The difference between a farmhouse sink and an apron sink is in the finer details. A much-loved feature that Chip and Joanna Gaines (creators behind Fixer Upper) brought into our homes in a stylish, timeless way. The classic farmhouse sink is nothing short of practical and, at the same time, elegant, making it the perfect addition to your kitchen.
The design continues to resemble that of what you’d find in a rural farmhouse, back in the day when indoor plumbing wasn’t a thing. The sinks needed to have enough space to hold water that was brought to the kitchen from a pump or well–a little bit of history for you.
If you’re going about remodelling your kitchen and going for a farmhouse look, an apron sink (also known as a farmhouse sink) is the ultimate feature. Whether you’re an avid chef or have a large family, the space of an apron sink can work wonders for when you need time between prepping, eating, and cleaning up. However, before spending big bucks on a sink, there are a couple of things to consider when choosing the one that’s right for you.
A white porcelain apron sink is the go-to when fitting out a farmhouse-inspired kitchen. They’re undeniably beautiful and go with just about anything you decide to do with your kitchen. That said, the design is important to consider regardless of how stunning they may be, they’re not ideal for everyone.
Porcelain sinks are likely to stain and will require a deep clean to keep glistering, looking the same way as you bought. Additionally, there’s a high chance of porcelain chipping when using heavy cookware such as cast iron pans. This can, of course, be avoided with products such as a protective sink mat. If you’re open to looking at different materials for your apron sink, it may be worth considering stainless steel or fireclay. Stainless steel apron sinks are incredibly durable and are the ideal companion to weather the storm of family dinners and weekend parties. As you’d expect with their industrial aesthetic.
Noting your preferred way of cooking will help you decide on what option to go for when considering a single or double basin. A single basin has no dividers making it more suitable for those who take the ‘one-task at a time’ approach to cooking and fit better within a confined space. A double basin, however, gives you the option to rinse your salad on one side while cleaning some dirty dishes on the other, when preparing a meal.
As much as they are practical, apron sinks are comfortable in their design. The strip of countertop that you’d usually find at the front of a kitchen sink is taken away, and the sink extends past the edge of the cabinet meaning you’ll no longer need to lean over to wash the dishes. That said, because they are much larger in size and depth than standard sinks, you’ll need to consider the space available in your kitchen and whether the countertop will need changing.
As a worktop specialist, Worktop Express have made sure to offer a stunning selection of sinks that will accompany any worktop that you’re looking for. It’s as important to scout out the right worktop when choosing a farmhouse sink, as it is the sink itself. They’ve already thought about this meaning you can choose a worktop at the same time of choosing your sink, and have it cut to size. Less stress, no problems.
More infoThey’re the UK’s leading worktop specialist, and we know why. They’ve thought of every detail of how we use our kitchens, and have designed their products to make sure we get the best use of them especially for when life gets busy. Whatever you look to purchase from Worktop Express, they offer a bespoke service to make sure it can all work inside your kitchen; no matter its size.
£200–£500
As one of the UK’s favourite interior stores, expect nothing less than stylish, traditional, and high quality from Neptune. As well as being able to fit out your entire home, they have a small but mighty range of sinks that come as either single or double basins. And, I’ll say it now once you’ve fallen in love with one of their products it’ll be hard not to go for the full range that they’re a part of: Chichester, Suffolk, Henley, or Limehouse.
More infoNeptune is a British interiors brand that suits any home that appreciate the traditional look, with a modern twist. Their range covers every room in the house, and they even have an interior design team should you be looking for a helping hand in getting your home renovation over the finish line.
£325–£500
Known mostly for craft product, Etsy has a number of sellers that offers hardware items for the kitchen–and let me tell you, you’ll rarely get pieces like this from anywhere else. Check out what’s on offer to find everything from concrete farmhouse sinks to vintage collectable sinks that will effortlessly make a statement inside your kitchen.
More infoAn online marketplace that’s home to independent makers, designers, and artisan boutiques that offer something extra special to any home looking for unique, statement pieces.
Varies
If ever you needed a one-stop shop to fit out your home, it’s Wayfair. As we’re on the topic of farmhouse sinks, their range is not one to gloss over. They’ve got everything from ceramic sinks to stainless steel, if you’re looking for a sink that’ll get you through those busy family dinners.
More infoHome to thousands of home interior products and brands to make decorating your home that little bit easier. Wayfair is a global online department stores that has everything you need to fit out your home with stylish pieces that have plenty of character. Their kitchen range comes with plenty of options for sinks that come in various sizes, materials, and at reasonable prices.
Varies
As you do your research you may come across a few different designs and styles of what you think looks like an apron sink, but its name suggests something different. Generally speaking, you’ll come across either Belfast sinks or Butler sinks, whose names date back to the late 17th century when ceramic sinks increased in popularity. Their designs were based on the regulations of the size of the sink you could install inside your home. Traditionally, the Butler sinks were shallower than Belfast sinks whereas today, the two are more or less the same.
Similarly, the apron sink has the same depth as a Belfast/Butler sink although they used a different type of clay that creates thinner walls, if you like, giving them a more elegant look. It’s the finished design on the front that will help you to distinguish an apron sink from other sinks.
Photo Credits: 1. deVOL 2. Rue Mag 3. deVOL 4. Nina Jizhar
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