Selecting the perfect bathroom sink

Every bathroom is different. Some are in tight quarters and require little to no storage, such as a powder room. Master baths or shared bathrooms require a little extra storage and maybe an extra sink. It’s often called “the necessary room” for good reason, and there are many options available to meet those daily family tasks, no matter the demand.

Before You Buy

Update or upgrade? If you have an existing sink and vanity, it may be possible to replace just the sink. If it’s not, or if it’s a new bathroom project entirely, think about the options available and consider if you’ll need additional fixtures, such as a vanity or other cabinet. These can determine the style of sink you can be looking for.

Utility and function or statement and style? Different sink materials require different types of cleaning solutions, so consider the kind of use the sink will be subject to and be sure it is both easy to clean and stain-resistant enough to handle the job.

If it’s a high-traffic sink, such as the kids’ bath, or a shop/garage half-bath, then you might need a more durable, functional sink. Considerations such as the necessary completed sink height, or the depth of the basin, can help prevent overflows and general water-mess on the surrounding cabinet and floor. Attractive stone or ceramic-based sinks can take a beating and are easy to clean.

For guest or master baths, however, unique sinks are available that can be artful statement pieces all on their own, from ornate glass vessel sinks, to shallow basin sinks, all in a variety of colors and designs. A designer sink and vanity allows for more customized color and style coordination with your bathroom themes.

How much space do you need? The amount of space needed for a sink depends on a few different factors. The most obvious consideration is the size of the bathroom and what fixtures are already in it. Make sure you take measurements of the room and the area that you want to install a vanity cabinet or sink. This will help you best utilize all available floor space.

A small bathroom sink, particularly a wall mounted sink or a small pedestal sink, will add nicely to a limited room. You can create extra storage with medicine cabinets, or stand-alone shelving. Mirrored cabinetry also adds visual space to a small room.

A master suite or children's bathroom will have more room to work in and will generally demand more counter space and storage. For these, you have more options. An undermount, self rimming, or even vessel style sink set over a nice cabinet will create ample countertop space and a stylish appearance.

Style Selection

The style you choose depends on the look you want, as well as the vanity or cabinet that you’re working with. Keep these important installation differences in mind when determining whether to use an existing vanity.

Drop in - Easy to install for the DIY bathroom project, the drop in, or self rimming sink is placed in the top of the vanity cabinet through a pre-cut hole, and sealed into place.

Wall mounted - A wall mounted sink is independent from any supporting cabinet, freeing up more floor and adding more visual space.

Pedestal - Available in one piece or two, the pedestal sink sits atop a column, with no counter or storage space to accommodate.

Undermount - The invisible undermount sink mounts to the underside of the vanity top, usually a solid surface such as stone or marble, or directly to the wall.

Vessel - The bowl-like shape sits on top of the counter (an above-counter installation) and require a unique vessel-specific faucet type to adjust to the extra height of the bowl.

Vanity sink - With a vanity sink, the sink and countertop are one seamless piece that fits over the cabinet base, which can be chosen and purchased separately. Make sure that you know the dimensions of the required cabinet when selecting the sink.

Be sure to visit our bathroom sink faucets page if you need help determining which faucet will best suit your bathroom and new sink. We also carry an extensive line of bath accessories, bath lighting, and tubs, as well as the toilets and bidets if you're undertaking a full renovation. Your investment will be easily rewarded through the luxury, value, and enjoyment you will receive from your new bathroom.

We’re here to help with your projects every step of the way, so if you have any questions, let us know! Chat with us live through the site, or call us at (855) 484-3292, every day of the week.

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