How to Choose Between a Farmhouse Sink and an Apron Front Sink

Because the last thing you need mid-renovation is another confusing sink term

If you’ve ever stood in a hardware store surrounded by glossy white sinks, nodding along while silently thinking,“Wait… aren’t these the same thing?” 🤔 you’re in good company.

The farmhouse sink and the apron front sink are often used interchangeably, but lately, there’s been a subtle shift in design language (and installation style) that’s worth knowing before you order.

Let’s unpack what sets these two apart, how each one fits into different kitchen layouts, and which makes the most sense for your budget, cabinetry, and lifestyle.

Let’s dig in! 🤓

1. What Actually Defines a Farmhouse Sink?

The farmhouse sink is the OG of statement sinks, the one you picture in a warm, lived-in kitchen with a plate of cookies cooling on the counter.

Traditionally, a farmhouse sink is deep, heavy, and installed by replacing the front section of your countertop so that the sink’s face is fully exposed. It sits slightly forward of the cabinetry, creating that classic overhang you can lean against while rinsing dishes (bonus: your shirt stays dry).

Farmhouse sinks are typically made from fireclay or cast iron, which gives them that solid, timeless look and makes them heavy enough to require extra cabinet support underneath. 

When it works best:

• In traditional or transitional kitchens that lean warm and inviting.

• When you want a centerpiece sink that feels charming and substantial.

• If you love the tactile look of hand-crafted finishes like glossy white fireclay or enamel-coated cast iron.

2. The Rise of the Apron Front Sink (and Why It’s Not the Same Thing)

Here’s where things get interesting.

An apron front sink technically looks similar to a farmhouse sink, since it also shows off that exposed front panel, but the way it installs and functions is shifting toward something a bit more modern.

With a traditional farmhouse sink, the basin itself determines how your cabinetry fits beneath it. You might end up with short cabinet doors or less under-sink storage because of how deep the bowl drops.

With an apron front sink, you control that drop. The sink front can be designed to extend only partway down, allowing for standard-sized cabinet doors underneath. That flexibility makes it a practical choice for smaller kitchens or homeowners who want the look without sacrificing storage.

Why I love it: It keeps the charm of a farmhouse sink but feels lighter, cleaner, and more customizable. Think of it as the “updated classic” of the sink world.

When it works best:

• In modern or transitional kitchens that mix traditional charm with streamlined edges.

• When you need to maximize cabinet space or prefer standard cabinet door sizing.

• If you want a sleeker look with a slightly thinner front profile.
  

3. Materials to Consider for Either Sink Style

Both the farmhouse sink and apron front sink come in a range of materials, but your lifestyle (and dishwashing habits) should steer the decision more than looks alone.

Here’s what to expect from a few popular choices:

• Fireclay: Durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. Great for busy families.

• Cast Iron: Classic and heavy, with a glossy enamel finish. Gorgeous but needs strong support.

• Stainless Steel: Sleek and modern, great for apron front sinks in contemporary kitchens.

• Natural Stone or Concrete: Statement-making but high-maintenance. They’ll develop patina (and the occasional water spot).

If you’re working on a kitchen renovation on a budget, mixing materials wisely helps. Maybe you go for a stainless apron front sink instead of fireclay and invest those savings into a beautiful faucet or backsplash.

📖 RELATED: Thinking about your faucet placement too? Read The #1 Wall Mounted Faucet Install Mistake Most People Don’t Know They’re Making. It’s a quick must-read before anyone drills into your new backsplash.

4. How Sink Choice Impacts Cabinetry and Storage

This is the sneaky part that most homeowners (and some contractors) overlook. Your sink dictates what happens below it, especially if you’re doing a kitchen sink renovation as part of a larger remodel.

With farmhouse sinks, the cabinet doors often have to shrink to accommodate the deep bowl, leaving you with less usable storage for cleaning supplies or bins.

Apron front sinks, on the other hand, give you a little more freedom. You can set the height of the apron, keeping your full cabinet doors intact. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re storing everyday items like dish soap, trash bags, or that oversized pan you use twice a year.

DESIGN TIP:

Talk to your cabinet maker before you order your sink. They’ll need exact dimensions to make sure the cabinetry fits perfectly.

📖 RELATED: If your renovation includes cabinetry upgrades, check out Good Wood for Cabinets: A Simple Breakdown of What to Know Before You Choose. It walks through how different woods behave and how to match finishes that last.

5. Which One Fits Your Kitchen Best?

At the end of the day, choosing between a farmhouse sink and an apron front sink isn’t about what’s “in style.” It’s about what works for your layout, how you actually use your kitchen, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.

If your kitchen is more traditional or you love a nostalgic, charming vibe, the farmhouse sink is your winner. It’s timeless, tactile, and looks stunning with everything from marble counters to butcher block.

If your space leans clean, minimal, or you need smarter storage under the sink, the apron front sink is a great fit. It gives you the same aesthetic without the bulk, a nod to farmhouse charm in a more modern package.

Still can’t decide? Here’s a quick gut check:

• Do you want “heritage charm” or “modern ease”?

• Are you willing to baby your sink a little, or do you want low-maintenance practicality?

• Do you love the drama of a deep, sculptural basin or prefer a lighter, flexible option?

Answer those, and your decision usually becomes pretty obvious.

Bonus Resource: Before You Choose That Sink, Double-Check Your Cabinets 

The sink you pick can completely change your cabinetry layout (and your budget). Before you finalize anything, grab my free guide:

🍁Grab my FREE guide→ Kitchen Renovation on a Budget: Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

It’ll help you spot the small oversights that cause big regrets, like drawers that collide, finishes that clash, or storage that makes daily life harder instead of easier.

A beautiful sink starts with smart cabinet planning. I’ll help you make sure the pieces below it are working just as hard as the ones on top.