Everything You Need to Know about Round Kitchen Island

What Is a Kitchen Island?

A round kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet in the middle of your kitchen that has a circular or rounded shape. It can be whatever you want it to be, really. It can be a table, a counter, or a place for people to pull up their stools and chat.

Unlike traditional kitchen island ideas, a round island provides a more spacious, light, open feel. It is a good option for kitchens with limited space.

Do You Need A Round Kitchen Island?

The idea of having a round kitchen island has been growing in popularity over the last few years. The appeal of extra storage and counter space beautifully designed to fit in the kitchen is one that most of us can get behind.

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Benefits of a Round Kitchen Island

Aesthetic Appeal

Kitchen islands are a stylish way to liven up your kitchen. Their versatility ranges from simple to bold in a second. The center of your cooking world becomes a display, ranging from eye-catching simple to eclectically you.

Efficient Use of Storage Space

Whether you have a small or large kitchen island, the additional storage beneath is a practical addition to your dream kitchen, be that wood cabinetry, or an open shelving concept.

Functional Benefits

Having a round kitchen island provides easy range no matter where in the kitchen you are. Whether your prep is happening at the sink or the oven, your kitchen island is only a step away.

Having a round kitchen island is safer for you and your family. Your marble countertops will no longer jab your sides every time you misstep while meal prepping. Glide smoothly around your island's curves suffering no wounds.

A round kitchen island can double as a dining table while dinner prep is happening. It's an easy way of gathering friends and family to create a light atmosphere.

Innovative Round Kitchen Island Ideas

Here are some ideas for round kitchen islands.

1. Two-Tiered Design: This kitchen island design is luxurious, showcasing a raised section for a breakfast bar or more counter space and a lower section for food prep and storage. This design is light, creating a scene that's easy on the eyes.
2. Curved Seating: A round kitchen island can be designed with curved seating along the perimeter. It can transform the space into a conversation-cultivating, casual dining table when your people pull up a stool and stay a while. Dedicating a side of your island to chairs does take up some accessibility. You may retain the storage, but you won't have as many drawers or cabinets.
3. Open Shelving: Adding open shelving to your round kitchen island can provide more space for dishes, cookbooks, and decorative items. Pair this scene with some low-hanging pendant lights, and you have transformed your island into a stunning centerpiece. This design can also help to break up the visual weight of the island and make it feel light and airy.
4. Integrated Cooktop: If you love to cook, consider integrating a cooktop into your round kitchen island. This design will help keep your meal preparations incorporated into daily life and not feel so isolated.
5. Mixed Materials: Using a combination of materials such as wood, stone, or metal can add visual interest and texture to your round kitchen island design. For example, you might use a marble top with a metal base or a brass top with a wood base. You can also choose to mix two different countertop materials and go with a comfortable, modern design for the base. There are so many options, especially when you begin mixing your materials.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Island

Size and Shape

Consider how the traffic already flows around the layout of your kitchen. Adapt to that, don't try to force something drastic.

The shape does not have to be only round or rectangular. The shape can change to fit the room. There's no need to stay in a little box. There are lovely kitchen islands with a waterfall look on one end and a rectangle on the other.

This kitchen island, assuming everything goes according to plan, will be with you for the foreseeable future, so create something you love.

Keep in mind a kitchen island should ideally have 36 to 48 inches of space on all sides, which will somewhat limit your size options.

Functionality and Purpose

Why do you want a kitchen island? Is it the beauty of marble countertops? Is it another place to store your pots and pans? Are you seeking a breakfast bar? Dining table?

Before you can choose an island for your kitchen, you need to understand its purpose. One kitchen island does not fit all needs. It is unique to you.

If you know what you want out of your island, you are better equipped to make decisions when the time comes.

Material and Design

Your decisions about material and design should be about aesthetic, but don't forget about function.

If the island is a large food prep station, consider granite or marble that won't be damaged by a knife. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is excellent as a surface for hot pots and pans.

Style and Aesthetic

The kitchen island cannot be isolated. Consider the style and materials used in your kitchen and choose an island that will complement it.

Perhaps you want oak cabinetry that matches your polished flooring.

If you have an all-white kitchen, you could stick with that light theme, or you could choose something contrasting.

Designers will tell you that the island is the central point of your kitchen and is the best place for an accented counter. If you have an open-concept island, you could consider painting the legs a color that stands out. A blue island adds that pop of color you've been seeking.

If you prefer contrasting features, your range of options increases.

Budget and Installation

Unfortunately, in our modern society, most of us must also consider our budget.

Some features are more expensive than others, so you might end up choosing what is most important to you.

Would you like a place for people to sit and rest, or can they stand? Is marble a must-have? Does it have to be a very large kitchen island?

If you're on a tight budget, make a list of what features create the perfect kitchen island for you and your family, then start crossing things off until you can't bring yourself to drag the pen over one more item. Ideally, you'll only be left with a few things.

Once that's done, you can speak with someone and see what it would cost to have your kitchen island installed. While on the subject, you can discuss your timeline.

Get Expert Advice!

Professionals can help you combine your inspiration with realistic goals. From the cabinetry to the brass pendant lights, to the marble countertops, experts can help you understand the process behind your round kitchen island.