It's easy to see why a kitchen island equipped with seating is a must-have feature in new and remodeled kitchens. By dividing the kitchen floor plan, the island defines cooking and living areas and directs traffic out of the work core. Depending on the island's design, it can accommodate food preparation, extra kitchen storage, dishwashing, daily meal service, and special occasion entertaining. Stools pulled up to an island provide space for casual dining and invite conversations with the cook.
Greg ScheidemannKitchen islands with seating generally feature cantilevered countertops supported by table legs, 12- to 19-inch-deep breakfast bar overhangs, or table-style extensions. Whether the island is bar- or table-height, seating should be situated on the island's outer perimeters so those seated can enjoy the cooking action without being in the chef's way.
An island's seating capacity depends on the size of the island, the other functions it must house, and its location within the work triangle. No matter the layout, however, there are a few basic measurements to consider when designing kitchen island seating.
Caren AlpertTips for Designing a Kitchen Island with Seating
Aisles on each side of the island should be at least 42 inches wide to ensure that traffic moves easily around the island. When two cooks will be working in the space simultaneously, 48-inch widths are preferred.
When designing an island with seating, think about whether you want an uninterrupted span of countertop or an island with multiple levels meant to manage different tasks. Consider placing a tall breakfast bar countertop to block views of cooking clutter spread across drop-down countertops. You could also position a lower or higher add-on table at the island's outer end. Amplify interest by using varying finishes or countertop surfaces to visually differentiate one tier from another.
Choose seats that suit the island's height and allow at least 12 inches of clear knee space. Barstools fit underneath 42- to 46-inch-high breakfast bars, and counter stools work with standard 36-inch-high island tops. Low stools and dining chairs tuck beneath tabletop-height counters (30 inches).
The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends giving island sitters plenty of elbow room. Each seated diner at a 30-inch-high table or counter, for example, will need a 30-inch-wide by 19-inch-deep space. Seats at 36-inch-high countertops require a 24-inch-wide by 15-inch-deep space; sitters at 42-inch-high counters require spaces measuring 24 inches wide by 12 inches deep.
Bruce BuckKitchen Island Ideas with Seating
As long as there's an overhang or a kneehole of sorts, almost any size of moveable or built-in island can handle at least a stool or two. Think beyond rectangular forms when planning an island: round, L-shaped, and square versions provide high-interest silhouettes that supply plenty of utility.
John GranenWorktable islands often feature room for seating at the ends, leaving the longer sides accessible to cooks and the center section open for storage or appliances. If the area around the island is tight, choose low-profile stools that can tuck under the tabletop and out of the traffic flow when needed. Backless metal stools in a splashy color, such as bright yellow or turquoise, provide a stylish accent that doesn't take up too much space.
Kimberly GavinBreakfast bars that curve outward provide more seating room than their straight-lined counterparts. This island's unique shape allows for seating on two sides, while the area near the range is left open for food prep. The other end features two cabinet doors that open to provide storage for seasonal serveware, entertaining essentials, and other less-frequently used items.
Edmund BarrSome larger islands boast overhangs or breakfast bars on two outer sides, which allow a good number of guests to pull seats up to the work station. Other island designs separate cooking and conversation: The main island handles kitchen tasks while a round, square, or rectangular extension provides tablelike seating, with stools and chairs placed on three sides.
Anthony MastersonWhatever configuration you choose, make sure there's an island seat for every member of your household and that the seating is easily accessed by those entering the kitchen through various doorways. For kitchens that connect to another room, it typically makes sense to position the island seating area along the open side. That way, stools or chairs are easily accessible when you walk in the room and face directly into the kitchen.
Kissinger 34.5'' Wide Rolling Kitchen Island with Solid Wood Top
by Three Posts™
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.189 total votes
Free Fast Delivery
Get it by Sat. Nov 19
This kitchen island frees up your counter space by adding a work surface, and storage, to your kitchen. It’s made from solid and engineered wood with a white finish and features a bamboo countertop. Two slatted doors open to reveal cabinet space with adjustable shelves for dishes, cookbooks, and snacks, while one wide drawer is just right for flatware and napkins. We love that there’s even a built-in spice rack. Plus, this kitchen cart rolls to wherever you need it on four caster wheels, two of which lock to hold it in place once it gets there.
- Number of Interior Shelves: 2
- Overall: 36'' H x 34.5'' W x 18'' D
- Assembly Required: Yes
- Base Material: Solid + Manufactured Wood
- Counter Material: Solid Wood
Very Nice Kitchen Island. Was easy to put together, I took my time and it took a while since I did it myself without help. Directions were not bad... pretty easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this island if you have a small space and looking to add some extra counter space and some storage. I did not adjust the doors when I took the pics, they just need a very minor adjustment. The inside shelf does have 3 positions you can use.. Robert. Toms River, NJ. 2021-09-26 00:17:36
This rectangular no style kitchen island is perfect for stashing anything from cookbooks to baking essentials and increasing your prep space. Besides increased counter space, solving a lack of storage is easily achieved with this light wood kitchen island. A brown solid wood counter is a great addition to your kitchen. You will surely love how this solid + manufactured wood kitchen island gives your kitchen additional functionality and style.
Opens in a new tabHardiman 53.75'' Wide Rolling Kitchen Cart with Solid Wood Top
by Three Posts™
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.5542 total votes
Free 2-Day Delivery
Get it by Thu. Nov 17
The focal point of any kitchen, an island counter, is a perfect place to cook prep, and serve, or just congregate for cocktails or even a casual breakfast or dinner. Take this one for example: crafted from manufactured wood, this piece showcases three drawers, perfect for storing napkins, cutlery, and more, while one cabinet offers plenty of internal storage for your small kitchen appliances and other necessities. Its wooden top doubles as a butcher block while the convenient drop-down leaf adds an additional 11.75” x 44.50” of surface space to create a breakfast bar or larger area for meal prep. This rack gives you the perfect place to store sometimes hard-to-find seasonings and is conveniently located on one end while the built-in towel rack is on the other end. Plus, this piece is perched atop four removable casters (two are lockable), so it can be moved with ease.
- Number of Interior Shelves: 2
- Overall: 36'' H x 53.75'' W x 29'' D
- Assembly Required: Yes
- Base Material: Manufactured Wood
- Counter Material: Solid Wood
Love the cart. Just what I needed to make a coffee bar in my new addition on my shop. It's a 2+ hour job to unpack, organize and assemble, but I did it by myself and instructions were good. Works great for my needs, wish it was solid wood though for the price.. Toni. Daphne, AL. 2021-12-07 08:58:43
For a culinary artist trying to add workspace or a homemaker trying to add a stylish and functional centerpiece to their kitchen, this rectangular traditional kitchen cart is perfect for storing your tools, utensils, and cookware and increasing your prep space. Solving a lack of storage is a simple task with the addition of this kitchen cart. A brown solid wood top is a wonderful fit for any kitchen. You are sure to appreciate how this manufactured wood kitchen cart gives your kitchen additional functionality and style.
Opens in a new tabGuadalupe 34.63'' Wide Rolling Kitchen Cart
by Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse®
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.401 total votes
This rolling kitchen cart adds extra shelf and counter space in your kitchen. It's made from engineered wood, and it features an openwork surface with natural wood grain that lets you chop veggies, meats, and fruit. A sliding barn-style door with shiplap accents rolls from one side to the other on a black metal track for a coastal farmhouse look. Behind the door, two open shelves give you room for extra glasses and dishes. Two additional open shelves beside it are ideal for a rice cooker, kitchen utensils, or spices. It also features a towel bar on the side. But the best part? This kitchen cart is built on caster wheels to easily move from one spot to the next.
- Number of Interior Shelves: 2
- Overall: 36'' H x 34.63'' W x 23.38'' D
- Assembly Required: Yes
- Base Material: Manufactured Wood
- Counter Material: Manufactured Wood
I love this cart! Its bigger than I thought it would be, which is my fault, but Im glad, it fits our large microwave on top, with extra room, and our XL air fryer on one of the shelves, which has turned out to be a really convenient spot with how much we use it. And we can finally hide our 10 gallon trash can, which we placed inside the sliding door (Left the shelf out). The instructions were easy to follow, I was able to do it with the help of my 10 year old and 3 cats in less than 3 hours (snack times and breaks included) also, its pretty, and the butcher block shelf is heavy duty, and gorgeous.. Kortney. Jackson, MI. 2020-06-29 19:49:31
This rectangular kitchen cart is perfect for stashing your kitchenware from drink ware to dinner party supplies and increasing your prep space. Besides added counter surface, solving a lack of space is easily achieved with this kitchen cart. Its manufactured wood counter is a wonderful fit for your kitchen. You will appreciate how this manufactured wood kitchen cart gives your kitchen additional functionality and style.
Opens in a new tabGrondin 47.24'' Wide Rolling Kitchen Island Set
by Zipcode Design™
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.97 total votes
This 3-piece kitchen island set adds a convenient spot to prepare and enjoy breakfast and other meals. It includes a rectangular table and two counter-height stools, with each piece featuring a sleek steel frame. The tabletop is crafted from engineered wood, with matching vertical slats that provide a border between two shelves on one side and an open space on the other. This two-tone look is sure to fill your space with modern style and a hint of rustic charm. Last but not least, the upholstered stools have a backless design that makes it easy to slide beneath the countertop when not in use.
This is a nice little island for adding a bit more seating to one’s kitchen, though it is small, and definitely not true counter height. The seating is also sized for kids more than adults (pictured here is a three year old). The coloring is black and yellowish-brown (top) the slats are reddish brown. Not true wood, and lightweight metal, but fine for the price.. Cara. South Bend, IN. 2021-12-13 14:06:08
Whether you are a chef trying to add workspace or a homemaker trying to add a stylish and functional centerpiece to their kitchen, this black rectangular kitchen island set is perfect for storing your tools, utensils, and cookware from drink ware to dinner party supplies and expanding your prep space. Solving a lack of room can be easily achieved with the addition of this kitchen island set. Its manufactured wood counter is a great addition to your kitchen. You will surely appreciate how this black steel kitchen island set gives your kitchen additional functionality and style.
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