The modern furniture industry offers customers a large selection of kitchen furniture and accessories. Our compatriots of the older generation have not yet forgotten what problems owners of small apartments in Khrushchev-era buildings faced.
The size of the kitchens in them started from seven square meters; it was even theoretically impossible to place a table in it for eating with the whole family. It was impossible to even dream of a separate dining room; therefore, we had to take turns to dine. And the sink was only a corner one; only this option allowed the owners to have at least some achievements of civilization.
Corner kitchen sink
Today the situation has changed dramatically, but corner sinks are still very popular. What is this connected with?
Double corner sink made of stainless steel
Choosing a corner sink for the kitchen
A corner kitchen allows you to install a refrigerator, sink, stove according to the “triangle rule”, and do it in such a way that all these items do not interfere with each other. The sink is located in the corner kitchen at the top of the supposed triangle, the stove and refrigerator are placed slightly lower relative to it.
You can use a variety of materials - it’s easier to proceed from the finances you have. Consider also the style chosen for the room.
Of course, not everything is so smooth; there are pitfalls here. Corner sink in the kitchen is convenient - is it or not?
Installation
Let's consider the most popular type of corner sink mounting - mortise. This is one of the simplest options where even a beginner can do it with his own hands. A short instruction on how to properly install a sink into a corner countertop.
- We mark the place where the sink will be located. It is advisable to have a drawing, as in the photo above.
- Using a jigsaw, cut a hole in the tabletop.
- We glue the seal along the edge of the hole.
- Place the sink in the hole and secure it.
- Lubricate the seam with sealant and remove excess.
After this, you need to connect the sink to the water supply. This is done using a plastic corrugated hose and a siphon. The last element is necessary to prevent food debris from clogging the hose.
Advantages and disadvantages
A corner sink in the kitchen has a lot of advantages, but there are also a lot of disadvantages.
Advantages.
- The photo of the corner sink in the kitchen clearly shows that there is enough space left on both sides of it.
- As mentioned above: you can create a perfect triangle of workspace, which allows you to comfortably move between key points while cooking.
- A corner cabinet for a sink in the kitchen allows you to get additional free space below, where you can store household chemicals, install a water filter, even install a small water heater, build in a waste shredder, and so on. With the correct organization of the space that appears, which is provided by a corner cabinet for a kitchen sink or a pencil case, it is easy to place a lot there, unloading the room as a whole.
- It is quite convenient to use, plus a wide selection of models. You can install a corner sink in a stainless steel kitchen or opt for a corner sink made of artificial stone. She looks very aesthetically pleasing and elegant.
There is a lot of space left on both sides
. Disadvantages.
- It is not very convenient to approach the sink if someone is near it.
- The size of the corner cabinet under the sink in the kitchen complicates access to water supply and sewerage pipes, since the door is smaller than the cabinet itself behind it.
- Any corner sections will always cost more than straight sections.
- The corner itself, located behind the sink, often remains the so-called “dead zone”, so you need to carefully think through the entire arrangement.
Dead zone behind the sink
Number of bowls
The number of bowls can be from the usual one to three or four. It all depends on what the owner herself wants, how much space she plans to take up. From here it is already necessary to decide which corner cabinet for the kitchen sink to buy.
One bowl is a common option for small kitchens and does not take up much space.
Two or more bowls will allow you to cook in the kitchen with greater convenience. You can simultaneously defrost meat, wash vegetables, herbs, and leave dishes. Bowls of different sizes are equipped with a chopper, water filter and other accessories. But for a small room this option is not suitable.
For a large kitchen it is possible to install a sink with even five bowls. Although the price for such models is much higher, they are rare - more often they are made to order.
Shape of corner sinks
Many designers and architects are sure that a real corner sink is only trapezoidal, but in reality there is no strict connection.
- An oval or round corner kitchen sink with a cabinet looks beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, and has a claim to originality. There are no corners where excess water accumulates and dirt settles - keeping it clean is much easier. It doesn’t take up much space, but it can’t be very big. The size of a corner sink for a kitchen of this type should be chosen according to the dimensions of the largest pan in the house - it fits freely, so we take it. Otherwise, washing dishes every day will become a real quest, which will be very difficult to complete.
- Square or rectangular are classic types. They take up significantly more space than previous options, but they also have a larger bowl. It is better to choose an option with rounded corners - then it will be easier to keep them clean. Strictly right corners are very difficult to clean every day.
- Trapezium - in this case, the potential of the corner sink is fully revealed. It is this that allows you to choose models with several bowls. They can have a round shape, with smoothed corners, square, or, more rarely, triangular.
Proper care is the key to longevity
Rules for caring for sinks vary depending on the material of manufacture, but there are several general provisions that, if followed, will extend the life of the sink:
- Do not use hard or metal brushes. Scratches caused by improper care become darker due to grease and dirt that gets on them. It is very difficult to get rid of such scratches.
- Protect the sink from abrasive detergents. They can also damage the surface of the product.
- Do not use chlorine-containing substances. This also applies to bleaches. Their use will lead to dulling of the glossy surface, and sometimes the formation of stains, which are almost impossible to get rid of.
- Do not pour dyes or solvents into the drain hole. In addition to stains on the bowl itself, they can damage the drain system pipeline. The least that can happen is replacing the siphon.
- Do not leave metal items that are already corroded on the surface of the sink. Exposure to water will increase the development of rust, stains from which will certainly appear on the sink. And you can only get rid of them by resorting to aggressive cleaning.
The use of harsh products is not recommended for cleaning any sinks.
Please note that the best way to care for any item is preventative cleaning. Your sink will remain sparkling clean for many years if you take care of it daily. Don't let hard water dry out, fix any leaks in a timely manner, use only gentle chemical cleaners, and your sink will reward you with a long and effective service life.
How to choose a kitchen sink: video
Corner kitchen sink: photo
Material
Many properties of sinks directly depend on the material from which they are made.
Stainless steel
The price of a stainless steel corner sink is low. At the same time, its advantages are obvious: they are not afraid of temperature changes, even boiling water; it is quite difficult to scratch or damage them in any way. Durable, reliable. Interestingly, modern stainless steel sinks can be found matte, glossy, or painted.
Many people don’t like that they are noisy - falling water directly rings on the surface, but this drawback can be easily eliminated if you put a special rubber mat on the bottom. You can also choose a model not made of thin tin, but of thicker metal.
To ensure that the sink retains its original appearance longer, it is better to choose a matte one.
Fake diamond
To order a corner kitchen sink, it is better to take it from artificial stone. They are made from acrylic stone or quartz agglomerate. The principle of their manufacture is quite simple: a mineral base, resins as a binding component, dyes. Externally, it is indistinguishable from natural stone. Acrylic ones can be simply colored, have a wood pattern, and so on. They are durable, silent, very durable. However, they cost an order of magnitude higher than stainless steel ones.
There is a decent amount of weight to take into account. It is best to order a countertop made of the same artificial stone for it. Regarding hot water: acrylic sinks are more susceptible to high temperatures, while quartz sinks are practically not afraid of it.
Ceramics
Ceramic sinks are, in principle, very durable, resistant to damage and high temperatures, they are very difficult to scratch, and they are beautiful in appearance.
Quiet noise is a plus, but if you drop a heavy cast iron skillet, the sink may crack. In this case, the entire product will have to be replaced; the ceramic sink will not be subject to repair. Their price is higher than that of acrylic ones.
Enameled
The most rare ones now are enamel sinks. They are suitable for retro style and people who appreciate excellent performance properties. The bowl is made of thick-walled cast iron, or less often steel; the top is covered with several layers of enamel, which performs a protective function.
They are distinguished by their high practicality: reliable, durable, and are not afraid of high temperatures or falling pans. With modern household chemicals, keeping an enamel-coated sink clean is easy. The only thing you should not use to clean them are products that contain acids, or use metal sponges.
Wooden
Recently, we have seen something as exotic as a wooden sink. It looks very beautiful, original, and adds coziness. When the tap is open, the noise is minimal, the material (if properly processed) is very durable, all scratches can be easily removed. But they are very demanding of care, and every day.
Temperature changes, detergents, and everything else have a very bad effect on them. Like any tree, such a sink will sooner or later begin to dry out and become moldy. It is best to install them if you spend little time in the kitchen, cooking is rare, and the appearance of the kitchen is more important.
A natural stone
And the last option is natural stone. Its price is high, but it is a very beautiful, durable material. Granite is not afraid of temperature changes, drop whatever you want on it, high humidity and constant contact with water are not afraid of it.
If you choose marble, it is more delicate, will change color over time due to food coloring (for example, beets), has high porosity, and is possible to split. At the same time, another disadvantage is the heavy weight, which complicates the installation process.
How does it look in the interior?
The corner location is suitable for any style: from delicate Provence or strict classics to modern minimalism. To prevent plumbing fixtures from attracting unnecessary attention, look for models that match the color of the countertop - this option is considered optimal.
The photo shows a double sink with a wing
The mixer deserves special attention. The taps are placed in such a way that all family members can reach them. The color and style of the faucet depends on the style and color scheme of the interior - for classics there is bronze with wings, for high-tech there is shiny chrome with a rotary handle. There are not only metallic shades: matte black is acceptable in loft, and snow-white in scandi.
The photo shows a design option for a small kitchen
There are only two opinions on the topic of a wet zone in the corner: some consider this method convenient, others consider it not ergonomic. The difference between the first and second is only in how the kitchen is equipped.
type of instalation
Installation depends on:
- the material from which the tabletop is made;
- type of kitchen unit, its layout;
- the experience of the master;
- sink material.
Invoices
They are used quite rarely, although the installation process is incredibly simple. The sink is placed on top of the cabinet in a specially left hole and fixed. The downside is the joints with the countertop: moisture remains there and dirt accumulates.
The solution to the problem is very simple - treat these places with sealant. If you assemble the kitchen yourself, then this installation option can be easily done.
Mortise
Installation is not difficult, the hole does not need to be cut directly under the sink - as long as the bowl fits and the sides sit firmly on the countertop without falling through.
The bottom of the sink is fixed with fasteners, and the joints are filled with any sealant. The installation can be done by anyone.
Integrated
This installation method looks very beautiful and aesthetically pleasing: it is installed strictly under the tabletop and secured to it with brackets. Its edges do not extend to the edges of the tabletop, therefore this type of installation is the most hygienic, since water does not linger in the cracks and joints.
Installation is the most difficult, so you need to have skill and experience - therefore it is better to order assembly right away.
Making a countertop
The dimensions and shape of the countertop are selected taking into account the dimensions of the kitchen, the location of the table, and the relationship with other furniture. The standard width is 60 cm, the thickness does not exceed 5 cm, and the length is consistent with the kitchen set. The simplest tabletop is made of chipboard, which is lined with plastic.
The chipboard sheet is cut along pre-marked lines with a jigsaw. If the tabletop is made of two parts, they are connected to each other with screws or using a construction stapler.
The material can be lined with plastic, which is glued with polyester resin. If laminated chipboard is used, then after connecting all the elements of the tabletop, the ends are covered with an edge.
Accessories
If desired, the kitchen sink can be made multifunctional.
Most often, an automatic valve is installed, which allows you to pour water and turn the sink into a small bathroom to easily wash vegetables, for example.
Wings on the sides for drying food or dishes.
Cutting boards that match the size of the sink, their workspace is significantly increased.
A tray for defrosting meat or a colander looks like a bowl with holes. It's somewhat reminiscent of a colander.
Fruit washing basket - similar to a colander, but with a larger capacity.
Filter for water purification with a separate tap.
A special dispenser into which dishwashing liquid is poured. Saves free space as the container is installed inside.
Shredder - almost completely eliminates the risk of clogging sewer pipes.
Inner space
The internal storage system can be represented by several types:
- Shelves. Conveniently divides the space into several zones.
- Baskets and nets. One of the most convenient ways to store small items.
- Drawers. Suitable for storing any kitchen utensils, especially cutlery.
The interior space of the sink can be decorated in different ways.
Furniture
The corner cabinet for the kitchen under the sink holds quite a lot of necessary items from appliances to household chemicals. Its convenience directly depends on the type of door.
Beveled is the most common option. There is a swing mechanism, and the door is located at an angle of 45. This is not very convenient, since there is more space in the kitchen pencil case than the door itself, and it is difficult to get to the far corners.
Radial - practically the same as the option above, but it looks more original and beautiful.
Accordion doors or two swing doors require more free space in front of them, but full access to the “insides” is given.
To organize inside a cabinet, first decide what you will store there. For trash cans and a couple of bottles of household chemicals, there is no need to invent anything extra. If you want to take up the free space completely, you can use a roll-out mechanism for the shelves, make them rotating, install hooks or small shelves on the door itself. All this, of course, will entail additional expenses.
