With a popularity that’s long been as solid as its structure, the built-in island has had a good run as a kitchen staple, having provided a fashionable focal point in our homes for decades. But it seems the island’s hefty, immovable charm is beginning to wane, as a growing number of homeowners seek out units that are more informal and easier on the space.
Lisa Coppin, chief creative officer at The Cotswold Company, agrees that there is change afoot: ‘The fitted island has become a key consideration for many when designing a new kitchen but, more often than not, it can quickly become a design flaw, being too large and cumbersome for the space and restricting flow.’
So, what are the alternatives? Prep tables, butcher’s blocks and even dining tables are now stepping in where once the built-in island ruled. ‘Tables are a wonderful, practical alternative to islands,’ enthuses Leila Touwen, co-founder of kitchen and furniture designers Pluck. ‘Layout-wise, they offer the same uniting focal point for a room, while providing a central worktop and often storage, too. The big difference being tables have legs – you can literally see through them to what’s behind, and so they feel an awful lot lighter than typical islands.’
While tables are clearly viable pretenders to the island crown, a growing range of freestanding islands, which are more mobile and compact than the traditional fitted island, further add to the spectrum of choice. As a result, there’s something to suit any style or space, while averting the headache of trying to shoehorn in a hulking block of fixed furniture.
There are advantages to all of these tables and work areas, and a little thought about how you use your room will help to establish which will work best for you. ‘The size of the kitchen is an important factor to consider,’ advises Leila. ‘The table has to have space around it – a piece of furniture crammed into a tight spot will be impractical.’ As a general rule, you should aim for at least a metre of walkway space on one or two sides of furniture.
Storage is another factor to consider – will you need drawers, shelves or cupboards in the unit? If not, a dining table could be a winner. Available in any size, they allow for seating, and make for easy entertaining, so if you have the space, a dining table is a convivial option with a welcoming farmhouse feel, though Lisa has this advice: ‘A table is a lovely addition to a kitchen but, if you’re planning to use it for food preparation, it may be too low, making it uncomfortable to stand at. In such cases, an island might be a better choice.’
Butcher’s blocks and prep tables tend to have the right height for easy food prep and are often smaller than a traditional dining table – many are also available on castors, making them far more mobile, too. These make a pleasing option for smaller kitchens, but don’t have the same social element as a traditional table.
Though whether it’s a table or an unfitted butcher’s block, any of these options enjoy the same appealing flexibility and, best of all, can be packed up and taken with you if you move house – unlike their built-in counterpart.
The good news for anyone falling out of love with their island is that there are alternative units being launched all the time – not to mention a profusion of antique and reclaimed options, complete with patination and character. If you’d prefer a new piece, designers are acutely aware of the shift away from fitted islands, and are responding accordingly.
‘We’ve seen a growing desire for freestanding kitchen pieces from our customers,’ says Poppy Munson, product developer at Nkuku. ‘So, for spring 2025, we’ve introduced our Tivu reclaimed butcher’s block, made using reclaimed and repurposed wood from Indian ceiling beams.’
One of these more informal, unfitted pieces may not provide that perfect match to fitted cupboards and worktops, but is that really a problem? There’s an intrinsic charm to introducing individual or mismatched units. Beyond their practical qualities, size and versatility, these alternatives to the island are also bringing a fresh sense of openness, character and beauty to our kitchens, and a whole new lease of life to the possibilities of kitchen design.The traditional fitted kitchen island now faces competition from more flexible, modern alternatives
Flexible kitchen island alternatives...
