Corner Kitchen Sinks: Clever Space Savers for Compact Kitchens
If your small kitchen is lacking in counter space, a corner sink can be an ingenious solution. Unlike conventional rectangular sinks, corner sinks are designed to tuck neatly into any 90-degree corner, reclaiming valuable real estate that would otherwise sit unused.
In particular, choosing a corner sink with an integrated drainboard offers even more functionality by providing extra room for drying dishes and preparing food. Read on as we explore the unique benefits, styles, and installation methods for these triangular sinks.
Maximize Every Inch with Strategic Corner Sink Placement
The first appeal of a corner kitchen sink is its intelligent use of available space. By fitting seamlessly into the corner, it leaves more room for appliances and countertops along the surrounding walls. This allows small kitchens to feel more spacious despite their compact footprint.
The triangular design is the ideal shape to occupy unused corner space while providing ample washing capacity. Standard corner sink depths range from 10 to 12 inches--deep enough for washing large pots and pans.
Drainboards Increase Drying and Prep Area
Another advantage of corner sinks is that many models feature an integrated drainboard or side compartment. At first glance, the drainboard simply provides a convenient spot for drying hand-washed dishes or rinsing off fresh produce.
However, this built-in extension of the countertop can also serve as extra prep space when not in use. It's perfect for chopping vegetables, resting a colander, or staging small appliances like a microwave when counter space is limited.
Choices For Customizing Your Corner Sink
Today's corner sinks come in a variety of styles with customizable features to complement your existing decor. Choices include:
- Number of basins - single or double
- Types of installations - undermount or top-mount
- Drainboard positioning - left, right, or both sides
- Materials such as stainless steel, fireclay, or enameled cast iron
- Farmhouse, apron-front, or modern configurations
- A variety of fashionable matte or reflective finishes
Specialized Plumbing for Corner Sink Installations
Installing a sink in an unconventional corner location takes some maneuvering compared to drop-in installation in existing countertops. Proper measurements, cabinetry modifications, additional drainage, and an expert installation are best to integrate your corner sink successfully.
Requirements for Corner Sink Base Cabinets
The first consideration is choosing a compatible corner sink base. You'll need a cabinet with features like:
- Angled front face to align with sink
- Access panel for plumbing access
- False drawer front to allow for drainage
- Customizability to fit your exact sink dimensions
Manufacturers like Rev-A-Shelf and Hafele offer corner sink base options for most standard layouts.
Drainage and Plumbing Factors
Draining for a corner sink is more complex since drainage must route from an unconventional location into the main plumbing lines. This may require new drain lines and strategically placed piping behind walls or cabinets.
Consider consulting a professional plumber to ensure proper drainage slope and connections. They can also handle seamless installations of sprayers, soap dispensers, or purification filters while walls are open.
Ongoing Care for Corner Sinks
Maintaining your investment in a corner kitchen sink will keep it looking like new for years. Here are some top tips for care:
- Use non-abrasive cleaners and soft sponges to prevent scratching
- Remove drainboards to thoroughly clean and disinfect
- Use mold inhibitor spray on basin corners and crevices
- Avoid placing hot pans directly in the sink
- Dry wet surfaces with a towel to prevent mineral buildup
By keeping your corner sink clean and dry, you can prevent issues like mold growth and enjoy this space-saving gem for the long run.
If you have a small kitchen lacking spare square footage, then a corner sink can transform unused space into a centralized washing station. With choices like integrated drainboards and high-end finishes, they merge smart utilization with elegant style.
By creatively working around kitchen limitations, corner sinks reveal that sometimes it's the odd spaces that provide the most ingenious solutions.