What Is a Farmhouse Kitchen Sink?

The farmhouse kitchen sink was commonly found in Ireland and Britain in the late 17th century. The spacious design was practical when there was no running water and the farmhouse sink would supply water for every purpose throughout the day. Fast forward, and you’ll find farmhouse sinks making a resurgence in traditional decor and a focal point in contemporary designs. The farmhouse sink, now available in a variety of finishes and colors, adapts beautifully to traditional or modern contemporary decor.

The farmhouse kitchen sink is also known by other names, such as apron front sink or butler sink. The apron front extends past the edge of the cabinet allowing overflowing water to spill onto the floor rather than the cabinets. It is also called a Belfast sink referring to farmhouse sinks in 17th Century Ireland which featured a deep basin.

The London sink was shallower and had no overflow drain because water was scarce, and every drop was used. The recent design of the farmhouse sink focuses on ease of use by allowing the user to stand in front of the sink without a counter in between. This was an important feature of the early design. The woman of the house prepared meals and also washed clothes or babies at the sink.

Modern designs still feature deep, spacious basins that can accommodate large cooking vessels. The Dutch oven, for example, is a perfect pairing with a wall-mounted swing-arm faucet for filling pots. Just like the original design, the apron front extends over the front of the cabinets and just below the countertops. It makes clean up and countertop draining much easier and more efficient. The farmhouse kitchen sink is most often found in a matte white or stainless still finish and is available in single or double bowl designs. The front apron can be plain and rounded outwards, or feature a casement with an arch over the top and sides, or a fluted front similar to a Greek column for added visual appeal.

If you’re interested in learning more about farmhouse kitchen sinks, you’ll find a wide variety of styles at Kingston Brass.