Should I Choose a Freestanding Kitchen Island?
An island on legs offers a different aesthetic to a solid plinth, as these designs show. Would any work in your home?
If you’d like a kitchen island that gives a feeling of space, consider a design that resembles a freestanding piece of furniture rather than a group of fitted units.
Aim for a table
If you’re torn between having an island or a big table, a design like this could be a nice compromise. The designers were keen for this oak unit to resemble a farmhouse table with storage below.
The table top and legs form the basis of the structure, while shelves and cabinets have turned it into a functional island. The design works well with the rest of the kitchen, which was formed to look like a series of separate furniture pieces.
Find a local cabinet-maker on Houzz.
If you’re torn between having an island or a big table, a design like this could be a nice compromise. The designers were keen for this oak unit to resemble a farmhouse table with storage below.
The table top and legs form the basis of the structure, while shelves and cabinets have turned it into a functional island. The design works well with the rest of the kitchen, which was formed to look like a series of separate furniture pieces.
Find a local cabinet-maker on Houzz.
Work a trestle
If you’re keen to keep your kitchen as open as possible, try a design like this workbench-style island. An A frame supports a chunky black marble worktop for an interesting, industrial look.
An open design like this means everything is on show, so think carefully about fitting appliances and plumbing. The pipe for the gas hob here, for instance, fits along a groove that was routed out of one of the legs. A walnut strip covers the pipe, which then attaches to the gas pipe in the floor.
If you’re keen to keep your kitchen as open as possible, try a design like this workbench-style island. An A frame supports a chunky black marble worktop for an interesting, industrial look.
An open design like this means everything is on show, so think carefully about fitting appliances and plumbing. The pipe for the gas hob here, for instance, fits along a groove that was routed out of one of the legs. A walnut strip covers the pipe, which then attaches to the gas pipe in the floor.
Mix and match
Try combining two looks by tucking a freestanding console into the side of a plinth-based unit. Here, a large fitted island is a sturdy presence in the room, while the bare wood unit alongside adds some lighter interest.
It’s a good way of bringing a more industrial look to a traditional kitchen. Without the console, this Shaker-style island unit would have looked quite different to the informal, contemporary dining area, but the freestanding piece ties the two areas together.
Try combining two looks by tucking a freestanding console into the side of a plinth-based unit. Here, a large fitted island is a sturdy presence in the room, while the bare wood unit alongside adds some lighter interest.
It’s a good way of bringing a more industrial look to a traditional kitchen. Without the console, this Shaker-style island unit would have looked quite different to the informal, contemporary dining area, but the freestanding piece ties the two areas together.
Take it up a notch
This island takes the freestanding look one stage further, as the legs are even longer than usual. The designers have created a row of deep drawers, which provide enough storage but also leave plenty of room below.
The spacious gap gives the room a lighter feel, and shows off the beautiful stone floor underneath.
This island takes the freestanding look one stage further, as the legs are even longer than usual. The designers have created a row of deep drawers, which provide enough storage but also leave plenty of room below.
The spacious gap gives the room a lighter feel, and shows off the beautiful stone floor underneath.
Pop in a perch
A freestanding island can lend itself nicely to a breakfast bar, as this piece demonstrates. The designers have opened up one side to accommodate a row of stools, with a built-in footrest for comfort.
It makes the kitchen more of a sociable space and the open area adds to the freestanding feel of the unit.
Discover some of the best small kitchen island ideas.
A freestanding island can lend itself nicely to a breakfast bar, as this piece demonstrates. The designers have opened up one side to accommodate a row of stools, with a built-in footrest for comfort.
It makes the kitchen more of a sociable space and the open area adds to the freestanding feel of the unit.
Discover some of the best small kitchen island ideas.
Ramp up a rustic vibe
Fancy a modern rustic feel in your kitchen? An island like this one is ideal. A large bench with drawers and crates is fitted on castors to make it portable.
The design adds some eclectic personality to the room, and provides plenty of versatile storage.
Tell us…
Which of these kitchen islands is your favourite? Do you like a freestanding design or prefer an island with a plinth? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Fancy a modern rustic feel in your kitchen? An island like this one is ideal. A large bench with drawers and crates is fitted on castors to make it portable.
The design adds some eclectic personality to the room, and provides plenty of versatile storage.
Tell us…
Which of these kitchen islands is your favourite? Do you like a freestanding design or prefer an island with a plinth? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
If you’ve gone for an attractive floor covering, such as patterned tiles or herringbone parquet, it makes sense to highlight as much of it as possible.
An island with legs, rather than a plinth, is ideal for ensuring you can see the flooring below. Here, the parquet is a gorgeous feature in the room, and the pale green island sits lightly above it.