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Kitchen Island vs Kitchen Table

In the quest to design the perfect kitchen, one of the first things to consider is whether you would like a kitchen island or a kitchen table. It is possible to include both a kitchen island and a kitchen table if the kitchen is large enough although most people will need to decide between the two.

There are many benefits to having a kitchen island – it provides extra workspace, extra storage and can act as a hub for the kitchen for people to gather. However, kitchen islands may not always be the best solution. For those lacking space, or who simply do not need the extra storage or worktop, another great option is a kitchen table.

The decision between island vs table will depend largely on your personal lifestyle and how the kitchen space will be used. Think about who will be using the kitchen – is it for one person, a couple or a family? If the kitchen is the centre of a family home, a kitchen island may make sense as it acts as a central point – the same applies if you regularly host guests. A kitchen table can create a more formal setting compared to the island and can also be helpful at keeping a designated space away from the kitchen.

Ultimately, whether you opt for a kitchen island or kitchen table, both have their advantages and disadvantages. The key factor is that it enables families and friends to sit and eat together.

 

kitchen-island-design

 

Storage

A clear advantage of a kitchen island is that it doubles up as a storage space. For those looking to store many things, an island can be a neat way to do this and maximise space in the kitchen. Kitchen islands are a way to add cabinets and drawers as well as shelves. They can even neatly tuck away appliances such as small fridges and dishwashers or house a second sink.

 

Seating

A table tends to have more seating capacity than the typical island. Kitchen tables may be more comfortable when actually sitting down to eat or doing activities such as working from home or homework. However, seating at a kitchen island is usually in the heart of the action.

Kitchen islands can provide a more informal seating arrangement perfect for those looking to encourage guests or family members to sit in the kitchen during the food preparation.

Kitchen tables lend themselves to more flexibility when it comes to choice of dining chairs whereas islands typically will need bar-stools which may be less comfortable.

 

kitchen seating

 

Atmosphere

The decision between a kitchen table and kitchen island will influence the tone of the food preparation and dining area and has the potential to change the atmosphere.

To keep food preparation and dining as two distinct things, a kitchen table is probably a better choice. For families this helps keep children out of the way of the cooking and can be a designated space for homework, office work and later a family meal. For those who have guests over, this can be a good designated space for guests to hang out and socialise whilst the cooking is going on.

A kitchen island creates a more inclusive atmosphere as it blends food preparation and dining means that whoever is in charge of the cooking can be with the rest of the family or the guests and join in the conversation. Often, a kitchen island is a great way of creating a sociable atmosphere in the home.

 

Frequency of Cooking

The usage of your kitchen will play a big role in determining whether an island or kitchen table works better for your needs. For example, kitchen islands double up as an extra space for food preparation, storage and even a second sink. Thus, for those who are regular cooks, this can be an invaluable extra space.

However, for those who cook less frequently and who cook more simple recipes with less preparation and fewer ingredients, they may find that a kitchen table is a better use of space and that they do not need any further room for food preparation.

 

two toned shaker kitchen

 

Open-Plan

In an open-plan living space, kitchen tables can allow more flexibility in terms of floorspace, functionality and design. Not only do they provide a designated dining area, they can also save space. The open space under kitchen tables can be viewed as less bulky as a kitchen island and can create the illusion of a larger floor plan.

Kitchen tables in an open-plan space can also help to define and separate different areas which can result in a less chaotic set-up. Those with an extension leaf could be the perfect solution for accommodating gatherings of different sizes.

 

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Customer Reviews

Honor

HOUZZ
What a wonderful experience from beginning to end. We certainly weren’t the easiest customers , we weren’t sure what we wanted or when ! However Donna, Richard, Rich and their amazing team guided us through the process with utter professionalism as well as warmth and patience. The results exceeded our expectations, particularly the attention to every detail. They wouldn’t rest until they knew we were happy with everything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them or use them again.

Leighton Home Style

HOUZZ
Thanks to all the team at The Woodworks for working with me on yet another great project.
Beautiful design managed and delivered on time and VERY happy clients

Look forward to our future projects together!

Alan Burton

HOUZZ
Woodworks provided us with excellent service, from planning and design to finished kitchen

Build quality is excellent and it really does give the house the WOW factor

Our kitchen was part of a new build process for house we have built from scratch. Deadlines constantly moved, and Woodworks worked around everybody to get the job done on time and in full

After sales is very good, with tweaks to doors and cupboards all part of the service!

Sarah Innes

HOUZZ
It has been an absolute pleasure to deal with The Wood Works. Our existing kitchen was 20 years old, and the layout of the room did not make use of the available space. Josh produced inspired ideas for re-designing the whole area, and really listened to what we wanted to achieve, patiently fine-tuning the plans to our particular requirements. We are now the proud owners of a stunning and practical new kitchen which has completely exceeded our expectations. When my sister visited for the first time, she said "it looks like the kitchen of a celebrity chef!" (which I am not). What a transformation. The Wood Works is a family-run business, and that really shows in terms of their professional service, quality of fittings, attention to detail, reliability and easy communication. Nothing was too much trouble. At the start of the project, Josh promised we would have our kitchen by Christmas. I was sceptical as we were in the midst of the pandemic, but they delivered as promised, with no hitches. Thoroughly recommend.

John

HOUZZ
Brilliant Service!
They designed, built, and fitted my new kitchen.
Extremely happy and will be recommending to my friends and family.

Sian Baker

HOUZZ
Over the moon with our new kitchen!
The design is exactly what we wanted, the fitters were excellent, and the craftsmanship is fantastic.
Everyone at The Wood Works helped to make the process as smooth and as easy as possible.
I would recommend them to anyone looking at getting a new kitchen.

Ruhel 4 November, 2021

HOUZZ
We are delighted with the kitchen supplied and fitted by The Woodworks. The design, look and quality is brilliant. The designer (Tom Dodd), the project manager (Andy Neville) and the fitters were all brilliant. Always helpful and responsive. A really pleasing experience with Woodworks and a brilliant finished kitchen.

The design collated by Tom was brilliant and tailored brilliantly to our exact requirements.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

Sue Finegold 22 December 2021

HOUZZ
We have a beautiful kitchen of the highest quality The company are efficient friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
Richard and Donna designed everything for us to perfection. All their staff are really great.