Corner Sink Drainboard Combos for Small Kitchen Spaces

Tucked away in the corner, a stylish sink paired with an adjacent drainboard creates a functional accent that enhances any small kitchen. This smart design combo optimizes every inch by moving the workhorse sink out of the central prep zone while freeing up precious counter real estate. Read on to discover how corner sinks and built-in drainboards can maximize functionality and elevate the style of modest-sized kitchen spaces.

Taking advantage of underutilized corner areas helps alleviate clutter while allowing you to regain counter and floor space lost to a bulky stainless steel sink and detached dish rack. The corner sink's smooth lines and asymmetry inject character into the room as well. Combine it with a drainboard and you've created an integrated cleaning station that keeps everything nearby yet out of the chef's way.

Corner Sink Benefits for Compact Kitchens

Once relegated to large luxury kitchens, corner sinks have shed their reputation as high-end indulgences and now offer small space dwellers smart solutions for cramped cooking quarters. Along with space savings, today's well-designed corner sinks deliver form and function with scads of value-added benefits.

Space Savings

Topping the list for corner sink benefits is freeing up linear footage along the countertop line. Corner sink basins max out available space within a kitchen's confined footprint. Tucking the sink out of the way into an unused corner clears room for small appliances and meal prep essentials like mixing bowls, cutting boards, saucepan sets, and cutting knives.

Enhanced Workflow

Installing a corner sink strengthens the kitchen "work triangle" -- the distance between the three productivity powerhouses of stove, sink, and refrigerator. Pulling the sink away from the central prep zone minimizes footsteps between tasks. This stronger work triangle saves time, energy and frustration when tackling kitchen clean up.

Added Counter Space

Counter space ranks among the most coveted kitchen commodities. Acquiring additional surface area without a major remodel seemed impossible -- until the advent of space-saving corner sinks! Shifting the sink into an out-of-the-way corner opens up the surrounding countertop for small appliances like air fryers, instant pots, and single-serve coffee makers.

Customized Storage

The unique shape of corner sinks allows for customized cabinets and storage options. Designers can craft inventive ways to stow cleaning supplies, install pull-out shelving, incorporate slide-out drawers, and other space-saving storage surrounding the sink. Custom cabinetry also provides specialized storage for awkward corner cookware like bulky pots, baking sheets, and colanders.

Choosing Corner Sinks for Small Kitchens

Tracking down the right corner sink involves measuring your existing space as well as identifying must-have features. To create a wish list, consider functionality factors along with your personal style preferences.

Corner Sink Styles

Today's corner sinks span a wide range of materials and mounting options. Stainless, ceramic, porcelain, copper, and composite corner sinks combine visual appeal with durability and easy maintenance. You'll also find a spectrum of shapes like the symmetric simplicity of U-shaped models or the sleek custom curves of angled configurations.

Drainboards and Backsplashes

Integrated drainboards rank among the top reasons for installing corner sinks. Having a designated drying area helps keep counters clutter-free. Look for corner sinks with drainboards sized proportionally to the basin dimensions. Models with backsplashes contain splashes while protecting the surrounding walls from water damage.

Faucets and Features

Don't overlook the importance of faucet placement on overall functionality. Wall-mounted or arched faucets often work best. Also consider special features like bottom grids to protect delicate glassware, accessories like sliding cutting boards, or integrated ledges to hold kitchen tools.

Corner Sink Placement Guidelines

Proper placement and installation ensure your new corner sink and drainboard combination performs as an integrated part of your kitchen. Use these tips when planning:

Measure Carefully

Pull out the measuring tape before selecting a model to guarantee an optimal fit within your existing space. Be sure to account for any surrounding cabinets, walls, or built-in appliances that may impact the footprint.

Mind the Plumbing

Pay special attention to the existing kitchen pipes and drains when mapping out the placement of your new corner sink. Optimal drainage often requires running new pipes to accommodate the shifted location. An experienced plumber can ensure proper slope and connections.

Consider Clearances

Make sure to allow room for opening any surrounding cabinet doors without obstruction after installation. If the corner houses floor to ceiling pantries, measure accurately so upper cabinets don't interfere with new oversized faucets.

Accentuate with Accessories

Accessorize your corner sink and drainboard combo to optimize efficiency. Add sliding cutting boards for extra prep space. Install hanging utensil racks for easy access to essential tools. Mount an articulating faucet to easily reach the entire basin.

Maintenance for Corner Kitchen Sinks

All sinks require regular care and cleaning, but corner configurations often need some specialized upkeep. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your corner kitchen sink and drainboard looking like new for years.

Clean Regularly

Prevent stubborn stains by wiping down the sink after each use. Apply non-abrasive cleaners like dish soap, vinegar, or baking soda and rinse thoroughly with hot water. For deeper cleaning, occasionally fill the sink with an all-natural detergent and let it soak before scrubbing.

Protect the Finish

Certain materials like glazed porcelain or antique copper require gentle care. Use non-abrasive sponges and avoid harsh chemicals. Apply sealants to vulnerable areas like drainboards to protect the finish.

Check Connections

Examine plumbing connections routinely for leaks, cracks, or obstructions around pipes, supply lines, and drains. Tighten fittings when needed and clear any debris to support optimal performance.

Humidity from an active corner sink can damage interior cabinet surfaces over time. Routinely wipe down shelves and doors near the sink using a soft cloth and all-purpose cleaner.

By unleashing the potential of overlooked corners, savvy cooks can carve out extra space for small kitchens without the headaches of remodeling. Corner sinks not only maximize every inch, they also expand functionality and elevate style. Paired with a smartly-sized drainboard, the corner sink combo creates an integrated cleaning station ideal for modest floorplans.