Designers reveal how to make a kitchen island work in a small space
Short on space? No problem – we asked experts to share the minimum size of kitchen island to have if you want to make the most of a compact space

Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to those kitchen island ideas you’ve been coveting. With the right compact design, even a modestly sized space can benefit from the functionality and appeal of a kitchen island.
With thoughtful planning and clever design, small kitchen islands can deliver the same perks as their larger counterparts – all while being perfectly proportioned for your space. Whether you’re after a sleek, narrow island that blends seamlessly into your existing layout, or you’re open to creative alternatives like peninsula kitchens and mobile trolleys, there’s bound to be a solution to suit your space.
We asked kitchen designers to share their secrets for designing a compact kitchen island that works hard to meet your everyday needs – proving that size doesn’t have to be a barrier to achieving your dream kitchen.
What is the minimum size of kitchen island you should have?
"There isn't necessarily a limit on how small a kitchen island can be," explains Tony Collier, senior product manager at Wickes. "For example, a classic butcher's block can be as small as 600mm and still be functional as a central feature for preparation or simply gathering around."
Building on this, Paul Richardson, showroom stylist at Wren Kitchens, adds, "Kitchen islands can be accommodated to most spaces, even small kitchens. However, if you intend on using the island for appliances and/or cooking, it will need to be a minimum of 1m x 2m."
The height of a kitchen island is just as important as its width or depth. The minimum recommended height for an island is 900mm, as this should align with most other kitchen surfaces. If the island includes seating, consider incorporating a raised section at 1060mm to accommodate bar stools.
Tony has over 20 years of expertise in the kitchen and bathroom industry. His role as Senior Product Manager involves identifying future trends, developing innovative products, and delivering customer-focused solutions to the market.
Paul Richardson is a showroom stylist at Wren Kitchens. In his role, he offers valuable tips on kitchen design, storage and organisation.
How to design a small kitchen island
Designing a kitchen island for a small space requires a careful balance of style and practicality. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Consider how much clearance you have
"The size of island that you can accommodate into your kitchen is really defined by the space you have, with clearance around the island needing to be 900mm or 1200mm for a main thoroughfare," explains Tony Collier. "This is to allow enough room to access dishwashers or ovens without restriction, it also means two people can pass comfortably past each other."
2. Think about the shape of your kitchen island
"If limited on space for a kitchen island you could create a feeling of space by using curves, softening the corners of the island will help make the space around the island seem a bit more organic without the hard corners," says Tony Collier.
“For those working with minimal room, square islands – as opposed to rectangular islands – are a good solution which offer extra worktop area without taking away too much floor space, yet still injecting the wow-factor into your kitchen," adds Paul Richardson.
3. Find ways to maximise storage and worktops
In smaller kitchens, a compact island needs to pull double duty as both a storage hub and a functional workspace. Look for islands with built-in drawers, shelves, or even hidden compartments to store utensils, cookware, or pantry items. Extending the worktop to create a slight overhang (around 12 to 16 inches) can also provide space for seating or additional prep room without requiring extra floor space.
4. Lighten its visual impact
To keep a small kitchen feeling open and airy, it's a good idea to think about how you can lighten the visual impact of your kitchen island. Materials in white or pale wooden finishes can help blend the unit into its surroundings, while open shelves or glass-fronted cabinets are another great way to make the design feel less bulky.
Alternatives to Traditional Kitchen Islands
If your kitchen is too small to accommodate a traditional island, there are plenty of smart alternatives that can serve a similar function without taking up as much space. This is what the experts recommend:
Breakfast bar setups
For kitchens where space is at a premium, a breakfast bar is a fantastic alternative to a traditional island. Tony Collier, senior product manager at Wickes, highlights the practicality of these design features: “If you simply don't have the space for a kitchen island, a better solution would be a breakfast bar area, where you still get the functionality of preparation and entertaining space but only need to allow for the main walkway.”
Attached to a wall or existing countertop, breakfast bars act as a natural extension to your kitchen while maintaining a streamlined and open feel. They are an especially smart choice for narrow kitchens, as they still allow you to move around your space freely.
Peninsular kitchens
For those who still want the benefits of a kitchen island but don’t have room for a freestanding unit, a peninsula kitchen might be the perfect compromise. As Paul Richardson, showroom stylist at Wren Kitchens, explains, “Peninsula kitchens simply extend from the wall rather than being freestanding and still offer the same qualities as an island.”
These designs provide ample counter space for meal preparation and casual dining while taking up less floorspace than traditional freestanding units. In open-plan kitchens, peninsulas also serve as natural room dividers, helping to create distinct zones between the kitchen and adjoining spaces.
Folding or drop-leaf tables
“Folding or drop-leaf designs are great options for those who don’t have space in the middle of their kitchen,” says Paul Richardson. These versatile units can be extended when needed, offering extra prep or dining space, and neatly folded away when not in use. They’re ideal for compact kitchens, as they provide flexibility without committing to a permanent fixture, making them especially useful in multi-purpose spaces or for those who entertain occasionally but need to save space day-to-day.
Mobile kitchen carts or trolleys
Mobile kitchen carts and butcher’s blocks are ideal for smaller spaces where a traditional kitchen island simply isn’t feasible. Most of these units feature wheels for easy movement or are lightweight enough to be repositioned as needed. Many designs also come with added kitchen storage features such as towel racks, utensil holders, and wine shelves, and when they’re not in use, they can be tucked into a corner or rolled out of the way, keeping your kitchen clutter-free.
Shop the best kitchen island alternatives
This multifunctional fir and metal kitchen trolley features a detachable tray, glass and wine shelves, and four wheels.
Looking for more kitchen inspiration? These long kitchen ideas turn tricky to work with spaces into rooms that are user-friendly, and these galley kitchen ideas are perfect for making the most of narrow rooms.
Get the Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
Gabriella is an interiors journalist and has a wealth of experience creating interiors and renovation content. She was Homebuilding & Renovating's former Assistant Editor as well as the former Head of Solved at sister brand Homes & Gardens, where she wrote and edited content addressing key renovation, DIY and interior questions.
She’s spent the past decade crafting copy for interiors publications, award-winning architects, and leading UK homeware brands. She also served as the Content Manager for the ethical homeware brand Nkuku.
Gabriella is a DIY enthusiast and a lover of all things interior design. She has a particular passion for historic buildings and listed properties, and she is currently in the process of renovating a Grade II-listed Victorian coach house in the West Country.