37 Large Kitchen Islands with Seating (Pictures)

An eat-in type is a great way to bring the family closer together during meal times, as well as provide an amazing spot for entertaining guests. These large kitchen islands come in different styles, such as breakfast bars with an elevated countertop or a design with a counter overhang to accommodate diners. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from curved, semi-circle designs, to custom shapes and square or rectangular designs.

Below are some gorgeous ideas big enough to offer space for seating and eat-in dining.

In the picture above, the generous use of beautiful Bianco Carrara marble can be seen on the breakfast bar as well as the countertop and backsplash. The traditional style is even seen in the elegant styling of the range hood, with stone tile cladding and stylish light fixtures. The counter stools, as well as the base of the breakfast bar, use a rich mahogany that gives some warmth to the space. Wood treatment can also be seen on the exposed ceiling beams as well as the wooden floorboards.

Kitchen Island Designs With Seating

They can come in really handy for open-space layouts. But the process of designing the seating can be a somewhat overwhelming process if you do not know the right step. Deciding on the essential elements requires knowledge, and the article will make sure to leave you with an understanding of the varieties of seating.

As a rule of thumb, analyzing the space layout is important. This leads you to ponder the number of consumers, estimated usage time, and circulation pattern. This, in return, helps you to understand how to create the bigger picture when arriving at a decision approximately.

However, thinking a few years ahead will help last the design in advance. As the National Kitchen and Bath Association refers to, a gap of 36″ should be left on all sides of the addition. The seating will require more space along with living and walking space.

The seating can vary according to the layout. For example, seating along one side or on both sides is pretty usual. The seats can be served on three sides for large types. The short ends are used to allocate space with the long end. Sometimes, as a strategy of saving space, the seating can be transferred to a corner.

The seats also vary in height. The bar, counter, and table heights are a few examples. The design options are often used considering the functionality.

For example, a two-tier type with a higher breakfast bar countertop offers options for dining in or a general food prep workspace for those of differing heights. Adopting a tabletop high seating may be ideal for seating with chairs; however, it should be considered too low for a tall cook to prepare food effectively.

The seating is divided into two preferable options, either stools or chairs. Stools can be a great space-saving tactic, whilst chairs serve in functionality.

A large type with seating doesn’t only have to serve its functional purpose but can be worked together as a decorative element as well.

The upholstery used for chairs and stools can add to the spice of the interior layout. The color scheme and the texture of the upholstery should be of concern to tally with the rest of the fabric within the interior. The materials that are used to build the chairs or the stools have their voice when it is put in the interior.

Another crucial point when considering this addition with bar seating is to go for a better combination of color and material for the seating. Consider whether your preference is to have backrest chairs for your family. Often, many guests prefer stools that are convenient, less time-consuming, and built of a wooden or metal material.

It is always important that you identify your need and understand the vibe that the space demands so that it will be easier to land on the seating options in your preference.

Seating for One

An island with seating for one is great for those who want to enlist the help of a sous chef or just hang out with your significant other while you cook.

While the footprint of this luxury design is huge, the large addition only provides seating for one comfortably.

Seating for Two

The Meridian gray Quartz counter makes effective use of the chrome bar stools, and a modern pendant light hangs above it, accenting the contemporary look of this design. The diagonal herringbone tiling pattern of the gray and white backsplash is a creative way to accent the back wall. The use of dark wood cabinetry contrasts with the tan porcelain floor tiles used.

Bead-board cabinet and white granite countertop

Large islands such as this one often service U-shaped designs to provide convenient and accessible counter space anywhere in the room. The Bianco Catalina granite has a muted high-end elegance that goes extremely well with the rest of the design elements in the room.

The choice of warm white under-shelf lighting, the porcelain backsplash tiles, and the glass pendant lights are smart design choices that complement the white shaker cabinets in the room.

Island and peninsula

This beautiful design features room for two to eat side by side as well as a long peninsula to accommodate additional guests. A bright informal dining area with plenty of natural light creates an inviting space for a morning coffee or breakfast.

This luxury space uses carved wooden cabinetry and islands, high coffered ceilings, glass chandeliers, and Pental Kozmus satin granite counters to really give the room a high-end, sophisticated feel. The polished wooden flooring serves to ground the whites and tans of the paneled cabinetry, while the dark brown finish of the central breakfast bar serves to contrast it entirely.

Seats For Three

Here’s our gallery with eat-in dining for three guests.

White granite counter island with three bar stools

The long mosaic tile backsplash of this Neo-traditional design goes exceedingly well with the Blizzard granite used on the counter and the breakfast bar counter. The white paneled cabinetry and crown moldings seem to complement the sleek styles of the pendant lights, the stainless steel surfaces of the appliances, and the modern look and upholstery of the leather breakfast bar seats. This is a good example of modern and traditional mixed.

Transitional design with gray cabinet and white granite

The square proportions of this gray design really give this room a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The breakfast bar uses a River White granite surface that goes well with the patterned tile back splashes used for the counters.

The gray porcelain tiles of the floor complement the plain gray paint treatment of the walls and ceiling. Ample lighting is provided by the single-hung windows, contemporary pendant lights, and various pin lights on the ceiling. The Rasmussen bar stool with cushion is also a sleek furniture choice for this space.

White marble island with white leather bar stool seating

The white cabinetry is offset by the different shades of gray on the backsplash, the stainless steel finishes of the appliances, as well as the splash of warm brown from the weathered oak wood floor boards. The white leather bar stool seating goes well with the Calacatta Carrara marble countertop. The glass pendant lights also add a sleekness to the overall design of the space.

Stainless steel kitchen island with rattan bar stools

The plaid floor pattern has a unique design that incorporates a black and white color scheme to truly let the red color of the cabinet and stainless steel counter stand out. The shaker cabinetry is painted a warm white. Other pops of colors can also be seen – the blues of the beautiful hanging pendant lights as well as the cushions of the rattan bar stools really mix well with the red paint.

Dark brown kitchen island with gray countertop

This design is a blend of homey and cozy charm with raw industrial style. The pots and pans hanging rods also support a weighing scale – handy for recipe measurements. The open shelving was also a bold design choice but one that was tastefully made. The polished gray marble counter goes well with the dark brown wooden base and the brown leather round bar stool seating.

Mediterranean kitchen island with brown granite

Mediterranean designs typically use high clerestory windows such as these ones to let in light as well as to serve as a tropical design feature that regulates air circulation and thermal comfort. The polished marble floor tiles, speckled brown granite counters, and the different shades of brown on the wooden cabinetry and shelves all give a touch of high-class style to the room.

The butcher block addition uses a wood countertop and houses a secondary sink. At the far end of the room, we have a dining area nook with a lower ceiling and a personal warm-white iron chandelier.

Black and white kitchen island with woven bar stool seating

This design’s polished jet black counter matches perfectly with its white paneled base and cabinetry. The woven seating and wood flooring also use dark brown hues that mirror the countertop. Travertine tiles adorn the main range area and serve as a rustic backsplash design that goes well with the light tans of the walls.

Generous use of flora in the form of house plants also helps keep this room feeling alive and fresh.

Custom kitchen island with dark cabinet and countertop

The unique shape of the island in this design widens out in the end to provide more surface area. This is so that it can serve as an effective breakfast bar dining space. The Vienna swivel counter stools  have a rich dark brown that matches the finish on the cabinetry as well as the dark granite used as a counter top. The rest of the space uses light tan colors. This can be seen in the limestone floor tiles, cabinetry hen, and white ceiling.

Dining Seats for Four

Here are our pictures of designs with seating for four.

Portable stainless steel kitchen island with chrome no-back bar stools

The movable stainless steel counter on wheels gives this space a modern, industrial, sleek aesthetic and sets the tone for the other design elements of the space. The backless bar stools, range and refrigerator, and even the storage shelves all share the metallic and chrome finish. The subtle use of a white marble back splash and a light tan wood flooring adds a nice touch.

Breakfast bar island with wood countertop and round Aro bar stools

The central island has a surface made of dark black granite and is accented by the pops of green from the mid-century modern pendant lighting fixtures located above it. The white cabinetry, walls, and ceiling are complemented by the warmth of the wood of the cherry flooring, wooden countertop for the breakfast bar, and the dark brown leather upholstery of the Aro stool seats.

White quartz kitchen island with adjustable height bar stools

The Quartz counter is the defining piece of this design. The white cabinets, painted walls, and moldings all complement the color of the island. There are splashes of wood browns and metallic chromes seen on the adjustable height swivel bar stools, appliances and equipment, and the glass dome pendant lights.

Contemporary kitchen island with breakfast bar

This contemporary design employs the somber use of dark brown block colors on the cabinetry, counter sides, and exposed ceiling beams. The curved breakfast bar serves as the extension of the main area, with its already ample counter space provided by the middle fixture.

The delicate polished granite of the countertops really stand out and bring this area to life. The wood cushion chairs are a nice touch to the space.

Large two level kitchen island with Felix bar stools

Large islands with seating need to offer plenty of counter space for diners to eat. The Felix bar stools shown in this picture are sleek, modern furniture choices that go well with the contemporary minimalist look of the marble-top counter.

The high-gloss white cabinets are smart design choices that go exceedingly well with the eccentric industrial pendant lighting. The light colors are also balanced out by the dark porcelain floor tiles and the dark wood laminates on the counter.

Modern kitchen island with white marble counter and saddle stool seating

This minimalist contemporary design is simple but bold, unadorned but striking. The marble counter has saddle stool seating tucked away beneath it and employs a cantilever design that really creates an air of modern style. This aesthetic is also seen in the design of it range hood, counters, and panel cabinetry. The smart use of whites, dark browns, and tans, create a range of design accents that really make this space feel unique.

Rounded kitchen island with seating for four diners

The curved addition goes well with the layout of this space. It takes advantage of the corner and opens up the breakfast bar space to the rest of the room. The Calacatta Michelangelo polished marble counter also gives it a pristine elegance that is matched by the traditional styles of the white cabinetry, the warmth of the dark oak floors, and the sleek but vintage look of the hanging pendant lights.

Semi-circle kitchen island with beige granite counters

Using a semi-circular design is also another way of providing ample seating space by increasing the perimeter of the fixture. The Barricato granite used as a counter top is an elegant touch. The open floor plan that connects the area with the living room space is segmented by differing ceiling heights, although the floor treatment of toned wooden floorboards is continuous.

The wooden bar stools, white panel cabinetry, and Gothic-industrial central chandelier are all beautiful accent design pieces for the space.

Long breakfast bar island with Tibetan bar stools

This design has a breakfast bar that uses a beautiful Blanco Tulum granite counter top. The Tibetan bar stools used for the breakfast bar are also simple yet elegant furniture choices. The uniquely textured porcelain tile flooring goes surprisingly well with the Gothic ironworks of the chandelier and pendant lights.

White faux marble kitchen island with chrome bar stools with black leather seats

This artful contemporary space has a faux marble addition that has sleek adjustable swivel bar stools, a multi-hinged faucet, blue blown glass sculpture pendant lights, and rustic weathered wood floor boards. We also have an abstract painting hung at the counter area and various modern furniture and décor at the adjacent living room and dining room.

Modern minimalist kitchen island with wood counter breakfast bar seating

Modern minimalist designs, such as this one, frequently use flat, uninterrupted surfaces to create a sleek and stylish look. These fixtures have a weathered gray finish and flat white cabinetry and bases. The Eurostar Riley counter stools share a similar modern and sleek aesthetic. The long, repetitive look of the cabinets are sophisticated and bold. Overall, this is a perfect example of minimalism at its finest.

Eclectic kitchen island with curved design

This attractive design has varied style choices, seen in its glass-top curved breakfast bar, custom cone range hood, industrial glass dome pendant lights, and long mosaic tile back splash. The white-solid surface central island contrasts well with the rich brown colors of the woods used on the cabinetry and counter sides.

All in all, the variety of design choices blend well together and produce a unique and stylish design.

Modern kitchen island with white laminate counter

The modern design has a glossy laminate surface that really brings out the brightness of the room. We have grain faux wood vinyl flooring, interesting textures on the white porcelain tile back splash wall, and the machine-pressed wood laminate surfaces on the cabinetry to the right, not to mention the tube pendant lighting. All-in-all, the sheer variety of the design piece in this space really make it stand out.

Island Dining for Five or More

If you love to entertain or have a big family that loves to congregate in this part of the house, one of the designs below is perfect for you. All of the designs have islands with seating for five or more.

Long rectangular kitchen island with seating for six diners

The long fixture of this traditional design takes advantage of the large floor space. This utilization of area gives ample seating and can accommodate a large number of people. The bar stools, although deceivingly rustic and traditional in style, actually serve as swivel chairs. The wicked basket-esque vibe of the pendant lights as well as the bright use of floral arrangements keep this room feeling homey and welcoming.

Gray marble kitchen island with seating

The Athens grey marble counter and matching marble back splash serve as great accent surfaces in contrast to the white cabinetry and walls of this space. The horizontal strip patterns on the walls are a unique design choice but works well with this room.

Wooden accents on the range area and the legs are also nice touches of warmth; the grained wood flooring further complements this. The eclectic glass box pendant lights and metal stools show a touch of industrial aesthetic.

Craftsman kitchen island with modern style upholstered bar seats

With oversized bench-style seating this design has plenty of room for eat in dining, or even space for kids or teens to do homework at the counter. The L-shaped island of this craftsman design uses modern upholstered bar seating that complement the Terra Cotta flooring.

This rustic ambiance is furthered carried out by the heavily-textured grained exposed ceiling wood beams, richly-stained inset cabinet doors, and marble counter top. In addition to the L-shaped fixture, this design also has a central island that houses the sink.

Eclectic kitchen island with white marble counter and seating for five

This eclectic space uses a wide array of design elements to convey a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. The one thing that draws your attention would have to be the rustic and industrial hanging light fixture that consists of several warm-white light bulbs hanging from a piece of varnished lumber.

Elsewhere, we have the elegant touch of the marble slab counter, the chrome and wood bar stools, the mosaic tile back splash, and the tan ceramic flooring. The wooden cabinetry also enhances the feel of the space.

Beautiful traditional kitchen island with backless leather bar stools

This elegant traditional design uses a large rectangular style to provide extra counter space as well as serve as a breakfast bar. The white paints on the cabinetry, walls, and exposed-beam ceiling complement the rich browns, mahogany floor boards, and dining table set.

The backless leather counter stools as well as the stylish dining chairs are smart picks of furniture for the room. As a finishing touch, the glass chandelier and pendant lights give the room even more elegance and panache.

Built-in bench seating

The central table in this design has a built-in seating bench. This is a unique example where instead of serving as the table for the breakfast bar dining area, the fixture serves as the seating area. In terms of color harmony, the white flat panel cabinets of the space of this design contrast with the dark brown finish on the cabinetry and the wooden floorboards.

The choice of a reflective mirror tile back splash and the glass globe hanging chandelier are nice touches of modern style that really brings life to the space.

Modern kitchen island with light color granite

This modern apartment design with seating takes advantage of its amazing views with full-length glass windows that let it copious amounts of sunlight. The space itself has a large fixture with a light speckled granite counter and contemporary-styled seating. The use of house plants as well as wicker dining table chairs also liven up the space.

Mediterranean style with white marble counter

Another beautiful Mediterranean-style design, stone brick trimmings, can be seen on the window sills and frames as well as at the bottom lip of the range hood. These are matched by the stone tile flooring. The white and gray marble counter as well as the exposed dark wooden beams on the ceiling help give the room a rustic and homey vibe.

Also seen here is a creative way of storing pots and pans – a hanging rack of sorts is suspended from the ceiling.

Contemporary style with solid wood counter

The stark white cabinets, walls, crown moldings, and ceiling are pleasantly contrasted by the warm streaks of brown seen on the cupboards, base, and dark wood floors. The Stacker bar stool seating is a contemporary design choice and matches the solid wood counter top for the breakfast bar.

Blue kitchen island with seating

This lovely design with a blue fixture and seating offers plenty of space for eat-in dining from its large quartz countertop. White cabinets, light blue tile backsplash and light wood flooring help keep the design light and bright.

White quartz slab with dark cabinets

With the addition of a few more bar stools, this design has plenty of room to accommodate additional diners. The white quartz counter is illuminated by pendant lights attached to a track. This makes them movable according to the user’s preferences.

The natural stone mosaic tile backsplash gives some variety to the visual treatment of the walls and breaks the block gray color scheme of the rest of the painted walls. The dark cabinets also go well with the generally white tone of the room.

Related Design Galleries You May Like:

143 Luxury Kitchen Designs – Beautiful Kitchens With Islands – Kitchens with Breakfast Bars – Kitchen Design Guide –  77 Kitchen Island Ideas