How to Choose a Bathroom Sink

A bathroom sink can make a real statement about your style. But with so many looks, materials, and shapes to choose from, picking just the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Before you settle on one, it’s important to remember that function matters just as much as form. Consider which room you are shopping for (powder room, family bathroom, or master bathroom, for example), who will use it, and how much space you have to work with.

Before you choose your new bathroom sink, be armed with the information you need to help narrow down the best options so you can pick the perfect sink for you and your space .

Undermount

This type of sink sits underneath the counter. The rim is fixed to the underside of the countertop, as opposed to sitting on top of it. Since less of the sink is visible, this style creates a seamless, clean look. Clean-up is easy as water and spills can be wiped directly from the countertop into the sink, making it ideal for busy family bathrooms. However, undermounting a sink is usually only possible with a solid-surface countertop, such as stone. Undermount sinks also tend to cost more than top-mount sinks.

Top-Mount

As the name suggests, a top-mount (or drop-in) sink sits on top of the counter with most of the sink sitting below the counter and just the rim sitting on top. Top-mount sinks are suitable for most countertop materials since the cutout is covered by the sink and doesn’t risk being damaged by water. However, you can’t wipe water and spills straight from the counter into the sink. They work best in elegant master bathrooms and minimalist designs.

Pedestal

If you prefer is a simple wall-mounted sink, but your waste pipe has to go through the floor and can’t be changed, or you don’t want to see the plumbing beneath, then a pedestal sink is a great option. The pedestal under the sink sits between the underside of the sink and the floor, concealing any pipework. Often found in powder rooms, a pedestal sink is aesthetically pleasing and perfect if you want a more timeless, traditional look. However, it does not provide any storage or countertop space.

Vessel

A vessel sink generally sits completely on top of the countertop. Unlike sinks that are exposed above the counter a little or not at all, vessel sinks demand attention. Much like a large bowl, it’s a great choice if you like a deep sink that can hold plenty of water. However, due to the height of the sink, careful planning is required to ensure that the sink doesn’t end up being too high and uncomfortable to use. Cleaning around the base of the sink can also be tricky, so it may work best in a powder room.

Integrated

Many stock vanity cabinets offer an all-in-one countertop and sink where the sink is molded as part of the countertop. An integrated sink is easy to clean so it’s a great choice for busy family bathrooms. Integrated sinks are usually designed so that the countertop slopes gently down and inward to create a sink in the middle, leaving less flat counter space than with other options.

Semi-Recessed

If space is an issue but you still want some storage then a semi-recessed sink might be the answer. This sink sits at the front of the cabinet and countertop, allowing you to have shallower cabinets, freeing up valuable floor space and keeping a lot of the counter free. It’s a great option for those who need to get closer to the sink to reach the faucet without the obstruction of a countertop and cabinets.

Wall-Mounted

A wall-mounted sink is fixed directly to the wall without needing to sit in or on a countertop. It looks streamlined and gives a minimalist feeling to a room. As such, it doesn’t have cabinets below it, which saves on space and also makes the room feel bigger. All plumbing must be positioned inside the wall to have a clean look. Consider your need for storage before choosing a wall-mounted sink.

Washplane

Washplane sinks, often spotted in sleek hotels and restaurant bathrooms, are slim, streamlined, and stylish. They take up very little space, so they can work in a room where space is limited. A small stainless steel trough is mounted under the sink to catch the water before it runs into the waste pipe in the wall behind. Washplane sinks are best suited for just hand washing because they don’t have have a plug and are extremely shallow.

When you’re ready to spruce things up, contact Best Choice Plumbers to help make your new bathroom provide the added beauty, convenience, comfort, and safety we know you want.