Corner Sinks - A Clever Way To Open Up Kitchen Space
If you're working with a small, galley, or awkwardly shaped kitchen, maximizing every inch of space is a top priority. One ingenious solution to open up precious room in a cramped kitchen is integrating a corner sink into your design.
Corner sinks are an ideal problem-solver for tiny kitchens. By placing the sink diagonally into a corner, you can free up counter space along adjoining walls and create a more ergonomic and efficient workflow triangle. Read on to learn all about the benefits of installing a corner sink and how to incorporate one seamlessly into your kitchen remodel.
Benefits of Installing a Corner Sink in Your Kitchen
From opening up layout options to providing a unique, space-saving aesthetic, corner sinks offer several advantages for small kitchens.
More Usable Counter Space
Because a corner sink is tucked diagonally into a corner, it opens up precious counter space along adjoining walls that would otherwise be taken up by a sink and fixtures. This allows more room for meal prep and staging appliances.
With a corner sink, you can maximize every inch of counter area in your kitchen. This additional space makes a huge difference in a small or galley kitchen layout.
Allows an Efficient Kitchen Triangle
An important kitchen design principle is the kitchen triangle - the workflow between sink, stove, and refrigerator. Corner sinks allow you to form an ideal, ergonomic triangle in even the most awkward kitchens for a smooth cooking process.
This optimal workflow triangle is easier to accomplish with a corner sink opening up counter space along adjoining walls. No more jumbled work zones or traffic jams in a tight kitchen.
Opens Up Layout Options
Because a corner sink can tuck away out of the way into a corner, it opens up a variety of layout options. With more usable counter space, you can bring in additional appliances or a kitchen island.
You also have flexibility in positioning the stove, refrigerator, and other fixtures without awkward configurations caused by limited space. This allows you to customize the kitchen to suit your unique needs and preferences.
Provides a Unique, Space-Saving Aesthetic
In addition to the practical spatial benefits, corner sinks offer an aesthetically pleasing, space-saving look. The diagonal placement looks modern and feels custom-designed for smaller kitchens.
The sink itself becomes an accent piece, adding visual interest to your kitchen. If a farmhouse or apron-front style is chosen, the exposed front face can provide charming rustic character.
Great for Small, Galley, or Awkward Kitchens
If you're working with a tight kitchen, galley kitchen, or a room with an odd shape, a corner sink can help overcome these spatial obstacles. The angled placement works with the given architecture rather than fighting it.
By embracing the awkward corners often found in older homes, you can make the most of your unique kitchen footprint. A corner sink turns a quirky kitchen into a conversation piece.
Corner Sink Dimensions
When selecting your corner sink, an important first step is measuring the space carefully to ensure a proper fit. Corner sinks come in a range of sizes to suit different kitchen footprints.
Length and Width
Corner sinks are measured by length and width like a standard rectangular sink. Length indicates the longer side along the wall, while width is the shorter side coming out into the room.
Lengths range from compact 15-inch models to extra large 48-inch designs. Standard widths are typically around 18 to 22 inches, extending from the corner wall.
Undermount vs Topmount Installation
Corner sinks come in undermount or topmount configurations. Undermount sinks are installed below the counter and offer a seamless, sleek look.
Topmount sinks sit above the counter and are often paired with an apron front. This exposes the front facing for a vintage style.
Overhang Lip
Many corner sinks feature an overhang lip, which is a slightly protruding extended edge. This lip provides a bit of extra landing space around the basin of the sink for improved functionality.
Materials for Corner Kitchen Sinks
When choosing materials, most corner sinks are made from durable, affordable stainless steel. But there are other material options to suit different aesthetic tastes and budgets.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular material choice. It's long-lasting, easy to clean, and matches most kitchen styles from traditional to contemporary.
Brushed stainless has a soft, modern look. For a bolder industrial feel, a polished finish offers sleek reflections.
Porcelain
For a classic apron-front farmhouse sink, porcelain coated cast iron provides a timeless look. The glossy white finish pairs nicely with natural wood countertops.
Granite Composite
Granite composite sinks offer the look of real stone in a more affordable, lightweight, and durable version. The composite material resists scratches and stains.
Copper
Copper is a high-end material choice used in artisanal and luxury kitchens. The rich, warm glow of copper suits vintage or farmhouse designs. It patinas gracefully over time.
Popular Corner Sink Styles
When selecting a corner sink, you'll also want to consider the configuration of basins and aesthetic style.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse sinks feature a vintage apron-front design, with the front face of the sink exposed. This style exposes the sink basin providing a charming, rustic aesthetic.
Farmhouse sinks work well in both modern and traditional kitchens. The exposed apron can be single or double basin.
Single Bowl
As the name implies, single bowl sinks contain one main basin for washing dishes and preparing food. Having one large basin creates a streamlined look.
Single bowl configurations are versatile, affordable, and keep the lines clean. It's a simple, effective option for small spaces.
Double Bowl
Double bowl sinks divide the basin into two sections, allowing you to multitask on dishes, washing, and prep. The divided basins provide extra functionality.
The main drawback of double bowl sinks is they take up more counter space. But they add handy additional workspace.
How to Install a Corner Sink
While the installation process takes precision, a professional can tackle the job - just account for extra time and labor in your remodel budget.
Requires Custom Cabinetry
Because corner sinks don't fit into a standard cabinet base, custom cabinetry built specifically for your sink dimensions is required. This is one reason installation is more complex.
Either have your contractor build custom cabinets or purchase a corner sink base unit for a simpler process.
Precise Plumbing
The plumbing must be plotted meticulously to fit properly within the cabinet corner and align correctly with the sink bowl position. Getting the plumbing right takes expertise.
Professional Installation Recommended
To ensure proper cabinetry construction and wiring, it's best to have a professional carpenter and plumber install your corner sink.
Hiring pros who know how to work with unconventional sink footprints helps the project go smoothly and provides peace of mind.
Allow Extra Time
Because of the need for custom carpentry and plumbing considerations, plan for the corner sink installation to take more time than a typical sink.
Build in a buffer in your remodel timeline. The expert craftsmanship will be well worth the wait to enjoy your optimized kitchen.
Pairing a Corner Sink
To enhance functionality, most designers recommend pairing your corner sink with an additional sink. Here are two great options.
Prep Sink
Adding a secondary prep, bar, or auxiliary sink next to the main corner sink is very common. This provides more washing workspace.
The smaller second sink is used for tasks like washing produce and prevents bottlenecks at the primary sink.
Island Sink
If your kitchen layout allows for an island, putting an additional sink in the island couples nicely with a corner sink. This gives even more prep area.
An island sink also contributes to kitchen triangle efficiency. Just be sure to size your island to fit both a sink and counter space.
Cost of a Corner Kitchen Sink
Compared to a standard kitchen sink, corner sinks have a higher upfront cost. But the added efficiency and style can make the investment worthwhile.
More Expensive Than Standard Sink
Due to the specialized nature of corner sinks, expect to pay more than a basic sink. Costs range from around $300 up to over $1000 for higher end materials and sizes.
Custom Cabinetry Adds Cost
The need for custom-built cabinetry to fit the sink is a primary cost factor. This carpentry work isn't cheap. Prefabricated sink base units help lower the price.
Higher Installation Labor
You'll also want to account for the specialized plumbing and installation labor. But like a kitchen remodel, going pro ensures it’s done right.
Buying Considerations for Corner Sinks
To choose the ideal corner sink, keep these key considerations in mind:
Precisely Measure Your Space
Carefully measure the length and width of the corner area to find a sink that fits proportionally. Even small gaps or overhangs affect counter space.
Pick a Material Within Budget
Consider looks, durability, and price. Stainless steel works for most, but explore porcelain and composite options.
Choose Sink Configuration Needs
Decide between single, double, or specialized basin designs based on your kitchen workspace needs.
Account for Installation Factors
Plan for costs of custom carpentry, extended timeline, and pro installation. But the result is well worth it.
For homeowners struggling with limited space, a corner sink can be a clever problem-solver. Angling your sink maximizes your small kitchen's usable area in both form and function.
Corner sinks open up precious counter space, allow for triangle workflow, and provide visual appeal. While requiring careful planning, the corner sink is a smart upgrade for tiny kitchens.
With some custom carpentry and expert installation, you can gain a unique, spacious feel even in the most awkward corners. A kitchen remodel is the perfect time to carve out more room with a corner sink.