Should I Opt for a Corner Kitchen Sink?
We cover all the angles of the kitchen corner, from savvy storage to traffic issues, so you can make a smart decision about your sink
Lisa Frederick
11 May 2018
Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately... More
If your kitchen is awkwardly designed, is lean on space or just needs a little visual interest in the layout, consider a corner sink. While this placement can be a smart, efficient way to make use of the floor plan, there also are some potential downsides to think about. Read on to determine if this could be the right solution for your space.
Advantages of a corner kitchen sink
Storage
The modified wedge shape of a cabinet under a corner sink creates ample space to stash cleaning supplies, kitchen gear and other odds and ends, and also allows more room for plumbing pipes. Just be aware that these pluses come with a consideration: If you have heavy countertops such as granite, it’s trickier for a corner cabinet to provide the support they need.
Storage
The modified wedge shape of a cabinet under a corner sink creates ample space to stash cleaning supplies, kitchen gear and other odds and ends, and also allows more room for plumbing pipes. Just be aware that these pluses come with a consideration: If you have heavy countertops such as granite, it’s trickier for a corner cabinet to provide the support they need.
Design flexibility
In small kitchens, where you need to take advantage of every inch, orienting the sink in the corner can preserve as much work area as possible.
In small kitchens, where you need to take advantage of every inch, orienting the sink in the corner can preserve as much work area as possible.
Putting dead space to work
A corner sink can occupy an odd niche that otherwise would have languished. If you have the square footage, you might consider adding a second sink elsewhere in the kitchen to boost the functionality of the work zone. Or put a bar sink in the corner for entertaining and site your main sink along a countertop or in an island.
Wondering where to put the sink in your kitchen?
A corner sink can occupy an odd niche that otherwise would have languished. If you have the square footage, you might consider adding a second sink elsewhere in the kitchen to boost the functionality of the work zone. Or put a bar sink in the corner for entertaining and site your main sink along a countertop or in an island.
Wondering where to put the sink in your kitchen?
Unbroken counters
Because corner sinks don’t break up the flow of countertops along the wall, you’ll have a longer stretch of work space. Corner countertop space generally isn’t as easy for spreading out or doing heavy prep work, so this can be a worthwhile tradeoff.
Because corner sinks don’t break up the flow of countertops along the wall, you’ll have a longer stretch of work space. Corner countertop space generally isn’t as easy for spreading out or doing heavy prep work, so this can be a worthwhile tradeoff.
Disadvantages of a corner kitchen sink
Smaller size, lighter materials
It’s hard, though not impossible, to squeeze wide, deep, extra heavy or two-bowl sinks into an angled corner. Unless your cabinetry has enough corner space and support to accommodate a larger or weightier style (and most such cabinets are custom built), your sink options will be limited.
Bat wing–style sinks – two-bowl models that resemble an inverted V – are designed to sit within a 90-degree corner angle. However, these sinks can’t always hold oversize pots and pans. The same holds true for triangular sinks.
Check out these different kinds of kitchen sinks
Smaller size, lighter materials
It’s hard, though not impossible, to squeeze wide, deep, extra heavy or two-bowl sinks into an angled corner. Unless your cabinetry has enough corner space and support to accommodate a larger or weightier style (and most such cabinets are custom built), your sink options will be limited.
Bat wing–style sinks – two-bowl models that resemble an inverted V – are designed to sit within a 90-degree corner angle. However, these sinks can’t always hold oversize pots and pans. The same holds true for triangular sinks.
Check out these different kinds of kitchen sinks
Tight elbow room
Corner sinks can make it hard for two people to work side by side. Even if you’re each stationed at one end of the countertop, you may find yourselves backing into each other as you jostle for sink space.
Browse through images of corner kitchen sinks
Corner sinks can make it hard for two people to work side by side. Even if you’re each stationed at one end of the countertop, you may find yourselves backing into each other as you jostle for sink space.
Browse through images of corner kitchen sinks
Cramped appliance zones
With a corner sink, an adjacent low-mounted oven can hem you in and block traffic when the door is open.
With a corner sink, an adjacent low-mounted oven can hem you in and block traffic when the door is open.
Cleaning difficulty
If your corner is deep enough, it can be hard to reach all the way back to wipe up splashes and dust, especially if you’re short. Recessing the corner cabinet a few inches can help – or just keep a step stool handy.
Read more:
Kitchen FAQs: What’s the Right Sink Material?
Tell us:
Do you have a corner sink in your kitchen? Please let us know how it works for you in the Comments below.
If your corner is deep enough, it can be hard to reach all the way back to wipe up splashes and dust, especially if you’re short. Recessing the corner cabinet a few inches can help – or just keep a step stool handy.
Read more:
Kitchen FAQs: What’s the Right Sink Material?
Tell us:
Do you have a corner sink in your kitchen? Please let us know how it works for you in the Comments below.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Kitchen Ideas
7 Essentials For a Successful Kitchen Renovation
Remodelling your kitchen? Updating cabinets, walls, backsplash, flooring, storage should be a must on your list
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
10 Key Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Here are key kitchen dimensions that will help you design like a pro
Full Story
Indian Homes
Renter's Dilemma: How to Update an Indian-Style Kitchen Design
Follow these simple, renter-friendly tips to update your space into a modern kitchen
Full Story
Kitchen storage
Say Hello to the Most Popular Types of Kitchen Wall Cabinets
Find out which kitchen wall cabinet style combines convenience and good looks, is easy to maintain and best suited for you
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Is an Open Kitchen Layout Right for Indian Homes?
Explore the strengths and shortcomings of an open kitchen design and find out whether it makes sense in your home
Full Story
Most Popular
What's the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
Choices are aplenty when it comes to cabinet materials. Find the pros and cons of the top 5 available in the market today
Full Story
Lighting Ideas
How to Light Kitchen Counters
By David Warfel
Discover these 6 professional tips for lighting your countertops and other kitchen workspaces
Full Story
Kitchen storage
6 Must-Have Modular Kitchen Accessories
These accessories for modular kitchens are guaranteed to increase efficiency and storage
Full Story
Photo Books
23 Scandinavian Kitchens That Pack Extra Punch
Blonde timber, white details and pared-back designs are key Scandi kitchen looks
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
Have an Open Kitchen That Can Be Closed Off Too
By Jennifer Ott
Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design
Full Story
The only time I got backaches with my corner sink was when I was pregnant. But I may have got backaches then anyway. I loved my corner sink, and I loved all the counter space it bought me. My counter space was in front of my window where I could work and watch the kids play on their swing set. I spent more time preparing at that countertop than cleaning up at the sink. Also, prep time was in daylight and sink time was in dark in winter. Nothing to look at anyway. I never had help in the kitchen, so I never bumped into anyone at the corner sink. I did, however have help at that long counter under the window. I have nice memories of making cookies with the kids there to share with neighbors, friends and family. There was room for a kid on either side of me. Sigh...
Here is a photo of mine. Each side is no further back from the edge of the counter than a regular sink. Glass blocks are between the counter and cabinet and as the backsplash to the stove top. The outlets are on the underside of the cupboards.
Katherinei, I love your kitchen. It looks so peaceful and quiet. It looks like a great place to be with a friend.