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How to Pick Out the Perfect Kitchen Sink Size
It may surprise you, but there are many decisions to make when it comes to picking out a kitchen sink, including size. And in this case, bigger may not be better. Here’s what to consider.
Kitchen sinks come in a variety of sink sizes, materials, mounting options, and bowl depths. From extra wide sinks that are better for food prep and clean up to slim-line designs better for specialty or compact situations, there are many decisions to make when picking out a sink, all of which depend on your personal preferences and your particular kitchen setup.
If you’re feeling a little intimidated by all the variables, have no fear. Here are some tips to help you navigate your needs and pinpoint the ideal sink size for your kitchen.
Scale It to Your Kitchen
This suggestion may seem obvious, but go with a smaller-width sink in a compact kitchen. A large model would overwhelm the space. Find a modest size that still has a decent bowl depth so that it’s large enough to handle most kitchen chores, but doesn’t hog up valuable space. There’s a good chance that countertop and base cabinet storage space will be hard to come by, so by choosing a smaller sink, you’ll help enhance the kitchen’s overall functionality as well.
Use the Window Above as a Gauge
It’s common for homeowners to position their kitchen sink below a window, especially if the window has a pleasant view. But many seem to miss the obvious way these two elements work together. While your sink width doesn’t necessarily need to be exactly the same as the window, it should be in the ballpark. Pairing an extra-wide sink with a narrow window can look really strange, and the same goes for a narrow sink with an extra-wide window.
Turn Your Sink Into a Focal Point
There is no disguising an extra-wide sink, so if you choose one for your kitchen, it’s best to just embrace it and make it the focal point of the room. For an even bigger impact, choose a sink in an interesting material, such as copper, or try repurposing an unusual salvaged sink.
Let Your Budget Guide You
This is another tip that may seem obvious — until you’re face-to-face with an oversized, apron-front sink that is not only gorgeous, but would be perfect for your kitchen, only to find that it’s priced well outside the constraints of your budget.
Incorporating expensive, top-quality materials, appliances and fixtures into a kitchen may not make the best sense for every homeowner, so it’s a good idea to plan out where to spend money and where to save. Some prefer cutting corners on the sink so that they can splurge on other things, like the countertops or flooring. A standard 20-inch stainless steel undermount sink can be had for under $200, and generally functions well and looks good.
Base Sink Size on Your Needs
Are you an enthusiastic cook who would rather wash dishes by hand, instead of running a dishwasher? Then a good-sized sink with a divided bowl and a built-in drainboard makes a lot of sense for you. A wide sink lets more than one person work without interfering with one another. Plus, the integrated drainboard eases the whole process of air drying dishes. Keep in mind that a large sink will need an extra-wide sink cabinet and will occupy a big chunk of space, so this choice is best for a roomier kitchen.
If more than one person will be prepping and cleaning up after meals, consider putting in a pair of single-bowl sinks instead of one extra-wide sink. This setup lets two people work together in their own space and minimizes traffic jams.
For homes with lots of space and a generous budget, a three-sink configuration works well for a household with multiple cooks or one that entertains frequently. Incorporating separate sinks allows a few people to work in the kitchen at the same time. While none of the sinks have to be overly large, having one main sink that is bigger than the others is a good idea. That sink can take care of bigger chores, while the other two smaller sinks can handle smaller tasks. Just keep in mind that this setup can be pricey, with extra installation fees and duplicate plumbing fixtures.
Consider a Fun Accessory Sink
Long, narrow linear sinks are an eye-catching extra to include in a kitchen that already has a main sink. After all, it’d be quite a job trying to wash dishes in that tiny sink bowl. These tiny sinks don’t take up much countertop space, and are great when it comes to grabbing a quick glass of water or draining deserted drinks after a get-together. They can also be filled with ice and cold drinks for a handy and chic alternative to a bulky cooler.
