Shallow Kitchen Sinks

A sink is arguably the most used fixture in any kitchen and shallow kitchen sinks do double duty.

For several years now, we’ve seen kitchens sinks get larger and deeper, notably with apron fronts. Owners talk about loving their deep basins which are great for cleaning big pieces of cookware and — with sliding cutting boards and colanders – handy for keeping unwashed items conveniently out of sight.  But I’m always intrigued by differences which is why I’ve been looking at a trio of shallow kitchen sinks with an eye towards understanding the differences in their function.

An elegant French kitchen in the Vaucluse [top] has one of the shallowest and most unique stone sinks I’ve ever seen. At 2-inches deep, it’s built right into the top of the island opposite the range. It’s actually so shallow, I didn’t notice it immediately. A large pot cannot be washed comfortably so I’m betting there’s a large mop-up sink out of sight. (The faucet, mounted on one side, is relatively low and there’s a separate pull-out sprayer which looks like an older style without a very long hose.) But as I studied the photo it began to make sense: it’s a prep sink that can double as a counter even though it slopes slightly to drain. It would be perfect for a gardener who rinses down a large quantity of produce all at once. It’s equally efficient as a prep area for fish, poultry or meat. Instead of wiping off the counter or a cutting board, a mess can be rinsed it away with the sprayer. In its own way, this is a genius prep sink. Filled halfway with hot water it could handle flatware for 24. But even the small Marble Bar Sink in the Poliform showroom looks deeper.

Shallow stone apron sinks are often vintage marble and carved from a single block. This dark Dutch beauty, in the home of artist Monique Meij, reminds me of a vintage English “crumbsweeper” fireclay apron sink and sits equally forward in the cabinet.  Judging from the look of this dramatic kitchen, the choice of the sink was based largely on aesthetics. No harm there. The imperfections lend great character and it would be interesting to know its origin and if there’s a story attached. A sink this shallow is fine for daily washing up tasks and pulling it forward make it comfortable to use, while showing off the beauty of the rim.

A similar stone sink in a Boho style Paris apartment looks like ancient white marble. Added to a fitted kitchen belonging to the Cohen family, who own the Bonton children’s clothing boutique, the sink was made to fit flush with the surrounding countertop. Typically, a single pillar tap faucet would have been the previous occupant of the space on the deck where the hand sprayer now sits — a modern concession to practicality.  The wall-mounted faucet is that 50s retro style some of us remember from Grandma’s house. Big love.

(Source: pinterest, voorhaven7, pinterest)

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