Kitchen island
A kitchen island might feel like a big dream, but with smart planning it can also be within reach in a small kitchen. What options are there? We’re happy to help you bring your dream kitchen to life.
Which kitchen island suits you?
Kitchen island
With a kitchen island, the kitchen truly becomes part of the living or dining room. Thanks to the integrated hob, preparing and cooking meals takes place right at the island. This way, you can stay connected with family or friends who are sitting at the dining table or relaxing in the living room. A kitchen island is suitable for spaces larger than 20 square metres.
Sink island
With a sink island, the sink and any dishwasher are built into the kitchen island. The advantage of this type is that you don’t need an extractor hood above the island. Do keep in mind that the dishwasher should be placed next to the sink because of the water drainage pipes. A sink island is suitable for spaces larger than 20 square metres.
Peninsula island
Is your kitchen too small for a full kitchen island? Then choose a peninsula. This type takes up less space because one of the short sides is attached to the wall. With a peninsula, you bring the living room and cooking area together, so you can stay connected with family or friends. The cooking and sink areas can be integrated into the same unit.
Bar
Without a bar, the kitchen simply isn’t as inviting. Why? It encourages friends and family to join you while you cook, it keeps everything you need for breakfast within easy reach in the morning, and at the weekend you can effortlessly turn the bar into a party table filled with tasty snacks.
What should you pay attention to when installing a kitchen island?
Freestanding extractor hoods
For a kitchen island, it’s recommended to install a freestanding extractor hood above the hob. At IKEA you’ll find, among others, the SVÄVANDE extractor hood, which can be placed above your kitchen island.
Hobs
A separate hobs is mounted on the worktop of a kitchen island. For example, the BLIXTSNABB: a wide hob with a streamlined, angled edge and all the functions a top chef needs.
Sink and dishwasher
It’s advisable to build the dishwasher and sink into the kitchen island. For this, it’s important to pay attention to the water connection, which is usually installed through the floor.
Built‑in fridges
It’s not recommended to place your fridge in the island. A kitchen island is often combined with a wall of cabinets where your fridge can be installed. This gives you a larger fridge‑freezer compartment to store your food.
Don't forget the practical stuff
Floor mounting
Please note: a cooking or sink island must be fixed to the floor. Do you have underfloor heating? Ask our kitchen specialist for advice — they can take this into account.
Measuring a kitchen island
To include a kitchen island in your kitchen, you need to make sure there’s enough space. Allow at least 1 metre to 1.20 metres between the kitchen island and, for example, the wall or kitchen units.
