Consumers are trending toward vessel sinks in the bathroom.
The bathroom sink is not just for washing hands and brushing teeth. It has become a necessary place of storage for the average homeowner, and continues to gain importance as a design element.
There are several different types of bathroom sink, each with its own considerations when designing or remodeling the bathroom.
Function
The sink, or vanity as it's commonly referred, is one of the most important functional pieces of design in the bathroom. The synonymous use of bathroom sink and vanity is a minor misconception; the vanity is actually a type of bathroom sink prominent in American bathroom design.
Types
Console -- Most commonly referenced in living room furniture as a console table, a console sink has a very similar appearance. This sink resembles a table with its use of decorative legs.
Vanity -- This type of sink is installed in a cabinet, and is manufactured as a single or double (for use in a master bathroom).
Pedestal -- This compact sink is simply a basin secured to a pedestal leg.
Wall-Mount -- This type of sink is secured to the wall and hides plumbing fixed through the wall instead of the floor.
Vessel -- This sink basin sits on top of an installed countertop and while fully functioning, is typically chosen as an interior design element.
Features
Since it is installed in a cabinet, the vanity sink provides optimal storage for homeowners, and can easily be customized for his-and-hers use. Though it doesn't have accompanying cabinetry, the console sink provides substantial storage space on its countertop, and has room underneath to place storage baskets on the floor, stack towels or magazines, etc.
Pedestal sinks are compact and offer a vintage feel, and are easy to navigate for cleaning. Similarly, wall-mount sinks leave the most floor space, which is great for small bathrooms and cleaning purposes.
Vessel sinks are fully functioning and can set the tone for a bathroom with high elements of design. A trend report by Kohler, manufacturer of bath and kitchen products, says vessel sinks are great additions to powder rooms or half-baths, where they won't encumber more harsh uses like regular teeth-brushing and shaving.
Trends
Kitchen & Bath Design News reported in January 2010 that consumers are trending toward bathroom vanities that have a custom feel, with clean and streamlined styles at value pricing. They are also looking for innovative storage solutions and implementing eco-friendly materials into the design/upgrade of their bathroom sink/vanity.
Considerations
Size -- Vanities use the most space, with wall-mounts taking up the least space. Pedestal sinks are a good solution for small bathroom spaces. Take complete measurements of the space and where the sink fixture will be placed before shopping.
Plumbing -- Parts of the plumbing will show with use of console and pedestal sinks. Keep rusty pipes in mind when planning for a new sink.
Style -- While pedestal sinks have vintage appeal, vanity sinks are a traditional classic in bathroom design. Though based on ancient Chinese washbasins, reports Kitchen & Bath Design News, vessel sinks offer a modern look. Consider the age of the home, and the other elements in the bathroom including the tub and commode fixtures when choosing a new sink.
Cost -- The purchase of a new bathroom sink and/or accompanying cabinetry will take budget planning for most consumers. Be aware that materials have varying costs; for example, a mosaic glass vessel with mahogany cabinetry will be more expensive than a simple pedestal sink.
Tags: bathroom sink, sink vanity, vessel sinks, accompanying cabinetry, Bath Design, Bath Design News
