Create a Focal Point with a Vessel Sink

A vessel sink is the perfect marriage of the practical and aesthetic aspects of a bathroom design. This sink style has its origins in the old style washbasins, but in today’s bathroom they are typically found in modern or contemporary designs.  This type of sink can also complement other styles, particularly when mixed with more traditional design elements to create a softer transitional style bathroom.

What is a vessel sink?  It is simply a freestanding basin that sits on top of a vanity or countertop.  This provides the perfect combination of practical storage in the vanity with the striking style of the unique sink basin.  Whether you select a vessel sink to match your other bathroom fixtures, or choose a sink in an unusual material or color, the vessel sink is an eye-catching feature that will become a focal point for your bathroom remodeling project.

There are a number of practical issues to review if you think a vessel sink may be the best design choice for your bathroom renovation.  In particular, you must carefully consider the location for a vessel sink and how it relates to the plumbing and positioning of the faucet and countertop.  This sink style requires a lower countertop height to accommodate the fact that the sink bowl sits on top of the vanity.  It also requires either a wall-mounted or a freestanding faucet, as they do not generally come with a faucet attached to the sink.  The faucet must also be the correct size and carefully positioned so that it reaches the basin.  For example, a counter-based faucet should have a long enough neck that it can reach up and over the basin.

Once the practical considerations are addressed, you can allow your creative side to take charge and select a sink that will become a centerpiece of your bathroom design.  With a range of materials, sizes, and shapes available, there is a vessel sink out there to complement almost any space.  You may decide to select a white sink to match other bathroom fixtures like the sink pictured to the right, which contrasts nicely with the dark vanity and countertop.  Quite often though, this eye-catching sink style is chosen to stand out from the rest of the bathroom in a unique shape, contrasting color, or unusual material.  The sink bowls can be found in varying depths, and also in different shapes including round, square, rectangular, oval, oblong, or even a one-of-a-kind custom-shaped sink.

Vessel sinks are available in many different materials, which have a wide price range and varying levels of durability.  Porcelain sinks are typically less expensive though quite durable, while unique artisan-style glass sinks tend to be on the higher end of the price range.  Other materials include metals such as copper, bronze, or cast iron, as well as natural stone or even stainless steel.  Each one has its own unique look that will set the tone for your bathroom style, and create a conversation piece in your home, like the colorful glass sink pictured to the left.

If you are looking for a way to elevate your bathroom design, a vessel sink may be the right choice for you. Contact us today to learn more about this unique sink style and visit our bathroom design gallery for more ideas!

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