Bathroom Sink Buying Guide

A bathroom sink is an important purchase, as it is something that will be used and viewed frequently. The perfect lavatory sink will complement the design as well as the storage needs of the room. There are many different types of bath sinks on the market, and this guide will help explain common types and materials you will encounter.

Vanity Mounted Sinks

Bathroom vanity sinks are basins designed to mount in or on a vanity or cabinet fixture. These types of sinks are perfect for replacing and renovating existing fixtures. Top-mount sinks (also called drop-in or self-rimming) are very common and rest in a hole on top of the counter, with a raised edge. Undermount sinks are mounted beneath a finished hole in the countertop, giving the counter a flat profile. Deck-mounted sinks sit on top of vanity cabinets and feature a counter with integrated basin all in one piece. Vessel sinks have become very popular recently, and are designed to sit on top of the counter or slightly recessed. Vessel sinks come in a wide variety of styles from modern, to artistic, to antique and are perfect for creating a 'wow-factor' in your bathroom.

Pedestal & Wall-Mounted Sinks

Not every bathroom has the space to accommodate bathroom vanities, and sometimes a simpler design is more desirable. For spaces like this, pedestal and wall-mounted sinks are a great option as they have a wide variety of styles and smaller footprints. Pedestal sinks feature a sink basin atop a pedestal base that conceals the drain. Pedestal sinks can be found in classic and modern designs and are typically porcelain or acrylic in composition. Similar to pedestals, console sinks feature a basin supported by two front legs, a design which gives more counter space and support without taking up too much floor space. Wall mounted sinks are mounted directly into the wall to free up floor space below making them perfect for small bathrooms and handicap access.

Sink Materials

Bathroom sinks are made in a wide variety of materials and designs. Some of the most common materials are vitreous china, metals, glass, and acrylic/composites. Vitreous china sinks, made of fired clay with ceramic glazes, remain a popular option due their resistance to stains and corrosion and easy cleaning. In bathroom applications, metal sinks are less common though drop in and vessel options are available. Stainless steel sinks are known for being durable and easy to care for, with thicker gauge steel being of better quality. Copper and bronze sinks add amazing warmth and rustic style to bathrooms, as well as durability. Glass sinks, especially popular with vessel sink bowls, offer beautiful and affordable options like clear glass, hand-painted, simulated stone. Check for tempered glass material as it will not shatter into dangerous fragments. Other options include man-made acrylic and composite materials that bonded and shaped for consistency and are easy to care for.

Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Sink

Like all home design endeavors, selecting the perfect lavatory sink for bathroom depends on your own style and needs. If you are replacing an existing vanity sink, start by determining the types that will fit and the size. Going from a an under or top mount sink to a vessel sink may require a new vanity or countertop and vice-versa.To go from a vanity cabinet to a pedestal or wall sink, consult with a plumber to determine where existing drains are located and what type would be suitable for your bathroom. Once you know the type of sink you want, then comes the fun part of picking the style. Sinks today are available in so many different colors and shapes, so options are limitless. For modern looks, try streamlined wall mounted sinks or angular vessel bowls. Antique spaces will receive ornate console sinks, pedestals, and vanity sinks well, while more rustic bathrooms could feature hammered copper sinks and farmhouse style basins. No matter what style you seek, it is wise to consider several options and do your research so you will be happy with your new bathroom.

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