The Return of the High-Back Farmhouse Sink
See why this charming and practical sink style is at home in the kitchen and beyond
I find it fascinating when a once-popular element of the home finds its way back onto the design scene in a fresh and relevant way. Such is the case with the high-back farmhouse sink. Found in houses as early as the 1900s, it has again become the sink of choice for many homeowners undertaking kitchen, bath, laundry and mudroom projects. And why not? Not only are these sinks extremely practical, they exude an appeal that’s hard to beat.
The reasons behind the resurgence of the high-back farmhouse sink are no doubt varied and numerous. But for starters, what other sink style offers such a big dose of charm, or puts a smile on the faces of those seeing it utilized perfectly in a home of today?
But it’s not just about charm. These sinks also rank high on the functionality scale. With their wide basins, they’re a smart choice for kitchens where the sink must work hard handling bushels of fresh produce, large bundles of flowers or stacks of dishes waiting to be washed.
A logical choice for a farmhouse or a home looking to evoke that spirit, the high-back farmhouse sink can also work well in an otherwise traditional kitchen design to introduce a touch of farmhouse style.
More ways to give your kitchen some farmhouse style
More ways to give your kitchen some farmhouse style
When the cottage style is in full swing, it’d be a shame to pass up the opportunity to bring in a high-back farmhouse sink. Can you imagine this kitchen with an undermount stainless steel number?
In this spacious kitchen, a trough version of the high-back farmhouse sink —nearly 48 inches long! — is a perfect complement to the retro range. Paired with two shades of mint green, these elements introduce a vintage flair to a home featuring midcentury lines.
In a compact kitchen, such as in this lakeside bungalow, a deep single-basin farmhouse sink makes up for the lack of space needed for a wider version.
While there are many manufacturers of the style, some homeowners are lucky enough to find vintage farmhouse sinks just waiting to be restored. Such was the case in this 1900s-era home, where this cast iron sink was found in the basement and has now been beautifully repurposed elsewhere in the home. Another functional feature of many high-back farmhouse sinks is the built-in drainboard adjacent to the basin.
The style simply begs to be included in a bathroom design too. Here it’s a fitting match alongside wood countertops, creamy white cabinetry, bronze hardware and planked walls.
American Standard produces an option made of durable vitreous china, which looks balanced in a smaller bathroom when set on a pair of custom legs rather than an enclosed cabinet.
The high-back farmhouse sink is also at home in more modern settings. When room is tight, a wide basin set with two faucets is a functional alternative to two separate sinks.
Another room that can benefit from the style is the laundry room. The deep basin of this version provides the capacity often sought in this setting.
A defining feature of the high-back farmhouse sink is the distinctive faucet often paired with it. A handy soap dish is often featured as well.
Which Faucet Goes With a Farmhouse Sink?
Which Faucet Goes With a Farmhouse Sink?
This laundry room in a Dutch Colonial home features the Country Kitchen Sink by American Classic, installed for its deep bowl and classic styling.
A similar design, the Gilford Apron Front Wall Mount Kitchen Sink by Kohler, also made of vitreous china, is a compact option that fits snugly into a corner of this laundry room.
And let’s not forget the mudroom, which can always benefit from a sink — even better if it’s an oversized high-back farmhouse sink! Dogs, kids, muddy clothes — one can imagine a lot of cleaning up and scrubbing going on in a sink like this.
Finally, in this application, the high-back farmhouse sink is installed without cabinetry to expose its underside and the plumbing, resulting in a chic, utilitarian look.
Tell us: Small or large, single or double, with or without a drainboard, will a high-back farmhouse sink find its way into one of your projects?
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Find farmhouse sinks in the Shop section
Tell us: Small or large, single or double, with or without a drainboard, will a high-back farmhouse sink find its way into one of your projects?
More
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink
Houzz TV: Kitchen Sinks With Mesmerizing Views
Find farmhouse sinks in the Shop section