10 Kitchen Sink Design Ideas

The kitchen sink is so important to daily life that it’s found use in one of our favorite sayings: “Everything but the kitchen sink.” Yet this importance is often overlooked by homeowners actually designing a kitchen of their own.

Your kitchen sink is, in many ways, the centerpiece of your entire kitchen. It plays an integral role in the layout and workflow of your kitchen, and no culinary space can function without one.

Keep reading for some of our favorite kitchen sink ideas that will prove just how crucial this element is to the perfect home.

1. Choose Durable Ceramic Sinks

A ceramic kitchen sink is nowhere near as fragile as you might think. On the contrary, ceramic sinks are some of the most durable (even out-performing stainless steel). Another awesome quality of ceramic is just how easy it is to clean.

Modern kitchen with a white farmhouse ceramic sink, brass faucet, wooden countertop, and green tiled wall, vase with flowers on the counter — Source: @arimakitchens via Instagram

A double white kitchen ceramic sink with a black faucet, metal grid racks, and vegetables on the counter: tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper — Source: @papillonresources via Instagram

Rustic kitchen with a farmhouse ceramic sink, wooden counter, striped window shade, potted plant, and shelves with dishes and utensils — Source: @sisterhouses via Instagram

A farmhouse kitchen features a white ceramic sink, black faucet, potted plants, wooden blinds, and a rustic sign — Source: @whitehouseantiques via Instagram

Ceramic sinks offer a traditional aesthetic that feels right at home in any farmhouse- or rustic-style kitchen design.

For the greatest durability and heat-resistance, be sure to invest in a fireclay sink. Fireclay ceramic contains high levels of clay and other materials that give the final product a remarkably strong finish.

2. Optimize Space with Drainboard Sinks

Drainboards are sloped surfaces that hold freshly washed dishes and allow excess water to run back into the sink (rather than pooling on your countertop). A drainboard is not part of the kitchen sink itself but an accessory attached to one or both sides.

Modern kitchen with a white double sink, built-in drainboard, sleek chrome faucet, and green subway tile backsplash under a striped valance — Source: @charlotte_briscoe_interiors via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a stainless steel double sink and drainboard on a white countertop, with a decorated Christmas tree in the background — Source: @cleaningchloe via Instagram

A metal kitchen sink with a drying rack, pink vase with flowers, and jars on a windowsill overlooking a fenced yard and shed — Source: @home_byharriet via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a sleek black sink, built-in drainboard, high-arch spring faucet, and a potted orchid on the windowsill for a fresh touch — Source: @lifeatlusitania via Instagram

Rustic kitchen with a stainless steel sink and drainboard set in a wood countertop, pegboard storage, and open wooden shelves for decor — Source: @loftundliebe via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with a white sink and drainboard, wooden countertop, festive decor, and potted plants by the window for a warm holiday touch — Source: @our_little_home2020 via Instagram

Stand-alone dish-draining racks can be clunky and unattractive. Opting for a kitchen sink with a built-in drainboard is an excellent way to give your kitchen a more streamlined appearance.

Drainboards can be built into nearly any style of kitchen sink. You can find drainboard attachments made of stainless steel, ceramic, granite, and many other materials.

3. Explore Farmhouse Sink Styles

Farmhouse kitchen sinks rose to popularity a few years ago and have yet to lose momentum. The traditional farmhouse sink style is also known as an apron-front sink.

A cozy kitchen with white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, open shelves with plants and dishware, and a window with a rustic shade — Source: @_littlebitofgrace_ via Instagram

Rustic farmhouse kitchen with a white countertop, black vintage faucet, gingham curtains, and wooden silhouette wall art for a cozy charm — Source: @cedarbendtravels via Instagram

A farmhouse kitchen sink with brass fixtures under a large window, surrounded by plants and ceramic jars — Source: @devolkitchens via Instagram

Small kitchen with patterned tile backsplash, white farmhouse sink, gray cabinets, and a window with floral curtains — Source: @my_little_grey_farm via Instagram

Warm farmhouse kitchen with a copper apron sink, marble countertop, dark bronze faucet, and festive holiday decor adding a cozy touch — Source: @pamelacarlisledesign via Instagram

Kitchen sink with black faucet, white cabinets, light green backsplash, and festive garland with snowflakes around the window — Source: @pamelacarlisledesign via Instagram

A cozy kitchen with a farmhouse sink, wreath-adorned window, and tulips in vases, light cabinets and rustic decor accent the space — Source: @simpledecorwithamy via Instagram

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, farmhouse sink, bamboo shades, and fresh flowers; steel appliances and a textured rug enhance charm — Source: @simplybeautifulbyangela via Instagram

A bright kitchen corner with white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, greenery in a vase, and sheer curtains on two windows — Source: @suburbanmomdecor via Instagram

Today, this style of sink can be found alongside all different kitchen decor trends. For a clean aesthetic, go with a white ceramic farmhouse sink with a large basin. If you prefer an industrial look, opt for a sink made of stainless steel.

The humble apron sink is just as often a fixture in contemporary homes as it is rustic-inspired ones. Pairing your farmhouse sink with a sleek faucet and soap dispenser will ensure your kitchen is ready for the modern age.

4. Select the Perfect Sink Faucet

Do you want your kitchen sink faucet to stand out from the rest of the room? Or do you want it to blend into the background? The answer to this question is nearly as important as picking out a sink basin.

A sleek, modern kitchen sink with a polished, silver faucet and sprayer, white marble countertops, and a light tile backsplash — Source: @suburbanmomdecor via Instagram

Bright kitchen with a white sink, dual faucets, jars of herbs, and open shelving with dishes, set against large windows — Source: @jenmackintosh via Instagram

Charming farmhouse kitchen with a white apron sink, vintage black faucet, fall-themed decor, and plaid café curtains for a cozy touch — Source: @kozycolonialhome via Instagram

A modern kitchen sink with a tall, coiled faucet and a separate smaller faucet on a granite countertop near a window — Source: @littlehouseindixie via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with a cream double sink, matte black faucet, festive red accents, and gingham valance adding a charming country touch — Source: @miamagic72 via Instagram

Sunlit kitchen with green cabinets, brass faucet, white farmhouse sink, plants, books, and cutting boards by a window — Source: @storiesof_home via Instagram

Choosing the perfect sink faucet means accounting for your kitchen’s functional and aesthetic needs. Don’t let yourself get swept up in fancy features (or a one-of-a-kind faucet style) in lieu of what your household truly needs.

No matter what style of faucet you decide on, it’s important to match the finish to other elements within your kitchen. Look to your cabinet hardware or light fixtures for inspiration that will tie your kitchen sink to the rest of the design.

5. Incorporate Sinks into Kitchen Islands

The kitchen sink often ends up as a centerpiece that all other appliances revolve around. So — at least in terms of accessibility — it makes sense to include space for a sink in your kitchen island.

Modern kitchen with a sleek black undermount sink, high-arch chrome faucet, marble island, wood panel fridge, and professional gas range — Source: @aranellidesign via Instagram

Rustic farmhouse kitchen with a metal apron sink, corrugated island, vintage pendant lights, and wooden decor for a warm, country charm — Source: @brownies_forever_farmhouse via Instagram

Modern kitchen island with a deep undermount sink, sleek stainless steel faucet, terrazzo countertop, and stunning lake view through large windows — Source: @frankehomesolutions.malaysia via Instagram

Bright farmhouse kitchen with a large island, undermount sink, bronze faucet, white cabinetry, subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances — Source: @hardy_homestead via Instagram

Elegant kitchen with navy blue cabinets, gold accents, a sleek island sink, quartz countertops, and statement pendant lighting for a modern touch — Source: @indianakitchencompany via Instagram

Spacious kitchen with a large island sink, quartz countertops, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and industrial pendant lighting — Source: @internationalgraniteandstone via Instagram

Elegant kitchen with a quartz island sink, modern faucet, neutral cabinetry, and a statement crystal chandelier adding a luxurious touch — Source: @justkitchensinverness via Instagram

Modern farmhouse kitchen with a white apron sink, sleek high-arch faucet, soft blue island, glass pendant lighting, and marble backsplash — Source: @vdesign_kitchens_bedrooms_uk via Instagram

By placing your sink in your kitchen island, you’ll be putting much of your home’s day-to-day mess on display. Be sure to invest in a large sink basin that can accommodate plenty of dishes.

On the other hand, a kitchen island can be the ideal place to install a small prep sink. If you entertain often (or just love home cooking), you may soon wonder how you ever lived without this extra workspace!

6. Modernize with Contemporary Sinks

Yes, most contemporary kitchen sink ideas favor traditional designs. But there’s plenty of opportunities to incorporate modern elements in your own kitchen.

Black and white kitchen with a red-lit sink, granite countertop, and modern appliances — Source: @vdesign_kitchens_bedrooms_uk via Instagram

A modern kitchen sink with a stainless steel faucet, orchid plant, soap dispensers, and a towel, under a window with two ceiling lights — Source: @katelissova via Instagram

Minimalist kitchen with a sleek undermount sink, bold black faucet, marble countertop, and wooden cutting board for a modern touch — Source: @stylish.international.inc via Instagram

The faucet can make or break any modern kitchen sink design. Sleek, geometric shapes are the most popular. But installing a vintage-style faucet alongside an ultra-modern basin is also a winning choice.

Another way to introduce some modern intrigue to your kitchen sink is to select a basin made of a unique material. A granite composite sink is interesting no matter how you style it. The same is true for a colored stainless steel or soapstone sink.

7. Maximize with Single Sinks

Society as a whole puts a lot of stock in the idea that bigger is always better. And this belief impacts how we design our personal living spaces.

Modern kitchen corner with black hexagonal backsplash, white countertops, single black sink, shelves with glasses, and a potted plant — Source: @hhtiling via Instagram

Sunny single kitchen sink with blue cabinets, wooden countertop, plants on window ledge, and an outdoor view of a brick building — Source: @hhtiling via Instagram

A single kitchen sink with wooden countertops, sunflowers in a jug, a potted plant, and a drying rack beneath a window — Source: @kelly_prouton via Instagram

Small kitchen with a sink, wooden countertop, white cabinets, and a gray appliance, tile flooring and a "laundry" sign on the wall — Source: @kelly_prouton via Instagram

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel farmhouse sink, patterned floral curtains, and colorful flowers on the counter — Source: @lauraerinhome via Instagram

A farmhouse kitchen sink with a brass faucet, surrounded by potted plants, soap, and a towel, in front of a window with garden view — Source: @lottieshousebuild via Instagram

Kitchen sink with striped curtains and a gold wall lamp above, bright natural light from the window, wicker basket on the counter — Source: @ouroceanisleretreat via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with a stainless steel single sink, built-in drainboard, wooden countertops, open shelving, and potted plants for a fresh touch — Source: @robsonavenue via Instagram

You might be tempted to install an extra-wide double sink in your kitchen to maximize space for washing and prepping. However, plenty of kitchens benefit from a compact single sink instead.

Opting for a single-compartment sink means more room for accessories like a built-in cutting board or drainboard. Single sinks are also ideal for kitchenettes or for fitting into a tight kitchen corner.

8. Embrace the Elegance of Square Sinks

Contemporary kitchens tend to have larger, washbasin-style sinks compared to homes from just a few years ago. While rustic apron-front sinks fall into the category, you’ll also find plenty of self-rimmed and undermount sinks as well.

Bright kitchen with a large stainless steel square sink, high-arch spring faucet, marble countertops, and festive holiday decor by the window — Source: @amandas_daily_dish via Instagram

Kitchen with floral patterned Roman shade, white farmhouse sink, wooden countertop, and potted plants by the window — Source: @fibrenaturelle via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black sink, and large window where sunlight illuminates plants, a cutting board, and kitchen items — Source: @hideandseekstyle via Instagram

Charming cottage kitchen with a stainless steel sink, warm wood accents, glass-front cabinets, and blue-and-white decor for a classic touch — Source: @mygeraniumcottage via Instagram

Cozy vintage kitchen with a stainless steel square sink, black cabinets, white tile backsplash, and wooden countertops for a classic contrast — Source: @mygeraniumcottage via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, decorative plates, and a "Down Home Cookin'" sign above the window — Source: @vintageverovibes via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with a black double sink, brushed nickel faucet, dark lower cabinets, light upper cabinets, and warm lighting for a rustic feel — Source: @woodfullyrestored via Instagram

Many corner kitchen sink ideas feature square basins to maximize capacity without taking up too much countertop space.

A square kitchen sink fits many decor styles — the material you choose will have more impact than the actual shape. A stainless steel sink will produce a more industrial look. Meanwhile, a copper or porcelain sink will look very traditional.

9. Choose Versatile Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel is one of the most popular kitchen materials around. It looks super sleek. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain throughout your kitchen’s lifetime.

Modern kitchen with light grey cabinets, a double stainless steel sink, potted plants on the windowsill, and a large window with a grey blind — Source: @woodfullyrestored via Instagram

Modern kitchen with blue cabinets, a marble countertop, and a stainless steel sink featuring a tall faucet centered above the sink — Source: @designertexan via Instagram

Rustic kitchen with a stainless steel double sink, high-arch faucet, dark wood cabinets, stone backsplash, and farmhouse-style window decor — Source: @designertexan via Instagram

Charming farmhouse kitchen with a stainless steel double sink, wood countertops, white cabinets, and lush greenery for a cozy, inviting feel — Source: @designertexan via Instagram

Cozy farmhouse kitchen with a stainless steel double sink, high-arch spring faucet, black countertops, open shelving, and charming window decor — Source: @designertexan via Instagram

Bright farmhouse kitchen with a corner stainless steel sink, marble countertops, cozy window curtains, and fresh sunflowers adding a cheerful touch — Source: @turquoiseandtrine via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a stainless steel sink, built-in drainboard, sleek black high-arch faucet, and wood countertop for a stylish touch — Source: @victoriancheshireterrace via Instagram

Stainless steel sinks come in every style imaginable. If you want to maximize functionality, go for a double-bowl sink design. If you’re short on space, opt for a corner kitchen sink or one with a built-in drainboard.

Not all stainless steel sinks are built the same. Look for quality-of-life features like a soundproofed basin or heavy-gauge steel to ensure you get the most out of your new kitchen remodel.

10. Sleek Style with Undermount Sinks

Knowing which kitchen sink ideas are right for your home involves more than just choosing your favorite finish. Even opting for an undermount sink over a self-rimmed design can make a big difference.

Modern kitchen with a sleek undermount stainless steel sink, high-arch faucet, white subway tile backsplash, and a bold chevron-patterned valance — Source: @budgetblindsnj via Instagram

Bright farmhouse kitchen with an undermount stainless steel sink, black pull-down faucet, white subway tile backsplash, and a warm bamboo window shade — Source: @budgetblindsnj via Instagram

Bright farmhouse kitchen with an undermount sink, brushed nickel faucet, white subway tile backsplash, and granite countertops for a cozy touch — Source: @happinessandhomedecor via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with a deep undermount sink, high-arch faucet, dark cabinetry, mosaic tile backsplash, and hanging greenery for a warm, rustic feel — Source: @lorren_fletcher via Instagram

Modern kitchen with marble countertop, stainless steel undermount sink, stove, and microwave; a colorful floral painting decorates the backsplash — Source: @madebyyudelin via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a double undermount sink, high-arch faucet, marble countertops, grey subway tile backsplash, and a stylish houndstooth valance — Source: @mandiinteriors via Instagram

Elegant farmhouse kitchen with a double undermount sink, granite countertops, soft blue walls, a beaded chandelier, and charming window decor — Source: @shorelycozy via Instagram

Can you use a kitchen sink in the bathroom?

The main difference between a kitchen sink and a bathroom sink is the capacity. Kitchen sinks tend to be larger, with plumbing to match.

As long as you account for the difference in water capacity, nothing is stopping you from using a kitchen sink in your bathroom design (or vice-versa).

Some bathroom sinks might not be able to withstand the wear and tear of heavy dishes and sharp cutlery. Be sure to take your lifestyle and the sink material into account before installing a bathroom sink in the kitchen.

What is a 60/40 kitchen sink?

A 60/40 sink, also known as an offset sink, features two basins of different sizes. In this design, one side of the sink is slightly larger than the other rather than both basins being equal.

A 60/40 sink offers the benefits of a double sink without many of the potential annoyances. You can easily wash bulky pots and pans in the larger side while still separating dirty dishes from clean ones.