When designing the kitchen island, there are a variety of factors to consider. Among them is the size. To judge how big or small a kitchen island should be, you can first decide how many people you want to seat there. And you need to know whether you want bar stools for the kitchen island for other types of chairs. If you want to accommodate four people with barstools, then you are in the right place to find out the answer. In this article, we are going to give you a guide to answer your question: how big should a kitchen island be to seat 4?
How to Decide the Size of the Kitchen Island
How would your kitchen look if it had no island? Indeed, having an island in your kitchen is one of the best features. It highlights a sense of functionality and elegance. It is not only a practical layout for you and your family but also worth your money.
Despite this beauty, people will always have concerns, most of which are valid. The size of these islands will always vary with the family members you have or intend to host for the long term. For instance, a layout that can hold six people might not be ideal for a family of three, and vice versa.
This aspect brings as to the question of the day. How big does a kitchen island need to be to seat 4 people with bar stools? Undoubtedly, there is no clearer or suitable answer to this issue. However, we could give a few insights into what will make an appropriate size for your family of four. They will always include the following.
1. Check the Space Between the Counters And the Island
Indeed, the size of the kitchen islands tends to vary, as mentioned earlier. We have no perfect dimension for all of them. In most cases, you will need about 40 inches between the countertop and the island. If it were any narrower, people will struggle fitting or passing here.
This dimension will come in handy in making sure that people stand, move, and walk without too many hassles. Did you know that it will help in ensuring that the drawers open effortlessly also? Feel free to increase this space, too, depending on your preferences.
If you find it hard to do so as you have limited space, then we would like to suggest you buy the adjustable backless counter stools. These stools have no back so you can tuck them under the countertop. This is feasible also because the height of the stools can be adjusted to be below the counter height.
Best Adjustable Counter Stools Backless with Footrest
2. Space Per Person
We are looking at a family of four, which means that the kitchen you should be able to hold a minimum of four people. Such a kitchen island should be at least 96 inches squared. That’s because one person usually takes a minimum of 24 inches. This way, each individual will be free to move their elbows and even whole bodies without much hassle.
To further facilitate freedom, you can consider using swivel bar stools. The swivel feature is important because it allows people to turn around and talk to others while remaining seated. On these stools, you can face any direction you want to when you need to, say, watch the television. There are also many choices within this type. One of the most recommendable types is the adjustable swivel stools. Added with the adjustment, the stools can accommodate a wider range of people. Both you and your kids can sit on the same model at a comfortable height.
Hot Selling Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools Leather Seat
However, if you do not have enough space, you will be free to adopt a linear or L-shaped arrangement. It will not only save you space but also money in the long run. For instance, you could have 72 inches on one side and 24 inches on the other, which ensures that you all remain comfortable.
A tip to make your small kitchen island look less crowded is to use some acrylic swivel bar stools. These stools often have a transparent seat so it looks if your place is larger than it actually is. Also, there are all-transparent acrylic barstools. These models often do not swivel. However, they are a wonderful addition to a modern kitchen.
Best All-Transparent Acrylic Swivel Barstools
3. Overhangs
Indeed, your kitchen island could easily end up as the family’s social hub. That implies that it highlights a space for both cooking and relaxing. For that reason, overhangs will step in as tables for the children too.
Most overhangs will measure between 8 and 12 inches. However, if you need a big countertop, you might want to consider getting supporting legs. The thickness of the unsupported overhang depends on the thickness of your worktop. Feel free to adjust accordingly.
When designing the overhangs, it is essential to consider the height of your countertop and the bar stool height for your kitchen island. For example, the bar stool height range for a 42-inch tall counter should include 28 to 30 inches. Yet if you add an overhang, then your stools probably need to stand taller in relative to the thickness of the overhang.
4. Cabinets And Appliances
Cabinets are likely to consume the most space of this island. More than often, cabinets will take up an average of about 650mm. However, this figure could vary, depending on how big your cabinetry is.
With the aspects mentioned above, your kitchen island will have an average of 42 inches height and a depth of 42 inches too. This depth includes the sink also. The average distance between the kitchen and the island will be about 12 inches. A minimum of 36 inches will be essential as clearance on either side of the island.
>> Click here to see Should Bar Stools Match Cabinets.
Why You Need A Spacious Kitchen Island
Various elements go into the dimensions of any kitchen islands. However, it remains that bigger islands will be more beneficial to any family. Here are a few reasons for this.
Enough space translates to easier access within the kitchen. People will be free to move around or even stand while on the island. This level of convenience will help in avoiding small accidents within the kitchen.
With enough space, there will be enhanced comfort within the kitchen island. Ensure that there is enough space to fit four family members comfortably. Imagine how bad it will be for members to crowd on the kitchen island, thanks to insufficient space.
>> Click here to check the Best Bar Stools for Kitchen.
Final Words
Well, the aspects mentioned above give you a rough idea of the dimensions of your kitchen island. They are not exhaustive, and you will be free to adjust accordingly.
Below we recommend some good-looking bar stools. They are sold at a set of four so come at a lower price. WIth them, you do not have to bother to choose the kitchen counter stools one by one. Of course, you may also want to mix and match the stools or match your stools with dining chairs. These wonderful picks will do the trick too.
Top 3 Best Kitchen Island Stools, Set of 4
