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.
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!)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
