Yes indeed- an antique farmhouse trough sink in the bathroom. Did you guess that we were updating the sink out in the cottage?
I was looking for a sink for another spot- and when I found this one- the design plan changed. You can read all about installing this brick floor in this post Here
The One that Got Away
I was all about the tile on the walls and the brick on the floors while I working away at installing those- but at the same time- I was working on the cottage kitchen design in my mind. And for several months- I had been shopping for an antique farmhouse sink for the kitchen on Craigslist.
And then- one day- I found it. A most amazing farmhouse sink from the 1920’s coming straight out of an antique house. I called them, I text them and crossed my fingers while dreaming of it in the kitchen while I waited for them to get back to me. When they text back finally- they said it was sold. I was so bummed – it was THE perfect sink and it was one that got away.
And since I was on a mission and I wanted to get the kitchen wrapped up- I shopped for a good reproduction. I found one and put it in my cart online and was ready to check out a few days later when I decided to check craigslist just one.more.time to see if anything new popped up before placing the order. And there it was.
A listing for an antique farmhouse trough sink.
I almost didn’t believe it when I saw it- but I stared at it and read the listing again and then emailed about it right away and didn’t even negotiate- I just said I will Load it Up TODAY. AND they got back to me in a few hours and said it was available AND that they actually had 5 of them available. FIVE ANTIQUE SINKS? I was like ‘hmmmm. how many places can I put an antique trough sink….‘ I was ready to load them all up. My husband? Well, he is no fun and thought that just 1 new old sink was good. haha. We hopped in the car and made the trek to see the sinks that afternoon to seal the deal.
Antique Farm Sink
So, here is a look at the new old farm sink in the cottage bathroom.
It is a big one- 4 feet long- with two faucet areas and the original soap holder. The faucets are also original – they are antique Tahoe basin style faucets. We thought we might replace the faucets with reproductions that combined the water into one spout- but I love the old look and style and so, we left them as is.
The Price….well, it was Such a find. The sink was $500 – which was a total score by itself- and it included the faucets which was even better. You can get a new trough sink like this for about $1500-3000 and reproduction wall mount faucets will probably start around $400-500 each depending on size, finish, etc. Here is one that I found for $1500 if you are looking for one. (affiliate)
What we learned while installing
We learned a few things about installing an antique sink like this while we worked on it. First up- This thing is HEAVY. As in HEAVY. We had to have the big boys come over to help lift it into place and slot it onto the wall brackets.
The piping for the water lines are all in the wall which is as it usually would be – but this sink had extra amounts of lines with 2 faucets so that requires a bit of plumbing work. And the wall behind the sink? Concrete. Which meant my husband had to chip away an area to run the new water supply lines. I was really popular with him that day. haha.
Up Next- Clean
Up next will be to clean up the exterior of the sink. Right now- it is just as we found it- with flaky chippy paint. I am not sure I will paint it a color -I love it as is and all white and even chippy to be honest- but will clean up the flakes to be safe. We are also trying to get a couple of rust stains off the enamel inside the sink.
All about the sinks
And remember how I said they told me that there were 5 of these farm sinks available? These sinks were in an old 1930’s cabin campground in the woods on the way to Tahoe. The sinks were installed in the campground bathrooms and there were several that had the original old faucets on them. We had to wait for the campground owners to demo the bathrooms before we could pick up the sinks- but I paid them right away to make sure this one did not get away.
Oh- and yes – I did bring home 2 of them. I couldn’t resist. I almost brought home 3 (I know!!!) but the others were spoken for. And actually- my husband loves both of them now and even though he resisted originally- is glad I insisted on bringing home more than one. Stay tuned for where the second farm sink landed.
And the real reason I needed this antique sink in the bathroom? For photographing flowers of course. 🙂 Just kidding- but hey, it does a pretty amazing job of holding blooms and adding that incredible amount of charm at the same time.
What do you think of this farm sink? What color would you paint it if you were going to?
Happy Monday all.
Love it! Look forward to end result.
That sink makes my mouth water!!!!! I abs love it!!!!!!!
I”m thinking either white or black.
Kerp it white! It is gorgeous.
Love it Courtney….and love a white sink!
Hi Shirley! I hope all is well with you and your family! This sink is such a treasure- I was super excited to find it.
I would leave it white.
Also, I have used aluminum foil to remove rust stains on several items, though I’ve never tried on enamel
You might give it a try!
Love the sink though!
Sheryl
Oh I would love to know about your aluminum foil method! I haven’t heard of that! The seller suggested we try something I think is called ‘Wink’ to clean it.
I would leave it white….(not sure why this is all caps…can’t get it to release…sorry). Great find!
Love the white too!
So unique, and what a great story! I like white fixtures period! If you want color you could create a skirt. Ms. Mustard seed(AKA Marian Parsons) has a wonderful video and references to a tutorial. I have heard of refinishing sinks but I have never used that particular serice. Your bathroom is gorgeous and I think your improvements to the house and property are nothing short of miraculous!
Love Marian and her amazing creations! I think I saw that sink skirt tutorial too- so pretty! The enamel isn’t in terrible shape really- the sinks and finishes are honestly pretty good condition. But I would like to get the rust stain out- I will try a few things but the refinishing idea is good to remember if need be. Thank you!
Love this and happy that you were able to find them before they sold!! I would without a doubt paint the sink white because it will maintain its authenticity which is so cool. It’s speaks old and ORIGinal, while painting it another color will hide all of it’s wonderful bones and then will look like a modern sink made in the shape of the old which you could have ordered from any company brand new. I love the white sink against the white tiles!!
I totally agree with you on the color and the patina Cate! Thank you for stopping by!
Is a beauty! I can understand why you bought two at that fabululous price! Cant wait to see the next chapter
I could not believe it when they said they had more than one. I really wanted to snag them all haha.
What a find!!! Definitely keep it white. The bathroom looks so fresh! Good going!!!
Thanks Kate!
Great find and a beautiful way to use. Love it.
Oh, leave it white! It would take away so much of the charm If you put paint on it.
Love it! The priduct he was referting to is “Whink”. Kinda remember usIng it lifetimes ago . . . . https://www.amazon.com/Whink-Stain-Remover-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B000ZZYUE2/ref=asc_df_B000ZZYUE2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242069982387&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6593190462670852557&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032873&hvtargid=pla-547905768464&psc=1
Ahhh!! That is great- thank you Betty!
Just a fyi – Whink also removes rust From clothing.
Hi Courtney! I would leave YOUR white sink as is. You created such a gorgouse authentic vintage DESIGN. One of a kind! Have you ever tried “BAR Keepers Friend”? It works wonders on enamel, porceline even copper! It is a gentle fine powder when mixed with just a little water, works it’s magic. 😉
Can’t wait to see the Cottage kitchen!!!
Be careful with rust removers- they can etch the porcelain!
Good to know- thank you.
I love your farm sink! I would love to have one.:) Where I would put it is a mystery.I think you scored big! It looks fabulous! I just recently got my husband to liking them as well. You really made me chuckle when you told how popular you were with your husband at the additional install of the water lines. I can relate! Keep it white.
So lovely
What a score! I would keep it just the way it is….old!! Painting takes the old antique away! But I love original you know patina….
Love it, i habe bern yrying to locate a vintage laundry room sink locally, since i truly know how heavy they aRe and don’t want to pay my weight in gold for shipping
I love the White classic color
that’s so awesome! I love the sink(S)!! I would repaint them white. just because it’s the original color and I think it goes better with your decor, even though a different color might be a surprise change.
many years ago – back in 1975 – when my husband and I were first married, our first apartment had a clawfoot tub and a wall sink (not the 4-foot kind!) that had a hot and a cold faucet. I couldn’t tolerate having to mix the water by hand, so we got an adapter that attached to both faucets with one spout opening to mix the cold and hot water! 🙂
The clawfoot tub had a small shower surround attached to the ceiling that was barely large enough, so we purchased the larger one that covered the whole tub and had 2 shower curtains. back then there was no shabby chic or farmhouse style! 😉 my style was colonial. now I’m a bit of Victorian and romantic style. My style changed when we were given a Victorian sofa. We gave/sold/our dark pine colonial living room furniture with the green plaid pillows and purchased 2 Victorian armchairs. Still have them!
I’ll be waiting to see where you put that other sink! 🙂
WOW!!! Well done! What a great story, too.
Surely your husband knows you well enough to know when you found a treasure.
If you ever wanted I know there are services that actually can re-apply finishes on those old sinks and bathtubs that have seen better days.
As for chips I know you can buy (cheap) enamel “fix it” spot paint. I bought some for my daughter’s old bathtub years ago. It smells till it dries and one can hardly even notice the chips now.
I love it! I think white would look best. It would keep the original look more than another color
Hi Courtney, Love the sink and I would keep it white. In fact, I have a farmhouse sink like this in my kitchen sans the two faucets but it is BIG and has the drainboard on the side. Can’t to see the finished product!
Wow! What a find!!! It is ABSOLUTELY stunning! These aRe things dreams are made of! You two did good work!
Courtney,
It’s absolutely wonderful. It adds such charm to your bathroom. It also adds that antique beauty to your home. You’ve done an amazing job with each room and the surrounding grounds.
xo,
Karen
The sink is gorgeous! Such a great find. It adds so Much character.
Courtney you never cess to wowme. I love it all. Yes for flower photography. Yes for white. I love the whole room. Beautiful. You are the real deal sweetheart.
Super Cool! I love this idea and I am amazed at how your shopping angels are always helping you! Also, I would think your husband would just trust you already…like just agree and not question anything you do at this point, haha!
I love it just the way it Is i’d
Enjoy It for noW just the way you found it. you can always PAint it wHite later 🥰
White and chippy as is! So you!! PERfect!!
leave as is, it is beautiful.
Sink is great as is. Try barkeepers cleaser on the rust stain.
LOVE IT! what else is there to say, LOL!
Love this .. i would clean it up and leave it white, but if i were to choose a different color, if would go with a light, petal pink. thanks for sharing…love your look!