The Ultimate Guide to Types of Bathroom Sinks
Here's an all-you-need-to-know guide about the different kinds of bathroom sink designs out there
Sinks are an important (and functional) aspect of bathroom aesthetics and yet, many of us don’t know as much as we’d like about them. Sink types are categorised on the basis of their shape, mounting options, and so on. From the classic pedestal to space-saving wall-mounted ones, here’s a guide to nine sink varieties you need to know about.
2. Undermount sinks
As indicated by the name, this sink is fitted from beneath the solid surface counters like granite or marble. In the undermount type, the rim of the bowl attaches to the bottom of the sink, seamlessly integrating the countertop and the sink. See how this white bowl smoothly melds into the onyx countertop vanity and gives the illusion of a roomier counter.
These 11 bathroom sinks demand all the attention
As indicated by the name, this sink is fitted from beneath the solid surface counters like granite or marble. In the undermount type, the rim of the bowl attaches to the bottom of the sink, seamlessly integrating the countertop and the sink. See how this white bowl smoothly melds into the onyx countertop vanity and gives the illusion of a roomier counter.
These 11 bathroom sinks demand all the attention
3. Vessel sinks
Also referred to as countertop sinks, vessel sinks are bowl-shaped units that sit on top of the counter surface without the need for any undermount installation. Displayed here is a bold steel design that sits atop a classic wooden vanity. The warm wood helps soften the coldness of the metal. Tall bowls like this one also prevent water from splashing onto the counter.
Also referred to as countertop sinks, vessel sinks are bowl-shaped units that sit on top of the counter surface without the need for any undermount installation. Displayed here is a bold steel design that sits atop a classic wooden vanity. The warm wood helps soften the coldness of the metal. Tall bowls like this one also prevent water from splashing onto the counter.
Here’s a Moroccan-inspired vessel sink in copper finish. The carved bowl adds subtle bling to the decor.
4. Wall-mounted sink
Wall-mounted basins hang from the wall and make sense for bathrooms that have a limited square footage. The plumbing is usually exposed but can be concealed in the wall, too. This gorgeous white sink adds character to the bathroom with its sleek and modern design. Though the sink is curvy and elongated, leaving the floor space clear makes the bathroom seem roomier.
Browse through more sink designs on Houzz
Wall-mounted basins hang from the wall and make sense for bathrooms that have a limited square footage. The plumbing is usually exposed but can be concealed in the wall, too. This gorgeous white sink adds character to the bathroom with its sleek and modern design. Though the sink is curvy and elongated, leaving the floor space clear makes the bathroom seem roomier.
Browse through more sink designs on Houzz
Here’s another compact wall-mounted sink. And who minds exposed plumbing when it’s show-off worthy like this!
Tip: Miss the under-sink storage area? Compensate with a wall-mounted medicine cabinet or open shelves.
Tip: Miss the under-sink storage area? Compensate with a wall-mounted medicine cabinet or open shelves.
5. Vanity sinks
The signature feature of this sink type is a table or cabinet vanity with plenty of storage opportunities below, which gives them more of a furniture-piece appearance. As displayed here, two integrated sinks fit into the black vanity with laminate countertops to minimise water damage – plenty of under storage is an added bonus.
The signature feature of this sink type is a table or cabinet vanity with plenty of storage opportunities below, which gives them more of a furniture-piece appearance. As displayed here, two integrated sinks fit into the black vanity with laminate countertops to minimise water damage – plenty of under storage is an added bonus.
6. Console sinks
The console sink is a cross between a wall-mounted and a pedestal model. With an exposed base, it is a less bulky option for small areas. These sinks can either be free-standing or wall-mounted, with two or four legs, and act as both the basin and the counter. This console sink is wall-mounted and is supported by a table unit with two legs. Using the metal frame to hang towels is a clever utilisation of space.
The console sink is a cross between a wall-mounted and a pedestal model. With an exposed base, it is a less bulky option for small areas. These sinks can either be free-standing or wall-mounted, with two or four legs, and act as both the basin and the counter. This console sink is wall-mounted and is supported by a table unit with two legs. Using the metal frame to hang towels is a clever utilisation of space.
7. Pedestal sink
This is basically a floor-mounted sink (supported by the pedestal) with hardware covering the extension of the sink material. I love how this minimalist white pedestal design from Kohler is amped up with luxurious copper faucets.
This is basically a floor-mounted sink (supported by the pedestal) with hardware covering the extension of the sink material. I love how this minimalist white pedestal design from Kohler is amped up with luxurious copper faucets.
See how creative flair can turn something as basic as a sink into a spectacular design feature. This onyx sink is more of a standalone sculptural piece and brings focus to a small, compact area.
9 Extraordinary Basin Designs
9 Extraordinary Basin Designs
8. Semi-recessed sinks
These sinks are generally moulded from a slab of stone or other such materials. They are also called half-under sinks as they are midway between a countertop basin and a fully recessed basin. Here’s a semi-recessed marble one that exudes opulence in this bathroom. It has a slightly sunken basin and wall-mounted faucets, which makes cleaning in and around them a breeze.
These sinks are generally moulded from a slab of stone or other such materials. They are also called half-under sinks as they are midway between a countertop basin and a fully recessed basin. Here’s a semi-recessed marble one that exudes opulence in this bathroom. It has a slightly sunken basin and wall-mounted faucets, which makes cleaning in and around them a breeze.
9. Washplane sink
Minimal in design, these slim, streamlined and modern sinks take up very little space and are more suited for just hand-washing purposes. They have a trough to collect and divert water into the waste pipe. This one features a small stainless-steel trough that lets water flow into concealed pipes in the wall behind.
Read more:
13 Gorgeous Washbasins Too Hard to Resist
What is the Right Height for Sink, Mirror & Other Bathroom Fixtures?
Tell us: Which of these basin types do you have in your bathroom? Tell us in Comments below.
Minimal in design, these slim, streamlined and modern sinks take up very little space and are more suited for just hand-washing purposes. They have a trough to collect and divert water into the waste pipe. This one features a small stainless-steel trough that lets water flow into concealed pipes in the wall behind.
Read more:
13 Gorgeous Washbasins Too Hard to Resist
What is the Right Height for Sink, Mirror & Other Bathroom Fixtures?
Tell us: Which of these basin types do you have in your bathroom? Tell us in Comments below.
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Top-mount or drop-in sinks are inserted into the counter from the top. Some have rolled edges that rest against the surface of the countertop and are called self-rimming sinks. They are secured to the countertop by beads of caulk or mounting clips. In this space, the rim encircling basin adds a textural element to the all-white counter and creates visual interest.