Kitchen Islands (UK): Storage, Seating & Socket Placement — The Complete Guide

A well-designed kitchen island isn’t just an extra worktop — it’s the engine room of the modern British kitchen. Whether you’re planning a family hub, an entertainer’s dream, or a compact prep space, getting the proportions, power points, and storage right makes all the difference. Here’s how to design an island that looks beautiful and works brilliantly.

1. Size & Proportion: Getting It Right First Time

• Ideal spacing: Leave at least 100 cm between the island and any surrounding units. In narrow kitchens, 90 cm can work if doors open fully.
• Recommended dimensions: A 2 m x 1 m island suits most medium kitchens; scale down for smaller rooms or single-wall layouts.
• Seating comfort: Allow 60 cm per stool for elbow room, plus 30 cm overhang for leg space.
• Explore more multi-functional layouts in Kitchen Islands That Do More.

2. Storage That Works Harder

• Combine drawers, cupboards, and deep pan units for maximum flexibility.
• Install pull-out bins or hidden recycling drawers to keep the island clutter-free.
• Integrate an appliance cabinet nearby for microwave or wine cooler storage.

3. Socket Placement & Electrical Planning

• Building regulations (UK): Sockets must be safely distanced from sinks and hobs — at least 300 mm away horizontally.
• Pop-up or flip sockets: Perfect for charging devices while maintaining a clean look.
• Under-island sockets: Great for small appliances or hidden lighting — fit before the worktop goes down.
• For DIYers, see worktop installation tips to plan cutouts cleanly and safely.

4. Worktops & Finishes

• Quartz: Durable and reflective — perfect for brightening central islands. Learn more in our quartz guide.
• Wood: Adds warmth but needs oiling every 6–12 months.
• Granite: Timeless and tough, ideal for high-traffic kitchens.
• Mix materials — wood on seating zones, quartz for prep — for practical contrast.

5. Lighting & Styling

• Hang pendants 75–90 cm above the worktop, or roughly 150 cm from the floor.
• Cluster lights in odd numbers (usually three) for visual balance.
• Match pendant finishes with your handles or tap fittings for a cohesive look.

6. Seating Zones & Multi-Use Design

• Use two-level surfaces — one for prep, one for dining — to improve ergonomics.
• Extend the island base with open shelving for cookbooks or baskets.
• In family homes, durable quartz or composite worktops withstand daily wear best.

Whether your kitchen is small or expansive, a well-planned island can anchor the space both visually and functionally. Start with the essentials: clearances, sockets, and storage. Once those are right, the design possibilities are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions