Bathroom Sink Buying Guide

Bathroom Sink Mounting Styles

Bathroom sinks can mount similarly to kitchen sinks. However, you may find that most bathroom sinks are integrated with the counter tops, and they are made from one piece of material. This does not mean that you can’t under-mount a bathroom sink, or even that you would need to avoid an apron style sink if it’s the one you like.

Deck-Mounted

Deck-mounted models can be set into or on top of a vanity or a freestanding frame. This allows for storage, unlike pedestal or wall-mounted sink styles. Integral bowl sinks, like their kitchen counterparts, form part of a counter top and come in many prices, colors and materials.

Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks are known for their beauty and functionality, and vessel sinks are becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms. You often see them at high-end restaurants and hotels. A vessel sink can be installed sitting on the counter top or it can be sunk down up to half of its height. Most vessel sinks are designed to sit at least partially above the counter top.

Wall-Mounted

Wall-mounted sinks are mounted directly to the wall, making wall-mount sinks great for smaller bathrooms. Remember that the piping will show beneath the drain.

Console Sinks

Console sinks sit on furniture-style legs and offer an expanded counter space for your toiletries. They create a stylish and spacious look.

Materials

The materials are the same as those for kitchen sinks, with more decorative choices. Materials include enameled cast iron or vitreous china for traditional baths, and metal (including copper), glass, crystal, stone (granite, marble, travertine, limestone, onyx and sandstone), wood or solid-surface resins for a contemporary style.

Vessel sinks give you several material choices. Stone vessel sinks are crafted from a single block of stone, making them heavy and gorgeous. Most copper sinks are hand hammered or pressed from a single sheet of copper. Wood sinks are crafted from the finest hardwoods and sanded and smoothed before being sealed against water. Glass vessel sinks are available in many colors.

For a powder room with low-traffic, use a delicate sink, such as glass and vitreous china. This gives you a place to really show your style to guests. Choose a more durable sink in high traffic bathrooms, such as a kids’ bathroom.