Kitchen islands are fantastic to have for cooking, entertaining, and dining; which are are usually on everyone’s must have lists for the heart of their home. Unfortunately, not every kitchen has one. They can be expensive to install and if you’re residing in a rental, it’s not a project you are able to add yourself.
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Good news, we’ve compiled a list of 16 IKEA island hacks to help you achieve the kitchen island of your dreams. We’ve also included some portable solutions for you as well! The possibilities are endless!
Genius IKEA Kitchen Island Hacks
Custom IKEA Kitchen Island
This custom IKEA kitchen island uses IKEA cabinet frames and semi handmade doors to create a beautiful and affordable kitchen island. So much space and usable drawer storage this could be the island of your dreams.
Akuram Kitchen Island IKEA Hack
This IKEA island hack uses several different cabinets that are pieced together to make this functional and beautiful island. The pieces used were 2 Akurum 36″ base cabinets in birch, 1 Akurum 15″ base cabinets with upper drawers in birch, 1 Akurum 36″ base sink cabinet in birch, and the doors and drawers are Ramsjo in primed wood white so they can be painted.
IKEA Kallax Kitchen Island Hack
If you are looking for an island hack for a small space this IKEA Kallax island is a perfect option. A great height for easily preparing food, affordable, and can easily be moved when needed. The pieces used for this hack are, Kallax shelving unit in white, Kallax inserts in white, 4 pack of rill castors, Kungsfors rail, and Lamplig chopping board to make the perfect cutting surface for this adorable compact kitchen island.
Alternative Kitchen Island
A unique yet simple design for a compact kitchen island. The best part about this alternative kitchen island not only is compactness but its ability to still have storage space in between the wooden adjustable shelves as well as at the bottom of the unit. Minimal supplies are required, 2 Finnvard desk legs and three planks of wood.
IKEA DIY Kitchen Island with Thrifted Counter Top
If you’ve got the space and are looking for lots of kitchen storage then this IKEA kitchen island with Thrifted counter top is a great option for you. Make with two thirty inch IKEA Sektion base cabinets on the bottom each containing four drawers. Three large ones and the hidden small one in the top drawer. The off white coloring of the drawers goes great with any decor.
Bookshelf Kitchen Island
Billy bookshelves give this bookshelf kitchen island a great look. To make this functional kitchen island you’ll need 3 Billy bookcases (two 31×40 inch bookcases and 1 15×40 inch bookcase) and 2 doors from IKEA. You can choose to add the doors or leave them off to have more of an open look. Don’t forget to add the bead board on the side for additional storage.
Kitchen Island with Drawers
If you are limited on space, then this kitchen island IKEA hack with drawers is a great option for your space. This hack uses the IKEA HEMNES dresser and a counter top from IKEA – the SANFRID. Add some wheels and you’ve got yourself a beautiful island great for a small space.
IKEA Forhoja Hack
Another great option for a small space is the IKEA Forhoja hack. With its petite size, the Forhoja makes a perfect island for apartment living. The added wheels make it easy to move around when not needed or to use in other spaces of your apartment or small home. It even includes some storage space with its drawers under the butcher block, a great space for utensils.
IKEA Kitchen Island Hack & Poll
If you’ve got a narrow kitchen space and but you’re still wanting an island, this IKEA island hack is a great option. With a large counter top and 12 drawers it will give your kitchen all of the extra space it needs. The darker stain added to the IKEA Varde line really gives this piece some character.
Farmhouse DIY Kitchen Island
A farmhouse DIY kitchen island is a great option for smaller kitchens and is so versatile with its wheels. You’ll need an IKEA deep base cabinet case, Grimslov doors, Maximera drawers, and a Grimslov door face. Choose any color that fits your space. After you’ve assembled the basics, add your finishing touches of a butcher block top, wheels, and a towel bar.
DIY Kitchen Island
I love how this modern island has such a minimalist look. Clean, crisp and unique is the perfect description for this DIY kitchen island. This island comes together in no time and only requires a few IKEA materials: 1 Kallax shelving unit, 1 Karlby island top, 2 Gerton legs, & 4 Capita legs. Simple yet still allows for some storage space on the side.
IKEA Hack: Stenstorp Kitchen Island
If you’re looking for a simple island with minimal building and not looking to piece something together yourself then the Stenstorp kitchen island is a perfect selection for you. The stainless steel shelves give this island some character as well as some functional storage. With the overhand of the island top you’re able to add some stools to use as seating. You can choose to stain the counter top or leave it like it is if you’re looking for something truly simple!
Expedit Rolling Kitchen Island
Do you have a small kitchen but you’re still wanting an island with some seating space as well as some storage? This Expedit rolling kitchen island checks all of those boxes. You’ll need: EXPEDIT shelving unit, LAGAN countertop, BRANAS baskets for the additional hidden storage piece. The slide out piece gives you so much additional counter space!
Raskog Utility Cart
If you’re working with a super small space or truly need just a little extra storage, this Raskog utility cart is a perfect solution. Super mobile and a very inexpensive option for the additional storage you’ve been needing in your kitchen!
Free Standing Kitchen Island
A budget friendly way to add that additional space you’ve been needing in your kitchen. This freestanding kitchen island is so sleek looking and still gives you the flexibility of using the bottom shelving for storage for your extra pots and pans. Using the IKEA’s Karpalund base you’ll have the island you’ve been wanting in no time.
Rustic Bar with Galvanized Metal Top
Here we’ve got a rustic bar with Galvanized metal top using an Ikea Varde Kitchen island as the base. The added horizontal planks of Cedar wood on the sides and front of the bar really give this island its rustic look.
IKEA Kitchen Island with Seating & Storage
Looking for an island with seating for 3-4 people? hTis IKEA kitchen island hack with seating and storage is a great option. Only a few materials are needed for this hack: 1 Karlby countertop for kitchen island (oak or walnut), 1 Hemnes 8-drawer dresser with white stain, and 3 Ekby Stilig shelf brackets (the largest size). This island has so much versatility with its seating, storage, and counter space!
We hope that you’ve found something to fit your needs and to make that kitchen island dream of yours a reality!