#1. 5 people in 10’ is 2’ per person. Take a tape measure to a seated dining person. To be comfortable, the end people will have to sit around the corner.

When we remodeled our kitchen we had seating on three sides of the island - much more pleasant than all being lined up in a row like you're at a tavern. I would suggest considering an option with seating on at least two sides if possible.

A leg or end panel cuts down on seat space. Without them, be sure your contractor adds the right extra support for the overhang.

Island seating (with an overhang) that goes around more than one side is more conducive to conversation.

Seating is a personal choice. But backless stools for any length of time are not as comfortable as a seat with a back imo.

If the back of the seating is open to an adjacent seating area or table, swivel island seating is much better for gatherings > 4 people.

My island is 4’x10’3”. 4 island chairs easily fit along the long side. 5 is tight getting in and out or turning on a swivel chair. Easy to add one seat around each of the short sides when guests come.

It is important to have a good amount of room behind the island chairs. Especially if the chairs back up to an oven, refrigerator, cabinet/drawer or major traffic path.

Post your floor plan with measurements if you would like feedback.

The second or third picture are nicer but 2 ft per person is the bare minimum for seating. If you plan to have meals there then spread the seating out - 2 on the end and 3 on the side or depending on layout, seat opposite each other. I really dislike bar seating like that.

good luck

Imo, the straight island seating will be the dated design component of 2000s kitchens in the future. The first variant could be the straight side changed to an angle to allow conversation. Each side can be facetted for longer islands. Or curved. The two holdups are the need for more space into the great room this upgrade needs. And second, the custom cabinetry panels for finishing the area under the counter. This seating upgrade allows dinner table conversation. It doesn't give the comfort you get at dining table seating height where adults can have their feet on the floor to relax. To truly get that at a big one level island you'll need a 5-1/2-6" step down into the kitchen space.

An island with no sink or stove top always wins. I hear the great thought about seating arrangement but in the end it's the icky sink/cook top that ruins a seating space in an island. #1 is the only acceptable option unless you rethink and consider the above advise.

Thank you for all the great advice! These are just pics I got off the internet. My island won't have a sink or cooktop

The obsession with humongous islands eludes me, especially with seating for more than 2 or 3 in a line like you're at a diner. It's up there with huge walk-in closets and sectional sofas.

Do you really need an island that big?

^ agreed, our KD had us go with a modest peninsula with a seat at the end so DH and I can sit at the corner and easily converse - makes a big difference