Kitchen islands - any views?

johnathan45

We have been considering one for the kitchen but I am not convinced it's a good idea. I feel that the likelihood of me stubbing my toes would increase dramatically and vacuuming/cleaning would take longer. Also, it would impede free movement in the kitchen and create an obstacle.

But on the other hand, it looks great.

Those who have it or had it, any views? How practical is it?

If we were to do it, it would be similar to this:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-66850395.html

PasturesNew

Never had one ... wouldn't want one, but, I can see their use if "done properly" (in my opinion/way).

For me, one'd be most useful if it had nothing on the top, no services to it. Having services to it is a pain in the butt now - and could be a regret later ...

If I ever had to consider one I'd go down the mobile route. One that's not fixed to the floor but has wheels/locks.... and I'd like it to have two spots it could occupy: 1/ against the wall, 2/ in the middle getting in the way.

The space on top they provide is handy for all manner of things (if there's no hob or sink in them)... but, as you say, it's something you're forever having to walk round/avoid.

As for the one in the link ... to me that just looks like a cheap and ill-planned after thought. Tossing in the latest trend.... for the sake of it.

sammyjammy

I have one, I chose it and I wish I didn't, its big and takes up a lot of room!

[Deleted User]

If you had a large enough kitchen I could see why it would be useful and work as long as it didn't impede the working triangle. It's when they're crammed into too small a kitchen that they become a PITA.

suki1964

Cant see the attraction of them myself but we all have differing tastes

You need a massive kitchen to pull them off I think

Doozergirl

That kitchen looks a bit small for an island and a full U of units.

If there isn't great room, don't do it or plan the other row out.

ccbrowning

We have one, but I think they require a huge kitchen or kitchen-diner. Ours is only like 4.5m x 4 m and has a large island in the middle, so we don't really have room for a dining table due to this. However, it is jsut two of us and we have a nook in it for seats so basically use it as a dining table which has lots of storage in it. Ours matches the cupboards, but is 'floating' above the tiles. Not sure I'd ever want services in one, but I've seen houses that do.


All rather personal I think - whatever you prefer!


Edit: saw the pic and it looks a bit of a tight fit? as long as you can open the oven and open a storage cupboard door in teh island at the same time, it will be enough room imho. Has the adjoining 'family room', too.

Catti

I have a table/island in my kitchen and would not be without it! It does reduce space but I love having a clear table to do my prep on without facing a wall. It also holds cookery books and pet paraphernalia so keeps things tidy!

We also eat at it when we have no guests as it has stools under.

hazyjo

That one's awful - the kitchen's way too small for it. I wouldn't even want a table in a kitchen that size, let alone a fixed island. If this link works (it's huge but won't let me add a short link), I'd want one like this:


(link didn't work - try this one, although it's v slow to load. The white kitchen, not dark wood: https://sebringdesignbuild.com/spectacular-custom-kitchen-island-ideas/#iLightbox[b7af87bcca29c416c14]/0 and go to "Plunkett Homes")


Not keen on stools. Would rather a built in seating area on the back of an island, or just workspace. Also hate sinks in the middle - who wants to see the washing up/dirty dishes? A hob I could live with in an island.

maisie_cat

I had one in my old house, used entirely for prep with no services. I loved it, and with a large family it made sharing tasks easy. With hindsight it was bit too big, 2m x 1m, although it fitted the kitchen well. My new house doesn't have one and I miss it, so I will be making one as soon as I have unpacked my woodworking kit! We were lucky that we had room in the old house for island and dining table, the new house will be one or the other unless I can find a good alternative place for the table.

welwynrose

We have one but our kitchen is huge it’s one of things the OH wanted when we were looking for a house