DIY Kitchen Island from a Console Table

A kitchen island can be a game changer for small kitchens. It adds much-needed counter space and storage. But some homeowners don't have the budget for a built-in island. That's where a console table comes in. Repurposing a console table you already own into a kitchen island is an affordable DIY solution to maximize your compact kitchen.

With some simple tweaks like adding new hardware and a butcher block top, that neglected console table can be transformed into a stylish and functional kitchen island. This multipurpose piece brings your kitchen unlimited storage for appliances, cookware, and more. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right console table and customize it to suit your space.

Why Use a Console Table as a Kitchen Island?

For starters, it's cost effective. Buying a ready-made kitchen island can be expensive, especially for a high-quality durable one. Console tables are more budget-friendly. Repurposing one allows you to upgrade your kitchen's functionality on a budget.

A console table also maximizes the versatility and utility of a piece you already own. Instead of letting it sit unused in a corner, give it new life as a kitchen island. This unique DIY project allows you to add storage solutions and a prep surface to your small kitchen.

Space Savings

The narrow rectangular shape of a console table is perfect for small kitchens. It can fit in tight spaces between counters and appliances where a bulky kitchen island wouldn't work. Strategically placed, your console table island can increase your counter area without obstructing kitchen traffic flow.

And since console tables tend to have a smaller footprint than standard islands, they optimize your limited square footage. You can maximize every inch of your petite kitchen with this creative furniture hack.

Storage Solutions

Lack of storage is a common small kitchen woe. This stylish and functional console table island provides a creative storage fix. The drawer and shelf space give you extra room to store kitchen tools, appliances, dishware, cookbooks, and pantry items.

Get everything off your counters and organize it in your new island. Frequently used items will be within arm's reach but out of sight. Your kitchen will seem more spacious and clutter-free.

Choosing the Right Console Table

Not just any console table will double well as a kitchen island. You want one with design elements optimized for this use. Keep these factors in mind when picking a console table for your DIY kitchen island project:

Size & Dimensions

The ideal console table size for a kitchen island is narrow and rectangular - around 40 inches long by 16 inches deep. This shape and slim footprint is perfect for working in tight kitchens. Avoid a table that is overly broad or deep, as it will disrupt traffic flow.

Standard kitchen island height is 36 inches. Look for a console table that hits between 34 and 37 inches tall. This will provide comfortable counter height for food prep and dining. Size it right and your console table will seamlessly function as an integrated kitchen island.

Design Elements

Console tables best suited for kitchen island conversion will have design features that make them functional for food preparation and storage. Here’s what to look for:

• Drawers and cabinets for concealed storage
• Open shelving for additional storage options
• A tabletop surface wide enough for chopping, rolling dough, etc.
• A finished tabletop that can be used as is or covered

If your table is missing some of these elements don’t worry! You can DIY additions like open shelving or a butcher block tabletop to customize it.

Materials

Since your console table will be supporting heavier items like mixers and chopping, durable materials are a must. Solid wood, metal, or high-quality wood laminates are ideal. Avoid low cost particleboard or plastic tables - they won't hold up.

Also pass on hand-me-down tables with splintered wood or chipped laminate. A secondhand find still needs to be structurally sound to work well as a kitchen island. Minor cosmetic flaws you can upgrade, but durability issues are dealbreakers.

Prepping & Customizing Your Table

Once you’ve selected the perfect console table, it’s time to tackle any upgrades to optimize it. Refinishing, adding new hardware, and installing a butcher block top will get it kitchen-ready.

Cleaning & Sanding

Start by thoroughly cleaning your console table to remove any dirt, dust, grime, or grease. Use a degreasing cleanser on any spots and let the table fully dry.

Lightly sand the entire table with 220 grit sandpaper. This prepares the surface for painting or staining. It also smooths any rough spots on secondhand tables.

Painting & Staining

Put your creative spin on your console table by painting or staining it. Match your existing cabinet color for a cohesive look or make a bold color statement. Consider a complementing accent color on the base or legs.

Allow paint or stain to fully dry and cure before adding new hardware or a tabletop. Protect all surfaces with three coats of water-resistant polyurethane.

Hardware

Swapping out the existing hardware for new knobs and pulls upgrades your table's look. Opt for hardware that coordinates with your kitchen’s existing fixtures and finish for a unified style.

Stainless steel, black iron, brass and chrome are classic choices that suit any kitchen aesthetic. Add your hardware after painting but before installing the butcher block.

Maximizing Your Table as a Kitchen Island

Now for the fun part - filling your DIY kitchen island with storage solutions and decor. Take advantage of every inch of space your console table island provides.

Multipurpose Storage Solutions

Get creative with storage to corral cookware, appliances, pantry goods and anything else cluttering up your counters. Use interior cabinets to store lesser-used items. Dedicate drawers for utensils, linens, or baking pans.

Display pretty china and serving pieces in open shelving. Slide spices, oils and cleaning supplies onto shelves. Top with decor like plants, cookbooks and fruit bowls. Organize smartly and only keep necessities on the island.

Food Prep Surface

For food preparation and eating, add a butcher block top or other waterproof surface to your island. Butcher block requires regular oiling but looks great and can directly handle food.

On painted table tops, use a cutting board and avoid direct contact with food. Add a multipurpose drop leaf for extra surface space when cooking or serving.

Styling Your Kitchen Island

Style your kitchen island with barstools for seating, essential kitchen tools and fresh decor. Here are some ideas:

• Fruit bowl
• Modern bar stools
• Kitchen linens and towels
• Variable height surface for sitting/standing
• Utensils in a crock or decorative container
• Cookbooks on bottom shelves
• Baskets for storing root veggies and onions

Keep counters clean and only leave out necessities like a knife block. Amp up kitchen style with grated risers, woven baskets and fresh flowers or herbs.

Avoiding Pitfalls

To ensure your DIY kitchen island is functional and durable, avoid these common mistakes:

• Blocking main kitchen walkways
• Overloading the surface with too many heavy items
• Using a table made of low-quality or flimsy materials
• Failing to properly seal the surface against water damage

Careful planning and following essential steps like waterproofing will boost longevity. Position strategically and limit weight to prevent structural damage. Take precautions and your upcycled console table will serve as a beautiful kitchen island for years to come.

A console table island is one of many options for opening up small kitchen spaces. For additional functional storage, also consider:

• Repurposing bookcases or hutches as kitchen storage
• Installing a wall-mounted pot rack and shelves
• Adding a freestanding butcher block cart
• Using a rolling island with storage bins and a butcher block top
• Stacking two narrow console tables as a double-decker island

With a little creativity, you can transform any small kitchen. Building your own kitchen island from a console table saves money while allowing you to customize for your needs. This budget-friendly DIY project makes a big impact.