ᐅ How can I build an IKEA Metod kitchen island in small spaces?

Hello everyone,

I want to integrate an Ikea Metod kitchen island into my apartment, which is unfortunately quite small. My main challenge is how to implement the kitchen island concept in a limited space in a practical and functional way, without making the room feel even more cramped or restricting movement.

Specifically, I am interested in:
- Which Metod components are best suited for this purpose?
- Are there recommended minimum dimensions to keep the island usable but not too dominant?
- How can the kitchen island be effectively combined with existing kitchen units to optimize storage and workspace?

I have about 7sqm (75 sq ft) available, and the room is elongated rather than square.

Thank you in advance for your tips or experiences!

Good morning,

With such limited space, the most important thing is to maintain clear traffic areas. It is recommended to have at least 90 cm (35 inches) of walking space around the island.

For a small Metod kitchen island, it makes sense to use shallower base cabinets (for example, 40 cm (16 inches) deep instead of the standard 60 cm (24 inches)).

Additionally, flexible elements like pull-out drawers and shelf add-ons can optimize storage without making the island appear too bulky.

A combination of open shelving units and traditional cabinets also creates a lighter feel.

With only 7 sqm (75 square feet), I would also consider designing the island as a movable kitchen cart that can be shifted as needed.

Emery schrieb:
A minimum of 90 cm (35 inches) walkways around the island is recommended.

Interesting, but I often find the 90 cm (35 inches) rule too rigid. In small apartments, 75 cm (30 inches) can also work if the main traffic routes are not continuous.

I even argue that with smart arrangement of work surfaces and storage organization, an island with less than 90 cm (35 inches) clearance can be used comfortably without feeling constantly cramped.

My advice: The room size should be seen as a source of inspiration, not a strict limit. A small Metod kitchen island can be integrated very well into compact spaces using slim modules and minimal accessories.

zarlu schrieb:
My tip: You should see the room size as a source of inspiration, not as a strict limit.

I find that an interesting perspective! In fact, the 90 cm (35 inches) guideline is more of a recommendation than a rule.

I would still be curious if anyone has experience with less than 90 cm (35 inches) in practice—especially for people who cook often or sometimes have several people in the kitchen.

Also, I would like to know if it’s possible to design the space to be both functional and visually appealing through modular combinations and potentially thinner countertops.

Ideas or practical experiences are welcome!

For the optimal use of an Ikea Metod kitchen island in small, narrow rooms of about 7 sqm (75 sq ft), the following applies:

- A minimum of 75 cm (30 inches) clearance is achievable with careful planning.
- Cabinets with a shallow depth (40 cm / 16 inches) help prevent the island from dominating the room.
- Countertops less than 3 cm (1 inch) thick can visually create more space without limiting functionality.
- Integrating multifunctional elements, such as built-in cooktops with extractors or extendable work surfaces, increases usability.
- Movable components or foldable mechanisms can help make flexible use of the limited space.

Ultimately, a realistic assessment of the space before planning and the use of design software like Ikea Home Planner is highly recommended.

I built the Metod island in my small kitchen with dimensions of 60x80 cm (24x31.5 inches).

A 90 cm (35.5 inches) distance from the wall was not possible, so I left 75 cm (29.5 inches) – it works well.

Important: put casters under the island so it can be moved when needed.