With so many different options on the market, we’ll help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect sink for your bathroom.
A bathroom sink is something that you probably wouldn’t think of much until it’s your turn to choose one for your new bathroom. If you relate to this, then you’re in the right place. There are lots of factors to consider when it comes to buying a bathroom sink. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to one. Read on to find out more…
Types of mounting
Mounting refers to the foundational structure that supports the bathroom sink. The following are some of the more common types.
Pedestal sinks
A pedestal sink would refer to how the sink is propped up by a long slim base. Since they are generally smaller in size, the bathroom will appear larger and more spacious. A popular choice for smaller homes with small bathroom sizes.
However, depending on the layout of your bathroom, some water and waste pipes might be exposed if a pedestal sink is installed. If you want your bathroom to look neat and modern, consider talking to a trade professional and look for options to move the pipes to.
Featuring a rectangular shape with soft, rounded edges, the Carter pedestal bathroom sink from Mode Bathrooms is perfect for modern bathrooms
Countertop sinks
Another type of mounting, gaining popularity throughout the UK, is the countertop sink. The sink is usually attached to a countertop, sometimes with storage cabinets at the bottom. The surface countertops are where you’ll place your everyday items such as your toothbrush and soap dispenser while the storage cabinets can be used to stow other toiletries such as rolls of toilet paper and extra body wash. It is both practical and pleasing on the eye, given that there are countertop sinks with seriously stylish and sleek designs these days.
Give your bathroom the look and feel of an at-home spa with the Ellis countertop sink from Mode Bathrooms
Wall-mount sinks
Suitable for small bathrooms, wall-mount sinks hang from the wall and that’s the only space that they occupy. Nothing fancy is needed. Just there to fulfil its main purpose of releasing water from the tap. With this type of sink, the pipes and plumbing beneath the sink will be visible.
Petite yet pretty, the Monnow wall hung sink from Orchard Bathrooms is perfect for cloakrooms or ensuites
To make things look as neat as possible, consider getting the exterior of the pipes done with a polished chrome look. This helps it to blend into the background and give off a sleek look. However, should you want to conceal this plumbing, a semi pedestal sink (like the one pictured below) is a great option.
Conceal unsightly plumbing from your wall with a semi pedestal basin, like this one from the Orchard Bathrooms Elena collection
Console sinks
A console sink is a sink that is propped up by either two to four legs that resembles a traditional console table. More often known as washstands in the UK, there are sometimes compartment spaces attached at the bottom which makes for great storage space. Many existing modern designs today give off a simple and clean look.
Console sinks, more often known as washstands, provide great storage options, like this satin grey offering from The Bath Co. Camberley collection
Shapes and sizes
Bathroom sinks are made up of different shapes and sizes. The majority of round bathroom sinks are around 275mm to 600mm wide (around 11 to 24 inches), whilst rectangular ones are around 400mm to 600mm wide (about 16 to 24 inches) and 200mm to 500mm (7 to 20 inches) from front to back. For this reason, if you do not have the luxury of space, consider getting a triangular sink—they are designed to fit in a corner.
The size of the sink is completely dependent on what you want. Do you spend a lot of time at the sink and require a larger model? Or, perhaps, you simply don't care and just want a sink for hand washing? It’s really up to you. Browse through all the sinks available, at first, to visualise yourself using them. You can even use a 3D bathroom planner to see how they will look in your own bathroom.
The Eden from Orchard Bathrooms is a great example of a pedestal sink
Sink materials
Now that you’ve decided on the type of mount to get and the shape and size of the sink, it’s time to move on to the type of material to go along with them. The material will cover not just the sink, but also its surrounding areas such as the countertop and cabinets. The following are a few of the popular choices.
Vitreous china and ceramic
By far and away the favourite type of sink. These materials provide a smooth and glossy touch to the sinks. They are extremely sturdy and their stain-resistant quality makes cleaning an easy chore. A classic choice. You can’t go wrong with this.
There's a reason why ceramic sinks like the Dulwich pedestal basin from Orchard Bathrooms are so popular
Resin
Resin is a composite material which, like ceramic, is really easy to clean and maintain. With a high resistance to stains and scratches, resin allows manufacturers to produce crisper, clean lines for a more contemporary appearance. Many modern vanity units now come with resin basins.
Stone
A stone sink will make your bathroom feel more luxurious, but come with a hefty price tag. Other materials under the stone category include marble, granite and travertine. However, since stone is not a smooth surface and is relatively porous, they are prone to staining in the long run.
Copper, cast iron, stainless steel
These materials provide a smooth and shiny surface. Their tinge of colour also brings about a rustic feeling to them. However, be careful when you clean these sinks. Prolonged contact with a rough-textured brush will cause the surface of the sink to be damaged. Instead, opt for a gentler cleaning method such as using a sponge. Can you now see why ceramic is such a popular option?
Glass
Glass sinks exude luxury. They are stylish and are very strong, contrary to popular belief. They are only fragile when they receive a hard impact. Refrain from dropping any hefty or sharp items onto the glass sink as the surface will be damaged. Having a glass sink requires commitment and effort. If you’re a careful and detailed individual, then go for it! Otherwise, you’re better off spending your hard-earned money on something that’s easier to maintain.
For that little bit of extra luxe, the Mackintosh clear glass countertop basin from Mode Bathrooms is a great choice
Solid surface
This applies to the surrounding countertop of the sink. A solid surface is durable and easy to clean. Depending on your overall bathroom theme, you can pick and choose the most suitable material that complements the rest of the design. Besides the look, remember to also consider the practical side of things such as maintenance and cleaning.
Tap compatibility
Bathroom sink designs typically come with either 1, 2 or sometimes 3 predrilled tap holes. With 1 tap hole, you can install a single-handle or double handle mixer tap. With 2 tap holes, you can fit separate pillar taps (a more traditional option). With 3 tap holes, the additional 2 on the sides are designed for separate handles for hot and cold water, while the third, middle, hole, is used for the spout. Depending on which type of sink you prefer, remember to check the compatibility of the sink and the taps before finalising and making any purchases.
If you do choose a basin suitable for separate pillar taps, the holes can be spaced anywhere between 200mm to 395mm (around 8 to 16 inches) apart, depending on design.
Furthermore, other sinks such as vessel and under-mount models don’t come with any tap holes at all—they are best suited for taps that are wall-mounted above the sink or high rise designs which sit behind the bathroom sink.
The Winchester pedestal sink from Orchard Bathrooms features a classic set-up, with 2 tap holes, suitable for hot and cold pillar taps
Conclusion
With bathroom sinks, who knew there would be so much to talk about? Hopefully, this article has provided you with some useful tips on getting the bathroom sink of your choice. In the long run, it’s always worth doing plenty of research before you buy.
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