A kitchen island can completely transform your space — offering extra storage, seating, and a welcoming centrepiece for family life. But choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many styles and materials available. Whether you're renovating your kitchen or simply looking to enhance its functionality, here's what to consider when selecting the perfect island for your home.
Think About How You’ll Use It
Start with how your family uses the kitchen. Do you need extra prep space for cooking? Somewhere the kids can sit and do homework? Or simply more storage? If you entertain often, a kitchen island with a breakfast bar can double up as casual seating — perfect for drinks or dinner parties. For busy households, look for islands with generous drawers and built-in cupboards, helping you stay organised without sacrificing style.
Choose a Style That Suits Your Home
At Heart of Kitchens, we offer a wide range of island styles to suit traditional and farmhouse interiors. Popular choices include painted finishes in timeless shades like white, cream or grey — all paired with oak, granite or butchers block tops for a warm, practical surface.
If you love a rustic look, our reclaimed wood kitchen islands offer character in abundance, while our chunky oak tops bring a sense of craftsmanship and durability that’s ideal for family homes.
You can explore our full collection of kitchen islands here.
Don’t Forget the Details
Beyond looks, there are practical elements to consider. Think about:
- Size and proportions – Leave at least 90–100cm of clearance space around the island so it doesn’t feel cramped.
- Worktop material – Granite is hardwearing and easy to clean; butchers block adds warmth and can be refinished over time.
- Storage features – Adjustable shelves, deep drawers, or open shelving can make a big difference to day-to-day convenience.
If you're furnishing a high-traffic kitchen, consider a model with solid hardwood construction and reinforced frames for added durability — especially in busy family homes.
Built to Last, Delivered Fully Assembled
All of our kitchen islands are crafted using solid wood — including oak, painted hardwood, and sustainably sourced reclaimed timber. They’re delivered fully assembled, saving you the hassle of flat-pack building, and built to withstand daily family life.
We believe furniture should last for generations, not just a few years. That’s why we focus on timeless designs and natural materials that can be cherished in your home for decades.
Explore Our Collection
Choosing the right island is about more than just function — it’s about creating a space your family loves to gather in. From compact open-frame designs to large islands with granite worktops and breakfast bars, we’ve curated a selection that blends beauty, durability and everyday practicality.
Browse the full kitchen island collection and discover a piece that fits seamlessly into your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size kitchen island should I get?
A good rule of thumb is to allow 90–100cm of clearance around all sides of the island so your kitchen doesn’t feel cramped. For smaller kitchens, opt for a compact island or one with an open design.
Are your kitchen islands delivered assembled?
Yes — all of our kitchen islands are delivered fully assembled (except for attaching the worktop, if applicable), so you don’t have to worry about flat-pack furniture or complex instructions.
What materials are your islands made from?
Our islands are made from high-quality solid wood, including oak, painted hardwood, and reclaimed timber. Worktops are available in butchers block, chunky oak, and granite.
Do you offer kitchen islands with breakfast bars?
Yes, we offer a range of kitchen islands with integrated breakfast bars — ideal for casual dining or entertaining.
Are your kitchen islands suitable for modern homes?
Absolutely. While many of our pieces suit traditional or farmhouse interiors, we also offer sleek painted finishes and minimalist shapes that complement modern spaces beautifully.