Kitchen Island Bars

Is your kitchen large enough to accommodate a kitchen island with seating? Understanding measurements and space considerations will help you decide.
Contemporary Kitchen with Multi-level Kitchen Island

Contemporary Kitchen with Multi-level Kitchen Island

A spacious, multi-level kitchen island with a granite counter top and stainless steel appliances is a sleek centerpiece in this contemporary kitchen.

Installing a kitchen island bar will add countertop and storage space, but it can also provide a designated area for in-room dining, particularly in cozier spaces where seating was not previously an option.

A Kitchen Designed With Real Life in Mind

See All Photos

Shop This Look

However, whether choosing from a selection of pre-designed, portable kitchen island bars or building an island to fit your kitchen's specifications, the most important considerations are space and placement.

Above all, kitchen islands require a good deal of space. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends a minimum surface area of about 3 feet by 4 feet. You'll also need to keep traffic patterns in mind—walkways should measure at least 42 inches wide for unobstructed passage, according to NKBA.

Other considerations, beyond comfortable island seating (think counter- or bar-height stools, depending on height, with arms or swivels) include at least 24 inches of countertop space for elbow room, and anywhere from 12 to 18 inches of space between the knee and counter (depending on the counter height) for clear knee space.

Next Up

How to Build a DIY Kitchen Island on Wheels

Need some extra workspace in your kitchen? Build a rolling island for added functionality and style. One side stores a stand mixer, sheet pans, cutting boards and more, while the other side allows for extra seating. Perfect for small spaces, this portable kitchen island easily rolls out when you need it and neatly tucks away when you don’t.

Kitchen Island Bars

Casual dining and kitchen island bar areas go hand-in-hand with this guide for discovering the perfect design for your lifestyle and budget.

How to Design a Bold Home Bar Inspired by 'Windy City Rehab'

Skip the trip downtown this weekend and build this bold in-home bar inspired by Windy City Rehab instead.

How to Build a Grilling Island

Create an outdoor kitchen by nestling a gas grill into a custom-built, granite-topped island.

This Colorful Kitchen has the Coolest Backsplash

She got a rainbow backsplash, and he got a bar. This fab collab in Edina, Minnesota, proves that makeovers (and relationships) are all about compromise.

The 10 Best Bar Carts Under $550

Pop, fizz, clink! Shop these top-rated and cheers-worthy bar carts to gear up for your next big event.

How to Pick a Kitchen Backsplash

Get tips on how to find a backsplash that meets your needs and expresses your personality.

Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets

Resurfacing kitchen cabinets gives your kitchen a much-needed facelift without the hassles of a complete remodel.

Refinishing Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Get the feel of a whole new kitchen with beautifully refinished kitchen cabinets.

Updating Kitchen Cabinets

Updating kitchen cabinets transforms your kitchen into a gathering place for the whole family.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.