15 Charming Freestanding Kitchen Island Ideas

Kitchen islands have a big job in any kitchen. They need to be a durable workspace, a gathering spot, eating area and a stylish centerpiece in your kitchen layout. This is why we love the freestanding kitchen island; it does all that and more!

Why should you choose a freestanding kitchen island?

Unfitted islands and cabinetry bring charm and character to a kitchen design, they are also one of the top kitchen trends for this year! Many people often think of the traditional English farmhouse style kitchen when they think of freestanding islands, but there are a lot of options when it comes to this design choice, no matter what style you love! You can refurbish a vintage piece of furniture or get a custom piece made for your space. You also have a lot of choice when it comes to style and design, as you’ll see below.

Adding an unfitted island to your kitchen is an affordable way to add more prep space to a small or awkward kitchen layout. If you need more dining space, you can create a freestanding kitchen island with seating. It also means that you can update your kitchen easier than if you have a built-in island. If you add wheels, you can easily move it to create extra space when needed. And don’t worry, you can still add built in elements to your freestanding island, like power outlets, a sink, microwave or oven.

Scroll below to see how versatile the freestanding kitchen island really is!

freestanding kitchen islands

Up-cycled Freestanding Kitchen Islands

If you love a traditional farmhouse kitchen, finding a beautiful old dresser or table to up-cycle is a great way to insert charm and vintage character into your kitchen design. Refinish the wood and protect it to keep the surface in good condition. You could also add a countertop for increased durability.

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This home owner added a marble prep board to their island to protect the vintage worktop.

freestanding kitchen islands

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Marble was added to this vintage table to make this a durable prep space.

vintage kitchen island

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Modern Freestanding Kitchen Islands

If vintage isn’t your thing, there are freestanding kitchen island options for your contemporary sensibilities. With a sleek and steam-lined form, these islands have added storage and durability.

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modern kitchen island

Freestanding Kitchen Islands for Small Kitchens

A unfitted island is a great option for smaller kitchens, galley kitchens or older kitchens with awkward layouts. Find a narrow table or create a custom option, and slip it into any nook or cranny. You can add wheels to make it easy to move if you need additional space.

small freestanding kitchen island

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freestanding kitchen island for small kitchen

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Sometimes when you’re working with an older home’s footprint, it can be hard to know how to make it work for more modern life. This classic Georgian home was updated with a mix of classic and contemporary elements. We love the freestanding island that was chosen for the narrow kitchen layout, adding functionality and style.

freestanding kitchen island

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The Functional Workspace

Just because you have a freestanding island, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the functionality of a built-in kitchen island. You can add a sink, storage, worktop, power outlets or electrical appliances to make this space as useful as possible.

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Adding a butcher block corner cutting board and a built in sink adds needed prep space and functionality to this cozy kitchen.

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This freestanding island has dishwasher drawers and ample storage built in.

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Freestanding Kitchen Island With Seating

You can never have too much seating in your kitchen! So why not add bar stools, chairs or benches for added dining space to your freestanding island?

kitchen island with seating

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If your kitchen is large enough you could add a beautiful antique table to your kitchen island for additional seating and workspace.

kitchen island with seating

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Find discreet stools that can slide under your island to keep pathways clear.

Photo by The Main Company via

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