Choosing Between Bathroom Sink Styles: A Complete Guide

If you’re a stylish homeowner, then you probably leave nothing to chance when it comes to your home’s interior décor. So, when it comes to the bathroom, everything down to the sinks, faucets, and showerheads must be stylish and chic. 

You’d be surprised at just how many different bathroom sink styles there are on the market today. In fact, they’re so many that you may find it overwhelming to pick the right one. There are tons of factors you need to put into consideration when picking a bathroom sink.

For instance, you should consider whether the sink is for the powder room, master bathroom, or the kids’ bathroom. In whatever case, knowing your stuff will help you make a more informed decision the next time you’re in the market for a bathroom sink. 

Read on to learn about the various bathroom sink styles you should consider for your home’s bathrooms. That way, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right one when you’re out shopping for a bathroom sink.

Common Bathroom Sink Styles

In many homes, the bathroom has incredible visual potential. It’s the ideal room to put your creativity to the test without having much to worry about. That’s because not a lot of guests actually visit your bathroom, and if they do, it’s for a short time only.

The sink, however, is one thing all your guests will use when they enter your bathroom. So why not maximize that area to make a good impression. Here are a couple of sink styles for your consideration.

1. Top-Mount Sink

This sink sits on top of the counter. The sink’s rim pushes above the counter, while the rest of the sink is below it. You can choose a slim rim or a thicker one, depending on your preference.

You install the sink by making a cutout on the countertop. You don’t have to worry about any water damage to the cut out because the sink will cover it. 

These sinks are ideal for most countertops but are easier to install on wood countertops. They are also look great on stone countertops and are less costly to install. The only downside to these sinks is that you can’t wipe water directly into them.

2. Vessel Sink

Unlike the top-mount sink, the vessel sink sits on the countertop completely. In some cases, however, a tiny portion of the sink may go below the countertop.

Vessel sinks are great for style and make a real statement. However, you have to be very careful when installing these sinks, or they’ll be difficult to use. Because they are on top of the counter, be careful not to install them too high, especially for the kids.

You also have to compromise the storage space on the countertop, and you may have a hard time cleaning the base and back of the sink.  Otherwise, these sinks are lovely, especially for master bathrooms and powder rooms, but not great for the kids’ bathroom.

3. Pedestal Sink

The pedestal sink is a common sight in most American home bathrooms. It is a simple wall-mounted sink. The pedestal stands below the sink and holds it up, while the waste pipe passes through the floor.

It’s a great option if you’re going for that classic bathroom look. However, you need to be careful about the pedestal’s height if it’s going in your kid’s bathroom. Also, you may want to consider a cabinet above the sink, because there won’t be any countertop for your toiletries.

The gap between the wall and the pedestal is sometimes hard to clean, but you can opt for a sink without this gap. Check out these pedestal sinks and see how they can entirely transform your bathroom’s outlook.

4. Semi-Pedestal Sink

A semi pedestal is a smaller version of the pedestal sink. It’s good if you want a pedestal sink without the waste pipe passing through the ground. It’s great for a small bathroom like a half bathroom or a guest bathroom. 

As the name suggests, you only get a portion of the pedestal with this kind of sink. The pedestal doesn’t extend to the ground like a pedestal sink.

5. Wall Mount Sink

The wall mount sink is a simple sink that mounts on the wall. It isn’t too stylish, but it’s a great option for anyone who needs a functional sink. It’s ideal for homes with small bathrooms since it doesn’t take up too much space.

It’s also a cost-effective option that is great for your guest baths, although you have to make a small compromise on aesthetics.

6. Corner Mount

If your bathroom is short of space, then a corner mount sink is just what the doctor ordered. This sink attaches to the wall, but in the corner between two walls. It saves space, but it also compromises the size of the sink.

It’s a cost-effective sink but is somewhat difficult to install.  A corner mount isn’t the most stylish, either; it’s more of a subtle sink.

7. Semi-recessed Sink

If you’re out to make a statement, then you should definitely consider a semi-recessed sink. The sink’s basin protrudes outwards from the cabinet or countertop. Part of the basin sinks into the countertop while the rest protrudes outward.

Apart from visual appeal, it frees up valuable floor space because you can have smaller cabinets the size of your sink’s basin. It’s also much easier to use, especially for smaller kids, because they don’t have to outstretch their arms to reach the faucet.

There are plenty of semi-recessed sink models, and each one looks good. Although this sink maximizes floor space, it reduces storage space quite significantly.

8. Undermount Sink

This type of sink attaches to the underside of the countertop. You make a cutout and fit the sink on the underside of the cutout. This sink is both visually appealing and functional.

The seamless design makes for an elegant design, especially when paired with an elegant countertop. Because the entire sink basin is under the countertop, you can wipe spills and splashes directly into the sink.

The downside to under-mount sinks is their cost. You can only use them for sturdy solid countertops like stone countertops. The sink won’t seal well on a laminate countertop, and water may leak to the floor.

9. Washplane Sink

It’s hard to find a washplane sink in home bathrooms. However, they aren’t an uncommon sight in fancy hotels and restaurants. They have a simple minimalist design that works well for bathrooms with a minimalist design.

Washplane sinks are slim, stylish sinks that can save your bathroom a lot of space. Under the sink is a steel trough that collects the water and leads it to the waste pipes. They are great for small bathrooms and powder rooms. 

These sinks are so small you can’t do stuff like wash your face or clean a facecloth. It’s only suitable for handwashing. They don’t have a plug option because the sink is very shallow.

10. Integrated Sink and Countertop

This sink is molded with the countertop to make one smooth countertop with a depression in the middle for a sink. It’s mostly made from porcelain, but other materials like acrylic and ceramic also make great integrated sinks.

Most of these sinks come in standard sizes, so it may be hard to find one suited for a smaller bathroom, although some suppliers do offer custom-made sizes that will fit your space.

The sinks are very easy to clean because they don’t have any ridges, and you can just wipe any excess water directly into the sink. These sinks take up a lot of space because they have to slope to allow for the sink basin to sit in the middle. If you have a small bathroom, then an integrated sink and countertop should be out of the question.

How to Properly Care for Your Sink

Whatever style of sink you choose, it won’t last too long or look as good if you don’t take care of it. Here’s how to properly take care of your sink.

  • Dry your sink regularly to prevent cracks or rust spots for steel sinks
  • Destain the sink with lemon juice
  • Scrub your sink regularly with soap and water
  • Replace the sink if it’s too worn

Find a Sink that Suits Your Style

Now that you know the various bathroom sink styles, it’s time to find the right one for your bathroom. There’s a style for everyone when it comes to kitchen sinks, so make sure you find one that matches your taste and bathroom’s size. Also, ensure you get the right people to install it; you don’t want an awkwardly positioned sink, especially if it’s expensive!

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