Benefits of a Kitchen Island Worktop
If you love being in the kitchen, one way you can enhance your space is by installing kitchen island benches. Island benches have many benefits, such as additional space and storage, and they’re a great centrepiece for your beloved kitchen.
You can typically customise your island bench top, so you can find one that suits your exact needs, maximising the space and functionality of your kitchen.
If you’re still unsure about whether an island countertop is right for you, reviewing the benefits of installing one can help. This article will explore those benefits so you can make an informed decision about installing island worktops in your kitchen.
Benefits of Adding Kitchen Island Benches
Here are some of the main benefits of a kitchen island bench:
Improved Aesthetics
Everyone wants to have a beautiful kitchen and installing island benches can help you achieve that. You can choose from different design options that match your existing kitchen so the island bench top looks like it was always a part of your home. From modern kitchens to classic designs, kitchen island counters are a fantastic way to make your home look more stylish.
Focal Point
Another reason a kitchen island bench adds to the aesthetic of your kitchen is it becomes the focal point of the room. It’s typically the first thing people see when they walk in, as it’s in the centre of your kitchen.
You can even add decor, such as a vase or fruit bowl, to make the bench island even more eye-catching.
Additional Space
One of the main benefits of adding island countertops to your kitchen is the additional space you’ll receive. This is especially beneficial for houses that come with minimal counter space. So, if you love to cook or bake, you’ll have a lot more room to spread out and prepare your ingredients on your island bench.
Multi-Purpose Functionality
Island worktops have many functions. We’ve already discussed using the space to prepare food, but many people use island benches as a table as well.
You can choose one with the space and height to put barstools, creating a new, more casual dining area for you and your family to sit down and eat together. This is also great for parties or events, as your guests can use the additional seating and counter space to place their drinks and food.
Added Storage
One of the important benefits of a kitchen island bench is the added storage capacity. Many island worktops have additional storage underneath with cupboards or drawers. This gives you room to store large appliances or dishes you may not use every day so your kitchen can look as neat as possible.
Having this added storage also allows you to clear your existing worktops and cupboards to minimise clutter.
Customisable
Kitchen island countertops are typically customisable, so you can create one that suits your exact needs. This means you can choose the size, shape, materials, storage components, seating requirements, and additional features like adding a sink.
If you want to put appliances in the island bench top, such as a dishwasher, you can also request the space to install it. Some island counters even have an extra sink, bar fridge, or hob to make prepping and cooking food much easier.
Added Value
If you ever plan to sell your home, the island counter will likely add value to it. It makes your kitchen more modern and functional, so prospective homebuyers will love the addition.
Even if you don’t plan to sell your home, you can enjoy the added value yourself.
Improves the Kitchen’s Flow
Adding a bench island can improve the flow of your kitchen, which is especially beneficial for those with a family. Although it’s taking up space, it creates separate walkways in your kitchen so people aren’t constantly colliding.
It also gives people different areas to prepare food or drinks, sit and talk, wash dishes, or even work and your kitchen won’t feel crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Island Countertops
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions you may have about kitchen island countertops:
What type of countertops can you use for a kitchen island?
You can install any type of countertop on your kitchen island. Common materials are granite, marble, quartz, wood, sintered stone, porcelain and stainless steel. Each material serves a different purpose and has a different aesthetic, so you can easily find one that suits your needs.
How big are kitchen islands?
You can also customise the size of your kitchen island to suit your needs, so there’s no standard sizing. It comes down to the size of your kitchen and its functionality. For example, if you’re including a hob and sink, your kitchen island will be bigger than one that’s just used for additional space. That being said, an average island worktop is typically 80 x 40 inches wide and 36 to 24 inches tall, but you can always make yours bigger or smaller.
Do kitchen islands have electricity?
Not all kitchen islands have electricity, but you can request to add electrical outlets. This makes your island more versatile, allowing you to easily plug in appliances like a kettle or blender. Adding outlets is typically an additional cost as you’ll need a professional to complete the wiring.
What features can you include in a kitchen island?
As mentioned, kitchen islands are typically fully customisable. This means you can include or exclude any feature you want. Here are some of the main features you can include in a kitchen island:
- Cabinets
- Drawers
- Sink
- Hob
- Shelving
- Lighting
- Seating
- Outlets
- Pull-out bins
Island Worktops by Paramount Stone Specialists
It’s clear that there are so many benefits of a kitchen island bench. With so many benefits of an island worktop, every kitchen should have one. If you’re ready to install your own, Paramount Stone Specialists is here to help.
We have experienced, professional employees on hand who can help you design the perfect island worktops for your space. They can help you figure out every detail, including the ideal size, width, and materials to suit your needs and existing kitchen.
Paramount Stone Specialists use high-quality materials, like granite, marble, and quartz, to suit your preferred aesthetic. Whether it’s a natural granite island or a modern quartz island bench, Paramount Stone Specialists are the experts ready to complete your vision.
If you’re ready to enhance your kitchen, call Paramount Stone Specialists on 01482 585600 or email us at info@paramountstone.co.uk.