Best IKEA Kitchen Islands: TORNVIKEN, VADHOLMA & FÖRHÖJA Compared
Not every kitchen needs a remodel. Sometimes you just need more room to chop vegetables, somewhere to keep your mixing bowls, or a spot to sit with your morning coffee.
A kitchen island can help with all three — if you choose the right one.
IKEA offers several options, but they aren't designed for the same job. TORNVIKEN combines counter space, storage, and seating. VADHOLMA brings a bold black-and-wood look. And FÖRHÖJA is a compact kitchen cart for spaces where a full-size island won't fit.
We compared three popular IKEA kitchen islands, including their sizes, materials, prices, and customer reviews, to help you find the right fit.
1. TORNVIKEN — Best for Extra Counter Space and Casual Seating
If you're looking for a kitchen island that does a little bit of everything, TORNVIKEN is a great place to start.
The larger version has an off-white base, an oak-veneered countertop, open shelves, and space for two stools. At just under 50 inches long, it provides a useful work surface without taking up as much room as a built-in island.
Why Homeowners Love It
TORNVIKEN has a 4.7-star average on IKEA's website, with hundreds of customer reviews.
Buyers often mention how much they use it beyond meal preparation. Some turn it into a coffee station, while others use it for quick meals or even as their main dining table in a small apartment.
The open shelves are another practical feature. There's room for mixing bowls, cookware, cookbooks, or baskets, and everything stays easy to reach.
What to Consider
The countertop looks like solid butcher block, but it has thick oak veneer over a particleboard core. IKEA pre-treats the surface with hard wax oil, and it can be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
That's not necessarily a drawback, but it's useful to know what you're buying.
What About the Smaller TORNVIKEN?
The compact version measures just over 28 inches wide and has a different layout.
Instead of the larger island's seating area, it includes a drawer and a storage compartment that can accommodate items such as a microwave. There's also space at the back for the power cord.
It's a practical alternative if you need more storage but don't have room for a larger island.
One important detail: IKEA requires the compact version to be securely anchored to prevent tipping. Check the installation instructions before ordering.
Large TORNVIKEN: 49⅝ × 30⅜ × 35⅜ inches — $449.99 Compact TORNVIKEN: 28⅜ × 20½ × 35⅜ inches — $359.99
2. VADHOLMA — Best for a Statement Kitchen Island
If TORNVIKEN feels a little too traditional, VADHOLMA offers a very different look.
Its black base and oak countertop create a striking contrast, especially in kitchens with white or light-colored cabinets.
The island includes open shelving for cookware and kitchen essentials, with room for stools on the opposite side.
But the feature that really sets VADHOLMA apart is its optional overhead rack.
Is the VADHOLMA Rack Worth Adding?
The black metal rack sits above the island and includes hooks for hanging pots, pans, or utensils.
It's an attractive option if you enjoy cooking and want frequently used cookware within reach.
The standard large VADHOLMA costs $699, while the version with the rack costs $799.
Whether the extra $100 makes sense depends on how you'll use it.
If you already struggle with visual clutter, having pots and pans hanging above your island could make the kitchen feel busier. The rack also brings the total height to 76 inches, so consider your ceiling height and the room's proportions.
What Homeowners Like — and What They Don't
Customer reviews frequently mention VADHOLMA's sturdy feel, attractive appearance, and generous work surface.
Some buyers say it has become a gathering spot in their kitchen. Others appreciate the extra room for preparing meals or rolling dough.
The price and countertop material receive more mixed feedback.
Like TORNVIKEN, VADHOLMA uses an oak-veneered countertop rather than solid butcher block. While many owners are happy with its durability, some report chips or surface damage.
IKEA also recommends periodic oil treatment to maintain the worktop.
VADHOLMA comes in a smaller 31⅛-inch-wide version if you prefer the design but don't have space for the larger model.
Large VADHOLMA: 49⅝ × 31⅛ × 35⅜ inches — $699 VADHOLMA with Rack: 49⅝ × 31⅛ × 76 inches overall — $799
3. FÖRHÖJA — Best for Small Kitchens and Flexible Storage
Not every kitchen has enough room for a full-size island.
Sometimes all you need is a narrow work surface that can hold a cutting board, a stand mixer, or a few ingredients while you're cooking.
That's where FÖRHÖJA comes in.
Technically, it's a kitchen cart rather than a traditional island. It measures about 39 inches long and less than 17 inches deep, making it easier to fit into a smaller space.
It also has wheels, two open shelves, and two drawers that can be pulled out from either side.
Why Homeowners Like It
With hundreds of positive reviews, FÖRHÖJA is popular among people who need extra storage without adding bulky furniture.
Buyers use it to organize cooking utensils, store small appliances, and create an additional food-preparation station.
The two-sided drawer access is especially handy. You can reach your utensils from either side instead of arranging the cart around a single drawer opening.
And unlike TORNVIKEN and VADHOLMA, FÖRHÖJA has a solid birch worktop.
What to Consider
The biggest limitation is the narrow surface.
At 16⅞ inches deep, it works well for smaller preparation tasks, but it won't replace a full kitchen counter. There's also no proper seating area, so don't expect to use it as a breakfast bar.
The wood needs some maintenance. IKEA recommends applying wood treatment oil annually or as needed and wiping up spills promptly.
Customer feedback on assembly is generally positive, although some buyers mention difficulty aligning the shelves or getting the drawers to slide smoothly.
FÖRHÖJA: 39⅜ × 16⅞ × 35⅜ inches — $179.99
TORNVIKEN vs. VADHOLMA vs. FÖRHÖJA: Which Should You Choose?
The best IKEA kitchen island isn't necessarily the biggest or most expensive. It depends on what your kitchen is missing.
What You Need | Our Pick |
Extra counter space and casual seating | TORNVIKEN |
A bold black-and-wood design | VADHOLMA |
Additional hanging storage | VADHOLMA with Rack |
A narrow work surface for a small kitchen | FÖRHÖJA |
A movable prep station | FÖRHÖJA |
Storage without a seating area | Compact TORNVIKEN |
Prices are based on IKEA USA listings checked in October 2026 and may change. Product availability varies by location.
Will an IKEA Kitchen Island Actually Fit Your Space?
Before buying, measure more than just the empty floor area.
You also need enough room to walk around the island, open cabinet doors, and use your appliances comfortably.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends these clearances for kitchen planning:
36 inches for a regular walkway.
42 inches for a work aisle used by one cook.
48 inches for a work aisle shared by two cooks.
44 inches behind seated diners where people need to walk past.
These are planning recommendations, not universal building-code requirements.
Remember to account for countertop overhangs and anything that extends beyond the cabinet frames.
Here's a simple trick before ordering:
Use painter's tape to mark the island's exact dimensions on your kitchen floor.
Walk around the outline. Open your dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven. If you're planning to add stools, pull out a chair to see how much room someone would need while seated.
If everyday movement feels awkward, the island is probably too big — no matter how good it looks in the IKEA showroom.
For more planning tips, check out our guide to common kitchen layout mistakes
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before Assembly
All three IKEA models require assembly, but they're not equally demanding.
The large TORNVIKEN comes in three packages, while VADHOLMA arrives in two substantial packages. Both have heavy countertops, so having a second person help with lifting and positioning is a good idea.
FÖRHÖJA is smaller, but its frame, drawers, shelves, and wheels still need to be assembled correctly.
Before getting started:
Check every package. Make sure all parts and hardware are included.
Inspect the countertop. Look for shipping damage before assembly.
Follow the instructions. Pay particular attention to any required anchoring or anti-tip hardware.
Plan the final location. Moving a large, fully assembled island can be difficult.
Taking a little extra time at the beginning can save you from having to disassemble something later.
Found Your IKEA Kitchen Island? We'll Assemble It.
Skip the complicated instructions and heavy lifting. Tools & Hands provides IKEA kitchen island and furniture assembly services across Chicago's Northwest Suburbs.
