One of the bathroom’s most used features is the sink. Yet, surprisingly, it’s also one of the most overlooked features homeowners forget when designing a new bathroom. Given we use our bathroom sinks multiple times a day to maintain hygiene and freshen up, it’s a vital element to get right, both aesthetically and functionally.
With this in mind, here are seven important things to consider when choosing the perfect sink for your next bathroom remodel.
1. Size Matters
The most beautiful sink in the world will fail to impress if the size is not harmonious with the rest of the bathroom. Your sink needs to fit perfectly into its surroundings, being neither too overbearing nor too small. The bowl should be large enough to support your household’s cleaning habits and with faucets at heights that allow hands of all sizes to access the water easily.
Your sink also needs to reach the applicable water supply connections. Before choosing a new sink, take careful measurements of the area where it will be placed. Consider how the sink will be mounted and its depth from the wall. Will any space be needed for toiletries and décor next to the bowl?
2. Sink Materials
White ceramic is the most commonly used material for bathroom sinks and includes Fireclay, Vitreous China, and Porcelain options. Ceramic is easy to clean, is generally stain-resistant, and always looks nice. However, there are many other excellent materials to choose from if you’re looking for something a bit different.
Enameled cast iron is a strong and highly durable option. It has a high-gloss finish and is very easy to wipe clean. In addition, this material can be colored to fit your unique bathroom design theme. Other attractive sink materials include glass, stone (engineered stone and granite), and metal (including copper and bronze). Wood sinks are also becoming more widely available.
3. Sink Styles
The bathroom is a great place to support the décor scheme in the rest of the home. There are sinks in multiple designs that blend seamlessly with décor schemes of all colors, periods, and styles – from the ultra-modern and contemporary to the traditional and antique.
When designing your sink area, consider how the sink will complement the style you seek to achieve. For example, do you want your sink to be the center of attention? Or would you prefer your sink to be understated and instead support another central feature such as a walk-in shower or bathtub?
4. Types of Sink Mounts
Bathroom sinks are available in various mounts (installation types) to suit different designs and functional requirements. Some of the most popular mount options include:
Drop-in sink — Drop-in sinks – also known as self-rimming or top-mounted sinks – are popular in modern bathroom designs. While most of the sink bowl sits below the counter, its rim is on top and visible on approach.
Wall-mounted sink — As the name suggests, wall-mounted sinks are attached directly to the wall. Such sinks are ideal for smaller bathrooms where space is at a premium or powder rooms. The visible floor space below can make a space appear bigger.
Pedestal sink — A pedestal sink is an excellent option if you’d love a wall-mounted sink, but your waste pipe has to go through the floor. The design is perfect for masking pipework. A pedestal sink also works well for more classical bathroom styles and ones that might be short on floor space.
Undermount sink — An undermount sink sits entirely below the counter with its rim fixed to the underside of the countertop. Essentially, it’s nearly invisible until you walk right up to it. Such sinks are often paired with stone countertop materials that can be sealed against water damage.
Vessel sink — Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter and come in many shapes and styles. Some look like curving bowls, while others are square or rectangular in appearance. With so many styles and colors to choose from, vessel sinks can make wonderful statement pieces.
Vanity sink — A vanity sink comes as part of a vanity unit, a piece of furniture with a basin on top and cupboard space underneath. Vanity units are perfect for adding extra storage space and hiding unsightly pipes. They come in numerous sizes, styles, and configurations.
5. Faucet Types
As well as types of sinks, there are also different types of faucets. When choosing bathroom faucets, it’s important to think about factors such as the number of holes, style, and material.
The number of holes refers to the holes inbuilt in the sink through which the water enters the faucet. There are generally three types of hole placements. These include single hole (for single-handle faucets), a three-hole ‘four-inch’ centerset (for centerset faucets), and a widespread hole placement (for bridge faucets).
Popular faucet materials include brass, chrome, stainless steel, and zinc, plus finishes such as brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and copper. When it comes to the faucet material and style, remember to match with other features and fixtures in the wider bathroom interior.
Ease of use is also essential to consider. For example, you and your family may prefer a flip-type handle rather than a knob – or vice-versa – depending on accessibility and personal preferences.
6. Sinks and Storage Options
Do you need extra storage space in your bathroom? If so, consider how you can add shelving and cupboard space to the sink area. As we’ve already covered, a cabinet with a sink mounted on top can provide you with much-needed additional storage for towels, toiletries, and other essential items you’d like to keep close to hand.
Such vanity units come in a wide range of styles, including corner cupboards, wall-mounted units, and more. The vanities can be blended with the surrounding features or contrasted to act as visual points of interest. Whether classical or ultra-contemporary, there’s a perfect unit style for every bathroom.
7. New Bathroom Sink Trends
The designs of home bathroom sinks are constantly evolving. Some of the trends we’re seeing include sinks for two people. Instead of sharing one smaller sink or two separate sinks, a larger single sink basin allows a couple to wash side-by-side simultaneously and with different faucets. The open-plan sink also helps make the bathroom appear more spacious.
Vintage is making a comeback. Vintage styles, particularly of items salvaged or repurposed, add a personal touch to a family bathroom. Whether you add yard-sale vanities or long-forgotten mirrors from the loft, these vintage pieces can contribute to a classical or eclectic style.
Extra color is also an increasingly requested feature for the modern bathroom. Gone are the days when faucets and basins all came in the same tones and materials. Today, you can spruce up a monotone bathroom with injections of color. From matte gold faucets to colorful tiles and sink bowls, there are a ton of ways to add visual warmth and interest to your bathroom.
Designing Your New Dallas Bathroom
Before redesigning your bathroom, it’s essential to sit down with experienced home design industry professionals. With proper guidance and correct planning, you’ll be able to achieve the bathroom of your dreams.
The design-build remodeling team here at Blackline Renovations in Dallas can help you with every aspect of your bathroom and home remodel. From the initial meetings and evaluations right through to the design process and the construction phase, we’ll be by your side and guiding you through every step of the way.
We offer friendly and expert in-home consultations to discuss your specific needs and provide you with the optimal design solutions to meet them.
Call us today at 214-827-3747 or schedule a consultation.