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Ledge to hide island sink? yes or no?

12 years ago

We are building a new home, and my kitchen is placed in the middle of the house somewhat so I don't have a window in the kitchen. I don't want to look at a wall while doing dishes, so my sink will be in the island. I'd really like a flat island with no ledge, but pretty sure I'll have a ledge to hide the sink, dirty dishes, etc. since the kitchen is open to the dining and livingroom.

What do you guys think? Is a ledge necessary to hide the sink and any possible dirty dishes? Do you have a ledge on your island for this purpose or not? Or do you think I'll be ok without the ledge?

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Comments (6)

sabjimata
12 years ago
If you get a big, deep sink, then your pots and such will be pretty well hidden. I prefer a single level island for aesthetics as well as usability.
nini804
12 years ago
Could you get a deep sink instead? I personally prefer a single level island...I always feel precarious sitting in those high stools.
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We were told anything over 10 inches requires support. The height of your ledge determines how much knee space is needed, here are the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommendations: Table-height seating (30" high): 18" overhang Counter-height seating (36" high): 15" overhang Bar-height seating (42" high): 12" overhang While lots of people on this forum sing the praises of the single level island or peninsula, I have had both and much prefer a raised counter. I know this is not on trend, but we just finished a kitchen renovation in February and removed the single level peninsula countertop and added a bar height counter. I hated seeing the sink and all the counter clutter from the family room. Yes, I live in my home and use my kitchen and I have counter clutter on a regular basis, I am much happier now that the raised bar hides most of it! You have to know how you live and what works for your family, sometimes that means bucking the trend
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Hi there smm5525. I studied ergonomics while I was a kitchen designer. Ergonomics has been a major factor in my sink designs. I based the height of the ledges on my many years of studies. Cutting at that level does not force a downward angle. If you look in the video above, you will see there is no downward angle required. It is very comfortable to cut veggies, etc. I actually pioneered this and many other ideas. The double tiered sink has three patents on the design. I also came up with the rear corner drain about 18 years ago. I saw many sink companies with rear corner drains this year at KBIS. I am so glad to see that. The sinks with interior ledges, both single and double were also my ideas quite some time before everyone got on board. I have about 13 patents on my designs. Sadly, some companies have copied them figuring I am a small company and I would not get in a fight with the big guys. They are right! All in all, I am pleased to see my ideas spread through the industry. Dino Rachiele
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mmhmmgood
12 years ago
I prefer the single level as well. My new island will house my main sink and will be a single level. It is also open to the dining room and living rooms. I'm removing the previous island with raised bar in part because the single level gives me SO much more counter space. It also opens up the kitchen more and doesn't interfere with the view of the rest of my pretty kitchen! I will have a deep sink on this island and another cleanup sink on the perimeter - for day to day use I expect some clutter on my island countertop, perhaps a few drying dishes or plastics that didn't fully dry in the dishwasher. And I don't mind seeing that stuff on a day to day basis, our house is definitely lived in and the kitchen is well used and loved. But it will clean up nicely and quickly for entertaining, the single level island is a great place for putting out appies or drinks or for serving buffet style.

Still in progress or I'd post a few pics. Demo all done, site measurements for the cabinets next week!
breezygirl
12 years ago
I've never had bar height seating or an island sink, but I'd much prefer single level. My old kitchen had a peninsula at one height. I would not havd liked that lovely open space broken up by a bar height counter. I used that space for tons of projects, cooking and otherwise.
Mercymygft
12 years ago
I will echo what mmhmmgood said. I am going with a single level island which will house my main sink. For me, I just love the look of a large expanse of granite, or counter of your choice ;-) It becomes a focal point, especially with some pretty lights over it. I think I am going with a deep apron style sink. I have a 10" deep sink now but under a sink, and if there are a few dishes in there, you really can't see them. My kitchen will be open to the family room as well.

Another consideration for me is that I am only 4'11", so the higher bar height counters are a little hard for me to maneuver.
sjmitch
12 years ago
Single level island for me as well. The room available for use is so much better with the one level island. Deep sinks (10" or so) and dishwashers hide dirty dishes when you need to. I also have my sink in my island.

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