If you find the idea of choosing a new sink for your bathroom remodel draining, our guide will help you pick the right one with ease
Remodeling your bathroom can have a huge impact on the look of your home, especially if you’re updating an older space or making changes that will improve how your space functions (think replacing a cramped shower stall with a lavish soaking tub).
With so many choices to make during your bathroom remodel, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all the different options. Fortunately, choosing a new sink to install in your space doesn’t have to be a tough decision.
When it comes to picking a new sink, you need to consider a few key features: Are you looking for more storage space, or should the sink take up as little space as possible? Are you looking for form over function? Or do you love the added depth and drama of fancy features like vessel sinks?
Once you determine what you want out of a bathroom sink, you’ll be ready to hit the store and pick out the sink that best meets your style. This guide explains the differences between five of the common types of bathroom sinks you’re likely to find at your local hardware store.
Drop-in Sink
A drop-in sink looks exactly how it sounds. It’s a sink that comes separate from the rest of your vanity and is placed directly into a custom-sized hole. Generally speaking, the lip of the sink will sit directly on top of the countertop, with the bowl nestled down into the cabinet underneath it.
Drop-in sinks are a great option for those looking for a lot of counter space. While this one doesn’t come with too many drawbacks, your sink may require the occasional caulking if the seal begins to peel where the counter and the lip meet.
Undermount Sink
Similar to a drop-in sink, an undermount sink is separate from the rest of the vanity. However, unlike a drop-in sink, these types of sinks are installed below the countertop’s surface, which means there will be no extra lip visible.
This type of sink is a good option if you’re looking to maximize counter space, if you have a countertop you really want to show off, or if you’re a fan of clean lines. But, while they maximize your counter space, they do cut into the space under your cabinet. If you’re relying on your bathroom vanity for storage, you may want to opt for a space-saving solution instead.
Pedestal Sink
These sinks are generally made from one or two pieces of porcelain. Pedestal sinks consist of a bottom stem piece, which stands on your bathroom floor in front of the plumbing (which is often hidden within the hollow chamber of the stem). It’s completed by a top piece, which is then placed atop the stem.
Installing a pedestal sink is a great option for those looking to minimize the footprint of their bathroom sink. Of course, with a smaller footprint comes fewer options for storage since there is no bathroom vanity to place your items on or under.
Vessel Sink
Vessel sinks typically come in a wide variety of materials (granite, metal, and even clear glass make stunning choices) and sit on top of your vanity’s countertop. These are normally statement pieces and can be a beautiful addition to your bathroom. One thing to keep in mind with these types of sinks is that your faucet will need to be tall enough to reach over the top of the vessel.
Wall-Mounted Sink
If you’re tight on space or want a more industrial look, you can opt for a wall-mounted sink. These types of sinks consist of a single bowl that is mounted directly on your bathroom wall. There is no vanity under them, and they are often mounted, leaving the plumbing exposed.
Wall-mounted sinks are a good choice for more utilitarian areas (think workshops or utility rooms) or really for anyone who is a fan of the look. Similar to pedestal sinks, they don’t leave you with many storage options, so these are best used in areas where you won’t need to tuck away as many towels or toiletries.
