Our Vintage Drainboard Kitchen Sink: Modern Version for Timeless Charm
Our Vintage Drainboard Kitchen Sink: The perfect blend of old charm and modern function
When we began planning our kitchen for the new house, I knew I wanted a vintage, country-style kitchen before we even hired a contractor. Every design choice was made with that in mind. So when I found a newer style vintage drainboard kitchen sink, I knew it was a perfect match for the space.
Drainboard sinks transport me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she had a sink just like it. As you scroll through this post, you’ll see photos from all stages of its journey into our home. From renovation chaos to the final result!
When we began planning our kitchen renovations, we knew we wanted to create a space that felt warm, timeless, and filled with character. One feature I kept coming back to was a vintage drainboard kitchen sink. These classic sinks with their built in sideboards for draining dishes remind me of cozy kitchens in old homes.
Trying to find a true vintage drainboard sink wasn’t too difficult, as I see them for sale on marketplace occasionally. The real challenge was finding one in excellent condition, in the right size, and convincing our builder to work with an older piece.
That’s when I came across this beautiful vintage-style drainboard sink. It really presented the perfect solution. To get the look I wanted with modern function.
Today I’m sharing all the details in case you’re looking to bring this beautiful, functional style into your own kitchen!
Why We Chose a Vintage Drainboard Kitchen Sink
I’ve always loved the look of old-fashioned kitchen sinks, the kind that feels like it’s been there for generations. Once, I even tried to get my husband to buy a house because the kitchen had the original drainboard sink in it!
A vintage drainboard sink instantly adds personality and practicality. Not only does it become a focal point in the room, but the drainboard makes it very practical for drying dishes. No need for a big plastic dish drainer on the counter.
We wanted something that could stand up to daily use while still fitting seamlessly into our vision for a country-inspired kitchen.
The Sink We Picked
After lots of searching, we landed on a beautiful reproduction vintage drainboard kitchen sink made of fireclay and then finished in a white glaze. Here are some of the features I loved about this sink.
- Handmade in Italy
- Generous size single basin
- Built-in drainboard on one side (reversible fitting)
- Glossy white finish reminiscent of the sinks found in historic homes
The sink measures 36 inches wide and 20″ deep, making it a statement piece without overwhelming the space. It’s truly stunning in person.
How it fits into our kitchen design
This sink is truly the heart of our new kitchen. It pairs beautifully with our shaker-style cabinets and quartz counters, and its classic white finish brightens up the entire space.
In the photo above, you can see we have a wooden panel dishwasher door. That was a big hiccup during construction. The short version is our cabinet supplier doesn’t make panel doors, which we didn’t find out until after we ordered the cabinets and a panel-ready dishwasher.
I spent quite a bit of time hunting for a kitchen supplier who would make just the dishwasher door, and when I finally found the only one willing to do it, they couldn’t match my cabinet color exactly. So, instead of trying to force a near match, I decided to go for contrast. My thinking was this: if I ended up not liking it, a fresh coat of paint could always come to the rescue.
For now, I think I can work with it. It will look better when the kitchen is more complete and when we get an island.
Everyday Functionality
We’ve been using the sink for a few weeks now, and I can honestly say the drainboard is one of my favorite features. It’s perfect for air-drying dishes and a landing spot for fresh produce to dry after washing. The deep basin fits large pots easily, and cleaning is simple thanks to the smooth, non-porous surface.
If you’re wondering whether this type of sink is practical for a modern kitchen, the answer is a definite yes! The drainboard adds both charm and functionality, while keeping our counters clear.
Fun Fact: Porcelian drainboard sinks were first introduced around the 1920s. If you’re nerdy like me and want to know how kitchen sinks progressed from the 18th century to today, you can read this article on the history of American kitchen sinks.
The Faucet
The faucet we chose also complements the vintage sink. It’s a bridge-style faucet in antique brass, and it’s also reminiscent of vintage style.
The antique brass finish matches our doorknobs and my cabinet hardware. It’s really quite impressive looking in person! This sink and faucet pair makes for an authentic vintage look.
This pairing also complements the Delft-style tiles we installed over the range.
Where to Find a Vintage Drainboard Kitchen Sink
If you’re interested in adding a vintage drainboard kitchen sink to your home, here are a few places to start:
New reproduction models: You can find our exact kitchen sink from the Highpoint Collection. I highly recommend this route, especially when working with builders. Trying to retrofit a true antique sink can be difficult and costly.
Architectural salvage yards: If you want an authentic antique sink, salvage stores are worth a visit.
Online marketplaces: Sites like Etsy or eBay sometimes have restored vintage drainboard sinks.
Tip: Be sure to check measurements carefully and work with your contractor to ensure proper installation, as these sinks can be heavy and require extra support.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a vintage drainboard kitchen sink was one of the best decisions we made for our renovation. It gives our kitchen that perfect mix of old and new — a touch of nostalgia with all the convenience of modern living.
If you’re dreaming of a kitchen with timeless appeal, I highly recommend considering a vintage-inspired sink. It’s not just beautiful, it’s a hardworking, practical feature you’ll love using every day. I certainly do!
It’s honestly one of my favorite things about our entire renovation!
If you’re aiming for a cottage, farmhouse, or vintage-inspired look, a vintage drainboard kitchen sink can help tie it all together.
