Fixed or Moveable Island Bench? 5 Factors to Consider
Learn the pros and cons of fixed and moveable kitchen islands to decide which best fits your space and needs
It’s easy to see why a kitchen island is a much-coveted feature, whether you are dreaming of a new kitchen or about to renovate your existing one. It serves as the kitchen’s centrepiece, providing a comfortable space for preparing and cooking, as well as a welcoming spot for family and friends to gather around.
So the next thing to think about is what kind of island will work well in your space. There are two main types to choose from: fixed islands and moveable islands (also known as rolling carts, trolleys or butcher’s blocks). Both can offer you and your kitchen a great deal of work and storage space, but each has its own pros and cons as well. Here are some things worth considering as you plan for your island.
So the next thing to think about is what kind of island will work well in your space. There are two main types to choose from: fixed islands and moveable islands (also known as rolling carts, trolleys or butcher’s blocks). Both can offer you and your kitchen a great deal of work and storage space, but each has its own pros and cons as well. Here are some things worth considering as you plan for your island.
A moveable island is usually ideal for a compact kitchen because it can be narrow and/or small. It doesn’t take up valuable floor space and allows more flexibility in the layout. It can be shifted around or rolled into another room, for instance, if you need more space when entertaining, cooking, or even cleaning.
2. Will appliances and power points be fitted in the island?
If you want to incorporate a preparation sink, stove, oven or a wine fridge in your kitchen island, then a fixed island is the one for you.
“The main considerations are the plumbing system and electrical supply,” says William Chan, designer of Spacedge. “These need to be fixed to the floor or wall. If you are going to have any of these planned on the island, then your island must be done in a fixed way.”
Need an expert opinion on what will work best in your home? Find a local kitchen designer on Houzz for customised advice
If you want to incorporate a preparation sink, stove, oven or a wine fridge in your kitchen island, then a fixed island is the one for you.
“The main considerations are the plumbing system and electrical supply,” says William Chan, designer of Spacedge. “These need to be fixed to the floor or wall. If you are going to have any of these planned on the island, then your island must be done in a fixed way.”
Need an expert opinion on what will work best in your home? Find a local kitchen designer on Houzz for customised advice
Pop-up or even pull-out power points can also be integrated and well hidden in a fixed kitchen island, unlike their moveable counterparts.
A moveable island, on the other hand, is not equipped to handle plumbing or electricity. These work best in a space that doesn’t require an extra cooking source or washing zone, but that needs an additional bench space for preparing food or storing utensils.
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Designing Your Kitchen Island
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Designing Your Kitchen Island
3. What items do you plan to store in the kitchen island?
Determine how much storage you need to integrate into your island. Fixed islands can manage plenty of storage – from drawers for cutlery and cooking utensils to additional cabinetry for dinnerware, pots and pans.
Some fixed islands have open shelves, where frequently used dinnerware, glassware or other kitchen and dining utensils are stored. Since the island does not move, there is no fear of precious plates falling and breaking. This can be handy especially if you use the island often for casual dining.
Determine how much storage you need to integrate into your island. Fixed islands can manage plenty of storage – from drawers for cutlery and cooking utensils to additional cabinetry for dinnerware, pots and pans.
Some fixed islands have open shelves, where frequently used dinnerware, glassware or other kitchen and dining utensils are stored. Since the island does not move, there is no fear of precious plates falling and breaking. This can be handy especially if you use the island often for casual dining.
A small and narrow moveable island can be limiting in terms of storage space. Most rolling islands usually have open shelving underneath, so it’s best not to store breakable items here. Also consider how many heavy items you plan to store here. If you see the need to regularly wheel away the island, it might not be practical to keep them there.
You also have the option to build open shelves or a pot rack over the island. This works for either type of island, creating more storage solutions.
You also have the option to build open shelves or a pot rack over the island. This works for either type of island, creating more storage solutions.
4. Will the kitchen island function as your main dining space, or merely double as an additional eating area?
A small kitchen can benefit from incorporating the dining area into the kitchen island. This can save you lots of additional space because you can do without a separate dining table.
“For a small space, make the island the centre of activity. My preference is to work with a fixed island, and preferably have the hob on the island,” says Arjan Nijen Twilhaar, designer of Aiden T.
“This will transform the island into the control centre of the kitchen – a place to gravitate towards and a hub for the home to gather around. If you can open up the kitchen towards the dining space, the island can double up as a casual eating space.”
A small kitchen can benefit from incorporating the dining area into the kitchen island. This can save you lots of additional space because you can do without a separate dining table.
“For a small space, make the island the centre of activity. My preference is to work with a fixed island, and preferably have the hob on the island,” says Arjan Nijen Twilhaar, designer of Aiden T.
“This will transform the island into the control centre of the kitchen – a place to gravitate towards and a hub for the home to gather around. If you can open up the kitchen towards the dining space, the island can double up as a casual eating space.”
When planned well, a moveable island can also be used for casual dining. Extend the benchtop to tuck bar stools underneath. Whether fixed or moveable, an overhang of at least 350 millimetres will provide comfortable seating and knee space below the benchtop.
4 Simple Steps for Measuring Kitchen Cabinets
4 Simple Steps for Measuring Kitchen Cabinets
5. Is the island something you can live with for a long time?
Aside from adding functionality to a kitchen, fixed islands are designed to impress. But they are also permanent fixtures. On one hand, this means they are structurally stable: something a movable island cannot guarantee. On the other hand, it can also mean that you have very little allowances for modifications in the future.
If you decide to go for a fixed island, make sure you are pleased with its style, layout, structure and placement, because they’re costly to build. You don’t want to be stuck with an eyesore in your kitchen for years, or go through the expense and effort to modify or relocate your island – or worse, build a new one.
Aside from adding functionality to a kitchen, fixed islands are designed to impress. But they are also permanent fixtures. On one hand, this means they are structurally stable: something a movable island cannot guarantee. On the other hand, it can also mean that you have very little allowances for modifications in the future.
If you decide to go for a fixed island, make sure you are pleased with its style, layout, structure and placement, because they’re costly to build. You don’t want to be stuck with an eyesore in your kitchen for years, or go through the expense and effort to modify or relocate your island – or worse, build a new one.
A moveable island, meanwhile, is a more affordable option and you can easily alter or replace it. If you are a renter, a portable island can add utility to your kitchen without needing to renovate.
One downside to a moveable island, however, is it can be unstable and can tip over easily if the wheels aren’t locked. It might present a danger if you have kids who like to climb.
One downside to a moveable island, however, is it can be unstable and can tip over easily if the wheels aren’t locked. It might present a danger if you have kids who like to climb.
What about putting both types together? Absolutely! Here is an example of a kitchen that makes good use of the space by incorporating a wheeled benchtop into the main island for kneading dough.
You can always be creative with the shape, look and function of your kitchen island, as long as your space can accommodate it and the design helps in the work flow of your kitchen.
You can always be creative with the shape, look and function of your kitchen island, as long as your space can accommodate it and the design helps in the work flow of your kitchen.
Your turn
Have you embraced a moveable kitchen island at home? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Keen to see what the kitchens of tomorrow will look like? Read up on The 8 Top Architecture and Interior Directions to Influence 2020
Have you embraced a moveable kitchen island at home? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Keen to see what the kitchens of tomorrow will look like? Read up on The 8 Top Architecture and Interior Directions to Influence 2020
Before deciding on an island, fully measure out your kitchen’s open floor space. It is crucial to check whether there is adequate space between the island and other cabinets or fixtures. This will help you determine which type of kitchen island is compatible with your space, and if it will help or inhibit the traffic flow in your kitchen.
Fixed islands generally take up a lot of floor space, so adequate clearance must be considered. To ensure safe movement around the island, it’s best to have at least 900 millimetres of space between fixtures.
“If cabinet doors (generally 500 to 600 millimetres wide) open from either side into the aisle, then we should be looking at 1,200 millimetres,” says William Ng of Studio Wills + Architects. Other things to consider are clearances for drawers and appliance doors for fridges, ovens, and any other appliances that swing or slide open into the space.