From this article you will learn:
- What are the pros and cons of corner kitchen sinks?
- What materials are corner sinks made from?
- What parameters should you pay attention to when purchasing a corner sink?
- How to install a corner sink
- How to choose a quality kitchen sink
Typically, apartment buildings have a typical layout, in which corner sinks are not provided. However, many advanced owners have long known that standard options are far from the best solution. From a practical point of view, such sinks are not only more attractive in appearance, but also provide owners with the opportunity to more conveniently arrange appliances and furniture. In our article we will tell you everything you need to know about such sinks: what materials they are made from and what colors they come in, how to choose a high-quality product, and we will weigh all the pros and cons.
Corner sinks: pros and cons
So, what is a kitchen corner sink? In fact, this is an ordinary sink that is used for washing dishes and other needs. As a rule, a corner sink is placed in the kitchen. The workspace there is usually planned in such a way that the corner area can be used most optimally. The standard layout of the kitchen area is shaped like the letter “L”. This solution has its advantages that are worth noting:
- Allows you to use kitchen space more efficiently. The question of how to fill a corner is always relevant, since finding a set that fits the size is quite difficult. This is especially true for kitchens, since the main task is to place a large amount of furniture and appliances in a limited space. A corner sink takes up minimal space.
- Provides a more comfortable location. The high demand for corner kitchens is due precisely to the fact that they are convenient. You don't need to make any additional movements to reach the desired shelf. All parts of the working area are located at arm's length. Next to the sink you can install a countertop, a stove, or place a refrigerator.
- Extra space under the sink. As a rule, corner sinks, due to their shape, take up more space than standard sinks. However, you can find your advantages here. Most people designate the space underneath to store trash. In the modern world, the current trend is waste sorting, which allows us to improve the recycling process. In addition, you can install a drawer for utensils in a free corner.
- Suitable for any interior design. Despite the fact that sinks with unusual shapes are still new to many buyers, manufacturers have long known how to popularize such unusual solutions. They produce various models that are suitable for an apartment or house decorated in any style.
- Original and presentable appearance. You don't have to figure out how to fit a regular rectangular sink into a tight space, because there is a much smarter solution - buy a corner sink. It will look much more appropriate and will add more originality to your kitchen, becoming its “highlight”.
Of course, this layout has its drawbacks. It is worth considering whether this option will suit the overall concept of your kitchen. For example, very large sink sizes (the sink itself and the cabinet) are not suitable, since in this case it will be difficult to get to the corner to put things in order.
Also, a common problem is tight cabinet doors. There is enough space inside it, but its doors can make it difficult to access plumbing to fix breakdowns.
Using empty space
The sink can be built into this seemingly awkward niche that would otherwise go unused. If the size of the kitchen allows, you can install an additional sink. Or keep the corner sink for fun, and place the main sink in a more casual location—perhaps paired with an island.
Spacious design of a small area
What are corner sinks made of?
When choosing your ideal sink, it is important to pay attention not only to the design and price of the product, but also to the material from which it is made. Under the conditions of its use, and in the kitchen they are quite harsh, this directly affects how long it will serve you. There are different types of materials. Each of them has its own pros and cons:
- Stainless steel. This option is the most popular and obvious. Metal products are low cost and universal due to their simplicity of design. This sink will go well with any design solution. Also, it is not susceptible to metal corrosion, which is why it received the name “stainless steel”. The sinks are available in glossy and matte versions. You can easily install the product yourself, which is also a plus. The disadvantages include noise - you will hear the water pouring throughout the whole house.
- Ceramics. The sinks have a presentable appearance, neat and beautiful. It is important to note that there can be any color options, not just white. The biggest advantage, however, is not the design, but the durability - the sinks are resistant to water and household chemicals. The disadvantages include the large weight of the product, which makes delivery and installation difficult, as well as the tendency for cracks and chips to form as a result of impact.
- Natural and artificial stone. This option is suitable for those for whom the issue of saving money when purchasing is not important. The most expensive will, of course, be a sink made of natural stone. However, even artificial sinks can be quite expensive. Bowls made of natural granite are of the highest quality and will last as long as possible. They are distinguished by a stylish design and high durability: water, chemicals and high temperatures are not dangerous for them. They also muffle the sounds of running water. The disadvantages are their considerable weight, even more than that of ceramic products, as well as the price, which was mentioned above.
Dimensions and shapes of corner sinks
The triangle shape is far from the only possible option for corner sinks, as most people think. The cabinet for it should be triangular, and the shape of the bowl should be absolutely any. Surprisingly, the triangular shape is a rare option, since sharp corners in the work area cannot be used as efficiently as possible. Basically, there are three types of forms, although individual design solutions can be absolutely anything.
Round form.
This sink fits into any style, it always looks appropriate and will not contradict other elements of the interior. It has no corners and is compact. Experts recommend installing round sinks in apartment buildings where kitchens are quite small and cramped. Due to the absence of corners, the structure does not have places where it is difficult to get into, dirt does not accumulate, which affects hygiene. As a rule, such sinks are already sold as part of a kitchen set; this is also very convenient.
Square.
Classic shape for a sink. It is almost as versatile as a round one, but has an important difference - it accommodates larger angular objects than could be placed in a round sink. Such models do not have elongated sides, so they are also economical and allow you to use the workspace most efficiently. Such bowls also often have an additional wing where you can place dishes, but there are options without it.
Rectangle.
The most popular model at the moment, as they are easiest to place in a tight corner.
It is worth noting that sinks with two sinks are now very popular. Their owners say that this is convenient if you often have to wash a large number of dirty dishes, for example, you wash a grill, often clean fish, etc. On the other hand, many note that they regret purchasing such a model, since it does not have any special advantages, and it takes up much more space.
How to choose the right size sink is a separate question. First, you need to evaluate your kitchen, understand how much free space you have for installation. It is important to consider that you will also need to leave a margin of a few centimeters for installing the headset, so the design of the sink cannot occupy the entire corner. Even if you constantly have a large amount of dirty dishes, a sink that has small parameters in length and width, but with good depth, will be enough for you. If you have a dishwasher, you can choose a small bowl.
The length and width of the sink are parameters that are easy to decide on when choosing. The situation is different with depth. According to experts, the best solution would be a depth of 16 to 20 cm; in this case, splashes of water pouring from the tap will not fall over the edge of the sink.
You also need to take into account the location of the tap itself: if it is installed high, the depth will also be greater, in which case the splashes will fall further.
Lack of space for equipment
In a typical kitchen layout built-in kitchen appliances , in particular, a dishwasher, are located next to the sink - this makes it more convenient to load and remove dishes. With a corner sink, the machine next door will interfere with movement if the door is opened. A hood or nearby oven can also cause problems.
A touch of modernity with a stylish sink
How to install a corner sink
There are two ways to install a sink. It depends on the type of product - whether it has a mortise bowl or an overhead one.
It is easier to install overhead models: they have sides to support the structure above the hole in the headset. It can be easily disassembled and then reassembled again, since the bowl does not have an attachment to the headset - it is fixed to it only due to its own weight under the influence of gravity. Such sinks are usually equipped with special “wings” for dishes, which are located on the sides. Usually they are made of lightweight “stainless steel”, which will not put additional load on the structure.
More complex installation is required for mortise bowls; they are built into the countertop. This option is not only preferable, but also necessary if you want to install a heavy ceramic or even heavier stone sink. The insert can be designed in different ways, depending on your wishes - it can be made more raised or “recessed” into the tabletop. This option looks the most seamless and aesthetically pleasing, but in many cases it is very difficult or impossible to install it yourself.
Where to buy kitchen sinks
Having understood the classification, additional functions and selection criteria, you need to decide where to buy a kitchen sink. There is a small selection in regular hardware stores, but it is more profitable to go to specialized stores that offer a sufficient range of plumbing fixtures from different manufacturers. Get expert advice first to avoid mistakes.
When making your final decision, take into account criteria such as durability, practicality, strength and final cost. Durability and strength directly depend on correct installation. Installation should be done by professionals.
In a specialized plumbing store, you can also purchase related products that will simplify the use of the sink and make it more comfortable. These include siphons with automatic valves that regulate drainage, and food waste grinders that prevent clogging of the sewer system. Such little things are also important, so when choosing a sink, check whether it is compatible with additional equipment.
Color solutions for corner sinks
It's simple if you choose a stainless steel sink. Its color will probably be metallic gray. Here you can choose only the shade and type - glossy or matte. Usually a glossy surface is chosen, since it is easier to clean from dirt, but any scratch here is critical, unlike a matte surface, on which such damage is not visible.
A regular, “steel” colored bowl is appropriate in any kitchen design, despite all concerns. Gray color is achromatic and can be combined with other tones. The most suitable style for such a model is high-tech.
Stone products are also often available in gray and black colors, but they will shine differently, so the interior should be selected in accordance with this. If you purchase products made from natural materials (or even imitation), then it is understood that all home decoration will also use them.
Thus, the shades that are characteristic of stone products are also considered achromatic. They are often combined with brown wood trim and complemented with textiles in bright colors, creating an emphasized rustic coziness or classic chic.
Ceramic sinks are available in different colors, which will please those for whom it is important that even the kitchen sink matches the rest of the interior details. Basically, these colors of such models have a muted shade, not too bright. A sink made even in this version will not cause a feeling of foreignness. When choosing a color for your corner sink, you should choose the option that organically fits into the overall color background of the room, is the same color as the set, or echoes some other item.
Storage
A modified corner sink cabinet provides ample space to stash cleaning supplies and other essentials, as well as room for plumbing fixtures. Just keep in mind that these pros are worth considering; but if the surface of the cabinet is made of heavy material - granite or marble - it will not be easy to fit such a cabinet into a corner, and you will need help.
Kitchen sink by the window
