What Is A Floating Kitchen Island?

The phrase "floating kitchen island" describes several different types of islands.

Floating kitchen islands appear to float because the pedestal holding it up is significantly setback from your eyesight.

Often, the floating kitchen islands have downlights that emphasize the open space beneath the kitchen cabinets. Despite their name, floating kitchen islands do not defy gravity and truly float.

Designers and kitchen remodelers are not purists, so some designers consider a floating kitchen island to be “floating” if its countertop extends beyond the base, allowing for convenient seating at high chairs. Some slap the name on rolling cabinets or portable islands that can move about the kitchen for easy storage and use.  Portable kitchen islands are not the same as floating kitchen islands, which may seem confusing as both seem to imply the same thing, but are actually quite different.  Portable islands can move about, whereas floating islands are stationary, but appear to have no legs.

Others limit the term to cabinetry with a deep toe kick area, while some simply contrast the finish of the pedestal portion with the main cabinets to give a floating effect. 

A floating kitchen island fools the eye

Another clever way to give the illusion of a floating kitchen island is by mounting the countertop on a mirrored cabinet. Contrasting materials can also create a trick of the eye, such as white marble countertops appearing to float above natural wood floors. Trendy and cool, these areas would still provide a handy spot for informal dining. 

Rolling floating kitchen island solutions

If the available space cannot allow for a pedestal floating kitchen island, a rolling cabinet may work. Here the carpenter creates the illusion of a permanent piece by hiding, or minimizing, the wheels that allow the island to move. Ready-made rolling islands with dark wheels are best, giving the illusion of a floating kitchen island.