Undermount vs. Belfast Sinks: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen Style?

Stuck between sink styles for your new kitchen? You're not alone!

This is one of those seemingly small decisions that you'll actually live with every single day. Get it right, and you'll love using your kitchen. Get it wrong, and you'll be cursing that sink every time you wash up.

I've helped dozens of homeowners through this exact dilemma, so let's sort out which option might work best for you.

What's an Undermount Sink?

An undermount sink does exactly what it says on the tin - it mounts underneath your worktop instead of sitting on top. This creates that lovely seamless look where your counter flows straight into the sink.

They're usually stainless steel, granite composite or quartz, and they've become massively popular in kitchens where clean lines matter.

The absolute best thing? Cleaning is a doddle. No more grime building up around that annoying sink rim - you just wipe crumbs straight into the sink. After years with a traditional drop-in sink, I switched to undermount in my own kitchen and honestly wonder why I suffered so long with that grimy sink edge!

These sinks look fantastic with stone worktops. The combo of a beautiful quartz counter flowing right into an undermount sink gives you that high-end look without the faff.

What's a Belfast Sink?

Belfast sinks are those gorgeous chunky ceramic sinks with the visible front panel. You know the ones - they scream country kitchen charm.

They're fantastically deep, which is brilliant for washing big pots or filling buckets without splashing everywhere (or bathing small children - I've done it!). The classic white ceramic finish brings instant character to any kitchen.

We're putting these in all sorts of kitchens lately - not just country cottages. I installed one in a super-modern flat in Hackney last month, and it looks absolutely stunning against dark cabinets as a statement piece.

A Belfast sink isn't just a sink - it's a feature. It's like that piece of furniture that anchors a room and gives it personality.

The Main Differences

When clients ask me which to choose, I usually focus on five key differences:

How they fit: Undermounts hide away under your worktop creating that smooth surface everyone loves these days. Belfast sinks proudly sit on top with their beautiful front fully on show. One blends in, one stands out!

What they're made of: Undermounts come in loads of materials - stainless steel is most common, but there's granite composite, quartz, even concrete for that industrial vibe. Belfast sinks are almost always ceramic with that classic white finish (that yes, shows every mark - I'm constantly wiping mine down).

Daily living: Undermounts let you sweep everything straight into the sink. Belfast sinks give you amazing depth for washing big stuff, though the ceramic can chip if you drop something heavy (learned that lesson with a cast iron pan - oops).

The look: Undermounts are subtle and elegant. Belfast sinks are proper statement pieces - they grab attention and tell you something about the kitchen's personality.

What they'll cost you: Belfast sinks usually mean spending more - not just on the sink itself but because you need cabinets built specially to hold them (they're heavy as anything!). Undermounts generally work with standard cabinets but need solid worktops.

Which Works Best In Your Kitchen?

Your kitchen's vibe should help you decide.

For modern kitchens, undermounts usually win hands down. They enhance that sleek, minimal feel and let your gorgeous worktops be the star. Perfect for contemporary spaces where clean lines rule.

For traditional or country kitchens, Belfast sinks are just magic. They add instant character and warmth. I put one in my sister's Victorian terrace renovation and it just fits the period of the house perfectly - like it's always been there.

Think about whether you want your sink to be a supporting actor or the lead in your kitchen drama. An undermount quietly does its job while letting other elements shine. A Belfast sink proudly announces itself and becomes a focal point.

Your cabinet style influences this too. Shaker cabinets and warmer colours pair beautifully with Belfast sinks. Sleek, handleless units look fantastic with undermounts.

Installation and Budget Bits

There's more to consider than just the price tag:

Undermount sinks need professional fitting to be properly secured under your worktop. They only work with solid surfaces like stone or wood - not laminate or standard wooden worktops. I've seen DIY undermount installations go horribly wrong when not sealed properly (think water damage nightmares).

Belfast sinks need specially built cabinets to support their weight and show off that distinctive front. This bumps up your costs, especially if you're updating an existing kitchen rather than starting from scratch.

Don't forget to budget for worktop cutting, plumbing tweaks, and cabinet modifications. These hidden renovation costs can really sneak up on you if you're not prepared.

Both sink types last ages, but Belfast sinks can chip (I dropped a cast iron pan in mine) and undermounts might need resealing eventually. Worth adding a bit to your contingency budget just in case.

The Final Decision

Both options are brilliant - it really comes down to your kitchen style and how you use it.

Go undermount if: You want that sleek, contemporary look that maximizes counter space and makes cleaning a breeze. They work beautifully with built-in appliances for that seamless, integrated look.

Go Belfast if: You want to bring some serious character to your kitchen, you use lots of big pots and pans, and you love that timeless farmhouse vibe. They pair gorgeously with open shelving for that classic country kitchen feel.

While undermounts are generally more versatile and often cheaper, Belfast sinks bring instant charm that transforms ordinary kitchens into something special.

The perfect sink is the one that makes you happy every time you use it (which is about a million times a year). Whether you choose undermount efficiency or Belfast character, make sure it fits how you actually live in your kitchen.

Still torn? Our design team can help you weigh up the options for your specific space. Get in touch today and we'll sort you out!