Bathroom Sinks

How to Choose Bathroom Sinks

You might think there would not be much to choose from when it comes to bathroom sinks but actually there are a lot of options. This means you have many choices to make when you decide to change your bathroom sink including all kinds of different styles, shapes, materials, sizes and colors in endless permutations.

You may be replacing your bathroom sink as part of a bathroom remodel, buying a sink for a new cloakroom (or even a new home) or merely replacing your current bathroom sink, but whatever the reason for your purchase here are the steps to choosing the right sink.

1. Set a Budget

Sinks come in all kinds of price ranges. Have a look around online at a few ranges and see the kind of prices you might pay before setting a budget you think is a reasonable compromise between how much you have to spend and the cost of a bathroom sink of good quality. Remember to include replacement faucets (taps) and plumbing items in your budget otherwise you might be in for a shock when you find out how much these can add to the cost. Also think about the cost of a professional bathroom fitter if you are not going to install the sink yourself.

Country style bathroom with contemporary sink

Country style bathroom with contemporary sink

2. Consider the Various Styles Available

Although you may have a particular style in mind such as one of the new stainless steel, stone or vessel sinks – you need to consider each style and how it will fit in the space you have available and the style of the bathroom (and potentially the style of your home – for example, if you have a period house you may decide you want a period bathroom). See Types and Styles of Bathroom Sinks if you are not sure which style to choose.

3. Consider the Type of Usage of the Sink

If the sink will be used in a small guest cloakroom where space is very limited you can buy the smallest sink or washbasin which is only really suitable for hand washing whereas the sink in a family bathroom needs to be larger to accommodate all kinds of potential activities such as shaving, washing and even hair washing. If you have limited storage space in your bathroom you may want a counter top sink which offers plenty of storage to the side and underneath. Also think about who will be using your sink. If kids are involved then you need a sink which will allow for splashing and overflowing water because kids will be kids.

4. Measure the Space Available

Don’t just measure the gap you have but also think about how much space you will have to move about in once all the fittings and furniture are installed in your bathroom. You need plenty of room to be able to bend over the sink to wash your face for example. If you’re not sure try bending over an existing sink and see how much room you need! Usually about 3 to 4 feet between the wall to which the sink is fitted and any other bathroom fixtures will be required.

5. Shop!

Once you know the maximum price, size and style of sink you are looking for have a good look around in local bathroom stores, major DIY retailers and in online stores (where you will often get the best choice of bathroom sinks).

Where to Buy the Best Bathroom Sinks

You can purchase a reasonable selection of standard bathroom sinks in local bathroom stores and DIY warehouses if you have one nearby but even so browsing and buying bathroom sinks online is a great idea for many reasons.

1. You Get a Better Selection of Bathroom Sinks to Choose From

Local stores are unable to stock a huge selection of sinks and for the most part you will have to order from a brochure unless you want a fairly standard basic sink. If you want more choice than your local store is offering you either on their shelves or in their cataogs look online where you will find thousands of sinks to choose from. Every style, material, size and shape will be availableto you at the click of a button.

2. Online Convenience

You can browse many online stores and find exactly the bathroom sink you are looking for in a few minutes without the expense and inconvenience of traveling to a store miles from your home. Secure Ordering and hassle-free returns make the whole process of buying lighting online quick and easy. And you can shop in online stores 24 * 7 every day of the year whenever it is convenient for you.

Twin Bathroom Sinks and Faucets

Twin Bathroom Sinks and Faucets

3. Lower Prices

Online stores are able to offer bathroom sinks at more reasonable prices because the do not have the high expenses and overheads associated with running a store and in many cases these savings are passed on to you. Shopping online means you can compare prices on similar bathroom sinks at the click of a mouse and get the benefits of shopping around without the hassle.

4. Buying Advice

Many sites give a lot of information about their goods – more than the store assistant is likely to have in his or her head. Also you will be able to see pictures of sinks how they are best used in a bathroom – for example if you are looking for a sink that looks good in a vanity unit you will be able to see lots of sinks and vanity units together so you get an idea of the finished result. (Also great for getting ideas for accessories and decor)

5. Pressure Free

You can take as much time as you like making up your mind which sink and brand to buy without a shop assistant getting impatient. Bookmark the web pages with the sinks you like. Think about them. Go back and take another look a few days later. All from the comfort of your sofa.

6. Free Shipping

Many stores offer free shipping if your order is a reasonable size. Check terms and conditions for charges but usually you can get your bathroom sink delivered to your door free of charge!

7. Designer Sinks

You’ll find designer bathroom sinks and faucets online which you would never find in your local area – well not unless you live in a metropolis and know exactly where to go to hunt them down. These bathroom sinks will lift your whole bathroom to a new level. Choose something different and make your friends green with envy!

8. Search Facilities

If you are in a hurry and know the kind of sink you want most sites have great search facilities so you can quickly locate the bathroom sinks you are interested in and focus in on the ones which meet your requirements for style, price, materials etc. If you are only interested in vessel sinks, stainless steel sinks or pedestal sinks no need to waste your time sifting through hundreds of others.

9. Money Back Guarantees

Online stores usually offer these to take the risk out of your purchase (and sometimes because it is a legal requirement).

10. Custom Sizes

Some online stores will allow you to customize by specifing style, shape, materials etc so that you can always buy bathroom sinks to match your requirements. This is a great service when you can’t find exactly the bathroom sink you are looking for.

Types of Bathroom Sinks

When you are looking at bathroom sinks you will find that they come in many sizes, materials and styles but they all fall into onto one of the following general types of sink

1. Pedestal sinks

Pedestal sinks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes but they usually stand 34 to 36″ high. If you would like a taller sink then that’s not a problem as you can stand the sink on a purpose-built platform but there’s no way of making the sink smaller. These are the traditional types of sink so they are great if you want a retro or period look in your bathroom. Pedestals provide support for the sink though both sink and pedestal may be fixed to the wall for further stability. Plumbing elements are hidden inside the pedestal for a neat look.

2. Console Sinks

A console sinks is a sink which is fitted into a small table top supported by legs and brackets. This type of arrangement is generally quite ornamental and suited to period homes for the most part although you may get modern versions. (These days in modern bathrooms vessel sinks are more common with a table top arrangement) They do give the bathroom an open feel as below the sink is not enclosed yet they are practical due to the counter top areas on each side of the sink. You do need other storage however for items you don’t want placed on display.

Traditional Sink in a Vanity Unit

Traditional Sink in a Vanity Unit

3. Vanity Sinks

This is where a sink is embedded in a counter top with enclosed storage cabinets underneath – a whole vanity unit. They are very practical in terms of giving you both counter top space and storage to hide away bathroom essentials.

4. Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks look as though they are just a large bowl resting on a counter or table top. Plumbing is hidden under the counter and behind wall panels. Because they can be made of many different materials manufacturers have made many appealing designs and they have become very popular for contemporary bathrooms. They are the easiest type of sink to replace when you want to change your sink in future.

5. Wall Mounted or Wall Hung Sinks

A wall mounted sink is simply attached to the wall at a height to suit you. They do need a solid wall and solid fixings to take the weight of the sink when full of water however (and potentially someone partly leaning on it too). Wall Mounted sinks are useful because they can be placed where there is an obstruction for a pedestal for example or in a corner (special corner wall mounted sinks are available which make the most of the space in the smallest room) The plumbing needs to be neatly fitted under the sink as it is visible.

When you are looking at bathroom sinks you will find that manufacturers of bathroom fittings nearly all offer each of these types of sink and often in different sizes so you should not have a problem matching the style of your bathtub and other bathroom fixtures whatever type you choose.

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