Bar sinks were traditionally used for wet bars and they still are. They are seen in wet bars for entertaining or family use in family rooms, media rooms, living rooms, master bedrooms and even outdoors. And they are not just for cleanup; they can hold ice to chill bottles of wine or champagne or, yes, beer or soda. Yesterday’s wet bars have become today’s beverage centers stocked with soft drinks, bottled water, wine and beer in an under-counter refrigerator or refrigerator drawers, and they often offer snacks, a microwave and ice machine, and of course, a bar sink.
Prep Sinks
Bar sinks are striking out in new territory; aka prep sinks are moonlighting in the kitchen. In fact, they are now almost considered mandatory for a new kitchen. Here they are used to wash vegetables and fruit, for cooking, and cleanup. Remember to include a garbage disposal. Kitchen beverage centers often have a bar sink for coffee and other drinks such as powdered soft drinks. Coffee bars are becoming popular in kitchens with a bar sink, built-in coffee/espresso/cappuccino machine, and cabinet space for beans, creamers, etc.
One place you might not expect to see a bar sink is in the Master bedroom but they are a relatively common sight in high end homes, and increasingly, in not so high end homes. Morning bars are similar to a beverage center but with a coffee maker. They are great for morning coffee but also useful for a midnight snack, some warm milk, a cup of tea, or preparing a baby bottle for a 2am feeding. Most recently bar sinks have been making regular appearances outdoors on decks and patios in bars and in outdoor kitchens.
Finishes
Home bar sinks used to be almost always stainless steel, and many still are, but today bar/prep sinks are available in many beautiful materials and finishes—brushed and hammered stainless steel and copper, granite, pewter, cast iron, brass, nickel or bronze. Copper is a healthy choice because bacteria cannot grow on it. Both copper and bronze only gets better with time. High quality stainless steel is the finish of choice for outdoors.
Fashion colors are also available such as the Kohler Cordial Cast Iron Entertainment Sink in Kohler’s signature colors like Cashmere, Cobalt, Basalt and Mexican Sand plus many more.
Styles and Shapes
Today bar sinks come in countless styles and shapes—the traditional square and round, as well as, rectangular, octagon, oval, wedge and the newest curved or trough shapes and the rather free-form Elkay Mystic 23" Stainless Steel Bar Sink. Some bar sinks are double and there are also apron front bar sinks. Whitehaus makes some smaller than full size 20" Fireclay Apron Front Sink that makes a very nice prep sink and a matching full size apron sink. Vessel bar sinks are a very stylish addition to a kitchen island.
There are decorative copper bar sinks with raised grapes and other embellishments that compliment Old World or Traditional style kitchens. There are also more rustic copper and bronze styles that are perfect for country styles. The cast iron sinks in fashionable colors are more than willing to call any style kitchen home. Think sleek stainless, nickel or chrome sinks for the Contemporary kitchen. In the kitchen it’s best to match your bar sink finish to your main sink’s finish. Or at least choose a similar finish such as copper and bronze.
Bar Faucets
One must-have accessory is a bar sink faucet. These faucets are somewhat smaller than the full size sink faucet. Bar faucets are usually high gooseneck styles and can have two handles or one. Single handle faucets are the most popular because they are slightly easier to use. Today’s bar faucets are available in beautiful styles and finishes. If the bar sink is in the kitchen it’s usually best to choose a faucet to match your main sink faucet because it gives a nice uniform appearance.
Fortunately the Green Bay Home Depot offers all the hottest styles, finishes and the brands you trust. You can select your sink and the perfect faucet from the comfort of your home on the Internet.
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