A kitchen island is no longer just an extra work surface — it’s the social hub, design statement and practical powerhouse of the modern kitchen. When designed well, a kitchen island can completely transform how you cook, entertain and live in your space.

At Nolte Henley, we design bespoke kitchen islands every day for homes across Henley-on-Thames and Oxfordshire. In this guide, we’ll explore how to size a kitchen island correctly, how to incorporate seating, and how to use your island as a stunning focal point.

Why Kitchen Islands Are So Popular

Kitchen islands have become one of the most requested features in contemporary kitchen design — and for good reason. They offer:

• Extra worktop and storage space
• A natural gathering point for family and guests
• Space for seating, dining or working from home
• A chance to introduce statement materials and finishes

Whether you’re planning a large open-plan kitchen or a more compact layout, the right island can elevate both functionality and style.

How to Size a Kitchen Island Correctly

1. Start with the Space You Have

The most important factor in island design is proportion. A kitchen island should enhance the flow of your kitchen — not restrict it.

As a general guide:

• Allow at least 1 metre of clearance around all sides of the island
• Minimum recommended kitchen width for an island is around 3 metres
• Islands typically range from 1.2m to 3m long, depending on the space

In smaller kitchens, a slim or multi-functional island can work beautifully, while larger rooms allow for generous statement pieces with integrated appliances.

👉 Our kitchen experts at Nolte Henley will assess your space carefully and design an island that fits perfectly — balancing comfort, movement and aesthetics.

2. Consider How You’ll Use It

Before choosing the size, think about what role your island will play:

• Food prep and cooking
• Casual dining
• Entertaining guests
• Storage and appliances

An island designed primarily for seating will have different proportions than one housing a hob or sink. A well-planned island often combines multiple functions seamlessly.

Incorporating Seating into Your Kitchen Island

1. Choose the Right Overhang

For comfortable seating, the worktop needs enough overhang:

• 25–30cm for bar stools
• 30–35cm for deeper seating comfort

This ensures guests can sit comfortably without knocking knees or feeling cramped.

2. Decide How Many Seats You Need

As a rule of thumb:

• Allow 60cm per seat
• Three to four seats suit most family kitchens
• Larger islands can accommodate five or more for entertaining

Seating transforms a kitchen island into a social space, perfect for breakfast, homework, or a glass of wine while cooking.

3. Style Your Seating

Bar stools are a great way to add personality:

• Upholstered stools for warmth and comfort
• Sleek metal or wood for a modern look
• Contrasting colours to break up neutral cabinetry

Our showroom at 51 Duke St, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1UR features a wide range of island and seating combinations you can try in person.

Using Your Kitchen Island as a Focal Point

1. Play with Colour and Materials

A kitchen island is the perfect place to introduce contrast:

• Dark cabinetry against lighter perimeter units
• Statement stone or textured worktops
• Wood finishes to add warmth

At Nolte Henley, we often design islands that subtly stand out while still feeling cohesive with the overall kitchen.

2. Add Feature Lighting

Pendant lights above the island instantly draw the eye and define the space. Whether you prefer minimalist glass pendants or bold sculptural lighting, this is your chance to add drama and personality.

3. Integrate Appliances Thoughtfully

Islands can house:

• Induction hobs
• Wine coolers
• Dishwashers
• Hidden storage solutions

When integrated properly, appliances enhance usability without compromising the clean lines of the design.

Why Choose Nolte Henley for Your Kitchen Island Design?

As a large kitchen showroom in Henley-on-Thames, Nolte Henley offers:

• Free professional kitchen design
• In-store offers and competitive pricing
• Flexible finance options
• Friendly, experienced kitchen experts
• Premium German-engineered Nolte kitchens

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every kitchen island we design is tailored to your home, lifestyle and budget.

Visit Our Kitchen Showroom in Henley-on-Thames

If you’re considering a kitchen island — or a full kitchen redesign — we’d love to help.

Nolte Henley
51 Duke St
Henley-on-Thames
RG9 1UR

Visit our showroom to explore beautifully designed kitchen islands, speak to our friendly experts, and see how your dream kitchen could come to life.