Researching the best sinks for bathroom remodeling means considering different bathroom sink shapes, design styles and installation processes. Although overwhelming, breaking down the most important types of bathroom sinks can help you make a confident choice that will completely upgrade your overall bathroom design in no time.
If you’re remodeling your bathroom or looking for a new bathroom sink, there are five types of basins that you should consider. Each bathroom sink offers different advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the right one for your project, remember to keep your unique priorities and preferences in mind.
Read more to discover how the best bathroom sinks could benefit your daily life and elevate your home powder room.
5 Types of Bathroom Sinks You Need To Know About
These five bathroom sinks are the top choices for today’s homeowners. From function to style, here’s what you should know about the best sinks before you start your remodel project.
Vessel Sink
A vessel sink is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to save space and add some visual flair to their bathroom. Vessel sinks sit directly atop any bathroom counter – meaning they don’t require any under-counter space. This opens up more cabinet space to store toiletries or any necessary bathroom products.
One of the biggest benefits of using a vessel sink is the easy installation process. As they sit above the countertop, there is no need to make any cavities within the counter during installation.
Another advantage of choosing this type of bathroom sink is the design versatility it offers. Since a vessel sink does not interfere with any other furnishings, the basin-shape options are endless. While round or square are the most popular bathroom sink shapes, vessel sinks come in a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from.
Aside from the shape, vessel sinks often come in various designs. If you are looking for an intricate pattern design or vibrant color to spruce up your bathroom sink, vessel sinks might be the best choice for you. These diverse bathroom sink designs allow you to personalize your powder room and add a unique visual appeal that matches your tastes.
Pedestal Sink
A pedestal sink is a bathroom sink that has been mounted atop a pedestal-like structure that reaches the floor. Pedestal sinks are rather traditional in their designs and are often used in small bathrooms to save floor space. The bowl has the largest width in a pedestal sink, giving the space around the sink an airy, uncluttered feel.
A pedestal sink has a tall, elongated shape. Its thin centre column reaches down to the floor – giving the appearance of increased length even if it stands at a normal height. While this traditional, elongated style certainly adds a sense of elegance to its design, it may not be the most practical shape.
The lack of any countertop space means that water could easily splash onto the flooring when you are washing your hands or brushing your teeth. The lack of storage could also become an inconvenience if this sink is placed in a master bathroom that has extra accessories like towels or cleaning supplies. That said, this type of sink may benefit smaller bathroom spaces.
Their simple, compact design makes them easy to clean from top to bottom. Since there is no cabinet or countertop attached, pedestal sinks can eliminate any clutter that often results from overly packed vanities. As there is no cupboard integration, these are the preferred sinks for bathrooms that don’t have as much storage space for extra bath products.
Wall-Mounted Sink
Wall-mounted sinks are considered one of the best sinks for small bathrooms because of their space-saving quality. They are mounted directly onto the wall, making the sink appear as if it is floating above ground. This creates a gap between the sink and the floor, leaving a large space directly underneath the sink itself.
This floor space could either be used for storage or could be left empty for a more minimalist feel. Since these sinks do not touch the ground, homeowners can customize the height of the sink to fit their specific needs. Aside from this, wall-mounted sinks often hide the plumbing in your powder room – eliminating any visual eyesores that exposed plumbing might reveal.
Drop-In Sink
A drop-in sink is a great option for anyone who wants their sink to be integrated into their cabinet or vanity. These sinks rest their lip on top of the counter space so that the sink is slightly raised above the surface.
They are installed from the top of the cabinet and sit inside a cavity on the countertop. This simple drop-in process means you don’t have to worry about difficult maneuvering when you are trying to install your sink. Their easy installation makes drop-in sinks best for anyone looking to avoid renovations.
Their integration with cabinets makes drop-in sinks highly practical for daily use. Being able to access any necessary products directly under the sink adds convenient functionality to your everyday routine. Overall, a drop-in sink is the best sink for a bathroom that houses a lot of toiletries or bath products.
Undermount
Undermount sinks are a more seamless version of the drop-in sink. Instead of having a lip resting on the surface, undermount sinks fit perfectly in line with the counter's surface. The height match between the sink and counter creates a seamless transition that gives the sink a sleek look and smooth finish.
Rather than being installed atop the countertop, under-mount sinks are installed beneath the cabinet or vanity. Unlike drop-in sinks, under-mount sinks save a little extra countertop space because they don’t have any protruding lips. If you want a built-in sink but don’t want to waste any inch of surface area for your countertop, an under-mount sink is probably best for your bathroom.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Bathroom Sink
Here’s what you can expect from the most popular materials used in bathroom sink construction.
Stone Mineral Composite
Mineral composite stone is superior for durability, practicality and convenience. Our mineral composite bathware is easy to clean due to its non-porous surface and is highly resistant to stains.
Mineral composite stone is also anti-bacterial. You can rest assured knowing that your luxe stone bathroom sink is hygienic and safe to use all year round. It also has excellent heat retention that keeps the water warm for longer than other bathroom sinks.
Mineral composite is strong through to the core, so cracking and flexing are highly unlikely. This material adds a smooth and clean finish to all powder rooms it sits in. If you are looking for luxury stone vessel sinks with sleek finishes, luxury stone with mineral composite is the best choice.
Enameled Cast Iron
Cast iron sinks are prone to rusting. However, adding an enamel coating protects the sink from deterioration. Get both the durability of cast iron and the glossy finish of enamel that keeps your sink lasting longer.
Unfortunately, these sinks are not the easiest to clean or maintain. Using harsh or abrasive cleaning chemicals could lead to rusting if the sink has any already existing chips or cracks. These sinks can easily be refinished if you catch any concerning wear and tear early on.
The main drawback to this material is its weight. If you plan to use this material for an undermount sink, you may need to reinforce your cabinetry. The enamel coating is also susceptible to scratches if something heavy scrapes or falls into the sink.
Ceramic
Ceramic sinks are easy to clean and relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for anyone on a budget. Ceramic sinks can’t be dented, so you don’t have to be overly gentle when you clean them. Unfortunately, they are more sensitive to heat than other materials.
That being said, you can still pour hot water into the sink without too much worry. While ceramic is quite durable, any chips or cracks could lead to discoloration. So, if you are looking for a sink that will maintain its color under any circumstances, ceramic might not be the best material for you.
Porcelain
Porcelain is one of the most traditional and popular materials used in bathroom sinks. Heat resistance is one element that adds to porcelain’s functionality. You can place many hot items inside a porcelain sink without worrying about long-term damage.
Porcelain is also easy to clean, meaning you won’t need to put in extra elbow grease to keep your sink shining. This makes these sinks great for families or hotels with many guests coming in and out. As long as you don’t neglect cleaning, increased use of these sinks won’t lead to extra damage.
While this material is easy to maintain, it is prone to discoloration if it is not regularly cleaned. So, if you are looking for a sink to put in a guest bath that doesn’t get used or cleaned very often, porcelain may not be the best choice.
Brass
Brass sinks are becoming increasingly popular in designer bathrooms for their industrial aesthetic sensibility. Their striking design adds an eclectic style to modern bathrooms that can easily spruce up a plain or unadorned counter. Brass has a reflective surface that catches the eye of any onlooker – though it is not nearly as reflective as mirrors.
A brass sink is a good choice for anyone wanting to add a splash of color to their bathroom. Their burnt orange color provides visual warmth to any space, as the light catches the brass and reflects its hues around the room.
While brass sinks may be a statement piece, they are not easy to maintain. Brass is more susceptible to dents and scratches than other materials. If not properly cleaned and sealed, these sinks can also develop a layer of patina over time – which could potentially be a health hazard.
So, if you are looking for a low-maintenance sink, brass is probably not the best option for you.
Hansel Stone: Creating Bliss With Bathware
Hansel Stone is a leading supplier of luxury bathroom sinks and bathware in the US. Our award-winning bathware is made from durable materials with 100% renewable energy. We are committed to sustainability and bringing you eco-conscious bathroom products that will have you relaxing with complete peace of mind.
Hansel Stones mineral composite stone materials are designed with convenience and strength at the forefront. We aim to ensure that your luxury tub, countertop or bathroom sink from Hansel Stone lasts you a lifetime and elevates your daily routine easily.
If you are looking for more stone resin bathware for your bathroom remodel, take a look at our collection of stone bathtubs and shower trays.
Add elegance to your bathroom with Hansel Stone’s range of luxury bathware. Contact us today to get a quote on the best bathroom sinks that overflow with luxury.