Bathroom Sinks: Different Styles

If you have a bathroom in your home you are remodeling you know the main focal point of the room is the fixtures. These include the toilet, the bathtub, bathroom lights and the sink. You want a sink that provides a unique look but you also want one that is easy to clean and does not require a lot of maintenance. So what style of bathroom sinks should you install in your home? For looks, it is purely a personal choice, but for maintenance, some sinks are easier than others.

Wall-mount bathroom sinks can be pretty bare bones and, since they are mounted on the wall, all of the plumbing is displayed underneath. This is fine if you have chrome or steel piping that does not look atrocious but if you have PVC piping you might want to steer clear of this style of sink unless you plan on upgrading your piping as well. Aside from the aesthetic look of these sinks, these are the easiest to maintain since their plumbing is easy to access.

Pedestal sinks are typically associated with old world Victorian houses, which is fine if this is the look you are going for. It is very rare to find a modern designed pedestal sink but it is possible. These are usually designed in brushed metal. Traditional pedestal sinks are ceramic and these are rather easy to maintain since they keep the plumbing hidden in the walls and all you see of the sink is the base.

Vanity sinks offer the ability to store towels, toiletries or other items below the sink while hiding the plumbing. This type of bathroom sink is great if you have a small bathroom and need extra storage space but you do not want to display your plumbing. They are easy to maintain as well since they are just a cabinet that encases the lower portion of your sink. The only downside to a vanity sink is if you do have a leak any toiletries stored under there could get wet and be ruined.

Console sinks are a cross between a wall mounted sink and a pedestal sink and they are usually much larger with two basins instead of just one. Console sinks are great for anyone who is looking for a minimalist look as there is not much to them. Most are designed in ceramic but it is possible to find metal console sinks as well. The plumbing for these sinks is not hidden, like with a vanity sink, but they come in such a huge variety that they are often more common than wall-mount bathroom sinks. In addition, console sinks may include an open shelf underneath in order to store towels or extra washcloths.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of styles to choose from when it comes to picking new bathroom sinks. Choosing a sink that goes with the decor of your bathroom is imperative but remember to keep your eye on a budget as well.

Photo Credit: Bathroom Improvement (Flickr)