A Farmhouse Sink by Any Other Name

What is the difference between a Farmhouse Sink, a Farm Sink, and an Apron Sink?

Call it what you will – “farmhouse sink,” “apron sink,” “apron-front sink,” or simply “farm sink” – there is no denying the intrinsic appeal, not to mention the visual oomph, of an apron front sink.

The Traditional Approach

An apron-front sink with a straight apron, slightly curved on the ends. We’ve aptly named our Farmhouse Sink Collection. A series of apron sinks – or farm sinks, if you will – in the classic shape, artisan made and hand hammered from richly textured and lustrous recycled copper.
The NativeStone® concrete sinks also fit right into the traditional farmhouse sink classification. So we named our first concrete apron sink Farmhouse 3018. Did you know that some of the very first farm sinks in history were made from concrete?  The concrete sink has come a long way! Read more of the farmhouse sink’s interesting history.

As for terminology, the traditional sink style that makes up our copper Farmhouse Sink Collection, and also characterizes the look of our NativeStone sink, is called by various monikers.  “Apron sink,” “farm sink,” “apron-front sink,” and “farmhouse sink” are all appropriate designations.  That said, all apron sinks or apron-front sinks are not necessarily farmhouse sinks – at least not in the Native Trails world view. Here’s why.

The Modern Approach

As appealing as is the classic sink style, you will love to buck convention and get edgy. Thus, the collection of modern sinks.  With their clean angles and contemporary design, we only call them “farmhouse sinks” with the addition of the modifier “modern”: “modern farmhouse sinks.” While they are certainly apron-front sinks, their non-traditional lines give them a personality that is not quite captured by just the phrase “farmhouse sink.” Take a look at Zuma. Designed as a contemporary sink, there is a fun play with angles for this unexpected take on the classic copper sink.

Later came Paragon and Pinnacle, two icons of modern-rustic beauty. Both show off their fabulous hammered aprons with clean, straight lines. No curves here! Paragon has a short 6.5” apron for an almost subtle look, and it can be mounted on standard cabinetry – a big plus for remodels when the cabinetry is not being replaced. Pinnacle boasts a full 10.5” apron and squared-off corners, for maximum impact.

Yes, technically one would call any of these last three by the name “copper farmhouse sink,” but Native Trails choose not to reflect that in their product names, being that their style is so far removed from the rustic style.
Call it what you will, you will love the apron-front sink, and we promise to keep it interesting – to continue the sink style evolution – who knows what will be next!

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