Read the sequence from the top before cutting, painting, or moving pieces.
Is your kitchen space feeling a little stale? Freshen it up with one of these 27 Handmade kitchen island options to update your current kitchen island, build a new one, or make an upcycled kitchen island.
Before you make any big decisions, look at these 5 must-read tips for remodeling kitchens and see our go-to kitchen remodel options!
Handmade Kitchen Islands options
Whether you need a little extra storage space or you’re trying to bring your kitchen into the 21st century, there are so many Handmade kitchen island options out there! In this post, we’re breaking down the best Handmade kitchen island options to help you find the well fitted addition to match your style.
- Does your current island need a little refreshing? See our tips for adding moldings or update just the counter. This can make a huge difference!
- Looking for a unique island with a vintage flair? Don’t miss these islands made out of upcycled furniture!
- Need a new island? Either make your own or update some stock cabinets from the hardware store!
Add Moldings or Trim to Existing Islands
Adding molding or trim is an inexpensive Handmade kitchen island option. (It will work wonders to transform blank walls, too!)
Update a Plain Kitchen Island with Planks and Corbels
Loaded with farmhouse charm, this is a great Handmade project for someone in love with that Fixer Upper style.
Get the walkthrough
Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island walkthrough (Only $25!)
This clearly direct design is inexpensive and requires minimal Handmade skills. Simply cut your reclaimed wood at an angle and use liquid nails to attach it to your cabinet.
Read all the details
modest-cost-Friendly Board and Batten Kitchen Island Makeover
Maybe your island just needs a little trim and a change of color! This direct update turns base cabinets into something extra special. (Kendra also got rid of the breakfast bar that wasn’t useful for her family, if you want to see that!)
see more of this makeoverGet our guide to well fitted board and batten spacing.
Handmade Board and Batten Kitchen Island with Corbels
It’s memorable how a little wood, some trim, and corbels can make an ordinary island look luxurious! Having corbels support the overhang of the island countertop makes it so visually appealing.
Get the full how-toBuild It: Make Your Own Vintage-Style Corbels for a Kitchen Island or Shelf
Give an Existing Island a Custom Look
This large kitchen island with sink was already pretty great. But this Handmade is well fitted proof that a little plywood, screws, a fresh coat of paint, and some creativity can transform any island into something luxurious. The extended sides visually support the counter overhang so beautifully!
look at the detailsYou’ll also like: 40 striking Kitchens with Gray Cabinets
Updated Countertops that Refresh a Room
Sometimes a serviceable island needs a new countertop to refresh the kitchen. Try these options or read more in 15 Top low-cost Kitchen Countertops options.
Handmade Marble Tiled Island
This kitchen looks so expensive with this new countertop and updated island. Look again, though; it’s all marble tiles! You can install tile right over the existing countertop.
get the walkthrough
Paint Your Island Countertop
The verdict is in! Most of our reviewers who tried painting their kitchen countertops are still pleased with the results years later.
Read all about Handmade painted countertops
Handmade Kitchen Island Update
This walkthrough is a reminder that it’s okay for your style to change over time! This island made from cabinetry was repainted and got some fresh hardware & the well fitted quartz countertop. Love that there’s room for a microwave and lots of storage!
look at this Handmade + makeovers over time
Reclaimed Wood Modern Kitchen Island
We love that these folks turned the old stud boards from their reno into this vivid, rustic counter. Substitute any salvaged wood you can find for your own island. You can also build your own faux reclaimed wood countertops using new lumber.
see more of this kitchen renovation
Handmade Contact Paper Countertops
If you’re a renter or aren’t ready to commit to a full island upgrade, try using contact paper! This walkthrough makes it clearly straightforward so you can get this upgrade done right away!
see this creative HandmadeUpcycled Furniture as a Kitchen Island
Bookshelves to Kitchen Island
A couple of basic bookshelves from IKEA added so much storage and look great in this creative Handmade kitchen island option. Store bins, appliances, kitchen essentials, pots and pans, and cookbooks easily in an old bookshelf – just secure it to the floor and add a countertop
look at all the details
Small Kitchen Cart Rolling Kitchen Island
Get a little extra storage space and another work area even in a tiny kitchen with this small kitchen cart island project.
see more here
Turn a Colorful Dresser into a Kitchen Island
This is a great way to save a little money and add a bunch of storage space! Hit those thrift stores or estate sales for the well fitted vintage dresser.
How to upcycle a dresser to a kitchen island
Upcycle a Vintage Desk Into Kitchen Island With Storage
This is such a great way to maximize your storage space and repurpose an old piece of furniture!
look at this transformation
Make a Kitchen Island From an Antique Sideboard
We are so here for repurposing antique furniture around the home! This updated sideboard adds a unique look you just can’t buy at Home Depot.
Read more about this update
Turn a Table Into a Rolling Island Workspace
Jackie may have made this for a laundry room, but this modified table is the well fitted portable island for larger kitchens! Use this for extra storage for your baskets, stools, vintage fruit crates, and more.
get the table-to-island walkthrough
New IKEA Kitchen Island
This is one of the best kitchen island options because it’s clearly convenient (just hit up IKEA), has extremely functional open shelves, and has a butcher block countertop.
read all about it
Convert a Vintage Dresser into a direct Kitchen Island
Converting an old dresser into a functional kitchen island is an ideal way to get a unique look, especially on a modest-cost. Use legs to extend the countertop beyond the original dresser top size.
See how to turn a dresser into an islandPre-built Kitchen Cabinets Made into a Customized Kitchen Island
Transform an Outdated Island
This new island is loaded with additional storage, is the well fitted size for meal prep, and even has room for 4 bar stools plus a mini fridge!
see the full kitchen renovation
Step-by-Step Modern Kitchen Island
Built from the frame up, this Handmade kitchen island has step-by-step instructions to set you up for success. Plus, this thing is loaded with storage space, !
Get the instructions
Extend and Transform Your Current Kitchen Island
The before for this project wasn’t bad, but the after is absolutely memorable. It’s enormous with enough space for the entire family and is now the focal point of this vivid kitchen.
See the before and after
Join Multiple Cabinet Bases Together for the well fitted Kitchen Island
This is one of our go-to kitchen updates for a reason! Start with your existing cabinets, add some stock cabinets or custom pieces if necessary, choose a matching counter, and adjust to your preferences.
See the full kitchen remodelBuilding a Handmade Kitchen Island from Scratch
Handmade Marble Island
This large island looks glorious in this white kitchen update! It offers a ton of counter space for food preparation and is ideal for hosting parties.
See more of this kitchen and Handmade island
Custom Kitchen Island from Salvaged Materials
This Handmade kitchen island project combines salvaged wood, table legs, and other materials for a totally unique look. Substitute out the salvage finds by converting a a long, skinny table instead
look at this renovation
Handmade Concrete Kitchen Island How To
This sleek concrete overhanging countertop is well fitted for a modern look. It’s an straightforward way to hide old, outdated cabinets, too.
Learn to Handmade a concrete kitchen island
Rolling Kitchen Island with Storage and Drawers
Justin and Cassity used this rolling kitchen island with fold-down wings as both a small dining table and a kitchen island in their tiny kitchen. A movable island is a great way to add countertop prep space to your kitchen.
See more about this build
Handmade Chunky Rustic Kitchen Island
Get the Handmade kitchen island plans for this vivid chunky, rustic rolling island! It looks so expensive, but you can make it yourself!
Get the plans
Handmade Farmhouse Kitchen Island
This vivid piece looks like it was pulled out of an old barn, not made with brand-new wood! Customize with your own color and hardware for a personalized look.
See how to build it
Handmade Pallet Kitchen Island
Can you believe this kitchen island was made of salvaged pallet wood? This piece has just the right amount of rustic charm thanks to the intentional mix of vertical and horizontal pieces.
See this Handmade IslandHow do you make a homemade island?
There are so many options to get the well fitted island for your kitchen even on a modest-cost. The best place to start is by updating what you already have. You can add trim, plywood, planks, corbels, or other details to give your current island a totally updated look.
If you don’t have an island, the easiest option is to find an existing piece of furniture you can update. Try repurposing an old piece of furniture using some of the options in this post.
Finally, you can either build a kitchen island from scratch using some of the Handmade plans from above or purchase premade cabinet bases. Secure them to the ground, paint or stain them to your liking, and add a nice countertop.
All of these options will give you more storage space, room to prep meals, and a place to gather around.
What can I repurpose to make a kitchen island?
One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to make your own custom kitchen island is to update a piece of vintage furniture. Get creative! With a little paint and a new or salvaged counter, you can make almost anything into a kitchen island!
- Vintage dressers
- Old sideboards or buffet tables
- Antique washbasins
- Old bookcases
- Vintage desks
- Old tables
- Cabinets
- Shelving
- An old butcher’s block
- Fling cabinets
- Old pallet wood
- Salvaged floorboards
Get inspired to transform your kitchen
If you’re still trying to nail down your style or need a little more inspiration, visit these posts.
- Cottage Style Kitchen Update from Home Depot
- Mint and Copper Kitchen Inspiration
- Two-Tone Modern Farmhouse Kitchen
- Farmhouse Kitchen Inspiration
The heart of most modern kitchens is the kitchen island. We hope you found everything you needed to design the kitchen of your dreams with these Handmade kitchen islands options! Be sure to share your before and after shots with us.
