Choosing a Kitchen Island – Fixed or Mobile?
A center island is one of the most popular additions to a remodeled kitchen. It provides extra workspace and storage. The top can be matched to existing counters or finished with a luxurious granite or marble slab to make it the focal point of the room. An island can be built into the kitchen space, or it can be a cart or table style that is set on casters. Which one should you choose?
Consider Complexity
If you are planning to install an extra sink, warming oven, or other appliance in your island, it needs to be fixed rather than moveable. A larger island with a thick stone top might be too heavy to move, so that kind might as well be permanently installed as well. With a lighter structure, you still may not want it to roll around. For example, if you are using it for a wine rack or if it has open shelving, items might accidentally roll or slide out.
Seek Space Management
A rolling island cart or table is the preferred solution if a permanent island would take up too much space in your kitchen. It’s important to maintain adequate walkways in your “work triangle” (the areas connecting food prep, stove top, and sink locations).
A small, mobile island gives you an extra worksurface but can be rolled out of the way when not in use. It may also serve as a buffet table or a breakfast bar depending on the height of the island. If the edge detailing is fragile, you will need to take care in moving the unit so that it doesn’t get chipped or dented.
Related posts:
- Adding a Wet Bar to Your Kitchen
- Design your dream kitchen
- Add Kitchen Storage Space With A Corner Hutch
- Choosing Kitchen Cabinets
- Replacing Your Old Kitchen Sink
Tags: Kitchens
