Choosing the right bathroom sink for your vanity

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The sink is a central part of any vanity console, and with today’s extensive range of sink styles, design is just as important as function when choosing a vanity sink. Fortunately, most of today’s sinks are both stylish and efficient. Whether you have a classic, elaborate vanity or a postmodern, minimalist theme, there is sure to be a bathroom sink that will work and look perfect with your vanity console.

The first thing you may notice when looking at sink choices is the variety of sink materials available. Modern bathroom design favors unconventional materials; in fact, practically anything that can hold water can be made into a sink. Glass, copper, and stone are some of the more popular choices, although traditional porcelain and clay sinks are still very much in demand.

If you are putting together a vanity from scratch, console sinks are a great way to start. These are basically sinks that are supported on legs, much like a table. They provide you with a working sink plus enough storage space for bottles, sprays, and other common vanity items. Most console sinks are wall-mounted and have two front legs, relying on the wall for back support. A simpler and cheaper choice is the pedestal sink, which mounts on the floor and can support sink extensions, which you can use as a mini vanity table.

Molded or built-in counter sinks are also ideal if you are having your vanity custom-made. Built-in sinks are built from the same slab as the countertop, creating a one-piece counter and sink system. These sinks will cost more and are more complicated to install, but will outlast console sinks by far and require much less maintenance. Not all counter materials will work with molded sinks, though. Granite, porcelain, and solid surface countertops usually make the best molded sinks.

For replacement sinks, countertop or basin models are one of the more popular choices. These sinks are easy to install and require little to no plumbing skills. Vessel-mounted sinks sit right on top of your vanity counter or any piece of bathroom furniture with a flat surface. A drainage outlet is located at the bottom of the sink, which you can simply position on top of the existing plumbing and seal into place. Most vessel sinks come in glass, metal, or porcelain.

There is also an endless array of color and pattern choices. The trend these days is towards bolder, more striking colors, such as deep reds and bright greens. Multicolored sinks in swirls, marble, or hand-painted patterns are also very popular. A brightly colored sink can breathe life into an otherwise monotonous vanity console. If you are unsure of what color will work best for your current theme, choose a contrasting color, such as a bright blue sink for a pale yellow vanity counter. A safer strategy is to take your existing predominant color and choose a sink in a bolder shade.

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