Relive History with an Old Fashioned Kitchen Sink
Step back in time whenever you walk into your kitchen. Old fashioned sinks evoke nostalgia for past eras with their vintage styling and materials that have stood the test of use over decades. From deep porcelain basins to drainboards of hammered copper, these sinks charm with retro flair while still meeting today's functionality needs.
Farmhouse, retro, and antique sinks summon earlier generations of cooks who gathered around a large basin to prep meals. Visualize housewives chatting over the daily tasks of washing fresh-picked greens or kneading bread dough. These sinks hint of the hardworking homemakers that came before us.
Delve Into the History
Enameled cast iron sinks first emerged in the early 1900s as plumbing advanced beyond laundry and slop sinks. Manufacturers like Standard Sanitary, Kohler, and Crane produced double bowl sinks coveted for their durability and style. These companies forged the path for other foundries specializing in artisanal metalwork.
Over the decades, popular materials expanded from heavy cast iron to include lighter stamped steel, solid copper, and glossy porcelain. Styles moved from bulky farmhouse sinks to streamlined wall-hung models taking cues from early 20th century design movements. Available colors grew from basic white to a rainbow of retro hues.
Most Sought-After Styles
Certain old fashioned sinks remain holy grails for period-perfect decor:
- Farmhouse - Extra deep and wide single basins suit large families
- Drainboard - Extended ledges simplify drying washed dishes
- Enamel-coated cast iron - Timeless style with heat-retaining density
- Copper apron front - Gorgeous hammered metalwork as art
- Double bowl custard porcelain - Cheerful vintage sinks in soft yellow
Available Materials
Traditional sinks tapped into materials able to withstand daily use plus some elbow grease for scrubbing. Popular options include:
- Cast iron - Nearly indestructible with good cleanup resistance
- Enameled steel - Budget-friendly lighter weight alternative
- Copper - Stunning warmth and patina over time
- Porcelain/fireclay - Glass-smooth surfaces shrug off stains
Common Size Options
Like today's sinks, old fashioned styles cater to all spaces. Standard widths span 32 to 48 inches to align with countertop layouts. Custom-cut sinks flex to your exact measures where needed. Oversize and petite scales suit everything from mansion to cottage.
Farmhouse giants run 20-inches plus deep for laundry days of yore. Compact corner styles save inches in modest kitchens. Go modern or authentically old school based on your dream decor.
Typical Finish Options
While stainless steel dominates today's sinks, yesteryear's models unveiled a range of colors and textures. Enamel coatings proved durable and easy to clean on cast iron and steel sinks firing things up with heat-fused glass.
Choose stately black, milky white, or retro pastels like seafoam green, sunshine yellow or robin's egg blue. Copper develops its own finish over years of use unless regularly polished to a brilliant gleam.
Functional Considerations
Beyond surface looks, old fashioned sinks served needs familiar today for washing dishes and produce, rinsing pans, and more. Evaluate options like:
- Drain positions - Centered, rear-set, or dual side drains
- Accessories - Matching soap trays, solid wood cutting boards
- Depth and bowl configurations - Single extra deep or double/triple bowls
- Pairing with period-style faucets - Gooseneck, bridge, or articulating designs
Sourcing an Antique Sink
For authenticity-seeking purists, few experiences compare to discovering treasures at architectural salvage yards, antique shops or even grandma's attic. Prepare for some scratches and repairs with vintage sinks vs modern reproductions.
If sourcing a genuine antique, carefully inspect condition and functionality. Check for signs of lead content - a serious concern requiring replacement for kitchen use due to health risks.
Buying Reproduction Sinks
Several companies now excel at recreating coveted styles from yesteryear using modern materials and methods. Many offer custom sizing so you can emulate that stately manor home basin scaled to your kitchen.
Benefits include design flexibility, less maintenance, and safety assurances from up-to-date certification standards. You retain the aesthetic charm without issues of lead or other hazardous content.
Add vintage appeal and multigenerational memories with an old fashioned sink anchoring your kitchen or bath. From salvaged antique to customized reproduction, bridges to the past revive spaces with timeless grace and utility. Which style will you choose?