Amp Up Your Kitchen Style With Trendy Colored Undermount Sinks
Is your kitchen looking a little dull? Are you searching for a way to inject some excitement into your cooking space without a full remodel? One of the easiest and most affordable ways to add some stylish flair is with a colorful new undermount sink.
Undermount sinks provide a seamless, built-in look by installing below the countertop. This creates a smooth transition from counter to sink that is both aesthetically pleasing and makes cleaning crumbs and spills easier. While stainless steel is the most ubiquitous undermount sink color, there is a whole rainbow of shades to choose from that can dramatically impact your kitchen's vibe.
Choosing the Perfect Undermount Sink for Your Kitchen
The Benefits of Undermount Installation
Undermount sinks provide a smooth, unbroken transition between the sink and counter for an integrated look. Food and liquid easily slide off the counter and into the sink without getting trapped along a rim or lip. The underside of the counter is also easily wiped clean. Undermount sinks create a contemporary, upscale aesthetic.
With the sink installed underneath, the counter material takes center stage. Stone and solid surface counters particularly shine when paired with an undermount sink. While installation is slightly more complex, the benefits outweigh the small added effort.
Selecting the Right Sink Material
While stainless steel is the most popular undermount sink material, there are plenty of other options. Composite granite sinks offer the look of real stone paired with extreme durability. Cast iron provides a classic apron front farmhouse look. Antimicrobial copper lends antique styling. Acrylics allow for vibrant, lasting colors.
Each material has advantages and drawbacks. Stainless steel is affordable and matches most kitchens, but can dent and shows water spots. Granite composite is durable and stain-resistant but heavier. Cast iron is very durable but also heavy and prone to chipping. Copper provides character but requires frequent polishing. Acrylics are inexpensive but may fade and scratch over time.
Key Measurements and Planning
With undermount installation, precise sink measurements are crucial to ensure a proper fit. First, determine whether a single or double bowl configuration best suits your space and needs. Measure the length and width of your existing cutout or planned new counter area.
Pay close attention to the sink depth - deeper is not necessarily better for everyday use. Also factor in the drain and faucet placement. Sketch out different options before committing to a new sink.
The Allure of a Colorful Sink
Looking Beyond Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is undoubtedly the most ubiquitous sink color. It's affordable, matches nearly any decor, and is easy to clean and maintain. But stainless steel lacks exciting visual appeal. The good news is there are plenty of durable and stylish colored sinks that can add a major dose of character to your kitchen.
From deep black granite to sunny yellow acrylic, colorful sinks are on trend. They provide contrast and interest against neutral cabinetry and countertops. And vivid sink shades are no longer hard to find, with styles ranging from modern to farmhouse.
On-Trend Colored Sink Materials
Composite granite sinks lead the non-stainless pack, mimicking natural stone at a fraction of the price. Their durability and scratch-resistance keep matte black and brown granite sinks looking like new. Fireclay is also trending, offering a vintage apron-front look in dark charcoal and navy blue hues.
For bold pops of color, acrylics can't be beat. Cheerful shades like sky blue, buttercream, and marigold inject life into any kitchen. The naturally antimicrobial properties of copper make it perfect for food prep, and its rosy metallic sheen provides instant vintage appeal.
Fashionable Colors and Finishes
While white and bisque sinks are timeless classics, today's top colors skew darker and bolder. Matte black is the new neutral, providing sophistication and versatility. Navy blue and charcoal gray offer the same moodiness with a subtle twist.
Earth tones like almond, biscuit, and brown blend seamlessly into rustic and farmhouse decors. Warm metallics like copper, bronze, and gunmetal add antique radiance. Even vivid reds and blues can work with the right countertop and cabinetry.
The Best Colored Undermount Sinks
Top Materials and Brands
For granite composite, Blanco, Kraus, and Elkaylead the pack with undermount styles in black, brown, bisque, and gray tones. Rohl and Sinkology offer a variety of colored fireclay styles from modern to farmhouse. When it comes to acrylics, Elkay, Karran, and Kraus have durable and vivid options.
Based on popularity and performance, Blanco, Ruvati, and Kraus rank as top makers of stainless steel undermounts while providing some colors. Kohler, Signature Hardware, and Sinkology also have high-quality colored cast iron models.
Best By Color
For black and charcoal sinks, Blanco and Kraus granite composites deliver durability and sophistication. Cheviot and Sinkology provide deep, dramatic fireclay undermount options. Elkay, Karran, and Kraus have the best navy, blue, and green acrylic models.
Rohl, Native Trails, and Sinkology offer the hottest copper and bronze farmhouse and apron front styles. Blanco and Elkay lead for bisque and almond colored composite granite. Kraus makes affordable stainless steel models in gray, blue, and red metallic finishes.
Notable Style and Color Combos
Elkay's Dayton 8-inch Deep Single Bowl Undermount Kitchen Sink delivers a matte black granite composite sink supported by a heavy-duty sound-deadening pad. Blanco Diamond offers the warm brown tones of Silgranit in a sleek single bowl undermount. For vintage flair, Sinkology's Belfast 33-inch Copper Farmhouse Sink looks fantastic under a butcher block counter.
Kraus provides a convenient 33-inch stainless steel double bowl sink in on-trend navy blue. The Cheviot Sheridan 33" Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink comes in a dramatic black finish. Ruvati adds a pop of color with their single bowl Workstation Ledge Undermount Kitchen Sink in red.
Installing Your New Undermount Sink
Step-By-Step Process
Installing an undermount sink takes careful planning and precision. Start by removing your old sink and prepping the countertop with caulk. Position the new sink and use mounting clips, brackets, or adhesives to secure it in place underneath the counter.
The sink should be snug and level. Connect the plumbing, supply lines, p-trap, and drain assembly according to manufacturer instructions. Finally, apply waterproof silicone sealant between the sink edge and counter. Clamp the sink overnight to ensure a tight bond as the caulk dries.
Tips for Smooth Installation
Accurately measure your sink cutout and purchase a sink that aligns with those dimensions. Provide extra structural support from below through a wooden frame or support bars. Be meticulous when applying caulk for a waterproof seal. Doing a dry run before permanently installing can help identify any potential fit issues.
Take your time securing the sink clips and brackets, ensuring full contact between the sink and counter. Over-tightening can damage the sink or counter material. Follow all manufacturer instructions for faucet holes, plumbing, and sealant application.
Caring for a Colored Undermount Kitchen Sink
Cleaning Tips by Material
Composite granite sinks can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or sponge. Use a granite cleaner to remove stains. For stainless steel, mild dish soap, water, and a soft sponge will remove dirt and residue.
Cast iron enamel sinks should be washed gently with mild dish soap and soft cloth to prevent chipping. Copper sinks can be cleaned with soap and water, but avoid abrasives. For acrylics, non-abrasive cleaners and soft scrub brushes keep colors bright.
Preventing Damage
Always use soft cloths, sponges, and scrub brushes rated for your sink material. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads on acrylic, copper, and enamel surfaces. For granite composite, watch for scratches from knives, keys, and other hard objects. Promptly clean any spills to prevent staining.
Avoid excessive hot cookware that can damage sink materials. Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the sink surface. Re-apply sealant if cracks appear between the sink and counter.
DIY Minor Repairs
Small nicks and scratches on materials like granite composite and stainless steel can often be buffed out with fine grit sandpaper. Re-seal with food-safe sealant where your sink meets the counter if leaks develop. For acrylics and enamel, stains may be removed with gentle cleaners and scrubbing.
Colored undermount kitchen sinks provide a gorgeous and functional focal point in your cooking space. Lively hues from matte black to robin's egg blue inject excitement into any decor. Combined with the smooth built-in look of undermount installation, colored sinks make updating your kitchen's style simple and stylish.
With more material choices than ever from durable granite composites to antimicrobial copper, you can find the perfect colored sink to match your tastes. Ditch the boring stainless steel and amp up your kitchen's flair with a trendy new undermount sink in a shade that makes you smile.