Mounting Options
The main distinction among types of bathroom sinks is how and where they’re mounted. Here are the most popular options:
Countertop Sinks
This is the most common type of bathroom sink installation, with the sink sitting in or on a countertop. It’s typically part of a vanity unit with cabinetry. Bathroom sink countertops generally offer good storage and elbow room, as they allow for sizable surfaces around the basin and cabinetry. This category includes the following:
- Integrated and Console Sinks: The countertop and sink are one piece and are made of the same material. These sinks are easy to clean.
- Drop-In Sinks: These have rolled edges that allow the sink to be dropped down into a countertop opening. Drop-in bathroom sinks are the easiest to install.
- Undermount Sinks: They’re mounted below the countertop. An undermount bathroom sink exposes the edge of the countertop surface around the sink. With no rim to contend with, undermount models are the easiest to clean.
- Vessel Sinks or Above-the-Counter Sinks: These basins sit on top of the counter and offer the most striking style.
Pedestal Sinks
A pedestal sink consists of a basin connected to a tall, slender base. With sophisticated lines, these sinks are often considered vintage, but there are modern versions available. This type of sink can help tiny spaces appear larger by freeing up physical and visual space. They’re compact and work well as a powder room sink and in small baths where countertop space and storage aren’t a priority.
Before selecting a pedestal sink, consider a few factors. First, decide if you want the under sink plumbing to be visible or hidden. This choice depends on personal preference. Look at examples of both installations and know that you may need to move the existing water and drain lines to achieve the hidden look. Second, you may find that the wall and floor behind your old vanity aren’t finished, so you’ll need to finish them. Also, if you had to move the drain lines, you’ll need to patch the wall.
Wall-Mount Sinks
Often found in commercial and institutional settings, wall-mount sinks work in home baths too. They hang from the wall at a comfortable height and are open below, exposing the drainpipe and water supply lines. With the plumbing visible underneath, they call for an attractive pipe finish such as polished chrome. Wall-mount sinks are affordable, work well as powder room sinks and in small baths to create a clean, open look.
Console Sinks
A popular variation of the wall-mount sink is the console sink, which resembles a traditional console table found in an entry or hallway. A console sink is basically a wall-mount sink with legs, usually two but sometimes four. These sinks typically have generous counter space and open shelving below. Consider these sinks for powder rooms. For larger bathrooms, use baskets and trays to store toiletries on the open shelving.
Explore our Bathroom Faucet Buying Guide to find the right faucet for your new sink.
Sink Size and Shape
There’s no standard size for a bathroom sink. Some petite basins are just big enough for washing your hands, while the largest sinks are big enough for washing hair or delicate clothing. Most round bathroom sink bowls are 16 to 20 inches in diameter, while most rectangular sinks are 19 to 24 inches wide and 16 to 23 inches front to back. The typical basin depth is 5 to 8 inches.
Sink size and shape are generally matters of personal preference unless you’re replacing an old fixture and wish to reuse the vanity and vanity top. If space is at a premium, consider using a triangular sink that’s designed to fit in a corner.
Sink Materials
In addition to shape, the material a sink is made of can make a big statement. Traditional ceramics, such as porcelain, vitreous china and fireclay are classic choices. They’re rivaled by the striking looks of glass, natural stone and metals like cast iron, stainless steel, copper, nickel and brass.
Stone
Sinks made of marble, granite, travertine and onyx offer a luxurious look with natural colors and veining. Plus they allow for undermount basin installation. Since all stone is porous to some degree, stone bathroom sinks are prone to staining and require routine sealing.
Vitreous China and Ceramic
Vitreous china and ceramic sinks provide a surface that’s smooth, glossy, stain-resistant, durable and easy to clean.
Cast Iron, Stainless Steel and Copper
Cast iron sinks can have a glossy, enameled finish. Consider the clean look of stainless steel or the earthiness of copper for your bathroom as well. Brushed and hammered finishes play up the texture of the metals. Some of these finishes, like copper, can be difficult to keep clean, so keep that in mind when selecting bathroom sinks.
Glass
Glass sinks sound fragile, but they’re surprisingly strong. A basin made of tempered glass can withstand normal use. Avoid dropping heavy objects into it, as well as contact with sharp metal or glass, which can cause scratches and chipping. Glass requires some work to keep clean, especially if you have hard water.
Solid Surface
Solid surface sinks capture the look of natural stone in a composite material, making them easier to install and maintain. Many bathroom sets include a one-piece, solid surface vanity top.
Faucet Compatibility
Make sure the size or shape of the sink works with your bathroom faucet choice. Most sinks are predrilled with one or three faucet holes to hold either a single-handle faucet or one with separate handles for hot and cold water. Generally, a single-handle faucet requires a single-hole sink, but some single-handle faucets come with escutcheon plates that let them work with three-hole sinks.
Centerset faucets pair with bathroom sinks that have holes spaced 4 inches apart, while widespread faucets fit sinks with holes 8 to 16 inches apart. Some sinks, such as vessel sinks and some undermount models, don’t have any faucet holes. They’re designed for faucets that mount above the sink on the wall or behind the basin on the bathroom sink countertop.
Ready to install your sink? Here’s some guidance on how to Replace a Bathroom Faucet and Install a Bathroom Vanity and Sink.