Extra countertop and storage space are significant benefits, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

you’re free to find many freeDIY kitchen islandplans for different features or style elements.

Plans include material lists and step-by-step instructions to guide you in building a custom island.

kitchen island with seating

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

The best size for a kitchen island depends on your available space and needs.

The galley space or space between the island and cabinets should be at least 42 inches.

The average size of the countertop overhang is standard, usually 1 1/2 inches.

A distressed farmhouse style kitchen island

Ana White

Here are 18 free DIY kitchen island plans to inspire you.

Farmhouse Kitchen Island

Ana White

This huge farmhouse kitchen island fromAna Whiteis loaded with storage.

It has two cupboards with shelves, open shelving, and lots of drawer space.

A kitchen island with two drawers and shelves

Ana White

You could even use it as an entryway console or for storage elsewhere in your home.

Wood Countertop Kitchen Island

This rustic butmodern kitchen islandis also from Ana White.

It includes two shelves, large drawers, and a wood countertop.

A kitchen island with trash storage

Shades of Blue Interiors

It can be stained or painted to match just about any style of kitchen.

You also can use hardware to match what you already have in your kitchen.

This DIY kitchen island includes open storage plus a pullout bin for a trash can.

A white kitchen with a DIY kitchen island

Cherished Bliss

This free kitchen island plan fromMama Sarahsbuilds a functional island that’s exactly in proportion with its small kitchen.

And it does it for under $50.

The island adds a bit more counter and storage space to the kitchen without making things feel tight.

A small wooden kitchen island

Mama Sarahs

Color photos accompany the step-by-step instructions and supply list to make this build a breeze.

Either way, both islands will add functional and stylish storage and prep space to the kitchen.

The downloadable plan comes with blueprints, 3D animation, color photos, and step-by-step instructions.

A diagram for a kitchen island

Designs by Studio C

Underneath, theres a spacious drawer for kitchen utensils that are mounted on full-extension drawer slides.

If you want a professional-looking island that doesn’t take much work, this could be theDIY projectfor you.

Bookshelf Kitchen Island

Little Glass Jar

This DIY kitchen island fromLittle Glass Jarrepurposes an old bookshelf.

Wooden counter and stove in modern kitchen

Mint Images / Getty Images

A simple stained piece of wood forms the top of the island.

you might even cut down tall bookshelves to the height you need.

The DIYer removed the existing top of the island and then painted it a rich gray.

Power drill woodworking

Robert Daly / Getty Images

The outdated hardware was swapped for modern gold pulls that match the rest of the kitchen.

DIY Desk Kitchen Island

This DIY fromMy Old Country Houserepurposes an old desk into an island.

The desk was the perfect size for the kitchen, and its back was already finished.

Painting kitchen and cabinet panels

Johner Images / Getty Images

The desk also got a formica marble top that matched the rest of the kitchen.

Now, its functional storage and prep space that looks like it was meant for the kitchen all along.

Cube Shelf DIY Kitchen Island

Kreating Homesoffers a DIY kitchen island that repurposes cube storage shelves.

Man and woman building a kitchen cabinet

James Oliver / Getty Images

Then, they used an old tabletop as the new island top.

The large cube shelves provide excellent storage for bulky and oddly shaped kitchen items.

The DIYer adapted another island plan, cutting 8 inches off the length for this island coffee bar.

White kitchen island constructed from bookshelf with open shelving

Little Glass Jar

And the two large shelves below offer ample storage.

This island can easily be customized with paint and/or stain to match any kitchen style.

The DIYer wanted a rustic look.

Navy blue island with white countertop below gold hanging light fixtures

Classy Clutter

Then, they stained it in a weathered gray tone and attached a sleek galvanized metal top.

It uses weatherproofed materials, including cedar lumber and a concrete top, that can withstand the elements.

Black and white DIY kitchen island finished for coffee bar

Jen Woodhouse

Rustuc light brown and gray kitchen island bar with white tall chairs

Remodelaholic

Small Kitchen Island ideas