The heart of the home, the kitchen is the place where the family gathers in the morning and evening; hearty breakfasts are made and aromatic coffee to share with friends is prepared; summer meals are assembled in the sun, in an outdoor kitchen space; and holiday meals begin with a bout of soulful, love-filled cooking. So it comes as no surprise that kitchens are often the most thoughtfully designed spaces in the home. And they almost always feature creative details, high-end finishes, or simply masterful uses of bold color. We’ve previously explored the charm of green kitchens. Now, we’d like to introduce you to another popular kitchen design trend: the black sink.
When it comes to contemporary design, it’s clear that black kitchen sinks are having a moment. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about black sinks; from their aesthetic appeal to their versatility, visual impact, maintenance requirements, and more. Plus, you’ll be able to feast your eyes on some of our favorite examples of kitchens where the black sink is the centerpiece.
The Aesthetic Appeal of Black Kitchen Sinks
Just like black timber or dark brick can make houses look spectacular in urban settings or natural landscapes, black can also have a great impact in interiors. And a black kitchen sink, in particular, stands out as it offers a bolder counterpoint to white porcelain washbasins. In kitchens, single or dual mount black sinks create a focal point or integrate seamlessly with a dark color palette, but they always make a lasting impression.
For example, imagine a black sink that contrasts a sandy hued backsplash and cabinets, drawing the attention to the texture of the materials. Or an intense gunmetal gray or black finish that doesn’t draw your eye to the materials, but rather to the exquisite details and elegance of a minimalist kitchen finished in black.
The Versatility of Black Kitchen Sinks
Black sinks can easily complement a range of tactile materials and color palettes. From reversible granite composite sinks to stainless steel sinks, these products provide an easy way to make the home decor pop. They also look great in modern or more traditional kitchen designs, as they usually come in minimalist styles that add just the right amount of “wow” without dominating the entire space.
Choosing a black sink for a kitchen does come with a caveat. Some materials show water residue and marks more easily, but they can be easily cleaned with cleaners that remove lime and mineral stains. Additionally, unlike white sinks, black versions may not show dirt and grime as easily. However, with a regular cleaning routine, this should not be an issue.
The Psychological Effect of Black in Interior Design
Symbolizing depth, elegance, and mystery, black can easily enhance any decor. That certainly applies to black sinks. Whether used as a contrasting element or as a coordinating detail that follows the theme of the kitchen design, they reinforce the idea of refinement and sophistication.
In some cases, interior designers use black sinks and monochrome palettes to create a sense of coziness in the heart of the home. Think dark timber cabinets and black marble counters with a flush, dual mount kitchen sink or drop-in black sink that infuse the space with elegance while also generating a snug and intimate atmosphere.
When used sparingly in the kitchen, black can create a focal point and/or establish a strong connection between elements. For example, more traditional cabinets with beautiful detailing, finished with a dark color that matches the hues of a dual mount black sink in a white counter. Or a black sink that enhances the textures of the surrounding wood, marble or stone surfaces.
Case Studies
Made of dark soapstone, this apron-front sink beautifully complements the colors of the dark wood cabinets. On the left side, there’s a drainboard that mirrors the polished surface of the opposite work surface. White tiles brighten the space and make the darker color stand out. Above the sink, an open shelf offers easy access to items. At the top, cabinets feature sliding doors for more convenience.
A gorgeous example of a monochrome kitchen where the black sink seamlessly integrates with the rest of the furniture and appliances, also finished in black. In this case, the use of black is particularly striking, as the two large windows frame the landscape and let nature’s changing colors shine. A minimalist faucet completes the monochrome look, while ceramic vessels add texture and warmth.
A story of contrasts, this kitchen pairs dark and light hues in an elegant way. While the cabinets have black doors, the counters and backsplash are made of white quartz, turning the black sink into a focal point. On the wall, wood planks installed horizontally feature pronounced grain patterns and knots. The material palette creates a stunning play between different textures and hues, which the drop-in sink accentuates with a bold contrast.
Designed in a collaboration between Lawless & Meyerson and MHNDU, this apartment in Sydney boasts redesigned interiors with dark, moody spaces. The kitchen now features a dark gray marble sink mounted in a matching marble kitchen island. One bathroom also features a black steel sink, surface mounted on a black marble counter. This room also features black soap dispensers and black wood walls with subtle textures.
Malvern East House provides another example of a dark kitchen done right. Wellard Architects designed the open-plan kitchen and dining area with two different material and color palettes. While the dining table and chairs are made of wood with a light color, the kitchen island, cabinets and sink are all black. Only the kitchen island counter is made of white and light gray marble, creating a bridge between the two areas.
Choosing the Right Black Sink for Your Kitchen
Choosing the perfect black sink for your kitchen depends largely on the type of look you want to create. For example, flush-mounted sinks look great incorporated into lighter countertops and kitchen islands. A surface-mounted sink can add a more eye-catching element to the kitchen, even if the space has a darker palette. The size also matters if you want to install a single bowl kitchen sink in an existing kitchen unit. You should also look for a reversible design that allows you to choose where to place the drainer. Or maybe you prefer a double bowl kitchen sink with a separate food prep bowl and a bottom grid; a sink with a matching drainboard and a roll-up grid; a dual mount workstation sink; or a smaller bar sink.
Black kitchen sinks also come in a range of styles, from rectangular with angular forms or rounded edges to round with deep bowls. Designed with a minimalist aesthetic, they blend into existing kitchen spaces with ease, regardless of cabinet size, finishes, and color palettes.
An important factor to consider when choosing a black sink is the material. Made from stainless steel, with or without a glazed porcelain finish, or from granite composite, these sinks are durable and versatile. Keep in mind that granite sinks are more expensive than stainless steel, but offer extra heat- and scratch-resistance. The black coating on stainless steel may scratch, so cleaning should be done only with mild solutions and materials – more on that in the maintenance section below. Other options include fireclay sinks with a glazed finish or cast iron sinks – all with or without reversible designs.
If you’re looking for a black kitchen sink, there are many well-known brands like Elkay, Kraus, and more, that either specialize in this style or offer their designs in a range of finishes, including black.
epiGranite
Another Italian design, epiGranite is made by Ruvati from 80% crushed granite and 20% resin. The proprietary composite material and custom treatment makes the sink not only extremely resistant to heat – up to 536 degrees Fahrenheit – but also provides anti-bacterial properties and resistance to stains. Each Midnight Black epiGranite is made in Italy by experienced artisans. Plus, the material’s color runs all the way through, meaning that the sink will never discolor. This kitchen sink comes with a matching black strainer drain assembly and a silicone rinse grid.
Dornbracht Kitchen Sinks
Engineered with an exceptional attention to both design and craftsmanship, any Dornbracht black stainless steel kitchen sink is a great choice for modern living spaces. Made from steel with a glazed finish, these sinks are easy to clean as well as stylish as the surface subtly reflects the light. The black versions are particularly striking and come with a matte black or a high gloss finish.
Native Trails 3NativeStone Concrete Farmhouse Sink
Handcrafted from NativeStone, a composite material made with a blend of concrete and jute fibers, this Native Trails sink adds a stunning texture to the kitchen décor. The material has a tactile surface, with no two sink quite the same. This farmhouse-style kitchen sink can be installed either apron-front or under-mounted behind a cabinet, but either way it will create a focal point. As for practical features, this sink has a large single basin with a center drain for optimal drainage and an innovative finish that seals the material and offers protection from scratches and stains.
BOOCHI Farmhouse Sink
Made of 100% fireclay, this BOOCHI sink is entirely natural and extremely durable. The design is minimalist and modern, offering a stylish take on traditional farmhouse sinks with its clean lines and sharper edges. This version comes in matte dark gray, to add contrast to lighter colors or to complement darker palettes. Fired at 2000 F, the fireclay material is tough and heat-resistant. It also features a special glazing that provides protection against stains, cracks and scratches while making cleaning as easy as possible. The sink also comes with a removable protective grid and a strainer.
Blanco Vintera Sink
Blending vintage and rustic design cues with a minimalist style, the Blanco Vintera sinks look great in classic or modern interiors. The patented composite granite material makes this black sink not only tough and impact resistant, but also resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. Furthermore, a surface treatment adds another layer of protection. Other features include a spacious and deep bowl, two installation methods (undermount or flush), and optional accessories that include a decorative drain assembly, grid, and cutting board.
Lapitec Orion Kitchen Sinks
If you’re looking to create a seamless look, you can’t go wrong with the Lapitec Orion collection. These kitchen sinks are beautifully integrated into the worktop to offer a perfect mix of style and function. Available in single and double-basin options, the Orion sinks boast smooth corners that soften their clean forms while also making cleaning easy. Each sink is crafted from a composite acrylic resin and ceramic that is long-lasting and easy to maintain. An overflow drain, siphon and waste drain are also included.
PladosTelma Lux Sink
A leading manufacturer of composite kitchen sinks, PladosTelma makes a series of designs that follow the black kitchen sink concept. Our favorite is Lux. Created with functionality in mind, the Lux kitchen sink features sliding rails that allow the installation of various accessories. While distinctly contemporary, this product takes inspiration from the classic farmhouse sink. Boasting clean lines and a black finish, Lux is not only stunning but also extremely durable. Made with patented technology, it’s both impact and thermal shock resistant as well as antibacterial.
Elleci Sintesi 510
Winner of the iF Product Design Award 2022, Sintesi 510 is the perfect choice for fans of Italian design and craftsmanship. Made in Italy by Elleci, this sink is as high-quality and practical as it is elegant. It offers generous space for washing and food prep with an XXL basin and has an integrated drainboard for more convenience. Additional accessories are also available, but Sintesi is specially designed to work exceptionally well on its own to enhance functionality and efficiency in the kitchen.
Delta Everest Workstation Kitchen Sink
The multifunctional Delta Everest collection aims to offer a complete solution for your kitchen workspace. More than just stylish and versatile, this sink has a built-in WorkFlow™ ledge for accessories like the included cutting board and dish drying rack with utensil holder. Additionally, the single bowl is spacious and also subtly sloped to optimize drainage and contain splatter. Made in Italy from an innovative, non-porous granite quartz composite, this sink has the look and feel of stone but offers superior resistance to heat, stains, chips, scratches and fading.
Schock Toledo D-150
Another excellent black sink from German brand Schock, Toledo D-150 has a practical extra half-bowl and a draining board to make food prep a breeze. Like other Schock CRISTADUR® sinks, this one is handmade in Germany from a blend of granite and quartz sand. The material has a smooth surface and it’s resistant to scratches and bumps. Toledo D-150 is reversible and saves space with an integrated installation method that also makes the worktop look more elegant.
Rohl Forze Stainless Steel Sink
Designed and crafted for high-end kitchen spaces, the Italian Forze sink is elegant and made from industrial-grade 16 gauge stainless steel. Extremely durable and practical, this black sink is easy to work with and maintain. Plus, it comes with the Quiet Coat technology that insulates the sink and muffles sound. The single basin design maximizes work space while the rear drain placement leaves more room under the sink. Other features include a rounded bottom edge and an undermount installation system.
Franke Peak Granite Sink
The Franke Peak Granite Sink blends into a variety of spaces with elegance thanks to a simple design that complements any décor. Manufactured from granite, this sink has an intense black hue and a smooth surface. The single basin enhances workflow and convenience with plenty of room for large items. Likewise, the space underneath the sink offers room for cleaning supplies, for example, as the rear drain is located at the back. Finally, the integrated ledge allows you to add accessories as needed to enhance the functionality of the Franke Peak Granite Sink.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining a black kitchen sink pristine is easy, but you need to adjust your cleaning routine depending on the material. For example, black stainless steel sinks are more prone to scratches and in time may show glimpses of the silver steel underneath the black coating. To reduce the risk of scratches never use abrasive sponges or cleaners, but only mild detergents, soap, and soft sponges or cloths. We’ve made a list of our favorite eco-friendly, all-purpose cleaners that would be a fantastic choice for either steel or granite sinks.
Speaking of granite composite sinks, they’re durable and tough, but that reflects in their price. While more expensive than their steel counterparts, these sinks are not scratch-proof, only more resistant to scratches. Depending on their composition, they may be more or less heat-resistant. Some designs have exceptional resistance to not only heat, but also impact, scratches and stains. However, regardless of their toughness, never use bleach or harsh chemicals on a granite composite kitchen sink.
Whether made from steel or granite, a black kitchen sink will show water stains more easily as well as certain food residue. By contrast, grime and darker stains will disappear against black surfaces, so keep this in mind for cleaning and maintenance. Generally, warm water and a mild soap or cleaner along with a soft cloth or sponge are all you need to keep a black sink looking pristine. With granite sinks, you can also use baking soda for tougher stains.
