Kitchen Island Styles

The kitchen island is often the focal point of the kitchen. Choosing the wrong island style for your space is one of those make-or-break decisions that could make you hate your kitchen. No one wants that, especially when the kitchen is brand new or freshly renovated. Today, we’re taking a look at six island styles and weighing the pros and cons of each to help you make the right choice for your new kitchen.

Galley Style

The galley style is the most popular choice because it’s a good fit for any kitchen large enough to hold an island. Made to be a workhorse, the galley’s straightforward, no-frills design makes it work well with just about every kitchen style, from traditional to modern. The galley works well for open concept kitchens, and it keeps your space flowing and efficient for cooking. Galley styles maximize storage space and larger ones can hold appliances like an oven or dishwasher.

So what’s the downside to the galley style? Some homeowners find it boring and want something more unique for their kitchen. Another con is that some galley islands aren’t big enough to hold appliances which can complicate your kitchen’s design.

L-Shaped Style

The upside to the L-shape kitchen island style is that they are larger with tons of storage capacity and you don’t have to worry about an overcrowded workspace. The L-shape’s clean lines and room for bar-style seating are also appealing to some homeowners.

On the flip side, L-shaped kitchen islands are not really suitable for open concept kitchens. They can also make your kitchen choppy and less efficient for meal preparation.

Circular or Curved Style

Homeowners seeking a unique design may find what they are looking for in a circular or curved kitchen island. These styles are visually interesting and intriguing, there’s space for expansive seating, and they are packed with meal prep space.

However, the prep and storage space is not always efficient. The counters are spread out and curved which may limit how you cook. Additionally, some storage space may be hard to reach leading to wasted storage space.

U-Shaped Style

This is another style for homeowners wishing for something unique. It’s a bit more appealing than a curved or circular island because u-shaped islands are highly functional and spacious. U-shaped kitchen islands are usually the largest of all the styles and the most accommodating with extra storage and room for appliances. You can even add banquet or booth-style seating to a u-shaped island.

For some homeowners, the size of the u-shaped island simply doesn’t work. This style can be bulky and make the kitchen feel closed off, and it may make cooking and cleaning less efficient.

Rolling Style

Mobile and versatile, the rolling kitchen island is perfect for small kitchens. Rolling kitchen islands can serve as a workspace, dining space, or spare surface. Rolling islands are also much more affordable than other kitchen island styles which appeal to homeowners on a strict budget.

The rolling island’s compact style doesn’t work for every homeowner or kitchen. Rolling islands offer limited to no storage and they can be a hassle to move during a large dinner gathering.

Furniture Style

Another unique option for a kitchen island is the furniture style. A furniture-style kitchen island can be custom-built by a cabinet builder (like us!) or it can be an antique piece you found stowed away in grandma’s attic. Furniture islands add character and their decorative details are appealing to the eye. This style isn’t bulky and can fit into smaller kitchens.

Unfortunately, the furniture-style island often offers little to no storage. They are also less durable and more prone to wear and ear than other kitchen island styles.

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