Bathroom Design Elements - Bathroom Sinks

The bathroom sink is no longer just the functional porcelain basin found in most bathrooms. It is now an important design element with a wide variety of options to choose from.

Bathroom Sink Materials

In addition to the standard porcelain under-mounted sink, you can now find sinks in an assortment of materials. Popular materials include ceramic, stone, granite, marble, wood, copper, stainless steel, bronze, brass, and glass. Sinks are available in round, square, oval, and rectangular shapes, depending on your vanity and design aesthetic. Whichever material you choose, make sure that it is sealed to avoid stains, tarnish, and watermarks. You should also make sure it's easy to clean and maintain because bathroom sinks take a lot of abuse.

Common Styles of Bathroom Sinks

Sinks are available in several styles. The standard counter-mount sink, in which the sink rests below the edge of the counter and behind the vanity cabinets, is still the most popular and the easiest to install and maintain. If you want a more contemporary style or have a smaller bathroom space, other options are available.

Vessel Sinks - Currently very popular in modern bathrooms, these sinks sit on top of the counter, or may rest partially inside it. Because they are completely visible, it's very important that you consider the décor of the completed bathroom before buying. It's best to have these sinks professionally installed to ensure proper drainage, sealing, and cushioning.

Self-Rimming Sinks - The sink rests below the counter, but the lip lies on top of the counter to add a contemporary look.

Console or Pedestal Sinks - Especially good for half baths where space is at a premium. Most pedestal or console sinks feature a vessel sink on top of a stand that hides the drainage pipes and sink mounts. Some have a few drawers and a lip for soap, but some provide no storage space at all.

Wall-Mount Sinks - Another good choice for small bathrooms, wall mount sinks have no base or countertop. The pipes are usually hidden behind the basin. Before choosing this sink, check with your contractor to make sure your studs are in the right location. Drywall alone won't support a wall-mounted sink.

Corner Sink - The last of the space-saving options, corner bathroom sinks can rest on a pedestal or wall-mount. The back of the sink comes to a 90-degree angle so it can be mounted in the corner of the bathroom rather than against one wall.

When remodeling your bathroom, you can choose either the sink or the vanity first, but make sure that the two are compatible before you buy either. If your new sink has a different plumbing configuration from your old sink, please hire a qualified plumber to upgrade your pipes. Don't risk flooding your bathroom by doing it yourself.