Countertops can be a challenge to install, so it is crucial to select the right kitchen sink for them. Your counters will take up much more space than the sink, which is available in a variety of materials and colors. So, we have carefully researched if your kitchen sink should match the countertops.
It is always best for your kitchen sink to match your countertops because they share the same area and purpose. However, this does not necessarily mean the sink should have an identical look. They should agree in style together and coordinate with the rest of the home.
Although the kitchen sink can seem mundane because you use it every day, it can be an important part of your interior design. Keep reading to learn how to choose a new countertop for your sink, how the sink’s hardware should match, and what happens when you replace counters.
How do I match a kitchen sink with countertops?
Firstly, both features should have a matching style. This will be determined by the overall interior design of the home, such as a beach house or country home scene.
Next, the two primary ways to match your kitchen sink and counters would be to use colors that agree or contrast.
If the colors agree, the sink will blend right into the counters and the kitchen. This is useful if you want a more decorative backsplash.
If you decide to let your sink create contrast, it will be easier to see and allow the counters to pop in the kitchen. Since countertops are your primary workspace in the kitchen, this is usually ideal.
How do I choose a countertop for a sink?
It is traditionally best for the sink to create at least some contrast with your countertop. This way, the outline of your hardware is easy to distinguish when you work and run the sink.
So, you should use lighter countertops for dark sinks, and darker countertops for a brighter sink. This will highlight the sink, but the counters take up enough space for this to continue feeling balanced.
After creating a little contrast, you can still make sure the sink fits with the style of your counters. This will largely be determined by the material your features are made of.
For example, if your counter space is made of a natural stone, this may not pair well with a sleek, modern sink. Modern features have a minimalist look, so they’re usually shiny and smooth.
If you plan to match the color of your sink with your countertops anyway, then you should keep them at least two to three shades apart.
This includes the neutral black, which can actually have various undertones and temperatures. With two to three shades between the sink and counters, the color will feel less overbearing.
Is it OK to have different countertops in the kitchen?
It is certainly possible to have as many different countertops as you want, but the room can become cluttered. This is especially true for smaller kitchens. Ideally, you shouldn’t have more than two different kinds of countertops. Most of the time, your kitchen may be evenly divided in half.
Each counter may be used for a different purpose. Or, one countertop can match the sink while the other can match appliances and hardware on the other side. However, some kitchens may be large enough for more variety than a two-tone look. For example, a kitchen island may allow you to introduce a third counter space.
Specialists agree that mixing two types of stone counters can mainly be determined by the layout of the kitchen. They also advise that you use two different kinds of stone. This approach will often apply to other types of counter materials as well.
Do you have to replace the sink when replacing countertops?
Most of the time, your sink will be fitted to the counters with a top mount and adhesive. As such, they generally have to be replaced when you get new counters. Sometimes, the sink might be fastened to the counters by an "undermount," but this is rare.
Some experts say that you can remove some sinks before replacing your countertops. This would help prevent any damage to the sink’s hardware when you move heavy and large countertops.
But it would be a very difficult process to handle yourself, so it is best left to professionals. You would then have to determine if the cost of saving the sink would be worthwhile in the end. Also, some sinks are built into the counters as one piece. Naturally, these would go with the old counters.
Either way, it will likely be best to replace your sink with new countertops. The old sink would have to match the same size hole for the next counters.
Worse, either the old sink or the new counters could end up damaged in some way during the next installation. Counters can be very tricky to install, and heavy stones like marble can be dangerous to move.
Should my faucet match my hardware?
Most of the time, it is best for the faucet to match the sink and any other connected hardware. This is because these features act as a single unit.
Since they work together, it would look strange for stainless steel handles to draw water from a copper faucet. Consistency helps provide balance and gives you more freedom with your surrounding decor.
However, some interior designs can be more spontaneous. For example, abstract scenes tend to invite more personality. As long as the surroundings are balanced, mixing your faucet and hardware might become an accent piece. This is usually easy to achieve because most metals are sold with a neutral and similar look.
If you’re worried about how the cabinets will look beside your new faucet, check out this post: Should Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Match Faucet?
Does the sink drain need to match the faucet?
The sink drain usually refers to the pipe beneath the sink, which channels away all of your used water. This feature is usually hidden by cabinet doors until something breaks down or needs to be replaced.
As you won’t be seeing the sink drain very much, it isn’t always necessary for the drain to match the faucet’s style.
However, they both work together as one piece. Therefore, the material and sizes still need to match. Most of the time, your kitchen sink will already come with a drain since the sink would not operate at all without one.
If you plan on replacing your kitchen sink drain yourself, then you can check out this post to make sure it's installed properly: How High Should Kitchen Sink Drain Be From Floor?
Click here to find this stainless steel sink drain on Amazon.
However, you may only be thinking about the drain basket in the middle of the sink basin itself. Because it is small and centered in the basin, you should be able to either match the look or create contrast without losing balance.
Because this drain also works as one device with the rest of the sink, it may be best to simply match the material and look of the rest of the hardware.
In Closing
Both your sink and your countertops can be expensive and difficult to work with. So, it’s important to understand how the two work together when you install new features.
Before investing the time and effort, it’s important to know how to match your sink and countertops for a balanced look and how the faucet and hardware should agree.
