Kitchen Islands: Getting the Size Right
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
While kitchen cabinets play an important role in space planning, don't forget to focus some attention on the island. An island that is too big or too small can have a dramatic effect on how well the overall room flows. Here's how to ensure you're building one that is just the right size.
Not Too Big
When it comes to some home improvement projects, bigger is not always better. This is particularly true for kitchen islands, which play a vital role in cooking, entertaining, and cleanup.
The island should be proportional to the room and the kitchen cabinets. Even in a roomy 14-foot by 18-foot space, you don't want to use too much space for the island. If you are adding seating, allow a few extra feet for chair movement. Discuss these important issues with your contractor as the room layout is being crafted.
Not Too Small
An island that is too small also poses a problem. It may leave you frustrated as you try to chop vegetables and serve meals. In a small kitchen, an island should be at least four feet by three feet, but ideally, if you have enough space, it should be six feet in either direction.
Planning For Appliances As you consider the size of the island, think about what goes around it. If you have a wall oven nearby, make sure the door has plenty of room to open. If the dishwasher is close to the island perimeter, add a little extra room for loading and unloading. The same holds true for a refrigerator or wine cooler that fits under the counter.
The island size--along with your cabinet layout--should allow for easy movement in the kitchen. You typically want to have at least 42 inches open around the island for traffic flow. And, be careful of an island that is too wide and forces you to stretch to clean the whole area.
As you review the kitchen cabinet and island layout with your contractor, step back and look at the overall room. Does the island overpower the space or fit right into a well-planned room?
Not Too Big
When it comes to some home improvement projects, bigger is not always better. This is particularly true for kitchen islands, which play a vital role in cooking, entertaining, and cleanup.
The island should be proportional to the room and the kitchen cabinets. Even in a roomy 14-foot by 18-foot space, you don't want to use too much space for the island. If you are adding seating, allow a few extra feet for chair movement. Discuss these important issues with your contractor as the room layout is being crafted.
Not Too Small
An island that is too small also poses a problem. It may leave you frustrated as you try to chop vegetables and serve meals. In a small kitchen, an island should be at least four feet by three feet, but ideally, if you have enough space, it should be six feet in either direction.
Planning For Appliances As you consider the size of the island, think about what goes around it. If you have a wall oven nearby, make sure the door has plenty of room to open. If the dishwasher is close to the island perimeter, add a little extra room for loading and unloading. The same holds true for a refrigerator or wine cooler that fits under the counter.
The island size--along with your cabinet layout--should allow for easy movement in the kitchen. You typically want to have at least 42 inches open around the island for traffic flow. And, be careful of an island that is too wide and forces you to stretch to clean the whole area.
As you review the kitchen cabinet and island layout with your contractor, step back and look at the overall room. Does the island overpower the space or fit right into a well-planned room?
Start Your Renovation Here!
Get your free kitchen cabinet replacement quote when you fill in the fields below.
- Do you own or rent your home?
Deals for Thursday, Sep. 2, 2010
-
This is an advertisement.
Dramatically improve the look of your kitchen with help from Sears—find out how to save $500 on select custom cabinet refacing or kitchen remodeling. -
Home Depot offers custom-built cabinet doors delivered and installed by a team of licensed professionals in just two to three days. Request a free, in-home consultation.
