White Kitchen Islands

White kitchen islands for prep space and storage

A white island brightens a kitchen and adds the counter space most kitchens run short of. Storage mixes cabinets, drawers and open shelves, with farmhouse barn doors, fluted fronts, embossed panels or glass doors. Select islands add a towel bar, spice racks or a tilt-out cabinet that hides a trash can.

Many islands also have a built-in power strip with AC outlets and USB ports for a mixer or a phone. It plugs into a wall outlet, so no wiring is needed.

White kitchen island with seating

Most of these islands have a drop leaf that folds up into a breakfast bar for one or two people and folds down to save room. One island comes with 2 bar stools, and another pulls out an extendable table that seats four to six. The islands stand about 34 to 38.6 inches tall, so pair them with counter stools.

White kitchen island on wheels

Many islands roll on casters, usually with two or four that lock. Lock them while you chop, then roll the island against a wall when the kitchen needs floor space. On select models the wheels come off for a stationary island.

Small white kitchen island sizing

Leave at least 36 inches of walkway around an island, and 42 inches for two cooks. The 23.6 inch rolling cart suits a galley kitchen, 48 to 50 inch islands suit a mid-size room, and 53 to 56.5 inch islands suit an open kitchen. Tops rated for weight hold 200 to 440 lb.

Islands ship flat, and many take 40 to 60 minutes to assemble. Construction: MDF and particleboard in a white finish on most, with a solid hardwood top or solid wood frame on select models. Wipe spills quickly, since standing water can swell edges.