Kitchen island design ideas with glass display cabinets

kitchen island with glass

Is an island a non-negotiable feature in your new kitchen? Let us show you why you should consider adding glass display cabinets to your design…

From seating, breakfast bars, appliances, to sinks and taps, there are so many ways to personalise a kitchen island. And if you opt for a bespoke design, there truly is no limitation in terms of what you can achieve. Think customised interiors, power plugs, and drinks storage.

Slim Shaker white cabinetry with fluted glass, built-in lighting, marbled surfaces, brass detailing and curved windows.
Valina range in Taupe by LochAnna Kitchens.

Speaking of storage, it is one of the main perks of having a central island in your kitchen, whether you choose open shelves, drawers, cabinets, or a mix of organisation space. But instead of the classic door front, how about opting for glass? “Integrating glass-front cabinets within a kitchen island is a beautiful way to balance functionality with design flair,” says Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen brand. “They help open up the space by allowing light to flow through, creating a sense of depth and brightness that solid cabinetry can sometimes block.”

Classic green cabinetry with open shelving, drawers, door fronts, and built-in appliances.
The Kavanagh collection in Avocado by Tom Howley.

Benefits of island glass displays

“Glass cupboards are also a wonderful opportunity to showcase your favourite items – from elegant glassware and ceramics to cookbooks or curated décor – adding personality and visual interest to the heart of your kitchen,” continues Tom.

Closeup at a kitchen island display cabinet with wood, glass fronts and brass handles.
Bespoke kitchen by Kitchens by Holloways. Interior design by Macfarlane Van Der Heul.

Beyond showcasing your favourite items and opening up your space, this feature is also perfect when hosting. “Integrating glass-fronted cabinetry within a kitchen island creates a natural and practical entertaining zone, ideal for homeowners to have easy access to glassware and wine when hosting,” says Natalie Fry, founder and creative director of Grid Thirteen.

Classic kitchen design with veiny work surfaces and an island with display cabinets with built-in lighting and wood interiors.
Handcrafted Darling Maeve cabinetry by Grid Thirteen. Photography: Andy Haslam.

Details

In terms of styles, this design feature suits a range of kitchens, such as classic, contemporary and country. However, a trend Alex Main, director at The Main Company, doesn’t see fading away is fluting. “Incorporating fluted glass as part of your island is an eye-catching element that catches the light beautifully,” he says.

Closeup at a wood display cabinet with fluted glass.
Kitchen by The Main Company.
A contemporary kitchen design with a central unit with storage and a hob, a dining area, and steel-framed glazing.
Kitchen design by Davonport.

“This glass-fronted cabinetry design approach allows our team to showcase contrasting glass textures and luxurious materials, such as mirrored, smoked and fluted glass options with luxury marbles and wood,” says Natalie.

To elevate the look and function of your kitchen island glass cabinet further, incorporate built-in lighting, too. “To finish the look, we often pair our bespoke cabinetry designs with integrated adjustable ambient lighting so homeowners can enhance the mood and atmosphere throughout different times of the day,” says Natalie.

A bright kitchen design with cream units, zellige tiles, wood flooring, and a green island with fluted display cabinet and seating.
Large Rocco lights in Sand, £180 each, from Artifact sit above a green kitchen island with a fluted display cabinet.
A dark kitchen with floor-to-ceiling handleless cabinetry with a wood island with fluted glass and marbled surfaces.
The island features reclaimed timber doors with fluted glass-fronted cabinetry. Project by The Vawdrey House. Photography: Malcolm Menzies.

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