Comments
What to Do With the Under-Sink Areas
Explore different ways to give the under-sink areas in your bathroom and kitchen a lift
Rashmi Haralalka
23 October 2017
Houzz India Contributor. I am a blogger who's passionate about writing, especially interior design, home decor, and home improvement. I believe that details are not just details... they make the design. Connect with me on:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rashmi-sharda-b79b8119
Email: rashmiharalalka@gmail.com
Houzz India Contributor. I am a blogger who's passionate about writing, especially... More
The under-sink space is usually under-utilised or not utilised at all in both the bathroom and the kitchen areas. However, with a few practical design ideas and clever tricks, you can maximise the functional value of this awkward area and make it look good, too. Here are some of them.
Make room for a vanity stool
If your bathroom doubles as a dressing space then tuck a vanity stool beneath the sink. This stool on wheels embraces the shape of the plumbing and glides right under the basin. This vanity seat lifts to disclose extra storage underneath, adding style and function to the under-sink space.
Browse through more photos of vanity stools in bathrooms
If your bathroom doubles as a dressing space then tuck a vanity stool beneath the sink. This stool on wheels embraces the shape of the plumbing and glides right under the basin. This vanity seat lifts to disclose extra storage underneath, adding style and function to the under-sink space.
Browse through more photos of vanity stools in bathrooms
Cover it up with perforated or mesh panelling
Want to hide those rusty pipes quick and cheap? Simply seal the under-sink area with mesh or perforated panelling. While closed cabinets could seal in the moisture, leading to mould and smell issues, perforated panels let air pass through. Take a cue from this image where the white mesh-panelled cabinet keeps the under-sink odour-free while adding a decorative touch.
Want to hide those rusty pipes quick and cheap? Simply seal the under-sink area with mesh or perforated panelling. While closed cabinets could seal in the moisture, leading to mould and smell issues, perforated panels let air pass through. Take a cue from this image where the white mesh-panelled cabinet keeps the under-sink odour-free while adding a decorative touch.
Storage, of course
The under-sink zone can be great for storage: you can add shelves, drawers and cabinets. Here, an elegant steel washbasin tops a wooden vanity with open shelves for towels and toiletries. Simple organising tricks like using a basket for knick-knacks and rolling up the towels add style to this space. When going for materials like wood, do ensure that leak-proof plumbing materials are used.
Tip: If you don’t want wood because of moisture issues, you can scout the market for specialised products that look similar to wood but are synthetic and completely waterproof – think melamine, laminates – or even go natural with bamboo.
The under-sink zone can be great for storage: you can add shelves, drawers and cabinets. Here, an elegant steel washbasin tops a wooden vanity with open shelves for towels and toiletries. Simple organising tricks like using a basket for knick-knacks and rolling up the towels add style to this space. When going for materials like wood, do ensure that leak-proof plumbing materials are used.
Tip: If you don’t want wood because of moisture issues, you can scout the market for specialised products that look similar to wood but are synthetic and completely waterproof – think melamine, laminates – or even go natural with bamboo.
Expose the plumbing
You can choose to leave the plumbing exposed and give your bathroom an industrial look. Do make sure, though, that the plumbing is show-off worthy.
Here, the copper-finish plumbing ties in with the faucets and adds an edge to the wooden vanity. See how the P-trap (which is a plumbing fixture that traps debris drained from the sink and prevents clogging) becomes a design opportunity. A simple and effective way to convert the awkward area into a hot design spot.
See gorgeous sink pipes and plumbing
You can choose to leave the plumbing exposed and give your bathroom an industrial look. Do make sure, though, that the plumbing is show-off worthy.
Here, the copper-finish plumbing ties in with the faucets and adds an edge to the wooden vanity. See how the P-trap (which is a plumbing fixture that traps debris drained from the sink and prevents clogging) becomes a design opportunity. A simple and effective way to convert the awkward area into a hot design spot.
See gorgeous sink pipes and plumbing
Customise a cabinet
You can get a cabinet made just for this area – choose from shelves like these or create space for bins, or why not even both. Customised drawers are a sensible way to maximise under-sink storage as it works around the odd plumbing fixtures and keeps all the unsightly mess hidden.
Tip: You can also consider installing a tip-out tray, which doesn’t go too deep but provides enough room for brushes, sponges and the like.
You can get a cabinet made just for this area – choose from shelves like these or create space for bins, or why not even both. Customised drawers are a sensible way to maximise under-sink storage as it works around the odd plumbing fixtures and keeps all the unsightly mess hidden.
Tip: You can also consider installing a tip-out tray, which doesn’t go too deep but provides enough room for brushes, sponges and the like.
Cover it up with a skirt
Cover up the under-sink zone with cloth, vinyl or polyamide curtains.These are low-maintenance options and don’t absorb moisture. The under-sink area in this rustic space is covered with cafe (or tier) curtains that bring in effortless style without any structural boundaries.
Cover up the under-sink zone with cloth, vinyl or polyamide curtains.These are low-maintenance options and don’t absorb moisture. The under-sink area in this rustic space is covered with cafe (or tier) curtains that bring in effortless style without any structural boundaries.
Bring in an open table
Open tables provide versatile shelving to the under-sink and give you ample room to store everything from laundry baskets to toiletries and cleaning supplies. For longer sink areas, open tables like these create an organised and balanced look. Of course, colour coordinating it in white with the exposed plumbing and baskets adds to the ambience.
Read more:
6 Ingenious Storage Solutions for Kitchen Under-Sink Areas
Bathroom Storage: 9 Ways to Squeeze in More
Tell us:
What are your tips to manage the dreaded under-sink space? Share your suggestions in Comments below.
Open tables provide versatile shelving to the under-sink and give you ample room to store everything from laundry baskets to toiletries and cleaning supplies. For longer sink areas, open tables like these create an organised and balanced look. Of course, colour coordinating it in white with the exposed plumbing and baskets adds to the ambience.
Read more:
6 Ingenious Storage Solutions for Kitchen Under-Sink Areas
Bathroom Storage: 9 Ways to Squeeze in More
Tell us:
What are your tips to manage the dreaded under-sink space? Share your suggestions in Comments below.
Related Stories
Bathroom Guides
Step-by-Step: A Guide to Renovating Your Bathroom
Planning to renovate your bathroom? Learn about the different stages involved in the remodelling process
Full Story
Lighting Ideas
Every Bathroom Needs These 4 Types of Lights
Get ready for your close-up in a bath that's a sanctuary with task, accent, decorative and ambient lighting
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
What to Do With Windowless Bathrooms
With clever planning and creative styling you can shine a light on washrooms without a window
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
How to Make a Bathroom Safe for All Ages
Grab rails and anti-skid mats are common knowledge. What are the not-so-common ideas for an accident-proof bathroom?
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
9 Fresh Alternatives To Bathroom Wall Tiles
Can a bathroom be done without tiles? Here's a guide to other wall treatments that can set your bathroom apart
Full Story
Houzz Around the World
32 Unforgettable Bathrooms From Around the World
A wild mix of materials, hand-drawn decorations, floral tiling... feast your eyes on these truly individual approaches
Full Story
Kitchen Guides
How to Clean Tiles: Daily Cleaning Tips
To scrub or not to scrub? Use steel wool or not? Learn how to clean tiles easily
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
Makeover Magic: A Dull Bathroom Gets a Luxury Upgrade
Inky hues and gleaming brass have transformed a dull, beige bathroom into a dramatic, indulgent sanctuary
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
How to Make Your Bathroom Watertight
Here are ways to waterproof your bathroom from any kind of leakages or dampness
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
Not Just Any Shower Cubicle: 50 Refreshing & Rejuvenating Designs
Find fresh inspiration in these bathrooms with mosaic and large-format tiles, pebble flooring and more
Full Story