How to Find the Perfect Kitchen Island For Your Home
The kitchen island is one of those furniture pieces that have become a necessity in most homes.
The extra countertop and storage provided underneath have become important for most home owners.
Though designed for the kitchen, the island can really be used in any area where additional counter space and storage is needed.
There are a variety of island designs to choose from.
They come in mobile or stationary, wood or marble, and there are many different options available as to what the piece includes.
One of the first things you need to decide when looking at purchasing a kitchen island is whether you want the piece to be mobile or stationary.
Both options are widely available and the one you choose will play an important role in the function of the piece in your home.
If you plan on using it as a traditional island, a stationary one may serve you best.
If, however, you feel that the piece will serve several different roles or be moved frequently, then the mobile design would be more suited for your needs.
Storage space is another big consideration.
The amount you can store varies widely from one design to the next.
Some islands have small drawers and an open shelf.
Others have rows of drawers that are suitable for utensils or small plates and accessories.
Some offer a wide, enclosed area which would work well for storing large items, like pots and pans, or big cooking bowls.
Think about the current set up of your kitchen, and the items that you struggle to find a place to store.
Also, consider which items you use frequently.
If your island is going to be placed in the middle of the kitchen, it would be a good idea to store things there that you use often.
If it's to be placed in a corner, the best use would be to store items which are used for special occasions or only a few times a year.
Many parents also use the storage space to store their children's plates, cups and utensils.
With the drawers and shelves being so low, kids are able to easily reach these items themselves.
Another consideration, if you have young kids, is whether to purchase an island that has a knife rack.
If the island is placed in the center of your kitchen, the knives would be more easily accessible to young children.
And as all parents know, children tend to gravitate toward any safety hazard.
You might consider sticking to ones that don't have this option, or placing the island against a wall, where the knives are less noticeable to curious young children.
The extra countertop and storage provided underneath have become important for most home owners.
Though designed for the kitchen, the island can really be used in any area where additional counter space and storage is needed.
There are a variety of island designs to choose from.
They come in mobile or stationary, wood or marble, and there are many different options available as to what the piece includes.
One of the first things you need to decide when looking at purchasing a kitchen island is whether you want the piece to be mobile or stationary.
Both options are widely available and the one you choose will play an important role in the function of the piece in your home.
If you plan on using it as a traditional island, a stationary one may serve you best.
If, however, you feel that the piece will serve several different roles or be moved frequently, then the mobile design would be more suited for your needs.
Storage space is another big consideration.
The amount you can store varies widely from one design to the next.
Some islands have small drawers and an open shelf.
Others have rows of drawers that are suitable for utensils or small plates and accessories.
Some offer a wide, enclosed area which would work well for storing large items, like pots and pans, or big cooking bowls.
Think about the current set up of your kitchen, and the items that you struggle to find a place to store.
Also, consider which items you use frequently.
If your island is going to be placed in the middle of the kitchen, it would be a good idea to store things there that you use often.
If it's to be placed in a corner, the best use would be to store items which are used for special occasions or only a few times a year.
Many parents also use the storage space to store their children's plates, cups and utensils.
With the drawers and shelves being so low, kids are able to easily reach these items themselves.
Another consideration, if you have young kids, is whether to purchase an island that has a knife rack.
If the island is placed in the center of your kitchen, the knives would be more easily accessible to young children.
And as all parents know, children tend to gravitate toward any safety hazard.
You might consider sticking to ones that don't have this option, or placing the island against a wall, where the knives are less noticeable to curious young children.
