kitchen island table

Kitchen Island Table - A Lighter Touch

A kitchen island table combines the practicality of a commercial workstation with the flair of home kitchen design.

Many kitchen islands are basically cabinetry with durable work surfaces and particular options that make food preparation and cooking much easier.

But kitchen island tables are a lighter touch, more kitchen furniture than installed free-standing cabinets.

That doesn't mean island tables aren't practical, however, or that they don't draw attention to themselves either.

Interior designers point to the gravitational pull of a kitchen island, to how it becomes the focus of design and use in the kitchen, and tables designed to be kitchen islands serve that purpose with style and purpose.

Work Before Pleasure

Many island tables are work stations first, tables second, and are equipped with strong frames and legs that can support a durable work space on top, often made of butcher block.

Most have open shelves for storage.

Island tables come in contemporary, traditional, modern stylish, country, and other styles, and they are built of several beautiful woods like Northern Maple, Red Oak, Poplar, Beech, and Walnut; stainless steel and copper; glass; stone; and other materials.

Finishes might be natural or painted, and some are weather-resistant for use outdoors.

Smaller tables are often wheeled, like carts, for on-the-spot preparation of certain foods or beverages, serving, and presentation.

They are very useful when needed in another room, on the deck, or even in an RV or on a boat. Many table carts have carriage-style wheels on one end for easy movement.

Others have locks on their wheels to provide a stable work table.

Kitchen table islands are available with features like drop-leaf serving areas, wine racks, towel or utensil holders, and many other practical options.