35 Kitchen Peninsula Ideas That Are Pretty and Functional

The best kitchen peninsula ideas can add extra counter space, storage, and seating to your kitchen with a functional layout. A kitchen peninsula is different than a kitchen island because it is not freestanding but attached to the countertops or wall, often forming an L-shape with a 90-degree angle, or a curved or angled design.

Peninsula style kitchen island with tan bartools. — Chelius House of Design

A peninsula comes in handy whether you're entertaining, preparing food, or sitting down to enjoy a casual meal. It may be anchored by pendant lighting or contain a sink.

If you're looking to add a peninsula to your kitchen or have one already but need some help styling it, you won't want to miss out on the kitchen peninsula ideas below.

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Anchor With Pendant Lighting

Nadia Watts Interior Design

Installing pendant lights above your peninsula elevates the casual dining experience and means that you don't need to solely rely on severe overhead fixtures. As shown above, the pendant lights also section off the open layout, creating division between the prep space and dining area of this kitchen.

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Paint It a Soothing Blue

@you_neekdesigns / Instagram

Bring on the blue. The peninsula—and the lower cabinets in this kitchen—all look lovely coated in a robin's egg color. The vibrancy of this shade of blue pops against the neutral backsplash and white cabinets.

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Choose a Color Accent

@katzrenovations / Instagram

Just because your cabinets are white, it doesn't mean your peninsula can't boast a little color. Whether you opt for a subtle hue or go bold is entirely your choice. Contrast of any kind always adds more visual interest to any room.

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Clad the Base With Shiplap

@maggieclarkeinteriors / Instagram

It's all in the details: This peninsula's shiplap siding plays off of the nearby range hood, which is also made from the material. This creates cohesion, merging everything seamlessly.

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Style With Board and Batten

@cbharchitects / Instagram

This neutral peninsula may be plain in color, but it certainly doesn't lack style thanks to its board and batten backing. The peninsula divides the cooking area while maintaining an easy flow in the open-concept space.

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Add a Wine Fridge

@ct_design_ / Instagram

Hosting has never been easier than it is with a peninsula like this one. The wine fridge strategically placed next to the palm-leaf-patterned chairs makes every hour happy hour in this house. The extra counter space also leaves plenty of room for a side of apps, too.

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Create a Coastal Design

@cabinetsdotcom / Instagram

If you love coastal design, try a peninsula setup like this one. Blues, whites, and wicker textures are always welcome.

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Incorporate a Microwave

@spragueinteriors / Instagram

No ideal spot for the microwave? Go ahead and incorporate it into your peninsula design to keep it accessible but out of sight.

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Build in Wine Storage

@zarakitchendesign / Instagram

Incorporate built-in wine storage to keep bottles organized. This solution is excellent for those who lack a wine cellar and don't want to waste precious cabinet space.

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Set Up a Small Seating Area

@zarakitchendesign / Instagram

If your peninsula seats two, choose extra comfortable seating that will make the small space extra comfortable. Keeping your peninsula minimal and clutter free will ensure you always have plenty of space for meal prep.

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Build In Cookbook Storage

@renovation_ropemaker_hill / Instagram

This peninsula features practical shelving to store cookbooks. The same space could be adapted to store glassware, extra vases, liquor bottles, or other essentials.

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Top With a Large Overhang

@nataliemyers / Instagram

This peninsula features a marble countertop with a generous overhang, making it easy to tuck stools all the way underneath and out of the way when not in use. The extra space also makes more room for dining, preventing cramping when eating in group settings.

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Try a U-Shaped Peninsula

@clairedunninteriors / Instagram

Create a sleek U-shaped layout with the help of a large peninsula. Low-profile stools and minimal storage and appliances on the countertops also contribute to the streamlined look.

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Add Personal Touches

@almafied / Instagram

Decorate your peninsula with pieces that speak to you. Hang open shelving, lean framed art, and finish off the look with some potted plants.

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Define Zones

@mcdonaldremodeling / Instagram

Creating designated zones in this way is particularly helpful when styling an open layout. This green peninsula sections off the kitchen from the nearby dining space while serving as the ideal spot in which to enjoy an afternoon snack or flip through a cookbook.

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Add Contrast With Seating

@my.horsford.home / Instagram

Wood tones can add so much warmth to any space. Here, wooden bar stools make the white finishes of this kitchen feel inviting.

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Make It Monochrome

@honestbydesign / Instagram

If you're into monochrome spaces, select bar stools that closely complement your cabinet paint color to create a seamless look. From there, you can add pops of color with decor, such as the light blue planter shown here.

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Try an L-Shaped Layout

@saxon.stories / Instagram

Can't commit to just one color in the kitchen? Try painting your peninsula in a hue that's different from adjacent cabinets, like this white-and-green combo.

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Choose Statement Bar Stools

@the_house_of_fitz / Instagram

The chairs you select for your peninsula can really shape your space and help to make it look more complete. These wooden and wire beauties are certainly full of personality and style.

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Install Side Storage

@havenhousedesignco / Instagram

This peninsula features open storage on the side, which is handy when it comes to tucking away cookbooks, baskets, and the like. Finding clever built-in storage solutions like this helps keep your kitchen clutter-free, making more opportunities for cooking and entertaining (and less straightening up).

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Be Bright

@reclaimedkarma / Instagram

Even if your kitchen is all-white like this one, a little color never hurts. Add some pep to your kitchen with bold green bar stools that will pop against any peninsula.

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Style the Countertops

@mynorthernabode / Instagram

Accessories like candles and vases aren't just for the coffee table; they're welcome on the peninsula, too. With all the time you spend in your kitchen, you deserve to make the space feel homey and cozy using small, thoughtful touches.

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Think Strategically About Seating

Grey Joyner Interiors

Consider how you plan to use your peninsula before purchasing furniture. For example, if you're going to use the surface for everyday meals, you may wish to go with bar stools that have full-backs, which are designed for maximum comfort.

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Try an Angled Peninsula

Brittney Ferguson Interiors

This peninsula angles into the kitchen, adding visual interest to the space. Classic wood and sleek marble creates a timeless feel.

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Create a Parallel Layout

@storylineinteriors / Instagram

Install a peninsula that is parallel with the kitchen island to create symmetry in a large kitchen. Make the island and peninsula roughly the same size for a cohesive look.

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Go for Curved Countertop Edges

@moorlandshome / Instagram

While many peninsulas feature sharp, 90-degree edges, opt for a curved look if you feel like veering off the beaten path in your kitchen. The curved edges of the stools pictured here also create a seamless flow that makes the space more user-friendly.

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Set Up as a Buffet

@designbynest / Instagram

Peninsulas can be used as a bar or a buffet when entertaining. It's easy for everyone to gather around and help themselves to drinks and appetizers, and being near the sink makes for speedy cleanup.

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Decorate With Tile

@gettingscituated / Instagram

Have fun with your peninsula and jazz it up a bit using some tile. This geometric design creates a bold contrast with the neutral kitchen, turning the peninsula into a focal point.

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Use Acrylic Bar Stools

@christie_ferrari / Instagram

Consider using acrylic chairs and stools, which take up minimal visual space while still being entirely functional. These would also help prevent overcrowding and traffic jams which can be issues with having a peninsula in the kitchen.

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Cover With Vertical Shiplap

@no1_diamond / Instagram

Cover your peninsula with vertical shiplap or beadboard to echo finishes in a farmhouse kitchen. Paint the base of the peninsula a shade darker to add subtle dimension to a neutral space.

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Maximize Seating

@woodland_renovations / Instagram

A peninsula can accommodate the whole family if you opt for the right seating. These stools are low profile while still being sizable and make it easy to entertain the entire crew right in the kitchen.

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Maximize Storage Space

@randrathome / Instagram

If you don't have tons of space to hang towels and oven mitts elsewhere in your kitchen, add a bar with hooks to your peninsula. This helps make the most of your layout, even if you're a bit short on square footage.

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Let Your Peninsula Do It All

@downlenoxroad / Instagram

Especially in small spaces, making your peninsula multifunctional helps you make the most of your kitchen. This peninsula serves as part dining and prep area, part command center, thanks to the side hooks, open shelving above it, and small storage drawers placed on top.

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Hang a Pot Rack on the Side

@littlerusticdream / Instagram

Copper pots are both functional and beautiful. If you're looking for a clever way to display yours, consider adding a bar to the side of your peninsula and hanging pots there, where they can be easily admired and accessed for cooking.

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Show Off Your Style

@farmhousefor8 / Instagram

Let your kitchen peninsula reflect your personal style. If you love a farmhouse aesthetic, for example, design your peninsula to have a weathered, rustic look, like the one shown here.

FAQ

What are the disadvantages of a peninsula in a kitchen?

There are some potential disadvantages of having a peninsula in the kitchen such as tight corners, traffic jams, and less efficiency in larger kitchens.
Are kitchen peninsulas outdated?

Kitchen peninsulas aren’t outdated, but they have been overshadowed in recent years by kitchen islands. Peninsulas remain popular to maximize functionality in small spaces where the layout isn’t sufficient for a free-standing island. Keep them looking updated with fresh paint, stylish bar seating, and modern countertops.
What size should a kitchen peninsula be?

The size of a kitchen peninsula will vary, as it will be entirely dependent on the kitchen layout and square footage. That said, a typical peninsula will measure between 60 and 90 inches. The depth of the peninsula will also align with the depth of the rest of the kitchen's counters, usually around 25.5 inches.