12 kitchen island sink ideas to suit every style of home

If you’re designing a kitchen, chances are you’ve debated whether to include a sink on your kitchen island. On one hand, it’s an incredibly practical choice – great for food prep and washing up dishes. On the other, these design features can take up valuable counter space, and let’s be honest, no one wants their beautiful island to become a washing-up station. So, what’s the solution? A sink that works with your design, not against it.

From sleek undermount styles that keep things seamless to showstopping Belfast sinks that add a touch of heritage charm, we’ve rounded up 12 of the most stylish and practical kitchen island sink ideas to inspire your space. Whether you’re after a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional design with plenty of character, these ideas will help you find the perfect fit.

Where to start with your kitchen island sink ideas

“There is often a debate as to whether a kitchen island should feature a sink or a hob and become a ‘zone’ and part of the kitchen triangle,” explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport Kitchens. “There is not that much additional work or cost that goes into fitting a sink or hob into a kitchen island.”

However, there are some practicalities to consider. “To install a kitchen sink on an island, you are looking at about £500 from a bespoke kitchen company, as it requires a slightly different configuration for a sink in terms of cabinetry style,” Richard continues. “It’s the same as installing in any other cabinet, but where additional cost is required is with plumbing. A plumber will need to ensure you have the right pipework for both water and waste before installation.”

Richard Davonport

Richard Davonport is a luxury cabinetmaker and designer, and the founder and Managing Director of kitchen specialists, Davonport.

It’s also worth thinking about the size and shape of your kitchen island sink. “The size and shape you choose will depend on the intended use,” explains Christopher Proudfoot, owner and director at The White Kitchen Company. “A large, deep single basin provides ample space for washing baking trays and larger pots, making it an excellent choice for a main kitchen sink. For multitasking or a more classic look, a double basin may better suit customers’ needs, though it takes up more worktop space.”

Christopher Proudfoot

Christopher, having over three decades of furniture craftsmanship knowledge, co-founded The White Kitchen Company along with his wife, Rima. He blends classic British aesthetics with modern functionality and can devise clever, out-of-the-box solutions to solve cabinetry problems in any room.

1. Keep things simple with a practical undermount sink

“For a kitchen island, an undermount sink is often the most popular choice,” explains Christopher Proudfoot. “These designs offer a sleek, minimalistic look and make the worktops easier to clean.”

Because this type of sink is mounted beneath the worktop, there’s no rim or lip to trap crumbs and spills, making it a must-have for anyone who loves a fuss-free, easy-to-maintain kitchen.

Undermount sinks are also an obvious choice when it comes to aesthetics. Without a raised edge interrupting the surface, an undermount sink keeps your island looking effortlessly streamlined, allowing the beauty of your kitchen worktops to take centre stage. Whether you decide to go with a smooth quartz or an elegant marble countertop, opting for an undermount sink will help maintain an uninterrupted ‘visual flow’.

These designs come in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, and even copper. But one thing to keep in mind is that undermount sinks require professional installation, as they need to be securely fixed to the underside of the worktop. This also means they work best with solid surface materials such as granite, quartz, or composite, rather than laminate, which may not provide enough structural support.

2. Embrace a rustic farmhouse aesthetic

“Farmhouse kitchen sinks work well for rustic or traditional style spaces but may require more space due to their size,” says Christopher Proudfoot. So if you’ve got the room, a deep, apron-front design paired with an aged brass tap can add instant character to your kitchen island.

To keep the look feeling fresh and modern, you may want to contrast a classic ceramic or fireclay farmhouse sink with sleek quartz worktops and Shaker-style cabinetry. The key is to blend heritage charm with contemporary touches, such as soft neutral tones, open shelving, and natural textures to create that effortless, lived-in feel.

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3. Stainless steel is a popular, low-maintenance choice

If you’re looking for practical, hard-wearing kitchen sink ideas that can handle daily use with ease, stainless steel is a smart option.

“Stainless steel remains a top choice due to its durability and ease of cleaning, making it ideal for high-use areas,” explains Christopher Proudfoot. "Its resistance to stains, heat, and impact makes it a favourite for busy kitchens, while its versatile finish means pairs well with a range of styles and kitchen island materials."

Top Tip: If you aren't a fan of the standard stainless steel finish, you could also opt for a brushed or satin finish to help disguise water spots and fingerprints.

4. It's hard to beat the timeless beauty of a ceramic Belfast sink

“For a more traditional look, ceramic Belfast sinks offer an authentic, classic feel,” says Christopher Proudfoot, “but they do require more care to avoid chips or scratches.”

Perfect for a cottage kitchen, these deep, apron-front designs make a real statement while offering plenty of space for washing up. Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL, explains: “They transform the washing-up area into a feature, rather than just a practical spot for cleaning dishes.”

For a luxe twist, brands like deVOL now offer marble Belfast sinks, keeping the same timeless shape but adding an extra touch of elegance. “These sinks are smooth to the touch and have such a special look – elevating the space in a way that still feels understated,” Helen adds.

Helen Parker

Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL, has shaped the brand’s iconic, understated style over 13 years. Her passion for kitchen design and storytelling has elevated deVOL to a household name.

5. Double-up with a sink on your island and another against the wall

If you have the space, two kitchen sinks can make meal prep and clean-up much more efficient – especially in a busy family kitchen or a home where cooking and entertaining go hand in hand.

“Having a sink on both the wall and island works best if you have a large kitchen with ample counter space and you cook or entertain frequently and need to separate prep and clean-up zones,” explains Alex Main, director at The Main Company.

This setup allows you to designate one sink for food prep and another for washing up, keeping things streamlined and reducing congestion in high-traffic areas. “Having a sink close to the cooker is also important, particularly if young children are racing around – a pan of boiling water wants to find its shortest way to the sink,” Alex adds.

Sometimes, adding a small prep sink on your island near the cooker can make meal prep easier, while keeping the main sink against the wall for washing up. If you're considering this kitchen layout, Alex recommends discussing key details like drainage and plumbing with your builder early on to avoid any issues down the line.

Alex Main

Alex Main is director at The Main Company, a family-run company that has been creating highly individual bespoke kitchens that are full of personality and unique style since the 1970s. The family business has built up its knowledge from the vast experience gained from trading within the national and international markets.

6. Streamline your meal prep with a boiling water tap

A boiling water tap is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your kitchen island sink. Instantly dispensing hot water for tea, coffee, and cooking, it removes the need for a kettle, helping to free up valuable worktop space and reduce prep time.

These smart kitchen taps are also much more energy-efficient than boiling a kettle multiple times a day. Whether you’re making a quick cup of tea, blanching vegetables, or filling a pot for pasta, having near-instant boiling water makes daily tasks quicker and more affordable.

7. Metallic touches can elevate the look of your kitchen

Whether it’s a statement sink, brushed brass taps, or elegant copper details, adding metallic finishes to your kitchen island is a simple way to elevate your overall design scheme.

“We have been selling copper sinks and worktops consistently over the past few years,” says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL. “Our ageing process on the copper ensures a subtle and warm glow rather than a brash bright copper. Paired with our rather special hand-aged copper worktops, this material has become a classic deVOL look.”

You could also incorporate a metallic undermount sink into a minimalist, all-white island for a subtle yet luxurious contrast. The warm tones of a brushed gold or copper sink are perfect for breaking up the expanse of a sleek white countertop.

8. Embrace the beauty and patina of aged brass

When designing a high end kitchen, few materials can rival the look and feel of aged brass. Over time, this living finish develops a rich patina, giving your space a sense of history and understated luxury. Whether polished to a soft glow or left to deepen with age, brass taps and sinks add an authentic, timeworn charm that only gets better over the years.

As seen in this stunning kitchen by deVOL, pairing aged brass fixtures with a dramatic marble kitchen island countertop creates an effortlessly elevated look. The contrast between the veined stone and warm metal makes for a striking kitchen centrepiece.

9. Choose an extendable tap for style and convenience

An extendable tap is a small upgrade that makes a big difference to how you use your kitchen. These practical accessories are perfect for filling pots, rinsing veg, and keeping your sink spotless. Their flexible designs also mean less lifting and fewer potential splashes come washing up time.

Available in a wide range of finishes, from brushed brass to matte black, extendable taps can be tailored to suit practically any kitchen style.

10. Combine finishes for a contemporary feel

Mixing materials and finishes is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen island a designer feel. Instead of matching everything perfectly, make a point of contrasting your sink, taps, and worktop materials to create a more layered bespoke kitchen look.

For instance, a matte black and chrome tap paired with a stainless steel sink feels effortlessly modern, while a ceramic Belfast sink against sleek quartz worktops with warm brass fixtures balances traditional charm with a fresh, updated edge.

For a truly cohesive scheme, mirror these mixed finishes in other areas of your kitchen, such as cabinet handles, lighting, and even kitchen appliances. A combination of metals, textures, and materials will make your kitchen feel thoughtfully curated rather than overly coordinated.

11. Cover your sink when it's not in use

“Sink covers or worktop boards that fit over the sink can hide it completely when not in use,” explains Alex Main. “These covers not only conceal the sink but also extend your kitchen island countertop space for prep, serving or entertaining whilst offering a sleek look.”

Ideal for small kitchens or open-plan kitchens, a sink cover ensures that your island maintains a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. Whether you opt for a wooden board or a purpose made stone cover that blends with your worktop, this simple solution helps make your kitchen island feel more like a multi-functional surface.

12. Embrace a fluted design for a handcrafted feel

Fluted detailing is having a major moment in kitchen design, adding a handcrafted feel to everything from cabinetry to sinks. Opting for a fluted basin, like the ceramic Belfast style seen here on this beautifully designed Olive & Barr kitchen island, brings instant character and a subtle point of difference.

This classic-meets-contemporary look is perfect for islands in shaker kitchens and looks great when paired with warm brass fixtures, and natural materials like stone and wood. You may also want to mirror fluted detailing elsewhere in your kitchen, perhaps in a glass pendant lighting, grooved cabinetry, or even reeded glass on cupboards.

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FAQs

When is a kitchen island sink not a good idea?

Not all kitchen islands would benefit from having a sink. Darren Taylor, managing director at Searle & Taylor explains:

"As a rule, we prefer to not include a sink on a kitchen island, opting for a hob instead. This is because a sink should ideally be part of a ‘sink run,’ usually behind the island, where the run of undercounter cabinetry beneath will also include a dishwasher, bins and cupboards for cleaning items.

"However, if the kitchen has a range cooker included within the scheme, we will then recommend a sink is on the island if there is no alternative. Also, with the benefit of space, if the island is more than three-metres in length, we will recommend a client has a hob and a prep sink, purely for food preparation, with a larger sink on a separate sink run against a wall nearest the water supply."

Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is the managing director of Searle & Taylor, a luxury kitchen company with a two-floor showroom in Winchester. Having trained as a cabinetmaker, he started his business aged 18 in 1991. Today, Searle & Taylor designs classic bespoke and contemporary kitchens, pantries and boot rooms for clients in Hampshire and beyond.

For a truly cohesive look, consider matching your sink and tap finish with your kitchen lighting or hardware. This subtle detail helps tie the whole space together, creating a harmonious and well-thought-out design.