Bringing Back the Kitchen Table
If the current trend for kitchen islands leaves you feeling marooned in modern style, why not revisit the charm of the kitchen table
Janell Beals
15 February 2016
Designer, writer, renovator
The now-ubiquitous island began making an appearance in kitchens as early as the 1950s. Over the years, islands have risen to the top of kitchen wishlists during house hunts and renovations. Recently, however, more people are entertaining the idea of substituting the island with a large table instead.
Perhaps this trend has been inspired by the renewed love affair with the American farmhouse, or the desire to bring back nostalgic ideals embodied by the old-style eat-in kitchen. The pros of having a kitchen island are numerous, and the feature isn’t going away in the foreseeable future. But for those in a position to decide between the two, here’s the case for the eat-in kitchen table.
Perhaps this trend has been inspired by the renewed love affair with the American farmhouse, or the desire to bring back nostalgic ideals embodied by the old-style eat-in kitchen. The pros of having a kitchen island are numerous, and the feature isn’t going away in the foreseeable future. But for those in a position to decide between the two, here’s the case for the eat-in kitchen table.
There’s a revival going on in this kitchen, and I want a part of it! With a view, bright light, ample cabinetry and comfortable seating at a long farmhouse table, this is most certainly a well-used spot in the house.
TIP: When considering a table in lieu of an island, ask yourself if there will be enough storage without the additional storage that islands provide.
TIP: When considering a table in lieu of an island, ask yourself if there will be enough storage without the additional storage that islands provide.
A big table allows the kitchen to function as a dining area in a way most smaller eating nooks can’t. This is a definite plus if the home has no formal dining room. People who have a table in their kitchen say that the biggest upside is the comfort it brings.
TIP: If you love to bake or cook things requiring a lot of peeling and prep, like jam, a table provides a work area with comfortable seating to get you off your feet.
TIP: If you love to bake or cook things requiring a lot of peeling and prep, like jam, a table provides a work area with comfortable seating to get you off your feet.
When chairs surround the table, as opposed to the typical island where stools are along one side and occasionally an end, everyone can sit facing one another. This is an advantage for those wanting to use the kitchen for most meals.
Key in permitting a table to become a practical choice is adequate bench space for food preparation along the kitchen’s perimeter.
Panels pop up on kitchen benches
Panels pop up on kitchen benches
Some homeowners would argue that a sizeable table lends itself to a warmer and more friendly atmosphere than a big boxy island. Bringing a large table into the centre of the kitchen welcomes family and friends to gather and linger.
The lower height of a table and chairs, compared with a typical island and stools, provides comfortable seating to sit back and relax, not only for eating but also for the other activities of a busy family, such as crafts, homework and game night.
In contrast, the stools selected for islands often aren’t as user-friendly as chairs, particularly when they’re backless. And if children are sitting on taller bar stools, their feet may not reach the floor.
What to look for when buying kitchen stools
What to look for when buying kitchen stools
The kitchen’s layout largely influences the choice between a table and an island. While tables do work in open floor plans, they make the most sense in kitchens that are separate from other areas of the home.
TIP: If there is available wall space, placing the table along a wall, as opposed to the middle of the kitchen, is a functional option.
TIP: If there is available wall space, placing the table along a wall, as opposed to the middle of the kitchen, is a functional option.
In a closed-off kitchen, a table is often the most practical choice when there’s no room for both an island and a smaller nook table. This is in contrast to the layout prevalent in typical new-construction homes featuring an island paired with an adjacent nook meant for a smaller table, with the larger table set nearby in the dining room.
Here is another example of a kitchen where a table works best, especially since the floor plan of this London flat doesn’t include a nook or dining room.
See more of this Notting Hill flat
See more of this Notting Hill flat
Available space is also a determining factor. Will there be enough clearance between the table and surrounding cabinetry? While the rule of thumb is to allow 900 millimetres between an island and cabinetry, and just over one metre for appliances, you’ll need a bit more space for the table to function at its best.
In this ample kitchen, what’s more welcoming than a rustic picnic table for simply hanging out?
In this ample kitchen, what’s more welcoming than a rustic picnic table for simply hanging out?
Homeowners who are on the table side of the discussion simply like the cosiness a table provides. From farmhouses, country homes to city chic abodes, there are many kitchens where a table can be the smartest choice.
TELL US
Would you prefer to have an island or a dining table in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Past to Present: The Butcher’s Block
Forever Furniture: A Buyer’s Guide to ‘The Dining Table’
Dining Tables: Which Shape is Best?
TELL US
Would you prefer to have an island or a dining table in your kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Past to Present: The Butcher’s Block
Forever Furniture: A Buyer’s Guide to ‘The Dining Table’
Dining Tables: Which Shape is Best?
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Most Popular
How to Choose the Right Finish for New Kitchen Cabinets
By Anne Ellard
What finish to use on kitchen cabinets? Flat matt or shiny gloss? We detail how to work out the best look for you
Full Story
Kitchens
Material Pairings for Kitchens: 11 Combos Designers Love
Can't decide on colours and finishes for your new kitchen? Here are design experts' 11 fail-safe, go-to combinations
Full Story
Kitchens
Perfect Pairings for Kitchens: 5 Combos NZ Design Experts Love
Deciding on colours, shapes and finishes for your new kitchen? Here, five design experts share their go-to combinations
Full Story
Most Popular
Designing a New Kitchen? Find Your Dishwasher Sweet Spot
By Anne Ellard
Use this comprehensive guide to find the best and most practical place for your dishwasher
Full Story
Kitchens
What's In a Smart Kitchen (and What Can We Expect Next)?
The kitchen is the hub of the home, so it's little surprise to see tech having a growing presence – here's what to know
Full Story
Kitchens
How to Give Your Kitchen Curve Appeal
By Jo Simmons
Functional, straight lines often dominate in kitchen design, but it doesn’t have to be that way
Full Story
Kitchens
19 Kitchen Islands That Resemble Bespoke Furniture
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Kitchens
Pro Panel: What's New in Eco Alternatives for Kitchen Carcasses
By Kate Burt
Ever considered what a kitchen’s ‘skeleton’ is made of? Now's the time, with eco materials to inspire from the UK and US
Full Story
Most Popular
Best of the Week: 40 Marble Marvels From Around the Globe
From floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms to splashbacks with sensational veins, here's a gallery of marble marvels
Full Story
For Pros
4 New Looks for Engineered Benchtops and Surfaces From the USA
See the top colours and styles for new engineered surfaces, spotted at the 2021 KBIS trade show in the USA
Full Story
I have an old home ( circa 1734) and have always had a large kitchen table . We have built a new addition with a kitchen (350 sq ft) and an island is included . We need the additional workspace . We also have grown children with spouses and now , some grandchildren! Our big table is full ( and loud) many days of the week. Hallelujah, it’s the perfect storm ! The house is small with wonderful people to fill it up .
I love my kitchen table and would never opt for an island. Our table is small because we do have a larger dining room table in the dining room, but now our children have left home my husband and I use it for lunch every day. No scrambling up onto backless stools; we are comfortable and can actually look at each other when we converse. I personally find islands daunting and they certainly don’t allow for intimate conversations. As for storage space we generally have too much stuff that we never use and wouldn’t miss.
I love islands there awesome