Narrow kitchen island: how to choose? What are the best furniture configurations?

In today’s post, we will discuss the narrow kitchen island. We will take an interest in which cases it should be used, how to combine furniture and furnishings and, in a nutshell, how to choose this particular furnishing configuration.

In recent years, kitchen islands  have become increasingly popular. The merit of this success lies in their great versatility and functionality. Even in rooms where space is at a premium, this furniture solution can be used. A narrow kitchen island, for example, is a great help to complete the furnishing of an elongated room or to complete the layout of a kitchen where there is a large dining table.

Why should you consider installing a narrow kitchen island?

One of the main reasons for choosing a narrow kitchen island is, of course, the presence of limited space. In fact, especially in flats built a few decades ago, the kitchen is often a small room, mostly developed along one dimension. In such contexts, where every centimetre counts, the use of a large kitchen island could be cumbersome and not very functional. On the other hand, a narrower and more compact solution allows you to create a dedicated work area, without taking up too much space.

In addition, narrow kitchen islands make the best use of all available space in the room where food is prepared. In fact, thanks to their elongated and slender shape, these islands allow for an adequate work surface without sacrificing circulation in the different areas of the room.

Despite their small size, narrow kitchen islands offer great versatility in use. Thanks precisely to their shape and the different configurations available, these islands can be used in different ways, depending on personal requirements. For example, you can choose kitchen islands with drawers and shelves to increase storage space. Or you may prefer models with an integrated dining area, to make the room even more functional.

Among the advantages of a narrow kitchen island is the fact that this configuration is easy to clean and maintain. Its slim shape means that this element does not require much effort to clean, which makes it easier to keep the room tidy.

What are the best materials and designs for a narrow kitchen island?

Narrow kitchen islands offer the possibility of customising the room in many different ways, based on one’s needs and stylistic preferences. The variety of models and furnishing solutions allows you to adapt the style of the kitchen to your personal taste.

There are different materials and designs that can be used to create a narrow kitchen island that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Among the most frequently chosen materials are wood, marble, granite, stainless steel and, in some cases, even tempered glass. Each material has its own unique characteristics, making it suitable for particular needs and specific aesthetic tastes. The ideal choice will therefore vary from case to case.

A narrow kitchen island with a natural wood finish is a classic choice and is ideal for creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. Alternatively, you may prefer island models with a steel finish, which are great when you want to give the room a more modern  and more minimalist look.

When reasoning about the design of narrow kitchen islands, it is necessary to take into account the functions they have to fulfil. If the island has the task of separating the work area from the dining or living area, it is necessary to ensure that a food preparation area is created that is distinct from the relaxation area.

It should be emphasised that despite their small size, narrow kitchen islands are not synonymous with renunciation. On the contrary, they can offer many functions and advantages that you would often not have with a larger island. In particular, thanks to their compact shape and the possibility of customising them according to one’s needs, narrow kitchen islands represent a practical and functional solution, useful for making the most of every inch of available space.

What ideas and tips for furnishing your kitchen with a narrow island?

We are almost at the end of this guide dedicated to the narrow kitchen island. What other advice can be given? What other suggestions?

Narrow kitchen islands can be equipped with many useful features to provide a complete and satisfying cooking and eating experience. For example, if you integrate a cooking area, worktop, sink or refrigerator into the narrow kitchen island, the island becomes a central element of the room.

Furthermore, when designing the island, it is very useful to provide additional storage space. Integrating drawers, shelves or shelves gives the room an original look and provides more space to store cooking utensils, pots and pans, crockery and all food.

One final observation. The island can also be used as a replacement for the dining table or as a dining area. Such a solution is particularly useful if the space within the location does not allow for a separate dining table.

Il Piccolo, a second generation family-run joinery, opens its own showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design knowledge of the highest level, thanks to the numerous interiors designed and furnished all over the world. In particular, Il Piccolo has a wealth of experience in the design and production of several corner wardrobe models. Finally, Il Piccolo represents the world’s most prestigious furniture brands.
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