Best Matching Fixtures and Accessories for a Cast Iron Wall Sink

It's been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where life happens, and it's where we spend our happiest moments as a family. The truth is, it's one of the most used rooms in your home. Every family member spends some time there, some more than others (you know who you are!). So it's important that it has the right style and ambiance.

Now, when you think about what it takes to make a kitchen, what comes to mind? Likely the first things are the appliances — the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Then you think of the cabinets and drawers. But really, what would a kitchen be without a sink?

When it comes to the sink, the possibilities are truly endless, but more and more people are taking a pass on the ubiquitous drop-in sink and instead opting for a cast iron wall sink. What should you know about cast iron sinks? What kind of fixtures should you get? And how can you make the sink area in your kitchen look like it belongs in a magazine?

We'll answer those questions in this article. But first, let's travel back in time and learn a little more about our old friend, the cast iron sink.

A Quick Glimpse Into the Past

As late as the 18th to early 19th centuries, a sink was still seen mostly as a functional object in the home, without a lot of thought given to appearance. They were usually simple stone- or metal-lined wooden boxes with some sort of drainage system.

As the 19th century progressed, however, iron foundries began springing up around the United States, and the process of making cast iron was improved and refined. It was inexpensive to make sinks out of cast iron. The material itself has a low melting point, making it easy to cast into different forms. And it holds its shape and resists wear. Over time, the white, porcelain-coated cast iron sink mounted to the wall became a common sight in homes across the country.

By the 1920s, cast iron sinks were all the rage and could be purchased in a variety of colors. But they hadn't yet been integrated into the cabinetry. Sinks were still either mounted on the wall or equipped with legs to stand on their own. Within a couple of decades, though, stainless steel sinks had gained a sizable share of the market, and cabinets were designed to integrate sinks. Wall-mounted cast iron sinks, while never going away completely, weren't as popular anymore.

As little as 20 years ago, cast iron sinks were still considered "old fashioned" — something you remember from your grandparents' house, along with doilies and a crocheted teapot cozy. Stainless steel and resin were the preferred materials. But in recent years, cast iron sinks have made an impressive comeback…

Why Choose Cast Iron?

For one thing, cast iron is extremely durable. Sinks made of cast iron can be used for many years without fading, cracking, denting, burning, or corroding. They hold heat well, which helps when washing dishes by hand. Many colors are available, so they can work well with virtually any décor. And the enamel finish has a beautiful glossy sheen, is non-porous, stain resistant, easy to clean, and doesn't show water spots.

Nowadays, most cast iron sinks are made of recycled and reclaimed iron — sometimes over 90%. So it's a good choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option. Finally, a cast iron sink is considered a high-end feature and adds value to a home.

Fitting Out a Wall Sink

Cast iron sinks are now quite common in kitchens, but they're usually integrated into the cabinetry. That means a wall-mount cast iron sink will automatically stand out and give your kitchen a unique look.

Since a cast iron wall sink is definitely leaning toward traditional décor, the faucet you choose should be consistent with this. Single-handle faucets are streamlined, modern, and fit in with contemporary designs. But your wall sink wants something more classic, and a double-handle faucet fits the bill perfectly. Of course, double-handle models can also be quite modern in design. While that may work in some instances, cross handles provide a wonderful, nostalgic look that will never go out of style.

What color faucet should you get? Well, when you think of that cast iron sink at your grandparents' house, what color was the faucet? That's right, chrome. So if you're after a very traditional look, a white sink with a chrome two-handle faucet is the best choice. Of course, depending on the décor of the room, you can go with a faucet that is gold, brass, nickel, bronze, pewter, or even black. A colored faucet can create a charming "old-meets-new" look.

If we're talking about a utility sink, you need to think about the plumbing. Since your wall sink may not be in a cabinet, the drain pipe underneath the sink will show. It's just a single pipe, but since it's visible, you'll want to make sure it adds something to the décor. In this case, the usual PVC pipe just won't do. Spend a little extra to get a drain pipe that matches your faucet. If that's not possible, go for a chrome pipe. And be sure to choose a flange that matches, completely covers the hole where the pipe goes into the wall, and stays snug to the wall. Details matter and a shiny, clean drain pipe will add to the room's overall appearance.

Mirror, Mirror…

If your wall sink is a utility sink, you may want to hang a mirror over it. You could go for a large square or rectangular mirror, as is often seen over a bathroom vanity. But again, if you're looking for a traditional look, opt for a mirror that's round or oval in shape. It could be hung with or without a frame, and the frame, if you decide on one, could be either wood or metal.

Space for Your Stuff

When you have a sink that mounts in a cabinet or vanity, you have space to put soap, lotion, sponges, and other items that you use on a daily basis. But a wall sink doesn't give you much room for anything. No need to worry. All is not lost here. Get creative by installing a small shelf over the sink and below the mirror. It can be used for both practical and decorative items. Another option is a small table or stand next to the sink. And since a mirror doesn't take up the entire wall, a towel ring or two can be mounted on either side of the sink.

Light It Up!

What about lighting? Whether your sink is in the kitchen or a utility room, you want lots of light. If it's a utility sink, you could choose a strip light, but a more classic look would be wall sconces on both sides of the mirror. Sconces come in many different colors and styles, so the world really is your oyster here. You can stick with something very traditional, or if you've gone with a colored sink and modern faucet, the sconces can be more contemporary. And if your sconces go with your faucet and drainpipe, it ties everything together nicely!

In a kitchen, your sink may be directly under a window. If there is space, you can mount sconces over the window, or you can install recess lighting in the ceiling directly over the sink. Another option is a light that hangs from the ceiling over the sink area.

See the Big Picture

We've explored several things here — the sink itself, the faucet, plumbing, storage space, mirror, and lighting. When planning your sink area, try to see the big picture. Envision how all these elements will look together. Check out the many options available at Kingston Brass. With careful thought and a little research and homework, your cast iron wall sink will be a fantastic centerpiece in your kitchen or utility room!