May. 2 2024

Bathroom sink types: How to choose the perfect one for your remodel

by Haley Carroll

There are hundreds of ways to customize your bathroom sink; from its size to its shape to its material to its color and so on – let that sink in! How can you tailor your sink to be the perfect fit for your bathroom?

Read on to learn the different options available when it comes to bathroom sinks and what your top considerations should be when choosing which to install during your remodel.

What are the different bathroom sink shapes?

Undermount sink under a dark gray stone counter with aged bronze faucet and dark wood vanity and cladding walls

Undermount sinks

These sinks are fixed to the bottom of the vanity countertop, so the sink’s edges cannot be seen. It results in a modern, seamless look.

Cleaning is extraordinarily simple with this kind of sink, as you can easily wipe material on the countertop into the sink with one swipe.

See also: How to decide between bathroom countertop materials in 2024

Drop in sink on white quartz countertop in traditional neutral bathroom

Top-mount/Drop-in sinks

Top mount sinks offer a more traditional look. The kind of sink is placed into the countertop material through a hole, and the sink’s edge rests above the countertop.

These sinks are incredibly popular because they are an affordable option and require a simple installation. However, these sinks can feel more dated, and they are harder to maintain because you’ll need to constantly clean around the edge and remove buildup in those pesky corners.

The best faucets for these sinks are typically mounted into the sink themselves.

See also: Smart strategies for staying on budget during your bathroom remodel

White vanity top sink with chrome faucet

Vanity top sinks

When a material is shaped to form a vanity top with a built-in sink, this is called a vanity top sink. These sinks create an even more seamless appearance than undermount sinks and offer the same easy maintenance.

Vanity tops can be made from a variety of solid surface materials, such as natural stone or manmade materials like quartz or cultured marble. These all-in-one solutions are known for being “quick and easy,” although you won’t have as much customization available to you with this option.

White vessel sink with a chrome wall mounted faucet on a gray granite countertop vanity and black tile wall

Vessel sinks

Vessel sinks have basins that sit on top of the countertop, or just partially within it. These sinks bring drama to the room and make a statement. The basin can take on many fun shapes, and often can be deeper and hold more water compared to other sink types.

This sink shape can be trickier to clean, and certain basin shapes make it easier to splash water about.

The best faucets for these sinks are wall mounted faucets with long necks.

Marble wall mounted sink with satin bronze faucet and floral wallpaper

Wall mounted/Floating sinks

Floating sinks are installed into the wall rather than on top of a vanity. These are a great option when floor space is extremely limited or if you want to create a dramatic, modern feel. Plumbing may be exposed as a stylistic element. If you’re looking to save even more space, you could add a towel bar under the sink.

These sinks are not the best choice if you’re looking to increase the usable storage space in your bathroom.

White pedestal sink with chrome faucet in a bathroom with white wallpaper with green leaves on it

Pedestal sinks

Pedestal sinks are like wall mounted sinks, but instead bring waste down to the floor instead of through the wall. They conceal plumbing, whereas a floating sink would leave it exposed. Pedestal sinks bring a touch of classical playfulness to a bathroom, while taking up very little space.

This is another sink type that does not offer any storage space. They are not particularly easy to clean, either.

See also: 7 small bathroom remodeling ideas to maximize storage and space

Which bathroom sink is right for me?

How to choose bathroom sink shape chart

Know that you know the options available to you, it’s time to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Which sink fits into my design style? Are you looking for a sink that will blend in or stand out? Do you want a modern look or a more classical flair?
  • Do I want storage, or do I need to save space? Whether or not you want your sink to fit in a vanity will have a major influence on the sink shape you choose; the same goes if you want the sink to take up as little room as possible.
  • How much care and cleaning am I willing to do for my sink? Some sink shapes offer easier cleaning than others; if the bathroom is used many times a day or by young kids, easier to clean will most likely be preferred.

Pro Tip

If you are looking to create a bathroom that is optimized for aging in place, consider choosing an undermount or vanity top sink with a single handle faucet.

 

We'll design and build your perfect bathroom

You don’t need to know the answer to every question that may come up during your bathroom remodel; that’s what Innovative Home Renovations is here for. Our team of experts will help you determine your unique design style and apply that to your home, creating a space you’ll love the look and function of for years to come. Contact us today to speak with a project manager and begin the transformation your home deserves.

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