Your guide to buying a new kitchen sink and tap

Posted on 6th October 2024

The kitchen sink and tap are the true workhorses of any kitchen; they need to be practical and functional but also fit in with the overall aesthetics of your design.

There are numerous options available and it can feel difficult to navigate, but we are here to help. KBB journo Vicki Evans breaks down what you need to consider before purchasing your new sink…

Closeup of a copper sink with white surfaces and gold taps. — Inset aged copper sink, handcrafted by Devol in England, priced from £750.

Materials

In recent years, people have started to move on from the standard choice of stainless steel sinks and investigate alternative materials including copper, granite and composites. According to Jo Sargent, sales and marketing director at Franke UK, the sink material is a crucial consideration, but there’s no need to stress.

“All sink materials will give long-lasting performance, so there is no bad choice to make,” assures Jo. The key is to choose a material that works with your kitchen design preferences and how you will use the sink, whether it’s stainless steel, copper, ceramic, enamel or stone.

Closeup of a gold tap. — Sleek golden finishes remain very popular, like this Armstrong tap, price on application, by Perrin & Rowe.

The latest developments in colour and finish mean the kitchen sink has become a real design choice, with many more playful options on offer. Also, there’s been an increasing trend towards colourful taps with plain white sinks. To create a streamlined look and feel consider pulling some colour from your hardware, small appliances or decor.

“Decide if there are any other focal points or materials in the room that can be used to complement the sink’s shape and material, as this will help to create fluidity,” advises Alex Main, director at The Main Company. “Many homeowners will pair their tap and sink to their hardware. Matching these elements together will certainly make a statement in any kitchen.”

Dark and moody washing up area with a black tap. — Match finishes with a matt sink and tap, like this Franke Urban Fragranite inset sink in Oyster, from £494, with Icon Pull Out Double Jet Shower tap in black, from £627.

The sink placement

A standard sink placement is in front of a window, but don’t feel constrained by your layout. Most designers agree that the golden triangle – sink, stove and fridge, being three points on a triangle – works hardest but you can play with the design and put the sink where it suits you.

A helpful placement is by the dishwasher so you can quickly rinse dishes before putting them away to be cleaned. Or closer to the hob to help with carrying pots to the stove.

An inset sink with a chrome tap in a rustic kitchen. — The classic stainless steel sink is a dependable option for any kitchen design. The Main Company used a Kohler Poise sink in this bespoke project.

Workstation sinks, as explained by Dan Boulton, business and product development manager at Clearwater, offer a customisable solution. “A workstation sink is a smart solution for maximising worktop space in the kitchen,” Dan says. They come with versatile accessories like sliding utensils, cutting boards and more, making the sink area practical and tailored to your needs.

Look at finishes

When pairing sinks and taps, Charles Elwell, kitchen designer at Kitchens by Holloways, suggests complementary rather than identical choices. “Most people naturally choose the same colour, which gives a sleek, seamless finish,” says Charles. However, another popular combination in traditional kitchens is a gold, metallic tap against a white ceramic sink, creating harmony without complete uniformity.

Consider your choice of materials, functionality and aesthetics. By embracing customisation, complementary pairings and harmonious finishes, you can create a kitchen that works seamlessly and reflects your style and design choices.

A white butler sink with a chrome tap in a neutral kitchen. — Coordinate your sink with the worktop like this design, which uses 4011 Cloudburst Concrete, from £400 per sq m, Caesarstone.

Think about the style

Selecting the right tap goes beyond functionality; it’s about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your space. Tamsin Mills, brand communications manager at Blanco, advises: “When picking out a tap to complement the kitchen sink, homeowners should consider styles that match the overall feel of the room. A growing trend towards contrasting tap colours and finishes has emerged as a way to add character to a space and make a statement.”

Closeup of a bronze sink with an industrial tap. — Create contrast with a copper sink, like this Normandy hammered copper design, from £12,149, Waterworks and a chunky black tap.

Green cabinetry with white surfaces, an island and open shelving. — Naked Kitchens mixes traditional styles with modern convenience in this contemporary design. Fusion boiling tap, from £1890, Quooker.

Your tap can be the finishing touch that ties the whole kitchen together. Tom Howley, owner of the eponymous kitchen company, suggests embracing the trend of contrasting tap colours and finishes. A bold choice can add character to the space, making a powerful design statement.

“Vintage and aged metals, such as burnished brass, are having a moment when it comes to taps,” says Tom. “They add charm and character to traditional and contemporary schemes alike.”

Tom feels that black and copper taps may be on their way out. However, don’t despair if you have your heart set on those finishes; the right kitchen design will make any tap finish and colour look good and work hard.