Decorating Kitchen Decor & Design Kitchen Islands 20 Small Kitchen Island Ideas That Maximize Storage and Prep Space By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Instagram Jessica Bennett is the digital assistant home editor at Better Homes & Gardens. With a knack for writing and editing, she covers decorating, home improvement, cleaning, organizing, and more for BHG.com. With nearly five years of combined experience in digital and magazine journalism, she has contributed over 800 articles for BHG.com to date, and her writing on interior design and decorating has been featured in 16 national print magazines, including Do It Yourself, Country Home, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Secrets of Getting Organized, and more. Jessica received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University. She also completed a secondary major in French language studies. Prior to graduation, she was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society, which recognizes academic excellence in the field of journalism. She is currently pursuing an interior design certificate from the New York Institute of Art + Design. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 24, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: David Tsay Make a small kitchen more efficient with a kitchen island that suits your space. Whether it's a mobile cart or repurposed table, a small-space island can amplify surface area, introduce seating, and kick up your kitchen's style. Use these small kitchen island ideas to help your space work harder for you. 01 of 20 Furniture-Like Kitchen Island Stacey Brandford Turned legs and a coat of dark blue paint make this small kitchen island look like a stylish piece of furniture. Raising the island off the floor also helps create the illusion of more space. It's easy to pull a stool or two up to the island for a simple meal. 02 of 20 Rustic Small Kitchen Island Adam Albright In a newly updated kitchen, rustic elements such as this wood-topped island establish a farmhouse feel. The reclaimed boards, which were stained and screwed into the small island's top, boost character and surface area. A built-in plate rack, shelf, and set of hooks provide handy storage below. 03 of 20 Small Built-In Island David Tsay Just because an island is slim doesn't mean it can't have convenient seating. With an ample countertop ledge, two bistro-style barstools fit perfectly next to this small kitchen island. A large pendant fixutre hanging directly above turns the island into a focal paint. 04 of 20 Small Kitchen Island Table Kim Cornelison When space is tight, a freestanding table is a smart alternative to a stationary island. With its dark finish, this narrow table blends seamlessly into the kitchen's black-and-white color scheme. Two white stools tuck along the sides, transforming the tight space into an eat-in kitchen. 05 of 20 Small Kitchen Design with Island Lisa Romerein Photography With ample counter space on top and drawers below, this kitchen island combines seating, storage, and prep space within a limited footprint. Its form matches the kitchen's L-shaped layout for smooth traffic flow. A tranquil blue finish introduces color to the otherwise all-white kitchen. 06 of 20 Vintage Kitchen Table Jay Wilde A vintage table functions as a charming island in this cottage-style kitchen. The distressed finish and wood top add one-of-a-kind character. A ceiling-mount fixture above the island helps define the area in style. 07 of 20 Island with Open Storage Jay Wilde Visually expand the look of your small kitchen with an island that features open storage. This industrial-style island offers three levels of storage with a work surface on top. A solid island design would have overwhelmed this small kitchen layout, but open shelving keeps the space looking light and airy. 08 of 20 Furniture-Style Kitchen Island John Granen A furniture-style island with a stained wood top adds valuable prep space to this kitchen. Below the work surface, open shelves offer storage for cookware and serving dishes. A stool pulled up to one side creates instant seating. 09 of 20 DIY Small Kitchen Island Amy Mings If you can't find an island that works for your space, assemble one yourself. This small kitchen island was constructed using prefab legs and a solid-wood top. Marble tiles adhered to the surface give the island a luxe look. 10 of 20 Slender Island Solution Edward Gohlich A long, slender island ensures efficient traffic flow in this U-shaped kitchen. The island's slim stature allows multiple cooks to work simultaneously in the kitchen and also offers a convenient buffet area for casual entertaining. A sink built into the other end makes the island even more hardworking. 11 of 20 Small Metal Island Kim Cornelison A stainless-steel island replicates the efficiency of a commercial kitchen in this small space. The durable surface is easy to clean, and the sleek design takes up minimal space. A lower shelf provides storage for bulky items that wouldn't fit in the cabinets. 12 of 20 Small Portable Kitchen Island Adam Albright Repurpose a metal tool cabinet as a small kitchen island on wheels. This one features two drawers and a cabinet that can easily stash kitchen utensils, cookware, and more. A butcher-block top provides a handy spot to chop veggies and prepare other ingredients. 13 of 20 Small Kitchen Work Station John Bessler In a kitchen of this stature, even the smallest built-in island would have gobbled up needed floor space. Instead, the homeowners elected to incorporate a moveable butcher-block table for additional prep and food-staging space. A stool placed on one side of the island provides a casual dining spot in the heart of the kitchen. 14 of 20 Small Yet Stylish Island Jamie Salomon Narrow kitchen layouts can present some difficult design challenges. This homeowner made the most of the limited space with a long, slender island, outfitted with both style and function. Curved brackets dress up the island's boxy structure, while a bit of extended countertop creates a casual dining spot for one. 15 of 20 Small Wooden Island Brie Williams A tiny wooden table provides convenient staging and storage space in this sunny cottage kitchen. The table's weathered wooden surface hints at the home's coastal location and adds contrast to break up simple white cabinetry and beaded-board walls. An open shelf below the island offers storage space for kitchen accessories. 16 of 20 Flea-Market Kitchen Island Michael Partenio Purchased from a flea market, a slender island easily integrates with the kitchen's vintage vibe. The aged wooden surface feels at home with the room's handcrafted cherry countertops, beaded-board walls, and classic polished-nickel fixtures. If your found island has chipping paint, be sure to use a wire brush to wipe away any loose pieces and top with a coat of polyurethane, which will preserve the finish and keep paint out of your food. 17 of 20 Mobile Metal Kitchen Cart John Granen Make the most of limited kitchen space with a mobile kitchen island. This moveable unit provides additional prep space when needed but can be tucked away in a pantry or an empty corner to promote efficient traffic flow while entertaining. The island's sleek surface blends seamlessly with the kitchen's stainless-steel appliances and brilliant chrome fixtures. 18 of 20 Store-It-All Small Island Anthony Masterson Even the smallest island can pack in plenty of storage with creative solutions. This slender, furniture-style island is outfitted with three narrow cabinets, providing convenient storage for items such as cake pans and cookie sheets. A large drawer on one side of the island offers a handy stowaway space for a recycling bin. 19 of 20 Vintage Island Design Erik Johnson Long abandoned in the home's basement, this small island inspired the kitchen's entire look. The vintage table's weathered surface adds cottage character to this sunny kitchen. The original tabletop was replaced with a new slab of black soapstone to transform the piece into a stunning focal point. 20 of 20 Vintage Kitchen Island Edward Gohlich A wooden island adds rustic character and accessible prep space to this small kitchen. A large drawer offers space to stow away bulky kitchen essentials, while an open shelf below displays mixing bowls and trays. A handful of scratches and knots add a vintage patina to the petite island design. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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