How Much Space Do I Need For a Kitchen Island?

In 1933, a young woman by the name of Nancy Willey asked Frank Lloyd Wright—the famed architect and designer—to build her a home within her and her husband’s modest budget. As a middle class couple, the Willeys wouldn’t have hired help to cook and clean for them, so there wasn’t a need to hide the kitchen from the rest of the home (as was common at the time). Instead, their little home became a pioneer of open concept living and kitchen islands. Wright designed their kitchen with a glass partition above the counter to connect the space with the living area. This bold move mirrored the changing times, as more homeowners moved away from viewing kitchens as messy spaces and instead looked to integrate all of life into their homes.

Fast forward nearly a century and the open kitchen with an island is a staple among many homes in the United States. These days, a kitchen island is often viewed as a value-add to kitchen layouts, found in many high-end homes and homeowners’ renovation plans. If you’re dreaming of an island in your own kitchen, a common roadblock is the question of space. How much room is enough to install an island? How big of an island do I need? Is it worth it to add one?

At HEX General Contractors, we’ve spent decades designing and renovating kitchens across Sacramento and the Bay Area. Our team has seen every type of kitchen and revolutionized all sorts of spaces with innovative ideas and craftsman designs. Let’s take some time to go over important considerations and solutions for adding a kitchen island to your own home.

How Big Does My Kitchen Have to Be?

1. The Rule of Thumb

You may have heard it before, but a common rule of thumb is for your kitchen island to not exceed 10% of your total kitchen area. This means that a 4’ x 5’ island would require a kitchen space of at least 200 square feet. Now remember, this is just a rule of thumb and more so depends on your actual kitchen layout, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect. 

2. Clearance Space

The space between your island and any surrounding appliances, walls, or cabinets should be at least 36 inches. This should give you room to comfortably move about while cleaning or cooking and allows any neighboring doors and drawers to open and close freely.

3. Kitchen Island Size

Small kitchen islands are typically no less than 4’ x 2’ and should fit within most small kitchens, depending on the layout. A more or less medium sized island sits around 6’ x 3’ with large statement islands going beyond that.

What to Consider Before Adding an Island

1. Kitchen Layout

Different layouts work better with islands than others. Here’s how they typically fit:

• Open-concept kitchens: Best suited for full-sized islands.

• L-shaped kitchens: Often work well with an island if there's enough clearance.

• Galley kitchens: Usually too narrow for a fixed island, but a rolling island might work.

• U-shaped kitchens: Can fit an island if the center space is wide enough.

2. Seating Plans

If you want to add seating to your island, you need even more space. Ideally, you should have:

• 24 inches of width per seat for enough elbow room.

• At least 15 inches of countertop overhang for functional seating.

For small kitchens, a two-seat breakfast bar on a narrow island or peninsula might be the best option.

Can a Small Kitchen Have an Island?

Yes, but with limitations. Not every kitchen can fit a full-size island, but there are creative solutions:

• Rolling or Movable Islands: Extra counter space when you need it, easily stored when you don’t.

• Narrow Islands: If you have at least 30 inches of clearance, a slim 18-24 inch island may work.

• Peninsula: Connected to a wall or cabinets, a peninsula offers storage and prep space without taking up too much room.

• Butcher Block Cart: A small, moveable prep table.

• Drop-Leaf Island: A foldable section for extra counter space.

Need More Space? HEX Can Expand Your Kitchen

If your kitchen doesn’t have enough room for an island, don’t give up hope! We specialize in kitchen expansions and layout reconfigurations to make room for an island by:

• Removing walls for an open-concept layout.

• Rearranging cabinets and appliances for better flow.

• Expanding your kitchen footprint for extra space.

• Custom-built islands that maximize functionality.

Sacramento’s Kitchen Island Experts

A kitchen island can be a statement piece, a functional addition, and a dream-come-true all wrapped in one! There are so many different ways to make the most of your kitchen space, so don’t hesitate to give us a call for a free consultation. We can come out and provide you with a free estimate so you can get an idea of what you’re looking at.

Our goal at HEX is to make your dreams a reality. We’d love to chat with you about how we can help. Even if you’re just looking for some advice or information, contact us today!