The farmhouse kitchen sink is a focal point for the kitchen, but it’s more than just a pretty kitchen feature. The history of the farmhouse sink tells us a lot about its functionality.
This aesthetically pleasing kitchen sink has played an important role in easing kitchen cleaning and food preparation for people everywhere because of its excellent design!
Featured in Clayton’s Breakneck Builds Home
What Is a Farmhouse Sink
You may be wondering, what is a farmhouse sink and why should you buy one? Just as the kitchen has risen in popularity as an entertaining space, so has the use of farmhouse sinks due to their convenience and charm.
The 6432-13 Freedom model by Schult
Why Buy a Farmhouse Sink
Also known as an apron front sink, a farmhouse sink is much more accommodating than others due to the large basin and exposed front. The exposed front eliminates the countertop separation between sink and user, so you don’t have to lean forward to use the faucet or reach the bottom of the basin.
The Sierra Vista model by Clayton
Treating yourself to this comfortable alternative lessens the strain on your back and allows for easy access to your faucet.
History of the Farmhouse Sink
Farmhouse sinks today are extremely similar to their distant relatives from the late 17th and 19th centuries. The initial farmhouse sinks were Belfast and London sinks, named after the cities from where they came. According to nativetrails.net, the primary difference between the two precursor sinks is the way they each manage water overflow.
Smaller in all facets, London sinks were shallower and had no way for overflowing water to escape in order to help conserve water. Similar to sinks today, the Belfast sinks were much deeper, longer and contained a Weir overflow so excess water could drain.
Photo of Belfast sink by idealspec.co.uk
In the late 19th century, Belfast and London sinks transformed into French farmhouse sinks and were created with white clay. The design became more structured and foundationally sound throughout time until the 1920s.
Then the Monel sink, made of copper and nickel in a style very similar to the farmhouse sink, rose in popularity in the United States.
Today’s Farmhouse Sink
The Vicksburg model by Clayton
Today, farmhouse sinks come in all shapes, sizes and materials, which lets your customize your home to fit your style. That means that the term farmhouse sink has come to simply mean a sink with a large basin, whether there are two bowls or one.
Although we now have dishwashers, farmhouse sinks with two bowls can come in handy when cooking and cleaning for large groups, such as on Thanksgiving. One bowl can be used for washing the pots and pans, while the other for running water.
The CMB28703A model by Clayton
There are also farmhouse sinks with aprons and farmhouse sinks without aprons. Today, they are offered in a variety of styles, and popular materials include porcelain, stainless steel and copper.
Farmhouse sinks without aprons still have deep basins convenient for washing pots and pans after cooking for a large crowd, but they usually have a thin strip of countertop that separates the user from the sink itself.
The L Model model by Clayton
Gooseneck faucets have also become a common feature when you decide to choose a farmhouse sink. These long, curved faucet heads usually have an extender that allows you to remove the faucet head from its neck and wash dishes by easily adjusting the sprayer nozzle to the correct length.
The Freedom model by Norris
The kitchen has become a space for entertaining your family and friends, but it still requires the convenience and functionality necessary for cooking and cleaning.
While Clayton Built® homes offer different kitchen sink options, farmhouse sinks add a stylish, luxurious touch needed to get the job done!
Topics Decor and Design