The farmhouse kitchen sink is a focal point for many modern kitchens, but it’s more than just a pretty feature. The history of the farmhouse sink tells us a lot about its functionality and how it has endured the test of time.

This beautiful sink has played an important role in making kitchen cleaning and food preparation easier because of its design!

What Is a Farmhouse Sink?

Just as the kitchen has become more popular as an entertaining space, so have farmhouse sinks because of their convenience and charm. But you may be wondering, what is a farmhouse sink exactly?

Also known as an apron front sink, a farmhouse sink is much more accommodating than other styles due to its large basin and exposed front. The exposed front eliminates the countertop separation between you and the sink, so you don’t have to lean forward to use the faucet or reach the bottom of the basin. This comfortable alternative lessens the strain on your back and allows for easy access to your faucet.

History of the Farmhouse Sink

Today’s farmhouse sinks are quite similar to their distant relatives from the late 17th and 19th centuries. The first farmhouse sinks were Belfast and London sinks, named after the cities they came from. The primary difference between the two is the way they manage water overflow.

Smaller London sinks were shallower and had no way for overflowing water to escape to help conserve water. But similar to today’s sinks, the Belfast sinks were much deeper and longer and contained a Weir overflow so excess water could drain.

In the late 19th century, Belfast and London sinks transformed into French farmhouse sinks and were made with white clay. The design became more structured and foundationally sound through the 1920s.

Then the Monel sink, made of copper and nickel in a style similar to the farmhouse sink, rose in popularity in the United States.

Today’s Farmhouse Sink

Today, farmhouse sinks come in all shapes, sizes and materials, which lets you customize your kitchen to fit your style. That also means “farmhouse sink” has come to simply mean a sink with a large basin, whether there are two bowls or one.

And although most homes now have dishwashers, farmhouse sinks with two bowls can come in handy when you’re cooking and cleaning for large groups, like on Thanksgiving. One bowl can be used for washing the pots and pans, and the other for running water.

Gooseneck faucets have also become a common feature with a farmhouse sink. These long, curved faucet heads usually have an extender that allows you to remove the faucet head from its neck and wash dishes by easily adjusting the sprayer nozzle to the correct length.

The kitchen has become a space for entertaining your family and friends, but it still requires all the details for cooking and cleaning, and that’s why the farmhouse sink shines.

And while Clayton homes offer different kitchen sink options, farmhouse sinks are definitely a favorite for the stylish, luxurious touch they add to any kitchen. Check out our manufactured and modular homes today and see how you can personalize them to be the farmhouse of your dreams!