The Five Types of Bathroom Sinks
There are five main types of bathroom sinks that you can choose from for your bathroom. Each one is better suited to different types of bathrooms. You need to think about who will be using the bathroom, how big the bathroom is, and your decorating style to help you choose the appropriate sink. The five types are vanity sinks, pedestal sinks, vessel sinks, console sinks, and wall mounted sinks.
A vanity sink is one that is installed into cabinetry. The most common types of installation for a vanity sink are drop in and under mount. A drop in vanity sink is one that fits into a hole cut into the counter top. The hole is slightly smaller than the rim around the top of the sink so that it sits comfortably on the counter top. This type of installation is best if the counter tops you are using do not have finished edges.
The sink will hide the cut edges of the counter. The second type of installation can be utilized if you have marble or granite counter tops that have finished edges. The sink is mounted under the counters so you will see the sides of the counter where the hole has been cut. These sinks are most appropriate for larger bathroom where you will need storage. Most of the time there just isn't room for a cabinet in a small powder room.
Pedestal sinks are sinks that sit on a single pedestal and are good choices for small bathrooms. They have a sophisticated quality a strong presence. Pedestal sinks are often made of porcelain or marble and are all one piece rather than a sink that sits on top of a table or stand. Pedestal sinks do not leave much room for storage under the sink or even a space for a basket because often times the pedestal flares towards the floor. This type of sink is best suited for a powder room in a foyer or somewhere that no storage of bathroom grooming items is necessary.
Vessel sinks are sinks that sit on top of a counter rather than being lowered into or mounted under it. Most often the vessel is a round bowl shaped vessel but the basin can be any size or shape. Other than bowls, square basins are popular. Vessel sinks can be made out of a variety of materials but the most popular are glass, stone, or metal.
The vessel can sit directly on the counter or on a base which builds it up more. If you have this kind of sink you need to think carefully about the faucets that you use. They need to be able to get the water up and over the vessel edge and the controls need to be easily accessible. Vessel sinks are trendy and are most often seen in homes that feature modern design and decorating. You can use a vessel sink in any bathroom that has counter space.
Console sinks are appropriate for smaller bathrooms because they help to open up a space and make it seem larger than it is. A console sink is a sink that is mounted on a counter top that is connected to the wall at the back and supported by two legs in the front. There is no cabinet underneath and this open space helps make your bathroom seem bigger. The space under the sink is a good spot to utilize storage baskets. Console sinks have a delicate quality to them so they are better suited to bathrooms that are decorated in light colors and soft tones.
Wall mounted sinks are exactly what they sound like. You will often see wall mounted sinks in public restroom because they do not take up a lot of room and you can fit a large number of sinks into a limited amount of space. Some people do use wall mounted sinks in their homes, but they should not be used if you have small children or people who will need to pull themselves up or rest on the sink with their entire body weight. Wall mounted sinks can be pulled away from the wall and that could cause a large amount of damage both to the wall and water damage.