Bathroom Sinks

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.

Materials for Bathroom Sinks

If you remember when bathroom sinks were always made of white porcelain in a standard shape you will have your eyes opened when you go shopping for a brand new one! These days they are in a number of different materials offered by every seller and every brand and interior designers have been quick to seize on these and turn the humble sink into a focal point of the bathroom in many homes.

1. Ceramic Sinks

Ceramic sinks are the most most common type of sink. They look good (and stay looking smooth and glossy over a long period). They are easy to clean, durable and they don’t rust or discolor. To top it all they are usually modest in price too.

The two types of ceramic available are Fire Clay ceramic and Vitreous China Ceramic with fire clay being the most durable though either is just fine. These bathroom sinks are available in different colors with whit being the most popular. You can also buy hand painted and decorated sinks for County or French Country style interiors.

Take care not to drop heavy objects into your ceramic sink as this may damage it. Also with a white porcelain sink you must be sure to keep the grout looking good. If you need any help with this, here are some grout cleaning tips.

Stainless Steel Vessel Sink

Stainless Steel Vessel Sink

2. Stainless Steel Sinks

These are becoming more popular as mirror polished stainless steel goes with with chrome which has become the norm for contemporary bathroom faucets and other fittings. Stainless steel sinks are sturdy and are easy to clean however the surface scratches very easily. Instead of polished stainless steel and chrome fittings in your bathroom a brushed stainless steel/chrome look may stay looking good for longer.

3. Toughened Glass Sinks

Toughened glass sinks are very popular for wall-mounted basins and vessel sinks. The glass is tough and durable and does not break easily. To show off a glass sink effectively use discrete polished chrome brackets for wall hanging sinks or sit vessel sinks on a quality wood counter.

4. Polished Brass and Copper Sinks

Brass and copper sinks are highly polished and coated to prevent discoloration. They require gentle cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners and a soft cloth to avoid damaging the surface. Handled with care they can look great in the right bathroom.

5. Natural Stone Sinks

Stone is not a material you would normally associate with sinks but they are now being incorporated in some contemporary bathrooms in the form of vessel sinks. Of course stone is variable in nature and that gives it a unique appeal. Stone which is porous is not suited for bathroom sinks unless coated so be careful what you choose.

6. Composite or Reconstructed Marble and other stone Sinks

While pure marble is heavy and prone to discoloration, the marble look sinks are stronger and stain-resistant while remaining smooth to the touch. They are made with a mixture of powdered marble and resin and are available in many colors and finishes. There are similar composite materials available for granite, slate and other types of stone and once treated in this way they become useful for making durable non-scratch bathroom sinks too and are available in natural shades in many shapes.

Simply Bathroom Sinks

Welcome to Simply Bathroom Sinks!

Why a site about bathroom sinks? Well I think a lot of people don’t pay enough attention when buying a sink and then find out (too late) that their sink is not quite right for their bathroom or not quite right for them.

You’d think there wasn’t much to get wrong wouldn’t you? But there are fashions in bathroom sinks as well as practical issues to think about. Home comfort is all about getting these two elements right.

Many moons ago a bathroom sink was a bathroom sink – usually white, you brushed your teeth and washed your face there and thought yourself lucky to have running water.

Then came the 70s when colored bathtubs and sinks became all the rage. The old bathroom fixtures were ripped out and all sorts of colored fittings installed – rose pink, avocado or taupe anyone?

Contemporary Vanity Unit and Sink

Contemporary Vanity Unit and Sink

After that cornucopia of colored bathrooms the only color to go for in bathroom fixtures (thank goodness) was again pure white (or the palest cream) and that is still a major trend today. Such neutral tones allow plenty of scope for making an exciting décor with colored towels, shower curtains, bath mats and other bathroom accessories.

However fashion as ever moves on (though not as fast as in clothes) and we are starting to see stainless steel or natural stone sinks and vessel sinks in different shades rising in popularity.

Whatever look you would like in your bathroom you will find bathroom sinks and faucets to help continue your theme. Whether you would like an ultra contemporary look, a period style bathroom or just a clean, simple effect there will be a bathroom sink to suit your home.

Plus there are bathroom sinks to suit all sort of practical situations – corner sinks, sinks for small bathrooms and cloakrooms, vanity units and sinks to suit those who are wheelchair bound. If you have a busy household you may also want to consider installing a double sink arrangement if your room is big enough.

It’s important when choosing a bathroom sink to know what your options are as well as considering your budget, your home and the size of the space you are working with. For example, if you don’t know about vessel sinks you may not be considering one – but it may be exactly right for your bathroom – or totally wrong.

Whatever you are looking for, we very much hope we can help guide you through the maze of all the bathroom sinks available and make sure that you get exactly what you need for your home at the right price.