Kitchen islands: 7 of the best

Smart dining

The granite worktop overhangs this island at one end to create a useful breakfast bar.

Cooke and Lewis Hadleigh kitchen, £125 for a 60cm base unit, B&Q

Double drawers

Four deep drawers on one side and a Belfast sink on the other make this unit a versatile addition to the kitchen.

Windsor kitchen in Taupe, £294 for a 60cm base unit, Homebase

Clever design

This curved worktop extends beyond the unit to create a breakfast bar. With a recessed base board and lights beneath, the sapwood unit with a white quartz worktop looks as though it's floating.

Bespoke kitchen, from £35,000, Chamber Furniture

Neat idea

For classic Shaker style, go for this island with solid timber top, panelled doors and grooved end panel. Being raised on legs gives the impression of greater floor space in a small kitchen.

Shaker island unit made up of frame pack, £180; 60cm base units, £246.95 each; all Magnet

Store more

Choose this painted unit with oak in-frame doors for its useful wine rack and shelf for recipe books. A granite worktop completes the country look.

Heritage Grey kitchen, £618 for 60cm base unit, Wickes

Freestanding solution

In a smart white finish, this great-value unit has space for stools on one side so it can double as a breakfast bar.

Stenstorp kitchen island (H90cm x W126cm x D79cm), £199, Ikea

Behind closed doors

This island offers a good selection of storage options.

Leckford kitchen in Sky, from £394 for a 60cm base unit, John Lewis