Do I need a kitchen island?
11th October 2024
Islands have become such a popular piece of kitchen furniture over the years and it’s easy to see why. They provide extra storage, they can house appliances, they create a place to prep, they create a middle ground between runs of furniture and they become a place to congregate. They’re practical and have become a very stylish thing too – a key element to tick off the ‘dream kitchen’ wish list.
However, an island isn’t always the best option in a space for a number of reasons. We always recommend at least 1 metre of space between furniture to ensure it doesn’t feel too cramped. Although so practical, islands are typically quite chunky and can easily become rather obtrusive in a room. If you want a central piece of furniture but don’t have tons of room, or you don’t need loads of extra storage and have your appliances sorted in the perimeter layout, it could be worth considering a prep table.
The main difference between the two is that islands are grounded whereas prep tables sit on slim legs. They’re very traditional and could always be found in the under-the-stairs kitchens of Georgian and Victorian stately homes, as well as old Mediterranean houses. They feel airier than grounded islands and are typically less deep too.
A prep table will usually have two wide drawers and sometimes a low slatted shelf, although a deVOL design can be tweaked to ensure it’s just right for your space. This could mean some extra drawers or even double door cupboards, or a mix of both!
We design prep tables in all our furniture ranges. There’s something really appealing about a simple Classic English or Real Shaker design, painted in a muted shade and topped with Carrara marble. It’s a piece of furniture that will forever be timeless. An extra bonus is that you can move it from home to home with you much more easily than a big island!
The ultimate prep table has to be our Dairy Table. Inspired by a similar design seen at Lanhydrock House in Cornwall, it is part of our Heirloom Collection and has quickly become such a coveted piece for so many. Designed to have quite grand proportions, this piece is crafted from European oak before being tinted with a stain made from walnut husks and finished with bee’s wax polish. It makes the most perfect centrepiece.
Finding a vintage prep table is also a really great idea. If you have the time and patience to track down the ideal piece in the right size and style, you can end up with something that adds so much character to your kitchen. You may need to repaint it or update the handles (this really makes such a difference to the final look!) but this is very doable and can often be a cheaper option than purchasing something new.
If your space doesn’t really allow for a prep table, you could also consider one of our Butcher’s Blocks. Typically just under 1.2m in length, it’s a great option for anybody wanting a little extra prep space, a middle ground for shopping bags or a place to pull up a stool every now and then.
We can also add castors to a Butcher’s Block, making it even better. Wheel it into the centre of the kitchen when you need it and just as easily move it out the way when you need the extra floor space. So functional and they look lovely too.
We’ll always be big advocates for tables in kitchens here at deVOL so if that means having to forgo an island or prep table to allow space for one, it could be worth it. Having somewhere comfortable to sit together, to while away a few hours with good food and good company, a place to linger and enjoy, it adds so much and turns a kitchen from a purely functional room to one you really want to spend all your time in.
In an ideal world, a prep table and a kitchen table fits comfortably in the same room but if not, do consider it wisely. Adding an overhang and a few stools can transform a prep table into a spot to sit but nothing quite compares to a kitchen table. And don’t forget you can still prep at a table too!
I hope these ideas are helpful when thinking about islands and considering what works for your space. Do remember we have a team of very talented designers who can take a look at your room and explore all the best options with you. You’ll find everything we need to get started, as well as the best contact details depending on your location, on the Design Service section of our website.
