just two seats is plenty, especially if you just want a place to sit with a cup of coffee.

"This island has enough space for two seats, and can be used for breakfast, or as a staging area for entertaining," says Judi Cooper, principal interior designer at Kitchens Inside Out.

Work the Angles

You can incorporate a kitchen island even in a space with odd angles. In this example, a small island was customized to have diagonal lines; despite its unusual shape, it has room for both storage and seating.