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Remodel & decorate in Mid Century Style

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Home / Kitchen / Kitchen Faucets

16 vintage Kohler kitchens — and an important kitchen sink still offered today

pam kueber - February 8, 2010, Updated: September 1, 2021

vintage kohler drainboard kitchen sink

Let me take you on a little stroll though kitchen design history from the 1930s though the 1950s — with this terrific series of images from Kohler. Vicki Hafenstein of the media relations team at Kohler is really helpful and responsive, and quickly supplied these vintage kitchen photos and illustrations to help with the etsy.com video. She is also hunting some pink bathroom illustrations for my talk in Charlotte. I really appreciate your help, Vicki! 

I also wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that Kohler makes one hudee-rimmed porcelain-on-cast-iron sinks still available today — it would be one of my top two choices for a Retro Renovation kitchen: See this story about the (very similar, it seems) Kohler Delafield and Ceco San Clemente metal-rimmed, porcelain enameled cast iron kitchen sinks.

farmhouse drainboard sink vintage from kohler

These first three images show old, farmhouse style sinks. I don’t really understand the design evolution of sinks. I am pretty sure they were all heavy cast iron, because that was the dominant metal-making technology. Honestly, these have kind of a “trough” feel to me, I am guessing they are in fact derived from designs originally used on farms. I need to do more research… The design above shows how the sink was not necessarily integrated with the cabinets.

farmhouse kitchen sink on legs vintage from kohler

Here we have a little evolution – the sink at least is tucked along the same wall as the cabinets, and it has legs. Look at the deep bowl, which also has a hinged top.

arts and crafts kitchen with a big drainboard sink

This looks like a bungalow kitchen. You see further integration of the sink into the cabinetry — a clear line in the evolution of “fitted kitchens.”

1940s drainboard sink

I love this illustration, which I am guessing comes from the 40s, I’d say. The way the linoleum (probably) counter is fitted to the sink — with that stainless steel strip — is a giveaway that this is an earlier-postwar-era kitchen. Did you know that Kohler also made steel kitchen cabinets at one point? I am pretty sure these are theirs.

vintage kitchen sink from kohler from the 1940s or 50s

This looks to be the same sink as the one above – without the drainboards. Late 40s and early 50s kitchens were much more likely to have built-in banquettes or dinettes and such. Kind of a carryover from bungalows. As kitchen design progressed, it seems we moved to stand-alone dinettes. Maybe this derives from the fact there could be less craftsmanship as housing construction boomed. Bungalows were part of the “arts and crafts” era — a return to hand-made and craftsmanship in a backlash response to mass industrialization during the Victorian era. With the etsy.com handmade movement today, I think we are seeing a bit of this same sentiment.

vintage 1950s kitchen sink from kohler

The same kitchen, perhaps — but in a real-life installation (as opposed to an illustration).

mid century kitchen sink from kohler

Same kitchen as above, it appears – with Shirley Temple lookalike. Hey, and notice all the mid-century modern geraniums. 🙂

vintage kohler delafield kitchen sink
Kohler Delafield kitchen sink – or a kissing cousin – in a 1950s-ish kitchen

Ahhhh, notice that the sink has “lost” its integrated backsplash, and it’s set into the laminate countertop with its metal hudee ring. More design evolution. It’s like… monkees losing their tails and becoming… human!

kohler delafield kitchen sink from the 1050s
Kohler Delafield (I’m surmising) kitchen sink from the 1950s

We are into the heart of 1950s kitchens now, I think.

vintage kohler double bowl double drainboard kitchen sink

Woah, look at this beauty! Early 50s? Honestly, I don’t cook much, BUT it still seems that I am doing dishes all the time. I would REALLY love to have drainboards like this to the left and to the right. So practical for managing the dishes piling up, going through production, then over to drying.

Vintage Kohler double drainboard double bowl hudee rim sink

Like this! Except that today, we compost all of our carrot peelings. Right, people?! Obviously, it’s impossible to say because this is a black-and-white photo, but: That sure looks like a colored sink to me. Let’s guess.

Harvest gold kohler kitchen sink illustration from ad

This is one of the two images from my collection of vintage Kohler ads. Gorgeous mid-century kitchen, isn’t it?

vintage yellow or gold kohler kitchen sink ad

And this colonial modern Kohler kitchen (also from my collection) — one of my favorites of all time, truly.

vintage Kohler Delafield kitchen sink
Another vintage Delafield (I surmise)

Modern! Can anyone give me a date based on the oven?

be safe renovate safe graphicNote: Be aware, if you are dealing with vintage, of my 2016 story, Understanding potential lead hazards in old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any age — get informed/consult with your own pros so you can make informed decisions.]

You can see all my product finds to design a mid century kitchen over on my Kitchen Categories.

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vintage-kohler-farmhouse-sink
farmhouse-kitchen
1930s-arts-and-crafts-kitchen
1940s-kohler-country-kitchen
1940s-kohler-drainboard-sink
mid-century-kitchen-from-kohler
1940s-kitchen
postwar-kitchen-from-kohler
1940s-kohler-kitchen
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1950s-kohler-kitchen
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vintage-kohler-kitchen
1950s-modern-kohler-kitchen

CATEGORIES:
Kitchen Faucets Kitchen Sinks

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71 comments

Comments

  1. Karen says

    November 3, 2020 at 11:25 am

    Does anyone know information about Kohler USA 1250.42×22.1SS pat.no.d83246 what would the value be? Thanks

  2. JenP says

    June 6, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    That sink where you mention the “deep bowl” and “hinged lid” – and the next picture below it (the “bungalow” one) – I bet those are the “electric sink” (dishwasher) that I only recently learned was a thing!
    Google image search for “Kohler Electric Sink” and you’ll see…and in almost every picture you’ll see that little hose looped over the faucet and the garbage disposal under the deep bowl of the dishwasher side of the unit.

  3. Rachelle says

    February 23, 2020 at 9:36 pm

    I purchased a 1929 Standard Sanitary double drainboard wall mount sink (no legs) for near future new build. I need help on installing it. I would like to have it incorporated into a cabinet. Are there any insturctions/illustrations on how to out there?
    Thanks in advance.

    • Pam Kueber says

      February 24, 2020 at 7:43 am

      Hi Rachelle, on issues like this I recommend readers consult with professionals. One company that may be able to help you is deabath.com. Good luck.

  4. Evan Degenfelder says

    June 5, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    I wish I could get someone to explain integrated drainboard sinks to my husband. We are restoring a 1947 ranch style home and need to find a period sink. I want a double sink with two drainboards and he believes that’s a mistake for ‘resale value’. Yes, we plan to sell in a few years because we’ll be moving but I think many women–and even men—can appreciate the usefulness of integrated drainboards. I just can’t convince him. He thinks an original sink is a turn off. How do I convince him?!

    • Kimq says

      June 9, 2019 at 12:02 am

      It might be of interest to your husband to know that some of the stone countertops are now being fashioned with integrated drainboards. The reason for this is that it is just such a great idea, and folks are starting to realize that sometimes the best ideas happened back in the day.
      <>

  5. BK Bobb says

    March 11, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    Just an FYI, the third sink down, with the legs–the right side is an early version of the dishwasher. The lid and buttons on the backsplash, as well as the mechanicals underneath are all tip offs.

  6. Mary Lou Lipkin says

    October 31, 2016 at 10:10 am

    looking for lg vintage sink/drainboard to be hipped to vieques, P.R.

    • pam kueber says

      October 31, 2016 at 10:16 am

      Mary Lou, see this story, contact the vendors etc to research options — https://retrorenovation.com/farmhouse-drainboard-sinks/

  7. Dottie says

    July 9, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    J am trying to find some one to reporcelian a steel sink from 1950. I have called Independence Porcelain Enamal in Independence MO and Custom Ceramics in Lentberg IL and neither company will call back. Does anyone know of a company that I can call?

    • pam kueber says

      July 9, 2016 at 11:44 pm

      Those are the two companies that I know of.

  8. Kurt Carlson says

    March 19, 2015 at 9:20 am

    I have two double drain board farmer sinks and a single drain board sink I am trying to move out of my garage. From Cape Cod Massachusetts.

    • pam kueber says

      March 19, 2015 at 9:33 am

      Hi Kurt — put them on craigslist. No buying/selling here on the main blog.

      • Dicky says

        May 4, 2016 at 7:23 am

        Pam – this would be a perfect site for those who wish to buy or sell. If not you then who?

        • pam kueber says

          May 4, 2016 at 9:30 am

          Put ’em on craigslist.

    • Judie says

      January 14, 2016 at 9:02 pm

      Do you still have the sink?

    • Perry says

      December 23, 2017 at 12:25 pm

      Me, too. I live in the middle of the country (Missouri) , so am hoping that expands my list of buyers, without my having to let a dealer sell it for 2395.00 as I have seen (my exact sink) go for an resale sites. It just takes a little longer because most people aren’t usually searching Craigslist for high-end items–antique or not. Mine came with the house, where some idiot had “updated” the kitchen, and has been garaged, in pristine condition, waiting for me to finish grad school, so I could afford to reinstall it. Instead, due to illness, I am selling the house, and having to leave my sink behind. I want it cherished by someone who appreciates beauty, quality and the best of the past. Maybe these guys can install it for my buyer, who will want their skills level.

      • Pam Kueber says

        December 23, 2017 at 1:13 pm

        I think that folks looking for hard-to-find vintage stuff like sinks and appliances are watching craigslist like hawks.

        The reason that resale sites can get more money is that they are generally legitimate businesses that invest a lot of time and money aggregate stock, repair it, etc., then have a lot of options to choose from — if you are looking for something specific, they do the work for you, including holding inventory. Running businesses like that costs money…. so the products for sale need to reflect those costs. On the other hand, it costs literally nothing to buy/sell on craigslist, so folks expect a deal.

  9. Brittan Mitchell says

    January 2, 2015 at 7:54 pm

    I just bought a house built in 1957 in Gainesville, FL. I have the sink above with the drainboards to left and right of sink. Out of all the kitchen bids, only 1 contractor was willing to work around it and build a kitchen that incorporates this giant sink. He’s obviously the one that we are using! I am excited for it!

    • Monique says

      May 20, 2016 at 7:03 am

      How did it work out?

    • Lisa says

      August 2, 2016 at 11:50 pm

      Can you show and tell how you did it????
      I am just doing the installation of the same sink now

      • pam kueber says

        August 3, 2016 at 8:02 am

        Lisa: Please contact a professional to help you. It’s possible Kohler may still have instructions — try them.

    • Devora says

      December 10, 2019 at 6:54 am

      I had a sink like that in Chiefland Fl. They are great, I just bought an old 1940s rooming house with a cast Iron double sink boy, I miss those side drain boards!

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