A Guide to Bathroom Sinks, and How to Choose One

It’s not easy to choose a sink because there are a great variety of sinks on the market. But it’s worth paying attention not only to the sink’s look and material but also to its functionality.

5-Minute Crafts would like to tell you about the different types of bathroom sinks, and how to choose one.

Size

Before choosing a sink, determine the dimensions of your bathroom. A corner sink will help you save some space. And if there is enough space and your family is pretty big, then you can consider installing 2 separate sinks.

Materials

The most popular materials that sinks can be made from are ceramic and glass. But you can also find sinks made from metal, cast iron, stone, among other materials. However, some materials like clear glass, stone, or wood will be harder to maintain.

Sink types

• vessel sink
• pedestal sink
• drop-in sink
• wall-mount sink
• farmhouse sink
• integration sink

Vessel sink

• Pros: You don’t need to cut an elaborate hole in the vanity as the bowl simply sits on top of it. The sink can be easily replaced in the future if required. It makes your bathroom look stylish and produces a “wow” effect.
• Cons: A vessel sink is easier to break. It can be difficult to clean where it touches the countertop or wall. There is no overflow drain that prevents water from overflowing.
• Nuances: When making a choice, you should take the height of the sink and the height of the vanity into account, so that the sink is not too high after installation.

Pedestal sink

• Pros: It consists of a column and a basin that is installed on top. All plumbing components are placed inside the column or pedestal, which makes the design of the sink minimalistic and neat. The combination of a basin and pedestal forms a very strong and durable construction. It’s a suitable option for a small bathroom because it takes up very little space. It’s also easy to clean.
• Cons: There is no countertop or vanity, meaning it has very little to no storage space. The lack of extra counter space can create inconveniences during morning routines. The installation of this sink requires the services of a professional plumber, so it can be more expensive than a vessel sink.
• Nuances: If you don’t need a lot of storage space in the sink area, or if it’s a second bathroom, this sink type can be handy. Designers advise sticking to simpler, more streamlined options.

Drop-in sink

• Pros: This is the most common sink type, so the price for the sink and its installation may be lower than other types. A drop-in sink is easy to install: it fits right into a pre-cut hole on most vanities, and the perimeter lip holds everything in place. The edges are reinforced with sealant and metal clips under the sink.
• Cons: The gap between the countertop and the sides of the sink can accumulate dirt.
• Nuances: Cast iron sinks don’t require clips, as they are very heavy. So, caulk will be enough.

Wall-mount sink

• Pros: It’s installed directly onto a wall and takes up very little space. It’s a good option for a small bathroom where a storage area near the sink is not required.
• Cons: Plumbing will be exposed. There is no storage space.
• Nuances: Console sinks belong to wall-mount sinks. Their main difference is that the basin is additionally supported by legs.

Farmhouse sink

• Pros: A farmhouse sink has an apron — a front part that protrudes beyond the countertop. It’s suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms. A protruding apron protects the cabinet underneath from water.
• Cons: It takes up a lot of space. The protruding part of the sink is more likely to be damaged or scratched.
• Nuances: Usually, these are very large and deep sinks that you can even wash your clothes in.

Integrated sink

• Pros: An integrated sink is a countertop and a sink all-in-one. The surface is easy to clean, and this sink is suitable for both the bathroom and the kitchen. It looks very neat and minimalistic.
• Cons: Due to its materials and fabrication process, this sink will be more expensive than other options, and it’s difficult to replace.
• Nuances: It can be customized, so you can choose the size, depth, and location of the sink.

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