All great kitchens seem to have one thing in common – they all have a great kitchen island. I don’t know how it works in your home, but in our kitchen the island is the center stage for dinner prep, a space to eat breakfast, work on homework, make a craft or two, and yes, I even blog from there occasionally. So my thought is that if you’re going to something you use that much, then I want it to be practical. But I also want it to be beautiful – because if you spend that much time looking at one piece then it might as well be gorgeous.
Need a little kitchen island inspiration? These kitchens all showcase unique things turned into functional islands, many of which at one point were probably considered cast offs and long forgotten by the original owners.
Rolling Metal Work Table with a butcher block top added is an easy way to DIY an island.
Yellow Metal Industrial Table Turned Kitchen Island – I’m pretty sure this was cleaned up and brought in… pretty paint patina and all.
Upcycled Metal Rolling Cart – how unique is this one?!?
Cart repurposed into an island – that color alone had me drooling!
Wine Barrel Kitchen Island – simple idea, just a round top on a barrel.
Wash Tub Kitchen Island – her DIY project is so pretty and so smart.
Upcycled Island – shutters are usually pretty easy to find second hand, so this is a great use for them.
Made from old windows (one of my all time faves!)
Imperfect furniture makes a beautiful kitchen island
Upcycled Old Table made counter height by adding casters
{original source unknown} This old display cabinet is simply dreamy.
Repurposed Architect’s Cabinet – all those drawers!
Upcycled Produce Counter – makes a lot of sense, huh? It looks perfect!
{original source unknown} I would have never thought to pick up that dresser off the side of the road but it makes a gorgeous island.
great way to use chest of drawers – (she’s used a lot of great things as islands, too!)
Beautiful Upcycled Piano – who would have thought to use a piano?
Antique buffet turned into a kitchen island
vintage lockers made into an island
old sewing machine base made into an island
Dresser transformed into a kitchen island
Which is your favorite?
I love most of the repurposed dressers. They have a great deal of character and charm.
Thanks Diane, I love a good repurpose!!
There are too many favorites to name!!!!!
🙂
Beautiful ideas thank you from France
Cathy
Hi Catherine in France 🙂 Merci beaucoup!
In my first apartment I turned a 2 drawer lateral file cabinet into an island. Perfect for the space, and free from my parents
Good for you Michelle, I love a good repurpose…especially a free one 🙂
My heart quickened at the sight of that glorious one made of the recycled windows…i may never be the same again
Ha ha Cat, I know what you mean!
I fell in love with that one as well! Simply beautiful.
I .loved them all! > i am going to make one with wheels. Already have the wheelsthat is a start
Yes it is Nancy, good luck and post pics when you are finished 🙂
Hi Gina
My boyfriend and I made a kitchen island out of a coffee table and posts off of an old bed frame. This is all solid wood. All free stuff.
Wow, so cool Marilyn! It is always so much fun to upcycle things!
Love all the tips, Gina! I especially like the tip about recycling old table for an island. Very clever!
Thanks Paul 🙂
I love the dresser with the drawers out at the bottom, but all look awesome thanks for sharing.I will keep all in mind.
Thanks so much Cindy 🙂
I have an antique ob gyn exam table that I would love to turn into a kitchen island