27 DIY Kitchen Island Ideas to Upgrade Your Kitchen
Is your kitchen space feeling a little stale? Freshen it up with one of these 27 DIY kitchen island ideas to update your current kitchen island, build a new one, or make an upcycled kitchen island.
Before you make any big decisions, check out these 5 must-read tips for remodeling kitchens and see our favorite kitchen remodel ideas!
DIY Kitchen Islands Ideas
Whether you need a little extra storage space or you’re trying to bring your kitchen into the 21st century, there are so many DIY kitchen island options out there! In this post, we’re breaking down the best DIY kitchen island ideas to help you find the perfect 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 DIY kitchen island idea. (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 DIY project for someone in love with that Fixer Upper style.
Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Island Tutorial (Only $25!)
This super simple design is inexpensive and requires minimal DIY skills. Simply cut your reclaimed wood at an angle and use liquid nails to attach it to your cabinet.
Budget-Friendly Board and Batten Kitchen Island Makeover
Maybe your island just needs a little trim and a change of color! This simple 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!)
DIY Board and Batten Kitchen Island with Corbels
It’s amazing 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.
Give an Existing Island a Custom Look
This large kitchen island with sink was already pretty great. But this DIY is perfect 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!
Updated Countertops that Refresh a Room
Sometimes a serviceable island needs a new countertop to refresh the kitchen. Try these ideas or read more in 15 Top Cheap Kitchen Countertops Ideas.
DIY 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.
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.
DIY Kitchen Island Update
This tutorial 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 perfect quartz countertop. Love that there’s room for a microwave and lots of storage!
Reclaimed Wood Modern Kitchen Island
We love that these folks turned the old stud boards from their reno into this gorgeous, 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.
DIY Contact Paper Countertops
If you’re a renter or aren’t ready to commit to a full island upgrade, try using contact paper! This tutorial makes it super easy so you can get this upgrade done right away!
Upcycled 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 DIY kitchen island idea. 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
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.
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 perfect vintage dresser.
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!
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.
Turn a Table Into a Rolling Island Workspace
Jackie may have made this for a laundry room, but this modified table is the perfect portable island for larger kitchens! Use this for extra storage for your baskets, stools, vintage fruit crates, and more.
New IKEA Kitchen Island
This is one of the best kitchen island ideas because it’s super convenient (just hit up IKEA), has extremely functional open shelves, and has a butcher block countertop.
Convert a Vintage Dresser into a Simple Kitchen Island
Converting an old dresser into a functional kitchen island is an ideal way to get a unique look, especially on a budget. Use legs to extend the countertop beyond the original dresser top size.
Pre-built Kitchen Cabinets Made into a Customized Kitchen Island
Transform an Outdated Island
This new island is loaded with additional storage, is the perfect size for meal prep, and even has room for 4 bar stools plus a mini fridge!
Step-by-Step Modern Kitchen Island
Built from the frame up, this DIY kitchen island has step-by-step instructions to set you up for success. Plus, this thing is loaded with storage space, !
Extend and Transform Your Current Kitchen Island
The before for this project wasn’t bad, but the after is absolutely amazing. It’s enormous with enough space for the entire family and is now the focal point of this gorgeous kitchen.
Join Multiple Cabinet Bases Together for the Perfect Kitchen Island
This is one of our favorite 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.
Building a DIY Kitchen Island from Scratch
DIY 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.
Custom Kitchen Island from Salvaged Materials
This DIY 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
DIY Concrete Kitchen Island How To
This sleek concrete overhanging countertop is perfect for a modern look. It’s an easy way to hide old, outdated cabinets, too.
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.
DIY Chunky Rustic Kitchen Island
Get the DIY kitchen island plans for this gorgeous chunky, rustic rolling island! It looks so expensive, but you can make it yourself!
DIY Farmhouse Kitchen Island
This gorgeous 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.
DIY 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.
How do you make a homemade island?
There are so many options to get the perfect island for your kitchen even on a budget. 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 ideas in this post.
Finally, you can either build a kitchen island from scratch using some of the DIY 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 DIY kitchen islands ideas! Be sure to share your before and after shots with us.
Lorene has been behind the scenes here at Remodelaholic for more than a decade! She believes that planning projects and actually completing them are two different hobbies, but that doesn't stop her from planning at least a dozen projects at any given time. She spends her free time creating memories with her husband and 5 kids, traveling as far as she can afford, and partaking of books in any form available.
