How to Buy the Right Bathroom Sink

If you buy a new bathroom sink, you’ll be amazed at what a change you’ll see in your dull bathroom. There are so many choices on the market for bathroom sinks and so many things to think about. From the type of materials to the many different shapes, sizes, and looks, choosing the right bathroom sink for your bathroom can be a bit overwhelming. Take the time to select what will work best for you, not only the look but the function, including if you need storage space or prefer floor space. The size of your bathroom will also help you determine what sink works best in the available area. Whether you’re doing a quick change or a total remodel, this guide can help you on your journey to select the right sink for your bathroom.

Before You Buy a New Bathroom Sink

Talk it out with yourself or another adult and ask questions to help think it all through. Look at the style of your home, not just the entire bathroom: is it modern or conventional? What look do you want to achieve? Will the sink be in the primary bathroom or the main bathroom? Who will use it: guests, children, or the owners in the home? The answers to these questions can help lead you down the path toward the right bathroom sink.

Tip

Buying and installing a sink is not something that you will do often, so buy a quality, well-made sink to last for years of use.

Buying Considerations for a Bathroom Sink

Style

A remodeled bathroom can either enhance the style of your home or be a unique, eclectic space unlike any other in your house. This smallest room in the house can express your style or blend with the architectural elements and vintage of the house. Will you choose a traditional bowl, a period pedestal, a sleek glass bowl, or warm wood? Your budget will narrow your choices, but it’s a good idea to have your preferred style in thought, as well.

Mount

A clean, sleek look is achieved with a solid-surface, integrated sink. A flush-mount sink also gives a sleek look. An under-mount sink is installed under the countertop, resulting in a smooth, easy to clean, counter surface. A top-mount sink rests over the top of the counter. This is the easiest style for the do-it-yourselfer to install. A traditional style has the bowl set on a pedestal or stand.

Material

The most common bathroom sink is made of white porcelain, with other colors available at a premium price. Ready-made or custom solid surface materials can be molded into both counter and sink to fit your space. Enameled cast iron sinks can be colored to fit any décor, are very durable, and resist chipping. Glass, stone, and metals can be shaped and molded to any size and shape, and to create drama in a bathroom. Wood sinks are the newest and most expensive choice available.

Space

If you’re in love with a long marble counter with a porcelain bathroom sink big enough to bathe in, but you have only a small powder room to decorate, you’re in trouble. But there are lots of choices in all sizes. So, determine how much area you’ll have to use before you set your heart on a new bathroom sink that won’t fit into the space.

Storage Options

A place to put towels, shampoo, and fingernail brush is at a premium in many bathrooms. Replacing the sink is an excellent time to decide if you need more space. A cabinet with a sink mounted on top serves the purpose and gives a bathroom a finished look. On the other hand, if your space is small, you may choose a classic pedestal-style sink. These are always in good taste, come in many styles for any décor, and open up precious floor space.

Talk With a Professional

A bathroom designer or home-center employee will be able to tell you the pros and cons of each type of sink available. And he or she can steer you in the direction of what might work best for your space, within your budget, and in the style, you’ve selected. The more information you collect, the better buyer you’ll be.

Types

Wall-Mounted Sink

Just like the name implies, these types of sinks mount to the wall. These are good sinks to use when space is an issue, and are also one of the most affordable. They are on their own, with no vanity or countertop, and the plumbing can be visible or concealed.

Undermount Sink

An undermount sink mounts on the underside of the counter and is attached underneath. The design of this sink makes it easy to keep clean, and the plumbing is hidden from view as it's located inside the vanity.

Pedestal Sink

Traditional, elegant, and space-saving all describe this type of sink. The sink attaches to the wall, and the plumbing is concealed within the pedestal. While there is no countertop or storage space, this works well in smaller bathrooms and half baths.

Vessel Sink

The vessel sink provides a more modern and unique look with the sink sitting on top of the countertop. These sinks come in many different shapes, sizes, and finishes.

Drop-In Sink

Also known as a surface-mounted sink, these sinks are "dropped in" and reside in a hole in the vanity's countertop. Unlike the undermount sink, this type of sink has its edges lying on top of the counter.

Farmhouse Sink

A large, elongated sink, sometimes with a cut-out in the front, describes the farmhouse sink perfectly. These sinks are great for larger bathrooms and are not only stylish but efficient.

Cost

As always, price becomes a part of the equation in deciding on the right bathroom sink. There are so many options to choose from, and the cost will vary. Depending on the type of sink, the price can start around $40 and go up into the thousands. For instance, undermount sinks start around $35 but can cost as much as $1500 from a home improvement store, and that doesn't count the cost of the faucets or the installation. Be sure to factor in all of the pieces and parts needed when pricing out the cost of a new bathroom sink.

How to Choose the Right Bathroom Sink

While your head is probably spinning by now, take a breath. There are so many things to consider when buying the right sink for your bathroom; take the time to browse in the home improvement stores and online. Gather the data and figure out what sink will work best for you and your family. From fitting within your budget to the style you like the best, what size space you have to work with, and who will use it the most.

Where to Shop

A bathroom sink is a focal point in the bathroom, and selecting the right one for you is an important decision. Most people like to see bathroom sinks in person, touch them and see how they fit within a bathroom. Buying online does not give you the ability to do this. Large home improvement stores and kitchen and bath showrooms not only have displays to help you visualize how it will look, but they also have professionals that can help answer any questions you might have. Once you've decided what you like, you can always go online and check prices at other stores or be able to purchase it online.