Kitchen Islands and Breakfast Bars NottinghamCall Now on - 0115-824-4201
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Looking to add more space and style to your kitchen? Kitchen islands and breakfast bars change how your kitchen works and feels. They give you extra work space, more storage, and create a spot where family and friends can hang out while you cook.
We've been putting in kitchen islands and breakfast bars in homes all over Nottingham for years. From tiny galley kitchens in Lace Market flats to big family homes in West Bridgford, we know how to make the most of your space.
Kitchen Furniture Shop Nottingham
At our kitchen furniture shop, we don't just sell islands and breakfast bars - we help you find the perfect match for your home. We make custom pieces that fit just right in Nottingham homes, whether you've got a Victorian terrace in The Park or a new build in Arnold.
"We've partnered with the best suppliers to give you quality kitchen furniture that lasts," says Michael, our founder. "Because of our local connections, we can get you better prices than the big chains too."
We've got everything from cabinets to countertops, all available to see at our showroom just off Derby Road. Come touch the materials and see how they look before you decide.
Island Styles and Options
No two kitchens are the same, so why should islands be? We offer loads of different styles:
Freestanding Islands These don't attach to your floor, so you can move them if you need to. Perfect if you're renting or might want to change your kitchen layout later.
Fixed Islands Built to stay put, these give you a permanent work station in your kitchen. We can add electricity and plumbing for sinks or appliances.
Storage Islands Got lots of pots and pans? We can build an island with drawers, cabinets, and shelves to keep everything tidy.
Cooking Islands We can install hobs and ovens in your island so you can chat with people while you cook.
"Many houses in Nottingham have similar layouts that don't make the best use of space," Michael explains. "An island can transform how your kitchen works without knocking down walls."
Breakfast Bar Configurations
Breakfast bars are brilliant for casual meals and morning coffee. They come in a few different styles:
Counter-Height Bars (90cm) These match your worktop height and work with standard chairs. Good for families with kids or if you'll be sitting for longer periods.
Bar-Height Options (105-110cm) These taller bars need bar stools but create a nice casual eating spot. They're popular in open-plan kitchens in newer Nottingham developments.
Extension Bars Don't have room for a full island? We can extend your existing countertop to create a breakfast bar that doesn't take up much space. Perfect for terraced houses around The Forest and Arboretum areas.
Peninsula Bars Like an island but attached to the wall on one end, these work brilliantly in L-shaped kitchens where space is tight.
Jane from Carlton says, "I didn't think we had room for an island, but Michael suggested a peninsula breakfast bar instead. It's transformed how we use the kitchen!"
Space Planning Essentials
Getting the size and position right is super important. Here's what we think about when planning your island:
Clearance Space You need at least 90 cm of space around an island so you can open cupboards and appliances and walk around comfortably. In narrower Nottingham terraced houses, we sometimes go down to 80 cm if needed.
Traffic Flow We look at how people move through your kitchen and make sure the island doesn't block important pathways.
Work Zones Your island should make cooking easier, not harder. We position it to create a good workflow between your sink, fridge and cooker.
Size Matters Small isn't bad - even a 120cm × 60cm island can be really useful. But too big can make your kitchen feel cramped.
We've designed islands for all sorts of Nottingham homes. Even the narrower kitchens in Sneinton and St Ann's can often fit a slim island or peninsula.
Material and Finish Options
Your island should look good and work hard. We offer loads of different materials:
Worktop Materials
- Quartz - Really tough, doesn't stain easily, and comes in lots of colours. Costs a bit more but lasts ages.
- Granite - Natural stone that's heat resistant and looks impressive. Every piece is unique.
- Solid Wood - Warm, natural look that improves with age. Needs a bit more looking after but worth it.
- Laminate - Lots of styles at a lower price. Modern laminates are much better quality than they used to be.
Cabinet Finishes We can match your existing units or choose something different that works with your kitchen. Painted islands are really popular in Nottingham right now, especially in blue and green shades.
Seating Options From simple stools to comfy padded seats, we'll help you pick seating that looks good and feels nice to sit on. Remember, if you'll be sitting for long periods, comfort matters!
Case Study: Statement Island for Open-Plan Kitchen in West Bridgford
The Taylor family in West Bridgford wanted to update their kitchen after knocking through to their dining room. They needed an island that would:
- Provide extra work space
- Include storage
- Create a place for casual meals
- Define the kitchen area within the open-plan space
We designed a 2.4m x 1.2m island with:
- A quartz worktop in 'Desert Silver'
- Deep drawers for pots and pans
- A wine fridge at one end
- Seating for four people
- Feature pendant lighting above
"The island has become the heart of our home," says Emma Taylor. "The kids do homework there while I cook, and when we have friends over, everyone naturally gathers around it."
The challenges included:
- Working with the existing oak flooring
- Making sure the island proportions suited the space
- Installing power for charging phones and laptops
The result? A kitchen that works better for family life and entertaining.
Small Kitchen Solutions
Don't think you've got room for an island? You might be surprised! We've installed islands in some pretty small Nottingham kitchens.
Islands for Small Spaces Even a 100cm x 60cm island can give you valuable extra work space and storage.
Mobile Islands Islands on wheels can be moved when you need more floor space. We fitted one in a Mapperley cottage that's rolled away when they have family gatherings.
Clever Storage We maximize every centimetre with pull-out organizers, drawer dividers, and specialized storage.
Multi-functional Designs Islands that combine food prep, dining, and storage make the most of limited space.
Julie from Beeston told us: "I was convinced our kitchen was too small, but your designer measured everything carefully and found a solution that fits perfectly."
Seating and Socializing
Islands and breakfast bars change how people interact in your kitchen. They create a casual space for:
Family Time Kids can do homework while you cook, or you can all eat together casually.
Entertaining Friends People always gather in the kitchen at parties - an island gives them somewhere to perch with a drink.
Everyday Meals Many of our Nottingham customers use their islands for most meals, saving the dining table for special occasions.
Work From Home Space Since lockdown, many people use their breakfast bars as daytime work spaces.
The right seating makes all the difference. We usually recommend:
- 60cm width per person for comfortable seating
- Stools with backs if you'll sit for longer periods
- Some leg room underneath
- Rounded corners if you have young children
Cost Considerations
Islands and breakfast bars are investments that add value to your home. Here's a rough guide to prices in Nottingham:
Budget Options: £1,200-£2,500
- Simple designs with laminate worktops
- Standard cabinet units
- Basic functionality
Mid-Range: £2,500-£5,000
- Stone or solid wood worktops
- Custom cabinets
- Some special features like wine racks or bookshelves
High-End: £5,000+
- Premium materials
- Integrated appliances
- Special features like pop-up sockets or built-in lighting
We offer payment plans through Dopple finance (subject to status), making it easier to spread the cost of your dream island.
Remember: a well-designed island adds value to your home. Many Nottingham estate agents tell us that islands are one of the features buyers look for most.
FAQ
How much space do I need around a kitchen island?
You need at least 9 0cm all around your island for comfortable movement. In smaller Nottingham kitchens, we sometimes go down to 80 cm if space is really tight, but we don't recommend less than this.
What's the difference between a kitchen island and a breakfast bar?
A kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet unit that you can access from all sides. A breakfast bar is specifically designed for sitting and eating, and might be part of an island or an extension of your existing worktop.
How much does a custom kitchen island cost in Nottingham?
Prices start from about £1,200 for a simple island and can go up to £10,000+ for large, feature-packed designs with premium materials and integrated appliances. Most of our customers spend between £2,500-£5,000.
Can a kitchen island be added to any kitchen?
Not every kitchen has space for a traditional island, but there are alternatives like peninsula units or slimline islands that work in smaller spaces. We'll be honest with you if we don't think an island will work in your kitchen.
What's the best height for a kitchen breakfast bar?
Standard worktop height is about 90cm, which works with regular chairs. Bar-height breakfast bars are typically 105-110cm and need taller stools. Counter-height (90cm) is usually more comfortable for extended sitting and better for families with children.
How many people can sit at a kitchen island?
Allow about 60cm width per person for comfortable seating. So a 180cm length of breakfast bar would comfortably seat 3 people. For reference, a standard 4-seater island is typically about 240cm long.
Are kitchen islands worth the investment?
Most of our Nottingham customers say yes! Islands add practical workspace and storage, create social areas, and can increase your home's value. They're particularly worth it if you spend a lot of time in your kitchen.
Can I have a kitchen island in a small kitchen?
Possibly! We've installed compact islands (as small as 100cm × 60cm) in smaller Nottingham kitchens. Alternatively, a peninsula or trolley island might work better in very limited spaces.
Get Your Own Kitchen Island or Breakfast Bar
Want to see how an island could transform your Nottingham kitchen? Give us a call and we can come over and measure your kitchen (free, no obligation)
- Show you samples of materials
- Create 3D designs so you can visualise the finished result
- Give you a detailed quote with no hidden costs
We're local, we're friendly, and we know Nottingham kitchens inside out.
Call today 0115-824 4201 to book your free consultation.
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