Are you trying to decide between an apron sink vs farmhouse sink for your kitchen? Read to learn the pros, cons, and differences between these two sink types.
First, many people do not know the historical background of these sink types and that both can highlight a kitchen area beautifully..
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, most families had to carry water from the river and wells in buckets to a dishpan or sink area. So, traditional farmhouses in Great Britain and North America used farmhouse sinks and apron front sinks because they needed ample space. Sometimes on countertops would be an optional drying board.
So, if you think about this situation, the ability to have a deeper sink that can hold more water was a great advantage for many families and individuals.
What Are Apron Sinks?
Apron front sinks are a modern version of a farmhouse sink of generations ago. It is not the same as a recessed sink. Although a recessed sink and an apron skin serve the same purpose, an apron skin is deeper and holds more water. Unlike traditional farmhouse sinks, an apron front sink is available in various materials, colors, and sizes.
There are many designs available and homeowners have the ability to use it in an array of kitchen styles. It is a good way to integrate traditional interior design with current cabinets and modern kitchen amenities.
What is a Farmhouse Sink?
Traditional or true farmhouse sinks were used many years ago in rural areas. In contrast to a recessed sink, enameled cast-iron farmhouse sinks were created as a comfort feature. Generations ago, manual labor was more prevalent across the globe, and having this style of sink was helpful for washing many dishes.
If you can imagine working long days in a farm setting or a kitchen years ago, you’ll see why this was more of a necessary amenity. Today, this style of modern kitchen sink is more of an aesthetic luxury that can create an amazing focal point for a home.
How Are They Different?
There are a couple of differences between apron sinks and farmhouse sinks. Apron sinks set themselves apart from similar sinks because of the array of materials like a porcelain sink and the subtle design characteristics that they can have. For instance, an apron skin can be made of predominantly copper with the appearance of being crafted and hammered by hand. Farmhouse sinks are typically made of fireclay or porcelain.
Apron sinks can be made of stainless steel, manually hammered copper materials, natural stone, or even concrete. The limit to the materials that can be used to make an aprons sink is nearly limitless.
How Are They Similar?
The resemblance that an apron sink and a farmhouse-style sink have can be confusing. So, let’s demystify the ergonomics and more of this to reach a common equation.
Farmhouse and apron sinks can be considered to be a drop-in sink for many farmhouse-style kitchens’ cabinet designs. It is important to know that this is one sink and can work better than a double basin. These sinks have an apron with construction exposing front-facing materials used for the overall luxurious look.
Unlike a kitchen sink that is reassessed or a kitchen sink made of traditional materials, the countertop options (with farmhouse kitchen faucet options) can have more options.
An apron-front sink and farmhouse kitchen sinks can hold more water because they have greater depths. They both have an extended dropped front and have the appearance of a pop-out-sink. Apron sinks and the farm sink have similar appearances, and commonly the terms are used interchangeably.
The ergonomics of both sinks are the same. They both can help anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen because of their ergonomic designs.
What is Better About an Apron Sink?
Apron sinks are available in more sizes. The fundamental difference is that it has a deep cut with an exposed front face. So, an apron sink in a kitchen can be a good choice whether you live in a tiny home or a marvelous estate. This is an interiorly flexible option for large spaces and small modern kitchens.
What is Better About a Farmhouse Sink?
With a few more choices on the market for farmhouse sinks available today, you may be able to have a farmhouse sink installed while having the appeal of modern meet traditional elegance.
Who Should Get an Apron Sinks and Why?
An apron skin is better because homeowners can choose from a wide selection of materials. It’s also a great choice for non-traditionalist that would want to take into consideration branching out with more creative designs, color schemes, and materials. It is a brilliant choice for anyone who would like a traditional appeal with a more distinctive look.
Who Should Get a Farmhouse Sink and Why?
A farmhouse sink is a fantastic choice for a large family or anyone that is living in a historic home. Sometimes, a Home Ordinance Organization or HOA can limit what and how you can modify a historic home, and this can be a good choice.
Apron Sinks vs. Farmhouse Sinks FAQ
There was a time when this type of kitchen sink style was not used a lot in interior kitchen design. Currently, the use and installation of apron sinks and farmhouse sinks have grown. These two-sink designs are chosen a lot for newer home projects, DIYs, and historic homes.
What Is The Difference Between Farmhouse Sinks and Apron Sink Options?
Traditionally, when comparing any apron sink features, a farmhouse-style sink differs from an apron sinks because of its aesthetic limitations. For example, not as many materials are used to old-styled farmhouse sinks. In the traditional sense, it is made out of either porcelain or cast iron.
Are Farmhouse Sinks Out of Style?
No. When considering a farmhouse sink or the obtainable apron options, you are considering an in-style kitchen amenity.
Do All Farmhouse Sinks Have an Apron?
Yes, farmhouse sinks made of enameled cast iron (including all modern farmhouse sinks) have an apron. The ergonomic design of the farmhouse skin dates back further than the 17th century and has not changed much at all.
What is the Benefit of Apron Sinks?
The benefits of an apron front sink are:
- Its ergonomic factors.
- The ability to pick among an array of materials.
- A variety of sizes.
- More modern designs.
The Best Choice
Considering the facts, the best choice for most people is apron sinks. It has more flexible options and can be used in almost any residential or vacation home kitchen. Apron sinks seem to have a bright future in interior design and can last for generations with proper care. Farmhouse sinks are most specific to a farmhouse style or historic home and would be the best choice for people with that design aesthetic or living in that type of home.