A Guide to Kitchen Island Styles

By- Mary Forest

Including an island in your kitchen is a practical way to add extra storage and counter space. Islands are also great alternatives to traditional tables and offer a place for your family to sit while you prepare a meal. Many homeowners use them while enjoying their morning coffee or grabbing a quick lunch.

A wide range of stools and chairs are available to accompany your island. Whether you plan to buy cheap kitchen chairs online or go for something more high-end, there are plenty of matching seating options to choose from. Here is a guide to some of the types of islands to choose for your kitchen.

L-Shaped

L-shaped islands offer a considerable amount of extra storage. They typically include several cabinets and generously sized countertops. This sleek design is perfect for homeowners who do a lot of cooking and need a larger food prep area. They can also section off a large kitchen and create a separation between dining and cooking spaces. One of the downsides to these islands is the corners they create. The shape could potentially disrupt the flow in your kitchen if they're not strategically placed.

U-Shaped

U-shaped islands are essentially L-shaped islands with an extra side. This style is the largest and is perfect for big families or homeowners who frequently entertain. There's plenty of room for one or more appliances to fit underneath. It's common for these islands to also feature an additional cooktop or sink. U-shaped islands are very large, so they may not be practical for a smaller-sized kitchen. Consider installing a Lazy Susan in the corners to maximize storage space.

Circular

Circular islands come in full circles or half-moon shapes. Their unique design is usually the focal point of a kitchen and creates visual interest. They are perfect for entertaining and serving snacks and drinks to guests before dinner is ready. Even smaller designs have enough room for people to mingle without getting in the way of your meal prep. Because they are curved, cabinets can be awkwardly sized and prevent you from storing larger items.

Portable

If you live in an apartment or a smaller home, a rolling island offers you the flexibility to move it wherever it is needed. You can also push it out of the way to create more room for guests while entertaining. They are usually smaller than the average island and don't offer much in terms of extra storage space. However, they're very helpful if you're looking to add additional prep space without the hassle of major home improvement projects.

Galley

A galley island is built mainly for preparing meals and has a streamlined, linear design. They are free from curves and corners, which promotes flow and mobility throughout the kitchen. Bar-style kitchen chairs look great at galley islands as well. A drawback for homeowners is that these islands don't offer much in terms of unique visual characteristics. However, their practicality makes them one of the most popular styles in today's homes.

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