Bathroom Sink Bowls: What are the different types and materials?

Sink bowls are quickly becoming a popular addition to many bathrooms today. Blending both modern sensibilities and a classic wash basin feel, sink bowls provide an affordable upgrade to any bathroom.

Today we will look at the advantages of a sink bowl and why you should consider one for your home. 

What are sink bowls?

A sink bowl refers to a circular or round sink design that is meant to emulate a wash basin. This basin is firmly attached to a vanity or counter with a faucet that is placed above it.

Sink bowls are popular additions to smaller bathrooms that are limited on space but can be implemented in any bath space. The advantage of a sink bowl is that it can provide a modern touch to your bathroom while still retaining some classic feel as well. 

Types of Sink Bowls

 Sink bowls are available in a few different types to fit different users. Below are the primary sink bowl types and their uses: 

• Single –A single bowl is the most basic type of sink bowl, providing a large area to wash and fill with water. Typically flush with the counter, these sinks provide a great deal of water depth, making them for older individuals. Their depth makes them more difficult for children to reach easily, so it is advised that a stepping stool is provided. A single bowl sink is great for any bathroom size. 
• Double- A double bowl sink provides two single bowl sinks that are joined together. This provides a sink with a large amount of space, practically double that of a single bowl. A double bowl sink is ideal for older individuals that can utilize the space. A popular setup is using the double bowl to accommodate multiple users at once. A double bowl sink is best for a large bathroom that can utilize the full size of the sink. 
• Installed on vanity –A sink bowl with vanity provides a basin style bowl that sits above a vanity. This provides a wash basin that allows for additional storage with the vanity underneath. The vanity also acts as a foundation for the sink to prevent it from slipping, spilling or moving with use. This type of sink is great for older individuals that can easily reach the basin as it tends to sit higher than your average sink and is an ideal addition to about any bathroom size.  

Common Sink Bowl Materials

• Glass –Glass is a highly customizable substance that can retain heat fairly well and is very affordable compared to other materials. The downside to glass is that it is also fairly brittle and must be handled with care. If your sink suffers any heavy impacts, a glass sink is likely to break or chip. If you can take care of the material, glass can be quite valuable but it must be treated well and will require upkeep such as polishing and vigorous washing.
• Copper –Copper is one of the best sink materials as it has excellent heat retention, is easy to wash and maintain, and will always hold it’s value through time. The biggest drawback to copper is in it’s price. As it has so many positives, it tends to be an expensive material to work with and almost any sink you make with copper will end up being a custom piece, driving the price up even further. 
• Marble –Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals. It provides a durable sink material that has good heat retention, requires minimal upkeep and will hold it’s value over time. The biggest drawback to marble as a sink material is that the material while durable, will scratch easily with use. It also doesn’t react well with cleaning acids so they require a bit more care compared to other sink materials. 
• Stone Resin –A composite of natural stone and composite materials, stone resin provides a material that is similar to natural stone at a much affordable rate. Stone resin is non-porous, highly durable to impacts and heavy use, and requires minimum upkeep. When compared to natural stone, it is also much lighter, making it easier to install and shape in different styles. 
• Wooden- Wood provides a unique sink material that has solid heat retention, an interesting aesthic, is environmentally friendly, and can weather heavy impacts. The primary disavtange to wood is that it will degrade with time, losing it’s value with age. Wood also can’t handle chemical cleaners which makes upkeep and cleaning a bit more of a hassle compared to other sink materials.  
• Ceramic –Ceramic is clay that is fired at higher temperatures to provide a durable sink material. That primary advantage of ceramic is that it is fairly inexpensive and can provide you with a sink material that is available in many colors and sizes. Longterm value of a ceramic sink is a bit low as it is not as valuable as other sink materials and is prone to chipping, scratching and is sensitive to high temperatures. 

Popular Shapes 

Sinks are available in a few shapes either for utility use or aesthic appeal. Here are the three common shapes for a sink bowl. 

• Oval- An oval sink can provide a look similar to a classic wash basin and help to bring a more homely feel to your bathroom. The oval design provides symmetry as well as  great deal of water depth which provides comfort when using your bathroom sink.  
• Round –A round sink shape is similar to an oval shape, helping to provide both a classic look to a wash basin while providing some modern flair. Round sinks can hold a great depth of water, providing a great deal of flexibility in terms of washing without splashing the outside countertop. 
• Square –A modern sink shape, square sinks provide a sleek design for your bathroom. These sinks generally don’t have a large amount of water depth compared to other shapes, but are generally shorter in height, allowing for more storage space in your bathroom. 

Popular Sizes:

Sink bowls are available in a wide variety of sizes to fit any bathroom. Larger sink bowls provide a better water depth and is much easier to use for taller individuals.

Conversely, smaller sinks are much more ideal for shorter individuals as it allows them to reach and use the sink without straining themselves.

Larger sink sizes tend to compliment larger bathrooms, whereas small sink sizes pair well with smaller bathrooms. 

Common sink bowl sizes 

Here are the most common sink bowl sizes for a bathroom:

• 18 inches (most popular) 
• 19 inches
• 21 inches
• 22 inches
• 24 inches
• 30 inches
• 36 inches
• 55 inches
• 73 inches

Popular Sink Bowl colors

The right colors can help your bathroom feel more vibrant or more modern depending on your color scheme. Similarly, choosing the right sink bowl color can help change the atmosphere and feel of your bathroom. Sink bowls are available in the following colors:

• Black –A very popular color that blends well with darker bathrooms. It can also contrast with brighter colors such as white or greys and can help to provide a modern look to any bathroom. 
• White –A classic bathroom color that pairs well with just about any other color. The best pairings with white are bright tones such as light blue and contrasting colors such as dark brown, black or grey. The advantage of white is that it can match with virtually any bathroom and provide either a classic look or a modern look depending on what you prefer. 
• Tan- Tan provides a middle ground as it can be both classic and modern. Pairing well with similar colors of black, white or darker colors, tan can provide a great contrast with natural stone or marble countertops. 

Bowl sinks are perfect additions to any bathroom. Providing a popular design that pairs well with any bathroom style, they can change the way your bathroom feels. So consider purchasing a bowl sink today to add a more modern touch to your home.  

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.