Are you planning to remodel your bath space? Then, you will have to choose a sink for your bathroom. Since there are multiple types of bathroom sinks out there, choosing the best one can be hard for you.
Based on the design and mounting of the sink, you will find various configurations of bathroom sinks. There are pedestal, wall-mounted, drop-in, undermount, trough, corner, console, and vessel sinks. Each of these sinks differs from the others and has its own pros and cons.
Read on to learn more about the eight types of bathroom sinks and what materials are used in making these sinks.
Types of Bathroom Sinks
Sinks are an integral part of your bathroom. They not only help you wash your hand but are also the face of the whole bath space. The elegance of the bath space is determined by the appearance of its sink.
Based on the installation configuration and style, here’s our list of eight bathroom sinks you will find in the local market.
1. Pedestal Sinks
As its name suggests, a pedestal sink is supported on a pedestal, which is further placed on the floor. However, in a semi-pedestal sink, the top basin is wall mounted while the pedestal is just for cosmetic purposes.
Since the installation is on the floor, it doesn’t require many changes to the originally installed plumbing system. The white ceramic pedestal sinks give your bathroom an elegant look.
2. Wall Mounted Sinks
A great space-saving option for a newly designed bathroom can be wall-mounted sinks. Since they don’t have a pedestal or support on the bottom, it looks like that bathroom is spacious.
In this case, you only have a sink /wash basin mounted to the bathroom wall. Moreover, the plumbing is exposed.
Some people consider wall-mounted options old-fashioned, however, they are great to use in small washrooms or powder rooms.
3. Drop-in Sinks
Drop-ins are usually designed for vanities. The basin has a wide rim, some part of which stays on the top of the base. This simplistic design sound is quite famous among homeowners.
The reason for their wide usage is their easy installation. You don’t need to make any changes to the existing setup, you just need to drill a hole in the counter top and it’s ready to go. Moreover, drop-in sinks are available in a variety of materials, and styles which makes them a popular choice.
4. Undermount Sinks
Undermount is somewhat the opposite of a drop-in sink. Undermount sinks are installed from beneath the countertop.
They, like drop-in sinks, can be placed into a preexisting vanity. However, they lack the overhanging rim and instead have a downward-dropping basin that sits below the counter space. They come in a variety of materials, including porcelain, cast steel, cast iron, copper, stainless steel, etc.
Undermount sinks are practical because they conceal all plumbing connections and fittings beneath the surface. These sinks, unlike pedestal basins, provide a space for a counter or cabinet.
5. Trough Sinks
Trough sinks have an old and antique farm design. This design is inspired by the original troughs used by farmers to feed water to their animals.
Trough sinks are large and deep, and a single basin contains several faucets attached to it. They are therefore perfect for situations in which two or more individuals are simultaneously utilizing the same sink.
Although the trough sink’s basin is distinctive, it may also be found in drop-in and under mount styles. They are made of a variety of materials, such as stone, metal, and even wood for a more natural appearance.
6. Corner Sinks
Corner sinks are quite identical to the wall-mounted sinks. However, the basin is designed to fit in a corner. If you are looking for a small wash basin to be installed in a bathroom corner, you can go for it.
The downsides are lack of storage space and less weight handling ability.
7. Washstand / Console Sink
The console sink is a combination of a pedestal and a wall-mounted sink. However, instead of a pedestal on the bottom, it bears a stand of two or four legs. Like wall-mounted, the plumbings are exposed and you will need a bottle trap to cover that. However, you can hang out towels on the stands.
8. Vessel Sinks
The vessel is the most modern sink design once will see on the market. In this type of sink, you will see a bowl-shaped vessel on the top of the counter base. You will find ceramic, glass, natural stone, and resin vessels
For homeowners who plan to remodel their bathroom with something luxurious and elegant, they can go with the vessel sinks. They are available in a variety of distinct shapes, sizes, and colors.
They are not for specifically small spaces; their main aim is to aesthetic look.
However, you have to be careful when using these sinks, particularly the ones made of glass. A sudden impact can crack them.
What materials are Used For Making Bathroom Sinks?
Since I have explained the main types of bathroom sinks you will find on the market, here’s an overview of the materials used in making these sinks.
Stainless Steel
Stainless is one of the choices used in making sinks due to its rust resistance. Moreover, it is shiny, lightweight, and easy to clean.
In addition, stainless steel sinks are recyclable, which makes them eco-friendly.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a known bathroom material; it is used in making toilets, bathtubs, and sinks. It is stain resistant and the outer coating doesn’t let dirt penetrate inside. However, these sinks are fragile and should be used with care.
Resin
Resin wash basins are colorful and stylish. Like other materials, the resin is also resistant to scratches and maintains its original color for a long time.
Glass
Bathroom sinks made out of tempered glass are common. Tempered glass is different from regular glass since its chemically treated. This makes them strong and sturdy.
On glass sinks, stains get quite visible, however, the cleaning is quite easy.
Things to Consider When Buying a Bathroom sink?
Keep in view the following things before buying a bathroom sink.
Bathroom Space
Is your bathroom space small, is it a powder room or guest bathroom? For people with space constraints, I would suggest you buy corner or wall-mounted sinks.
Storage Options
If you looking for a wash basin with which you can add storage cabinets or racks, then you have plenty of options like vessel sinks, troughs, and drop-ins.
However, with a pedestal, washstand sinks or wall mounted, you don’t have the luxury to add storage space.
Looks
For whom looks are a priority, my suggestions would be vessel sinks. They are available in a range of material options. Moreover, their design is quite attractive and your bath space will look modern.
Installation Costs
Installation cost is also a concern for most people. As per Modernize, the average cost of a bathroom sink is between $100 to $600, while labor cost varies from $100 to 300. You can expect to pay higher if you buy a luxurious one.
FAQs
In relevance to types of bathroom sinks, here’s a list of a few frequently asked questions.
What is the standard size of bathroom sinks?
Since bathroom sinks are available in a variety of configurations, there is no standard size for them. For instance, a pedestal sink can have a length of 15 to 20 inches, while a wall mount can be 16 to 23 inches long.
What Bathroom is best for small spaces?
For small spaces, particularly the bathrooms built in the corner, the best option is corner sinks. They are designed to fit into tight corners and save up a lot of space.
What bathroom sink is best for commercial places?
In a commercial place where you need to install a number of faucets on a single sink, the trough sinks can be one of the best choices.
What materials are employed for making bathroom sinks?
Bathroom sinks are made from a variety of materials including stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, etc.
Final Words
Sinks are an important part of your bathroom. I hope that this post would have enlightened you on the type of bathroom sinks. Now, you can choose the one for your bathroom based on the points discussed.
Have any further questions, let me know in the comments section.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.