What’s the difference between a kitchen island and a peninsula?

If you’re currently embarking on your kitchen renovation journey, you might be looking at installing a kitchen island or a peninsula. But what’s the difference?

It’s a consideration that often comes up during design consultations, but there can be a bit of confusion surrounding the difference between the two. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between a kitchen island and a peninsula, and how to know which one is right for your new kitchen.

Kitchen Island vs peninsula

To put it simply, a kitchen island is a free-standing cabinet and worktop, with four exposed sides. A peninsula is attached to a wall or unit and has three exposed sides. There are a few things that will play into which is the right choice for your new kitchen, so it’s important to consider each of them to make sure you pick the right one for you.

2. Consider your space

A kitchen island is often a popular choice for bigger kitchens, as they fill the space and add a striking focal point, which easily encourages family and guests to gather around. Its expansive countertop also serves as a versatile workspace, which often doubles as an informal dining area or a place for meal prep. Peninsulas, however, are popular in kitchens where space is limited, offering the same function as an island, but on a smaller scale.

Remember, if you opt for a kitchen island, leave 900mm between the island and the units, so you have enough room to move around!

2. Flow and functionality

When it comes to designing your kitchen, the choice between an island and a peninsula will have implications when it comes to the traffic flow and functionality of your space. A kitchen island tends to encourage a more free-flowing layout, allowing you to move around all sides of the island with ease. It is also a great choice if you’re a regular host as guests can easily gather and mingle, while allowing for seamless navigation.

Although, if the existing configuration of your kitchen is a U- or L-shape, a peninsula is the better option as it provides additional workspace and cabinetry, while maintaining a connection to the surrounding space. A peninsula can interrupt the flow of in your kitchen though, as one end of the kitchen is blocked off – although having additional storage space is often preferred when space is limited!

3. Space for seating

Having somewhere to sit in the kitchen has becoming increasingly popular in recent years, and both a kitchen island and peninsula offers similar seating solutions. While a kitchen island lends itself to being able to accommodate a larger number of bar stools or chairs, which creates an informal dining area. A peninsula delivers exactly the same solution, albeit on a more intimate scale, which is ideal for a cosy meal for two or a perfect perch to enjoy your morning coffee.

4. No compromise

No matter if you choose a kitchen island or a peninsula for your new kitchen, you won’t have to compromise! Kitchen islands and peninsulas both provide a versatile solution for your kitchen, whether you’re looking for added storage solutions, additional worktop space or an informal eating area, they both can add a lot of value to your newly renovated space!

Bespoke kitchens in Derby from Kitchens Complete

If you’re stuck between choosing a kitchen island or a peninsula in your new Derbyshire kitchen, we hope this break down if helpful in your decision making! Contact us at Kitchens Complete to discuss how we can help you bring your dream kitchen to life. We will be there to support you through every step of the project, from initial design all the way through to the final installation. This means that your dream bespoke kitchen will not only wow guests, but will deliver on functionality and quality – maximising on storage, workspace and delivering a kitchen that will look like new for years to come.

If a kitchen island or peninsula is something you’d like to include in your new bespoke Derbyshire kitchen, make sure to visit our showroom in Mickleover, book a free design consultation today or call us on 01332 229223. Our Derbyshire kitchen designers will be more than happy to help!