21 BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN ISLAND BENCHES & CARTS

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF A KITCHEN ISLAND?

A problem which we can often face in modern, spacious and open-plan kitchens is that we’ll often have a lot of open space, but we’ll be lacking in sufficient preparation or storage space.

A kitchen island or portable kitchen cart is an affordable, effective and stylish way to utilise the empty space in your kitchen.

A kitchen island is usually a centrally located countertop, with built-in storage units, which can be used for food preparation. Kitchen islands can also double up as a counter table for those quick meals which don’t necessarily warrant setting out the dining table.

The material of the countertop itself will vary across different designs. Some will have a stainless steel counter-top, others will have wood, stone or granite. Some kitchen islands, usually the smaller ones, will feature a thicker butchers block as the countertop.

A kitchen cart, on the other hand, is essentially a mobile kitchen island or bench on wheels. It can be used to transport meals and cutlery from the kitchen to the dining room, or can be favoured simply because of its easy portability and ability to be moved to the side when it’s not required.

Below we’ve included some beautiful kitchen islands and carts of various sizes, designs and finishes, for any style of kitchen, and to suit any purpose.

KITCHEN ISLANDS

Kitchen Island with Solid Wood Butcher Block Surface and Storage

Dimensions: 43.25″ X 21.50″ X 36″

We love this gorgeous open-design kitchen island. The countertop is crafted with a solid rubberwood butcher block surface and the island features a lush cappuccino finish. 

Designed with practicality in mind, this kitchen island features three drawers, a stemware wine rack, open storage spaces and a wine bottle holder.

American Heritage Harvest Kitchen Island with Butcher Block Top

Dimensions: 60” x 30” x 36”

This is a kitchen island with character. Bring an element of country style to your kitchen with this USA made, American Heritage design. Crafted by USA company, John Boos, who have been crafting butcher blocks since the 1800s, you’re in safe hands.

This stunning island features a 4” thick end grain hard maple top which is perfect for food preparation, as well as a base which is available in 11 different colour finishes to customise for your kitchen. The base comes fitted with slatted shelves and three wicker baskets.

Crosley Furniture Butcher Block Top Kitchen Island

Dimensions: 48.20″ x 23″ x 36”

Built to last, this kitchen island has been constructed of solid hardwood and wood veneers.

The drawers and doors feature stylish raised panels and inside the doors you’ll find adjustable shelves and an abundance of storage space.

The side of the island features handy tea towel racks and a butcher block counter top makes this island not only beautiful, but great for food preparation. Available in black, white or cherry finish.

Powell Pennfield Kitchen Island

Dimensions: 56” x 29.25” x 36”

This Pennfield Kitchen Island will introduce a sleek, classy design with a touch of stylish antiquity. Finished in black with a natural finished top, it has an old-world feel while still being exceptionally useful.

The island features adjustable shelves, drawers, spice racks on both outer-sides along with towel racks.

The storage is accessible from one side of the island, while the other side features a knee-space recess at which you can place stools and make the island into an entertaining hot spot. 

The counter top is a natural wood knife block surface and the island also features a removable black granite cutting surface.

Home Styles Kitchen Island

Dimensions: 49.75” x 36.50” x 36.50″

This gorgeous white kitchen island combines functionality, style, and versatility. The design features a white finished body constructed out of sustainable hardwood with raised panels, complimenting a cottage oak finished top with hand-applied physical and finished distressing.

A clear coat finish protects this island from wear and tear.

A nifty feature of this kitchen island is the extended 11.5” breakfast bar which can be folded out to provide a convenient place for a quick meal or drink which can be folded down when not in use.

Other features include adjustable shelving on both ends as well as utility drawers and cabinets.

Home Styles Macro Kitchen Island – Palm Mahogany Finish

Dimensions: 41” x 23.75” x 36”

This understated but stylish kitchen island is constructed of mahogany solids, albazia solids, and engineered woods with natural woven wicker panels and leather wrapped accents in a palm mahogany finish.

The island features a storage drawer and cabinet with adjustable shelving and access from both sides and two fixed shelves on either outer side. A gorgeous way to increase the storage space in a smaller kitchen.

Lyn Design Tuscan Kitchen Island in Aqua Green

Dimensions (with top): 54” x 34” x 37.25”

One of our favourite kitchen island designs, this Tuscan-styled island is adorned with Jeffrey Alexander Collection hardware with a multi-layered hand finish, and decorative style of duBois post carvings.

An option to purchase the unit with a 1.75 in. maple butcher block top is available, adding that final touch of functionality to a stunning design. Alternatively, you can purchase the unit without the top and you can customise your own design to suit your personal taste and kitchen.

Other features include European soft-close hinges on the doors and dovetailed solid hardwood drawers on hidden full-extension drawer slides. The back of the island features adjustable display shelves.

Keep in mind this unit comes fully assembled so check dimensions prior to ordering.

SMALL KITCHEN ISLANDS

John Boos Maple Butcher Block with Knife Holder

Dimensions: 24” x 18” x 34”

For those who predominantly want a quality butchers block but don’t want to take up bench space, this butcher block table from John Boos is a handsome and functional option.

Made from northern hard rock maple with end grain construction, the block itself measures 24” x 18” x 10” (LxWxH). The block sits on top of four pencil-shaped legs which are each 24” high making the fully assembled table 34” high in total, offering a sturdy and portable work surface for food chopping and preparation.

A knife holder is attached to the side of the butcher block to keep commonly used knives handy for convenience.

Kaco international RSVP Round 36-Inch Kitchen Island – Cream and Natural Sherwin Williams Finish

Dimensions: 36” x 36” x 36”

This round butcher block island combines aesthetics with practicality with its stylish, classic design and water resistant cream finish.

The neutral colour finish is designed to compliment any cabinet style and colour to compliment most kitchen décor. The island features a 1/75” birch butcher block top, shelves, four drawers which operate smoothly on ball bearing glides and self contained leveling devices installed in the vanity feet for ease in leveling the cabinet on uneven floors.

It’s beautiful, portable and functional.

Powell Color Story Black Butcher Block Kitchen Island

Dimensions: 30” x 30” x 36.50”

This chic square kitchen island could be the answer of your kitchen storage and preparation needs.

The black finish contrasts with the wicker and wood counter top. The island features a butcher block top, two basket pull out drawers, a slat base shelf, four utensil hooks and adjustable glides.

The unit is easily portable and comes with an accessory kit which includes a spoon, spatula and tongs.

Catskill Craftsmen French Country Square Butcher’s Block

Dimensions: 24” x 24” x 33.50”

This simple kitchen preparation table is made in the USA and crafted by renowned hardwood specialists, Catskill Craftsmen. This unit is built from solid northeastern hardwood and stands 33.5” tall when assembled.

The table features a 3” thick butcher block top, as well as two brushed stainless steel towel bars and leveller feet for use on uneven floors.

Can easily be pulled out when needed and moved aside when not in use, it’s minimalist design makes it suitable for most kitchen designs.

Lyn Design Round Kitchen Island in Antique White

Dimensions: 36” x 36” x 36”

Putting a stylish twist on the traditional kitchen island, this rounded unit from Lyn Design is manufactured using the highest furniture grade hardwoods and MDF.

There are four drawers, two standard drawers and two pivot drawers. These drawers are dovetailed hardwood and are are mounted on European soft-close slides.

Better still, atop this vintage style table sits a 3” maple end grain butcher block. Practical meets sophistication.

KITCHEN CARTS

Crosley Furniture Natural Wood Top Kitchen Cart/Island

Dimensions: 52” x 18” x 36”

This kitchen cart is crafted from solid hardwood and wood veneers wand is designed to be long lasting.

The doors and drawer fronts feature striking raised panels and the finish is available in four colour finishes so the cart can be customised to compliment your kitchen design.

The unit features two deep drawers, adjustable shelving, side units and towel racks. The drawer and door knobs are finished in a beautiful antique brass finish.

The heavy duty casters provide ease of mobility, and can be locked when the kitchen cart is in place.

This cart features a wooden counter-top, however an alternative features a stainless steel top.

Catskill Craftsmen Butcher Block Island with Raised Panel Doors

Dimensions: 44.375″ x 20″ x 34.50”

This kitchen cart is a classic design featuring a butcher block top. It is made of sustainably harvested domestic hardwood, is ready to assemble and is made in the USA by Catskill Craftsmen.

The unfinished wooden design means that this cart will look at home in most kitchens without having to worry about clashing colours.

The cart comes with adjustable internal shelving for convenient added storage, as well as a side spice rack and towel bar on the sides of the unit.

The wheels are locking caster so that the cart can be easily manoeuvred, but also locked in place.

Home Styles “The Vintage Gourmet Kitchen Cart”

Dimensions: 34.80” x 20” x 42.50”

This quintessential kitchen cart is a no-brainer for the gourmet food and wine connoisseur wanting that little bit of extra space and storage in their kitchen or dining area.

The mobility afforded by its wheels make it useful during parties and gatherings, and its raised back design means it sits beautifully against a wall as well as being a beautiful central piece.

Rubber wood solids and veneers are complimented with a distressed vintage caramel finish. One of the key features is a .75” black granite inset top, perfect for chopping and food preparation.

The cart also comes with four large storage drawers, self-closing doors opening to a storage area with an adjustable shelf, side shelving which pulls out to extend the works surface, a riser with storage space as well as wine bottle storage near the bottom of the cart on either side.

The kitchen cart is fitted with brushed antiqued nickel hardware pulls which complete this vintage look.

Home Styles “The French Countryside Kitchen Cart”

Dimensions: 44.50” x 18.75” x 36”

This French Countryside Collection kitchen cart boasts old-world charm and elegance. The cart features a carved French leg design, detailed brass hardware and gorgeous hand-rubbed black or white finish.

It is constructed of hardwood solids and engineered wood. The distressed oak style features several distressing techniques such as worm holes, fly specking and small indentations.

Features of the cart include two large cabinet doors with open to storage space with adjustable shelving, four storage drawers, two towel racks and four casters, two of which lock for stability.

A drop leaf breakfast bar extends the depth by 29.75″.

KITCHEN ISLANDS WITH STOOLS

Bermuda Kitchen Island and 2 Stools, Espresso

Dimensions: 48” x 26.20” x 36.2”

This kitchen island cum breakfast bar is inspired by a fusion of British traditionalism combined with old world tropical design. This island features Mahogany solids along with mahogany and albazia veneers in a deep, espresso finish.

Other design features include the shutter design and turned feet. A .75” granite inset makes food preparation easy, and the two drawers and cabinet provides plenty of extra storage space.

A unique feature of this island is the hidden sliding mechanism which is connected to the two posts which allows the expansion of the breakfast bar. With the bar expanded the depth of the unit increases to 36”.

Two counter stools are included with the island and feature black vinyl cushioned seats/backs and antiqued brass metal foot rests.

Nantucket Kitchen Island and Stools

Dimensions: 48” x 27” x 36.25”

This nantucket kitchen island and bar stools set are built of hardwood solids and engineered woods in a distressed black finish for an aged appearance.

The island features a black granite .75” inlay top for food preparation, a convenient drop leaf that rises to form a breakfast bar, two adjustable shelves on each side of the unit, storage drawer and cabinet containing adjustable shelving.

The stools feature black vinyl seat and back, and a black finished front stretcher with metal foot rest.

Oak Kitchen Island and Stools

Dimensions: 49.75″ x 26.50″ x 36.50”

This cottage style kitchen island and bar stool set is constructed from a combination of solid hardwood and engineered woods with a distressed cottage oak, black or white finish.

The island features a drop leaf which raises into a breakfast bar or serving space, antique brass hardware, raised detail cabinet doors and open storage space on either end with an adjustable shelf.

The bar stools feature distressed oak finished seat.

Buttermilk and Cherry Kitchen Island Collection

Dimensions: 42”-66” x 42” x 36”

This collection is one of the larger islands we’ve recommended. This island would be a perfect choice for families or those who frequently entertain and would be able to act as a permanent dining table.

There are storage drawers, as well as a wine rack, open shelving units and a stemware rack for wine glasses. Either side of the island also features shelving.

The island features and off-white, buttermilk base and a cherry finish top which can be folded down at the sides when not in use.

The island comes with four matching cherry finish bar stools with black vinyl upholstery.

Grand Torino Kitchen Island and 2 Stools

Dimensions: 48” x 25” x 36”

A little bit different, this kitchen island with two bar stools exudes a style and flair, making it a stunning centre-piece for the modern kitchen.

Built from hardwood solids, hardwood veneers and engineered wood, this island features a blended rustic cherry and black finish, and is accessorized with an aged antiqued brass finish.

Functional features include two pull-through drawers, cabinet doors on each side, wine racks on each side, and a towel rack. By far the most impressive feature is the pull-out side counter which extends the width of the island to 72” and which features a matching blended finish top that extends the width and allows face to face dining.

The ladder back bar stools are crafted of hardwood solids and warmed with the same finish as the island.

The stools also feature spindle style legs and a contoured seat for added comfort.