I love tables in kitchens and would have put one in but I have a galley, so no go.

Islands are easier to fit because you do not need to allow for chairs and chair clearance. It also assumes most meal prep is done standing.

Islands without seating have storage underneath and can be used as mtn said, for standing prep. Depending on how you prep, they do not move or jiggle, and you can also have plumbing and electrical in it.

Table and chairs may be more multipurpose if you do seated prep, but they do not have storage capabilities or electric/plumbing.

I think either is fine, just different: they are not fully interchangeable.

I like the look of tables, but in some ways I find the island more practical. There is usually a differnce in height. As a work surface when you are preparing food, the table is a bit low--and hard on your back!

I have been noticing a trend towards more table-like islands. Sometimes with seating, sometimes without, but more table-like than a big heavy island with plumbing and full storage underneath. I quite like this trend as I find "table islands" airier and a relief from huge, heavy islands we see so much of. Depends on your space layout and the amount of storage you require I guess.

I have both an island and a table at the end of it. It works nicely for us and it is great for entertaining.

Kala, that's beautiful! If you ever had a couple over to play cards, (we do that here), being in the kitchen is perfect!

I live in a town full of old farm homes, and all the kitchens have table and chairs in them, along with a formal dining room. Some of the larger kitchens now have islands, but they still kept their table.

I just noticed your windows. Beautiful.

I like both. I also prefer an island for the workspace and storage - not used in place of a table. We have a nook at the end of our kitchen with a table and chairs also. Some islands will have space for an appliance also (dishwasher, shelf for microwave, etc.).

tina

We have a nook with a table and chairs. I don't care for islands and would probably never have one. I just find that a hunk of whatever in the middle of a room is an impediment to easy flow of people.
It is distracting, in the way, and I don;t see the attraction to them. However, I will never say to a poster who wants one that it is silly, that they are ugly etc etc. I do see the value in them for the proper sized and shaped kitchen if storage and counter space is an issue. I don't understand the need to push and shove one into a kitchen because it's the thing to have. Just not for me.
There is a floorplan over on kitchens and a couple of us suggested instead of trying to shove an island in, consider a G-shaped kitchen - well - we got our heads bitten off from someone who thinks G-shaped kitchens are basically stupid.(I'm paraphrasing)
Like I said, sometimes islands just don;t fit but I would never dissuade someone from wanting one if that is what they truly wanted. If I'm against them in a specific space then my argument will involve measurements and traffic flow, not my own personal opinion of them.
Off my soapbox now and so glad to get that off my chest and out in the open.

If the kitchen is large enough an big island can be a blessing. I prefer a peninsula. There's a newly finished kitchen on the KT that utilizes a gorgeous piece of furniture for the island.

I grew up in a house where the table was smack dab in the middle of the kitchen. The house we eventually moved to had the table at one end ... similar to your kitchen, Oakley.

Here's oldhouse1's new kitchen.

My first house had a nice-sized "U" shaped kitchen and I loved it. Everything was so conveniently located, and there was plenty of space on the other side of the peninsular for more workspace. I had a slide-in range on the peninsular, so hubby, kids, and friends could sit across from me to visit. If we actually built another house I'd want the same design, but with more bells and whistles. haha

I have a friend with a 100+ year old home. Her hubby is a contractor and just redid their kitchen. It is beautiful. They added an old kitchen table with a bench on each side to the middle of their kitchen and that is exactly what they use it for: to do prep work or sit and visit over breakfast. It is not a huge kitchen, but it works.