If you’re like most homeowners, you want your kitchen to be as spacious and functional as possible. But when you’re working with a petite, awkwardly laid out kitchen, it can be a challenge to maximize every inch. Cabinetry, appliances, and countertops all vie for precious real estate in a cramped cooking space. Often, the kitchen sink takes up a sizable chunk of counter area along the walls. Yet you likely spend hours at the sink washing dishes, preparing ingredients, and cleaning up spills. Is there a way to get back some of that lost counter space without sacrificing sink access?
Installing a corner sink just may be the clever solution you need for a small kitchen. Tucking your sink into the corner opens up counter room along the walls. It also improves natural lighting, traffic flow, and access. With styles ranging from modern to farmhouse, you can find the perfect corner sink to match your kitchen’s aesthetic. Read on to discover why a corner sink could be the perfect space-saving solution for smaller kitchens.
Maximize Precious Counter Space
One of the biggest perks of installing a corner sink is regaining valuable counter area. The layout of most kitchens places the sink and countertops along the perimeter walls. A standard rectangular sink can occupy a sizable portion of that counter length. By contrast, a corner sink utilizes the previously ignored space in the far corner of the room. This opens up new real estate along the adjoining walls for meal prep, appliances, and storage.
The extra space gained from a corner sink is a major bonus in a smaller kitchen. You can finally have room for that microwave or blender to sit out. There’s expanded space for chopping veggies, kneading dough, and organizing ingredients. The corner location keeps the sink readily accessible without monopolizing counter space.
Open Up Kitchen Workflow
The strategic placement of a corner sink can also improve how you circulate throughout the kitchen. Removing the sink from the middle of the wall opens up room for people to easily move around. Multiple family members or cooks can seamlessly work together in the kitchen.
Corner placement also allows you to arrange appliances, cabinetry, and counters more ergonomically. Pots, pans, and cooking utensils can be within closer reach of the sink. Yet the sink doesn’t disrupt the workflow triangle between the fridge, stove, and counters.
Hide Dirty Dishes
Having your sink prominently on display along the countertop also showcases any messy dishes, spills, or stains. A corner sink tucks away in a more discrete location. This keeps your dirty dinner dishes out of sight until you’re ready to tackle the cleanup.
Some homeowners opt for a sink base cabinet with closing doors to further conceal unsightly messes. Closing the doors makes the kitchen look cleaner for guests. It also prevents cooking splatters and debris from landing directly in the sink basin.
Allow More Lighting
Natural lighting is often abundant in corners where windows are frequently placed. Opening windows ushers in sunshine to illuminate your workspace. The ample light helps you spot grime and food particles left on dishes or surfaces. No more squinting to see if your plates are actually clean.
Proper illumination also makes the sink area more inviting. You’re more likely to keep up with cleaning when you have great lighting. And there’s nothing like sunshine streaming in to make even washing dishes feel less dreary.
Popular Styles of Corner Sinks
Corner sinks come in a wide array of styles to match any kitchen’s design aesthetic. You’re no longer limited to utilitarian, boxy sinks. Some popular options include:
Double Basin Design
Double bowl corner sinks provide more versatility for multitasking. The divided basins allow you to soak dirty dishes in one side while rinsing produce or cleaning in the other. The two bowls make it easy to keep clean and dirty items separate.
Stainless Steel
A stainless steel corner sink provides a modern, sleek look. The nonporous surface resists stains, doesn’t show water spots, and is easy to keep sparkling. Stainless steel is also extremely durable for years of heavy use.
Farmhouse and Vintage Styles
For a touch of charm, consider a farmhouse apron-front or fireclay corner sink. The vintage styling suits cottage or traditional kitchens. Cast iron is another durable and attractive old-fashioned sink material option.
Custom Built
Have your dream corner sink custom made to fit your kitchen perfectly. Provide the exact measurements of your corner space for an ideal fit. Select your preferred sink materials, basin configurations, faucets, and other features.
Smart Placement in the Kitchen
Installing a corner sink impacts your kitchen layout. Carefully think through the placement details to create a functional cooking space.
Impact on Cabinetry
The first consideration is the effect on your cabinetry design. Corner sinks limit space for wall cabinets in that area. But you can make up for lost storage with other cabinet solutions. Optimize base cabinetry configurations around the sink. Try including pull-out shelves, Lazy Susans, or deep drawers. An alternative is installing a floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet nearby.
Kitchen Work Triangle
Pay attention to how the sink location affects kitchen work triangles. You want the sink readily accessible from the stove, fridge, and countertops. Make sure you can easily transport hot dishes, ingredients, and cooked food between these key areas. Adjust appliance placement as needed to maintain efficient traffic patterns.
Plumbing and Electrical
Examine existing plumbing and electrical lines to see what adjustments may be required. Some homeowners choose to place the water line and drain pipe discretely under the sink cabinet rather than in the wall. Electrical outlets need to be conveniently located nearby for garbage disposals and other plugins.
Perfect Pairings for Your Corner Sink
Finish off your new corner sink installation by complementing it with the right countertops, backsplashes, and fixtures.
Countertop Material Ideas
The ideal countertop for a corner sink is durable and water-resistant. Granite, quartz, laminate, and solid surface materials are excellent options. Avoid porous countertops like natural stone or wood that could easily stain and damage. Cut countertops to fit snugly against the walls and sink. Finish edges attractively while preventing debris buildup in crevices.
Clever Backsplash Options
Protect walls from errant splashing and leaks with a backsplash. Opt for materials like ceramic tile, metal, or glass that wipe clean easily. Consider a backsplash that coordinates with the sink finish for a cohesive look. Take the backsplash up the wall several inches above the countertop edge.
Faucet and Drain Considerations
Look for a faucet made specifically to straddle a corner sink basin. An articulating faucet arm allows you to position water flow where needed. Undermount the drain to keep the sink surface flat and easy to wipe down. Locate the garbage disposal switch conveniently within reach.
While once an afterthought, the humble kitchen corner is now prime real estate for smart homeowners. Tucking a corner sink into this overlooked space comes with a host of benefits for cramped kitchens. Corner installation opens up valuable counter room, improves lighting and traffic flow, and hides messy cleanup. With custom sizing and trendy styles available, it’s easy to design your perfect corner sink. Take advantage of this secret weapon that can help maximize every inch of a small, awkwardly shaped kitchen.
