Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask about kitchen islands?

84 replies

magicalmadmadamim · 25/09/2025 16:27

we are just over halfway through a kitchen extension, its not going to be huge but it will be the biggest kitchen i have ever had, only ever had galley kitchens before.
originally i was thinking of just putting a table there as this would be where we eat during the colder months but soo many people are harping on about islands and it just seems to be the done thing these days.
we wont be short of worktops so is a kitchen island, even a small one, worth it?

OP posts:
TeenLifeMum · 25/09/2025 16:39

We also push the table over and dc roller blade - much to the flooring guy’s horror 😂😬

Original poster
magicalmadmadamim · 25/09/2025 16:39

TeenLifeMum · 25/09/2025 16:37

I prefer a table and went against an island. I think they look beautiful in show homes but I know my family and it would just become an after school dumping ground and stress me out. We went for a floor to ceiling pantry instead plus table in the space.

see this would be us too!
think i will stick with the table :)

OP posts:
iwantabreakfastpantry · 25/09/2025 16:38

I love our island - we agonized over every detail: sink/hob/both/neither, what items are to be stored and how, space for a radio, plug points, seating arrangement, what the seating would be near, what it would face etc, worktops.
We use it all the time.

ETA: great for entertaining large groups/parties use it as a buffet area etc.

LeticiaMorales · 25/09/2025 16:38

I don't like kitchen islands. I had ours taken out and put a table and chairs there. It's far more flexible and gives good preparation space. It's far more friendly - people sit around a kitchen table, the island had to have those high stools in a row. It's been a good decision for us.

TeenLifeMum · 25/09/2025 16:37

I prefer a table and went against an island. I think they look beautiful in show homes but I know my family and it would just become an after school dumping ground and stress me out. We went for a floor to ceiling pantry instead plus table in the space.

FunnyOrca · 25/09/2025 16:35

A table is more versatile and inclusive than an island.

If you were short on counter space I would say island, but table in your circumstances.

whataweekImhaving · 25/09/2025 16:30

I wouldn’t. I think they are now a bit dated and a table served the purpose just as well.

I don’t particularly hate them, but I wouldnt put one in.

Flippertyfloppertyflip · 25/09/2025 16:29

No, if you don’t need the work space then have your table. A table to eat at is a much better bet.

IHaveRunOutOfIdeas · 25/09/2025 16:29

I have an island and I love it.

But….. I do think a table would have been better. It’s too high for mum, so we don’t tend to use it for Christmas dinner and when she’s here.