Your bathroom sink is likely one of the most frequently used fixtures in your home. That’s why it’s important to make sure it’s practical, durable, and beautiful! Since your sink is such a central point in your bathroom, it also needs to look great alongside your floors, shower, toilet, countertops, mirror, and paint or wallpaper.
Because there are so many styles and materials available, choosing a bathroom sink can be fun but also overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know.
Bathroom Sink Styles
Drop-in or Overmount
Drop-in sinks are installed above the countertop and have a rim or “lip.” These sinks are practical and inexpensive. Due to their simplicity, they also go with just about any materials you choose for your countertop and other design elements in your bathroom. It’s also worth noting that you can replace drop-in or overmount sinks without having to also replace your countertops.
Undermount
Undermount sinks are essentially the opposite. They’re installed underneath a pre-cut, solid countertop slab. Common countertop materials that go well with undermount sinks include granite, marble, concrete, or quartz. These sinks are great for keeping your countertop clean and dry, since you can wipe water directly into the sink.
Pedestal
A popular option for smaller bathrooms and powder rooms, freestanding pedestal sinks sit on a small column and offer a simple and sleek look. Pedestal sinks are a great choice for bathrooms with wall tiling or wallpaper that extends to the floor, since the thin pedestal design makes your walls more visible.
Console
Typically held up by metal or wooden legs, console sinks are kind of like a compromise between a pedestal and vanity sink. They have the simplicity of pedestal sinks and the sturdy, versatile look of a vanity. Metal legs create a clean, industrial feel while wooden legs give you a more ornate, traditional look.
Vanity
Vanity sinks have a solid base, typically with drawers and/or cabinets. This is the perfect choice for large families or people who need lots of storage. You also have extensive options when it comes to materials, hardware, and designs. You can buy a one-piece vanity countertop and install it on top of the base of your choice, or opt for a full bathroom vanity with the sink already installed.
Vessel
Vessel sinks sit atop a vanity base, but the bottom of the sink is level with the countertop. Vessel sinks are extremely versatile in terms of style, shape, and materials. They can look like large glass bowls, wooden barrels, or even sea shells. They also allow you to choose complementary faucets, countertops, and mirrors.
Double
Double sinks are ideal for couples who share a master bath or families who all need to get ready at the same time. Each sink has its own faucet, counter space, and mirror (or you can have one large mirror). The icing on the cake? You can choose double sinks in any of the styles we talked about above, from pedestal to vessel sinks!
Bathroom Sink Materials
Porcelain or Vitreous China
Porcelain and vitreous china are the most common materials used for bathroom sinks and tubs. These clay-based materials are durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. They’re relatively inexpensive, versatile in terms of design, and unlikely to ever go out of style.
Metal
Metal sinks are unique, durable, and easy to clean! Choose from copper, brass, stainless steel, gold, and other metals, depending on the look and feel you want. Metal sinks come in just about any design, and can give your bathroom an industrial, sleek look.
Cast Iron
Sinks made of cast iron and coated with enamel are also easy to clean and come in a variety of colors. They’re a sturdy, durable option with a unique retro look, and they go beautifully with matching cast-iron tubs.
Glass
Glass sinks are unique, and yet they look great in just about any style of bathroom. It’s important to look for tempered glass that has been thermally and chemically treated to ensure your sink will be crack- and shatter-resistant. Opt for a vessel-style glass sink for a distinctive fish-bowl look, or choose a pedestal design for a minimalist feel.
Wood
Extremely versatile in terms of style and design, wooden sinks add instant warmth and hominess to any bathroom. If you want a subtle look, consider an undermount wooden sink beneath a concrete or marble countertop, or use the same wood slab for your sink and countertop. If you want to truly let the natural wood shine, choose a freestanding wooden sink and bathtub in the same style.
How to Choose the Right Sink for Your Bathroom
Think about your daily needs.
Your sink should accommodate your lifestyle and meet your needs on a daily basis. For example, if your bathroom will get a lot of traffic and you need extensive storage space, consider double sinks in a vanity style. Or choose a simple, single pedestal sink and add a linen cabinet to meet your storage needs.
Or maybe your new sink is for a small guest powder room. You may want to choose an eye-catching design, like a console or vessel sink in a unique material, and skip the extra storage.
Complement your bathroom and consult your personal taste.
Whatever style and material you choose, your sink should harmoniously blend with the rest of your design. If you have a rustic, warm-toned bathroom, consider a traditional wooden vanity with an overmount or barrel-style vessel sink. If you want an industrial, sleek look, think about opting for a console or pedestal sink with a metal bowl.
Keep in mind that you can combine certain styles too. Whatever your preferences, a good designer can help you choose a perfect sink that you’ll love for years to come.
Planning to replace your bathroom sink? Getting ready for a full bathroom remodel?
We believe your bathroom should be a soothing, comfortable escape that accommodates your lifestyle and meets all your daily needs. At Square Deal Remodelling, we take the time to listen to your ideas, needs, and vision before we get to work. Our experienced and creative team of designers and builders are with you from the very beginning of your project until its completion.
Contact us online or by phone at (503) 254-4156 to tell us about your project!