The Secret to Selecting a Stunning Bathroom Sink

Kohler Thistledown sink

Bathroom trends may come and go, but a sturdy, beautiful sink is always in style. When searching for a bathroom sink, it’s important to look at the needs of your family and the design of your bathroom layout. Do you need extra storage space under the sink? Do any of your family members have special accessibility needs? Are you trying to enhance the space of a small bathroom? All are important questions to ask yourself during the selection process.

Whether you’re simply replacing your sink or completely overhauling your bathroom, this guide will help you pick out the best bathroom sink. The following are helpful considerations to think about when selecting your sink.

Examine Your Space

Before falling in love with a double-sink countertop style, it’s important to make sure your bathroom can accommodate this spacious fixture. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, you may want to think about getting a pedestal sink or wall-mounted sink to save space. Storage space can be added if you mount a sink on top of a vanity.

Sink Types

Five types of sinks: 1) Pedestal; 2) Drop-in; 3) Undercounter; 4) Vessel; 5) Wall-mounted

1. Pedestal

Pedestal sinks add a touch of vintage elegance to any bathroom. A pedestal sink consists of a wide basin on top of a base. If you’re concerned with floor space and have storage space elsewhere in your bathroom, a pedestal sink can be a great choice for a traditional bathroom.

2. Drop-in

Drop-in sinks are installed into a countertop or a vanity. A drop-in sink has a rim that rests atop the countertop or vanity top with the basin hanging below. This type of sink mount is easier to install.

3. Undercounter

Similar to drop-ins, undercounter sinks are also installed into a countertop or a vanity. The difference is that with an undercounter sink, both the basin and rim are positioned completely underneath the counter or vanity top.

4. Vessel

A vessel sink is a decorative-yet-functional fixture that sits above the bathroom counter. Vessel sinks are commonly made of glass or copper, and are available in a wide range of shapes, styles and colors. This type of sink makes a bold statement in modern or contemporary bathrooms.

5. Wall-mounted

Looking for a sink that won’t take up a lot of floor space? Consider a wall-mounted sink. This type of sink is hung on the wall, making it easy to clean your bathroom. It also creates a light, airy look that’s perfect for a modern or contemporary bathroom.

Sink Materials

Porcelain-over-cast-iron

Beauty meets function with a porcelain-over-cast-iron sink. This type of bathroom sink is available in a variety of styles of color. However, the porcelain may scratch, so it’s important to clean this type of sink gently.

Vitreous china

Pedestal sinks often use this type of material. Vitreous china sinks add classic stylishness to traditional bathrooms. When considering vitreous china, take into account its fragility—if you have small children, this sink material may not be right for you.

Glass

A glass vessel sink perfectly offsets a modern/contemporary style. Available in a wide range of colors, shapes and styles, a glass sink adds colorful sophistication to your bathroom. Keep in mind that glass requires frequent cleaning, and a glass sink may not be the best choice in a household with small children.

Cast-iron

Strong, sturdy and easy-to-clean, cast-iron sinks are great for those who want a white sink. This type of material is heavy, so make sure your vanity can properly support a cast-iron sink.

Stainless steel

Although typically a material of choice for kitchen sinks, a stainless steel sink could also suit a modern or contemporary bathroom. Their stain- and heat- resistance make them a smart, durable choice for any bathroom.

Sink Holes

When picking out a bathroom sink, it’s important to make sure that your faucet will match up to the holes in your new sink. Bathroom sinks typically come with 1-hole, 2-hole, or 3-hole decks. If you know you want a single-handle faucet, a sink with a 1-hole deck may do. If you haven’t yet picked out a faucet or know you want a double-handle faucet, a sink with a 3-hole deck may be your best option.

Looking to pair up your sink with a new faucet? You may be interested in our previous blog article, The Art of Choosing a Bathroom Faucet.

Universal Design

It’s important to make sure your family members and visitors can easily access your bathroom sink. In their book “Universal Design: A Step-by-Step Guide to Modifying Your Home for Comfortable, Accessible Living,” design experts Barbara Kreuger and Nika Stewart recommend installing a wall-mounted sink to save room for wheelchairs. If you’re installing a sink in your countertop, make sure to place the sink as close to the front as possible.

Visit a Bath & Kitchen Showroom

Once you’ve thought over what kind of sink would best suit your bathroom, it’s time to visit a Bath & Kitchen showroom. You’ll be able to view and touch a variety of sinks to get a better feel for what would better suit your bathroom. Additionally, you’ll have the benefit of seeing how certain sink and faucet combinations work together. A knowledgeable Showroom Consultant will work with you to pick out a bathroom sink that meets your family’s needs and your aesthetic tastes.

On the lookout for a new bathroom sink? Visit a Crawford Supply Group showroom, located in Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and check out our wide range of bathroom sinks. You can also set up a free Showroom Consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members.