The best kitchen sink ideas for any refit in 2024

Kitchen sink ideas can become a statement-making focal point of any kitchen as long as it’s eye-catching and functional. From classic stainless steel skins to romantic gold sinks, finding a sink to enhance your kitchen’s design is easy.

If you want to know what kitchen sink ideas, designs, materials, colours, and layouts are trending right now, carry on reading.

Modern kitchen sink ideas

When looking for a new kitchen sink, consider how you use your kitchen (do you cook a lot?), the size of your kitchen, your kitchen’s aesthetic and your renovation budget.

With so many sink retailers claiming they have the best sinks for kitchens, making a choice can feel overwhelming.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite modern kitchen sinks to get you started.

1. Class up the joint with copper

Popular since the beginning of the 19th century, copper kitchen sinks are a timeless option. A copper sink makes it easy to keep your kitchen clean as they are naturally antimicrobial.

Some design ideas for copper kitchen basins include:

• Copper looks excellent in industrial-style kitchens, especially when you opt for a hammered finish
• Add warmth to dark blue or green kitchen colour schemes with a copper kitchen sink
• Mix your metals for a creative touch – try gold or brass for the drainboard, detailing and tap
• Black matte surrounding worktops are striking with a copper sink

2. Minimise with undermount kitchen sinks

Undermount kitchen basins are perfect for self-professed minimalists. Sitting just below the counter line, they help keep busy homes neat and clutter-free.

Undermount basins are also easy to clean because they’re clipped or caulked onto the counter space.

However, undermount sinks are only suitable for certain types of kitchen countertops. Always hire a professional kitchen fitter or plumber to install your new kitchen.

3. Composite sinks for kitchens

Another popular choice for sinks in kitchens is composite sinks. Composite sinks are formed by mixing materials like quartz or granite (pulverised minerals) with acrylic. This modern kitchen sink is versatile and available in various colours and finishes.

When deciding between composite and quartz or granite sinks, know the difference. Composite sinks aren’t made from a single piece of stone.

However, they are nearly as hardy as granite or quartz, durable and able to withstand scratches, stains, and heat. 

4. The best for contemporary kitchens is concrete

Industrial-looking kitchens need a contemporary concrete kitchen basin to match. Concrete sinks are popular because they are cast instead of moulded and available in various designs, colours and shapes.

When your plumber installs your concrete kitchen sink, they’ll need to seal it properly due to its porous nature. Once your sink is sealed, it will lead a long life.

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5. Choose black modern kitchen sinks

Creating an eye-catching statement piece in small and large kitchens is easy with a black sink. Black kitchen sink ideas also hide stains and imperfections.

A matte black kitchen basin complements oak worktops, marble, or quartz sink units for a country feel.

In contrast, choose a black kitchen sink basin and surrounding kitchen sink units for a seamless look.

6. Energise your spout faucet

A modern kitchen faucet is an easy and affordable option to modernise your kitchen sink without a complete refit.

Try a contemporary vibe with a sleek and minimalist spout faucet when choosing your fittings. 

Modern kitchen sink faucets come in various styles and finishes to complement any modern kitchen. Tall black stainless steel and copper faucets are widespread for sinks in kitchens.

Large and luxury kitchen sink ideas

Forget less is more; a large and luxurious sink is perfect for large or maximalist kitchens. Check out these elegant sinks in kitchens.

1. Double sinks – best sinks for kitchens

When the pots and dishes constantly pile up in your small sink, opt for a large double sink with a draining board or rinser bowl. For maximum convenience, go for a large drainer board, a main sink, and a rinser sink.

A large kitchen sink, like a double sink, is perfect for soaking large saucepans and oven trays while you cook or eat.

When choosing a double sink for your kitchen renovation, remember to factor in the dimensions of your cabinets. Always contact a professional plumber when installing a new sink to avoid leaky surprises.

2. Butler kitchen sink basin

If counter space is an issue, opt for a deep bowl like a butler sink. Butler sinks bring a period-inspired look, and their deep bowl makes them more practical than small kitchen sink basins.

Butler sinks are one of the most hygienic, as they are non-porous and made of fireclay. Because of its smooth glaze, a butler kitchen sink also won’t stain.

Pair your butler basin with vintage taps to reinforce that farmhouse-style design for a charming, lasting finish.

3. White farmhouse sinks for kitchens

Try a white farmhouse sink if your kitchen is calling for a kitchen sink that matches its light and airy vibe.

Use chrome, brass or gold hardware for your kitchen’s faucets and cabinets to give your kitchen an extra dose of charm.

Of, add a black vintage faucet for a striking contrast.

4. Stainless steel kitchen sink basins

Sometimes, the oldies are the goodies. Classic stainless steel is a practical and stylish choice for kitchen sinks and kitchen sink units.

Stainless steel sinks are also incredibly durable and hardwearing.

A crisp-cut, square design for minimalist kitchens can emphasise its clutter-free atmosphere.

5. Classic ceramics – cheap sink kitchen

Ceramic sinks are easy to install and replace – they also look great in rustic kitchens like cottages and farmhouses.

As a naturally hardwearing, durable, non-porous and water-resistant choice, ceramic kitchen sinks are one of the best sinks for large families.

6. Raised basin kitchen sinks UK

For something different, a raised sink basin is eye-catching and statement-making in any kitchen.

Classic raised natural stone basin sinks are essential for any kitchen focal point. Combine your rained stone basin with gold, vintage or modern black faucet for a multi-tonal look.

However, raised sinks for kitchens look impressive in any material. Why not contrast starkly with a white sink, matte black taps, or bold brass?

Corner kitchen sinks

Consider a corner kitchen sink if you have a small kitchen and want to use every inch of space. Corners sinks let you maximise your worktop space and are one of the best small kitchen sinks.

1. Stainless double basin corner sink

A stainless double sink’s classic design would suit most kitchens. Its budget-friendly, stylish and functional design makes it a popular choice for small kitchen sinks.

Having two basins and a drainboard in the back means you can wash dishes, rinse food, and dry your crockery and pans. Add a matching stainless steel faucet for cohesion.

2. Round it out

Opt for a simple oval or round sink that maximises space for contemporary kitchens with a minimalist vibe.

Round or oval sinks are handy for homeowners who primarily use a dishwasher or don’t often have many pots to wash. Make them corner kitchen sinks for extra countertop convenience.

Oval and round sinks are available in various styles and finishes to suit any kitchen interior decor.

3. Matte black kitchen corner sink

If your kitchen sink needs the wow factor, a matte black corner kitchen sink also looks good and saves worktop space.

Small kitchen sinks don’t need to be boring. Combine a black sink basin and unit with a striking brass or stainless steel faucet for a striking contrast.

4. Island kitchen sink

Adding a small undermount sink just below your kitchen island worktops is a clever way to maximise space in your kitchen.

Adding an island sink to your small kitchen if you can find the room is ingenious for families that cook lots – one person can rinse and prepare the food while the other washes the pots.

5. Be strategic with placement

Whichever corner kitchen sink you choose, try to place your sink at the end of the counter to use wasted space and create a crisp look.

Or, if your kitchen has two corner windows sitting parallel to each other, this is a great place to install your sink as a focal point. Plus, who doesn’t love a view when they’re washing pots?

6. Customised corner sinks

The easiest way to get the most out of your small kitchen is to customise your corner kitchen sink. Have your corner sink built to your worktop’s exact specifications to maximise your space.

Customising your sink also gives you more flexibility in size, style, design, materials and finish.

Even if you’re only replacing an old kitchen sink with a new one, it can be time-consuming, and things can go wrong.

When dealing with pipes or plumbing, contacting a reputable plumber with the expertise and tools to ensure all your pipes, drains, and faucets are working correctly is best. Similarly, always let your kitchen fitter know if you’re considering a corner kitchen sink so they can factor this into their worktop measurements.

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