Islands as dining tables

[mrssunshinexxx]

Does anyone have an island as a dining table where people can
Sit at both sides ? Quite a big one preferably, this is what we are after with a wine chiller in it also thanks in advance any pics would be great

Because islands are primarily meant to be food prepping areas they are normally higher than a table so you would need to be on high stools/chairs. Im not sure i would always want to dine in that way which is why most people use them like a breakfast or wine bar.

I would hate that. We have 3 DCs aged 5 and under. Moved into a house pre children with a huge island and a separate dining room. Either had to knacker our backs at the island where the high chairs werent level or traipse into the dining room. Never again

Just moved and designing our new kitchen. I have asked for no seating at the island as I never want to sit at one again

I would hate that. We have 3 DCs aged 5 and under. Moved into a house pre children with a huge island and a separate dining room. Either had to knacker our backs at the island where the high chairs werent level or traipse into the dining room. Never again

Just moved and designing our new kitchen. I have asked for no seating at the island as I never want to sit at one again

I have seen some great examples but you need a bit of imagination. A table can be added that is lower than the work surface. You then have chairs or benches on both sides, so it is like a conventional table. Usually they are made from wood but blend into the rest of the kitchen.

The bigger problem is that you want to incorporate a wine fridge. This inevitably means that the dining surface will be the same height as a conventional work surface. So you end up with high chairs or stools. However, mine is still a circular wood "table" situated at the end of the island. It has four high chairs. It has a circular set of cupboards underneath and is positioned so that it is not near where I prep food and the hob, oven and sink are in a different area. If you can use the cupboards under the table for something else, would this free up space for a wine fridge elsewhere?

Also our island is 1350 wide. All the appliances and cupboards are back to back. This gives a lot more storage space. Although I have my wine fridge in the laundry room!

We all love our seats at the island and it makes for family chat and guests can talk to me whilst I cook. We all have differening needs, so decide what yours are OP.

My friend has something like this

Wow I can't believe people's comments in regards to telling me awful what I would like in my home is.

Thank you to the couple people that have made helpful comments :)

We have an island and a dining table and barely use the dining table, only if we are entertaining and can’t get round the island . I love an island it’s so sociable and easy I can fit 5 round my island but the wine cooler, an essential of course is in the main block of cupboards

Wow I can't believe people's comments in regards to telling me awful what I would like in my home is.

If you ask for opinions from people who have lived with kitchen island you tend to get them. If you wanted only positive experiences you should've clarified.

Money - thanks really helpful this is what I envisage we love entertaining and are going to splash out on comfy bar stools with supportive backs

Craic - silly me should of known it's impossible on Mumsnet not to get some negative nancy

I saw this one the other day and quite liked the style as it feels integrated but still a proper dining space!

This is mine. We bought really good leather stools and have all our meals at it, although we do still have a formal dining room as well.

Having the hob facing into the room rather than against a wall makes it do easy to socialise while you’re cooking.

Persil that's great!

It makes such a difference if the worktop has an overhang to put your knees under, but you also need to have enough space to be able to get round it when everyone is seated.

The island was the most important feature in the design. It’s been 6 years now, and in constant use. Ignore anyone who says they wouldn’t ever do it. It’s what you and your family want which is important.

Re the wine cooler, be very careful. We got one, not in the island, but good grief, it is so noisy, much noisier than the fridge, and because it is all open plan, it is noticeable. In hindsight we would have spent money on a better, but quieter, brand. Ours is Caple, and I’m sure could be replaced, but can’t face the aggro.

We have one - we had the table bit dropped like a previous picture up thread. We really like it. If I can tidy up enough later I’ll post a picture