You may be wondering: 'What is a waterfall kitchen island?' if you've seen the phrase bandied about, but don't fully understand what it means.
We've asked interior designers to explain exactly what waterfall kitchen islands are, the benefits, and how you can bring one into your own place. Even renters can turn their islands into wonderful, flowing design centerpieces.
If you're partial to beautiful kitchen island ideas that ooze luxe and style, you're going to fall for this style technique.
What is a waterfall kitchen island? Your questions answered
Both small kitchen islands and larger ones look so stylish with the addition of this design feature, showcasing continuous material across the island countertop and down the side.
We've curated useful buys throughout and included a Get The Look section at the end, in case you want to start creating your own waterfall kitchen island.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
What is a waterfall kitchen island?
There are some key differences between a waterfall kitchen island, a design feature of the countertop, and a regular one.
“A waterfall kitchen island turns down at the sides of the cabinetry and flows, like a waterfall, all the way down to finish at the floor,” explains Amanda Wyatt, interior designer and founder of Design Insider.
“By contrast, a traditional kitchen island will have a countertop that runs to the perimeter of the cabinet beneath, with a finished edge,” she adds.
If you're looking for a waterfall kitchen island, the Ebern Designs Roselinde Kitchen Island from Wayfair is a spacious example.
Why choose a waterfall kitchen island?
For those looking for modern kitchen island ideas, choosing a waterfall kitchen island may be the way to go.
Amanda explains, “This design aspect is still very much in style in contemporary kitchens. A waterfall countertop is sophisticated, seamless, and easy to clean. It also conceals any kitchen island storage you may have stashed underneath it.”
As well as this, it can connect all the different elements in your kitchen, which can make a small kitchen appear bigger.
“By extending the countertop material down the sides of the island, a waterfall design enhances the sense of continuity and unity in the kitchen space,” adds Nina Lichtenstein, principal designer and founder of Nina’s Home Design.
How to style a waterfall kitchen island
We’re swooning over kitchen waterfall edges, and if you are too, they are easy to replicate to add to your home.
“I like the idea of going for a full waterfall design. This is where countertop material extends down both sides of the island, covering the entire vertical surface,” Nina says. If this is too much for you, a partial waterfall cascading down one or two sides of the island will offer a more understated, yet impactful look.”
The choice of material is also a key part of this design. Most waterfall kitchen islands go for marble kitchen island ideas, which are always winners.
Amanda adds, “Waterfall countertops are a great place to showcase beautiful marble vein patterning on an uninterrupted stretch of slab.”
For bonus points, Amanda suggests buying another slab from the same lot, (the MSI Carrara Marble Tile from Wayfair is a versatile choice) to create a coordinating kitchen backsplash and some open shelving.
Waterfall kitchen island buys
Whether you're looking for a new kitchen island with a waterfall effect, or want to decorate your existing one, these buys will help you do just that.
Size (in.): W3.86 x L7.80
Made from: Resin
Price: $26.99 for 23
For those looking for a simple yet effective way to create a waterfall kitchen island, these peel-and-stick tiles will work wonderfully. Place them on your countertop and continue down the sides of your island for a seamless finish.
Size (in.): W29.75 x L55
Made from: Wood
Price: $460.99
We think this would brilliantly for anyone looking for narrow kitchen island ideas. It can be placed down and moved again if you decide to revamp your kitchen or move out any point. Oh, and it has so much storage space, with large drawers and cabinets.
Size (in.): W3 x L12
Made from: Ceramic
Price: $11.19 per sq. ft.
If plain white is a little too boring for you, why not go for a dramatic statement on your waterfall kitchen island with these Art Deco-esque tiles? The emerald green is calling our name, but the orange brick, beige, and navy blue are gorgeous too.
Whether you prefer a full or partial waterfall design, this kitchen island design technique can transform your kitchen into a stylish gathering spot.
“Investigate different countertop materials, colors, and finishes to create a waterfall island that reflects your personal style,” Nina finishes by saying.
Now you know what a waterfall kitchen island is, you can continue finding more ways to make this area look great. We love using kitchen island style ideas to add refined finishing touches.