Why getting your kitchen island sizes spot on is essential for a remodel

When looking to take on a chic kitchen revamp or remodel, getting your kitchen island sizes is critical for a smart and elegant finish. Get them wrong and you could have an ugly oversized island that simply doesn’t work for the space.

As Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore, points out, “Visually, the island needs to take its scale from the rest of the kitchen.” When it comes to kitchen design, any new island should reflect the style of its surroundings and blend neatly with the rest of the kitchen.

Here we take an in-depth look at the factors you need to consider to get the best fit for your kitchen.

Richard Moore

Martin and Barbara Moore began designing and making bespoke luxury kitchens over 50 years ago. Today they are joined in the company by sons, Richard and Mike.  As creative director, Richard continues to design classic furniture with a timeless, contemporary quality, complemented with beautiful, glamorous materials including metallics, natural stone and glass.

Planning your kitchen island size

As far as kitchen island size is concerned, it’s very easy to get carried away with the visuals and let the necessary dimensions take a back seat. This is a mistake, as you will not only need to consider the many kitchen island ideas and sizes available in today’s market, but also whether your kitchen itself is big enough to accommodate one.

Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore, explains: “Visually, the island needs to take its scale from the rest of the kitchen. Practically, if you want granite or stone tops in one piece, then the maximum feasible size is three metres long.

“If the island is going to house appliances, you need to allow space for plumbing and electrics. Bear flow in mind too, as you do not want to have to keep walking around the island to accomplish kitchen tasks.”

Moore goes on to add: “If the kitchen is going to have runs of furniture on each side, you need the room to be at least 4.2 metres wide to accommodate a useful island. This is because you should have a minimum of one-metre clearance from work surfaces on each side.

“In terms of overhangs – we design generous overhangs which allow you to stand comfortably, with your feet tucked under the countertop. A large overhang is also needed if you are going to have informal seating when designing a kitchen island.”

Try one of these worktops for your kitchen island

Average size of a kitchen island

On average, standard kitchen islands usually have dimensions of 80 x 40 inches (this equates to roughly two by one metres). However, it is important to leave adequate clearance space as well (at least one metre between island and counter), so you don’t experience any issues moving around your kitchen once the island itself has been fitted.

Of course, bigger kitchens may be able to accommodate more spacious islands, perhaps even two; if you’ve got kitchen remodel ideas, speak to your renovation manager or a fully qualified fitter for advice on the most suitable kitchen island sizes for your home.

Even if your kitchen is on the cosy side, an island can still be incorporated for a focal effect that clearly defines the rest of the area. However, you must measure your kitchen accurately beforehand, to ensure you align your small kitchen ideas around its specific dimensions.

If there’s not enough room for an average-sized island, think about other kitchen layout ideas, like a peninsula or moveable butcher’s block, which offer an alternative centralised hub, but without taking up too much space.

How to choose a kitchen island size

“An island often becomes the hub of a kitchen, somewhere for food preparation, dining, and general socialising,” explains Gary Griffin, sales manager at Rational UK.

“Island sizes vary according to the available space and the functions that they are required to perform, although you may wish to consider that many standard worktops are only available in sizes up to three metres [in length]. If you are planning one larger than this, you would need to factor in a jumbo option.”

Griffin also advises: “For those with a large kitchen, then a double island is an option. Two islands in a kitchen provides excellent functionality by maximising the available working space, especially if each has a dedicated purpose – for example, one for food preparation and the other for cooking and dining.

“They can provide extra storage space and the opportunity for the inclusion of secondary appliances such as a wine cooler. There are no set rules about their placement and they don’t need to be of the same size. It may be if you have a young family that you would choose to have a lower level that is more accessible, however you do need to allow enough space to make them safe and practical to use.

“You can also use the placement of the islands to create zones and direct footfall away from busy areas. Mixing and matching kitchen worktop materials on the islands can add interest, but take care to ensure there is some cohesion between them and the rest of the kitchen for a pleasing aesthetic.”

Best kitchen island sizes for seating

Seating is an important element to factor into the size of your kitchen island. Given that many homeowners have clever kitchen ideas involving islands being fitted, so they can host family or friends around them, ensuring everyone’s comfort is a high priority.

As a rule, allow approximately 24 inches (60cm) of surrounding space per person, allocating more if the area itself permits. This gives plenty of elbow room and helps prevent any feelings of encroachment.

Banquette seating in an island is another popular option for modern kitchen ideas. It helps create a more open feel around the kitchen island, thereby maximising available space while still keeping people comfortable.

Kitchen island overhang size

On a kitchen island, overhang refers to how much countertop space extends beyond the bar. Different kitchen island sizes require different levels of overhang, and you must also think about its practicality in relation to kitchen trends.

Kitchen islands usually come with 1-1.5 inches of overhang as standard. But if you plan on using the island for more than just food prep, you’re going to need a greater surface area.

If there’s seating around your kitchen island, add an overhang of around 12 inches for comfort during mealtimes, but do ensure that it is deep enough to support your weight when leaning – a three-centimetre thickness should suffice.

It is possible to have an overhang that extends over 12 inches, however this is best avoided unless you plan on using the underneath to store your seating, other household items, etc. Ensure that the depth of the overhang is increased proportionately, to cope with the extra weight, and fit support brackets or similar so that the surface remains stable.

Space between a kitchen island and walls

“Leave at least one metre of walking space around each side of an island, and ideally more if there’s seating,” suggests William Durrant, owner and director of Herringbone Kitchens. “Where there are appliances, try to increase the space between them and the island to around 1.2m.”

It is also a good idea to think about kitchen storage ideas for your island space, as well as possible integrations you can include to make the area even more practical – such as a sink or induction hob.

Griffin explains: “To make best use of an island, we suggest encompassing storage options, such as drawers or cupboards, as well as a working space. There are many clever storage options available, such as pullout worktop drawers and end cupboards that can maximise use of the space.

“Appliances and sinks can be added to an island as standard, although do consider that a sink will require plumbing and appliances will require a power source.”

William Durrant

William Durrant has worked in the kitchen industry for almost a decade. He owns Herringbone, a UK-based kitchen, cabinet and furniture company, where he manages a talented creative team and creates full house joinery projects. 

If you’re thinking of adding a kitchen island or replacing an old one you need to check out our kitchen island ideas before you make a decision. To add a touch of style and elegance make sure to check out our painted kitchen ideas. For a more practical point of interest check our kitchen installation cost guide.