The Best Kitchen Islands Under $500

The kitchen island is often the gathering spot in a home. Not just a functional place for cooking and storage, it's also where you typically wind up chitchatting and sharing a bite to eat with family and visitors. There are plenty of standalone kitchen islands to fit your needs, whether that's style, size, storage, or all of the above. Here's a roundup of the best kitchen islands for under $500 whether you have a big kitchen, little kitchen, farmhouse kitchen, contemporary kitchen, or something in between.

By Bob Vila Staff

Updated on Aug 11, 2023 8:56 AM EDT

0 minute read

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Farmhouse Fresh

Injecting the farmhouse look in your kitchen? Look no further than this Better Homes & Gardens Farmhouse-Style Kitchen Cart. Its concrete lookalike top extends 44 inches—plenty of room to work—over a wooden frame with a weathered gray finish. The two levels underneath will leave room for plenty of open storage, with some designed to dedicate to your wine bottle collection. Available at Walmart; $145.

Storage Station

A butcher-block top and sleek black frame make this kitchen island look at home in a modern farmhouse or contemporary kitchen. If you hope to use your new kitchen island as a prep station, you’ll appreciate the built-in storage for storing utensils, knives, condiments and spices, even your favorite cookbook. Available on houzz.com; $463.

White Oak Wonder

Did you know IKEA—the go-to destination for ready-to-assemble furniture pieces—also manufactures kitchen islands? This rustic option has a solid oak surface big enough for two home chefs. The white-painted wooden legs lend an inviting aesthetic that matches any kitchen style, while deep stainless steel shelves provide functional storage. Available at IKEA; $399.

Drop-Leaf Delight

Apart from its solid beech wood construction and natural finish, there’s nothing traditional about the Winsome Drop Leaf Kitchen Island. Ingeniously deigned, the all-in-one, three-piece set includes a towel rack, side-by-side storage drawers, and best of all, a pair of stools that can be hung inside the island beneath the expandable, drop-leaf work surface. Available at Hayneedle; $121.47.

Pop-Up Shop

If you’re cooking in a cramped space (like a tiny kitchen in a tinier apartment) but could use extra countertops, unfold this Origami kitchen island cart and roll it right into place. The white sturdy steel frame complements any light-toned cabinets and trendy subway tile combinations. Its solid wood butcher block top reaches comfortable countertop height (36 inches), and two shelves beneath it—plus a towel bar—provide ample storage when needed. Available at Amazon; $127.29.

Related: 18 Tiny Kitchens We Love

Multi-Function Marvel

In a hall or entryway setting—really, in any context other than the kitchen—this would look like, and would function admirably as, a modern, storage-ready console. In the kitchen, however, the Delesha Multifunction Prep Table finds its true calling as an uncommonly compact, eminently practical work surface. Generous built-in shelving allows you to keep your cooking and entertaining essentials close at hand, while the open design prevents the unit from visually dominating a small space. Available at Wayfair; $339.

Plenty of Storage

If you’re seeking added storage, consider purchasing the Americana Kitchen Island, which has a pass-through drawer, a two-door cabinet, and adjustable shelving. The warm oak countertop provides the perfect prep space for cooking, but it’s the rustic design elements—like the raised panel doors and white distressed finish—that set it apart from other countertops on the market. Available at The Home Depot; $449.81.

Cut It Out

Conveniently, this kitchen island makes a proper workspace for meal prep. Even more convenient? The top of the stylish island is a removable cutting board, so you can take your sliced and diced ingredients straight to the stove without any fuss. Below the cutting board, extra storage amps up the functionality. Available from
Hayneedle
; $363.

Baskets and Hooks

This tiny kitchen island—30 inches square—is at no loss for storage space. The under-counter baskets can be used to store root vegetables or utensils, while the handy hooks along the side of the unit are perfect for cookware, towels and more. Available at houzz.com; $461.

Gather Round

No one would ever guess that this sturdy-looking island wasn’t originally a part of your house. The appealing white and oak design is a natural fit for any farmhouse or cottage-style kitchen. The overhanging countertop provides ample space for cooking and entertaining, and with two drawers, one cupboard, a towel rack, and open shelving you gain tons of extra storage. As an added bonus, this full-sized island comes with two stools so you don’t have to buy anything else. Available from
Hayneedle
; $479.96.