How to Choose the Perfect Sink for Your Bathroom in 2024

Remember when choosing a new sink for a bathroom involved a simple choice: one sink or two? Ah, times have changed. Today, sink choices are plentiful. Sinks have been elevated from the boring utilitarian basins of yesteryear to focal points for the bathroom. The sink you choose does more than catch and divert water; it showcases your personality, adds character to the bathroom, and can even help make washing up a much more enjoyable task.

Here’s a quick overview of the different types of bathroom sinks out there along with tips on how to pick the perfect sink for your bathroom. We’ve grouped the most popular bathroom sink types based on how they’re mounted.

WALL-MOUNTED SINKS

Attached directly to the wall, wall-mounted sinks do not require a counter or a pedestal. If you want a minimalistic look or have a small space to work with, wall-mounted sinks are worth considering. Though the clean and modern look of a wall-mounted sink has its appeal, bear in mind the potential downside: lack of storage and work space. Wall-mounted sinks work well in downstairs powder rooms.

Pros:

• More space
• Cleaner look
• Affordable
• Easy to clean floor and sink
• Easy to swap out

Cons:

• Lack of storage
• Can be difficult to install
• Cannot support heavy weight
• Low counter space

PEDESTAL/FREESTANDING SINKS

Freestanding sinks are a type of wall-mounted sink with a pedestal base that helps support the basin as well as hide the drainpipe. Pedestal sinks are pretty and classically appealing. They do a nice job of hiding the plumbing but have the same potential disadvantage of limited workspace and a lack of storage. Again, a good choice for a small bathroom.

Pros:

• Durable
• Simple to maintain and clean
• Provides more bathroom space
• Highly customizable and versatile

Cons:

• No storage space
• Can be more costly than a small vanity
• Lower resale value
• Requires professional installation

TOP-MOUNTED SINKS

Top-mounted, or drop-in, sinks are installed on top of a bathroom counter. The basin is placed into a hole in the countertop. A wide rim or lip rests on top, keeping the countertop sink in place. Top-mounted sinks are also commonly referred to as self-rimmed sinks. This category or bathroom sinks are among the most common and easiest to install. Top-mounted sinks are a good choice for bathrooms with existing cabinetry and counters.

Pros:

• Easy install
• Affordable/Very cost-effective
• Wide variety of materials and styles are available
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Lower resale value
• Harder to clean counter
• Require heavy countertops to support
• Take up more counter space

UNDER-MOUNTED SINKS

Under-mounted sinks are installed underneath the bathroom counter. Instead of a bulky rim on top, which prevents you from wiping spilled water into the sink, under-mounted sinks have a more flush appearance. The countertop opening must be perfectly cut and finished with an under-mounted sink because it will be visible at all times.

Image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAlCSbsZYnI

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Neater aesthetic/pipes hidden
• More counter space
• Customizable

Cons: 

• Takes up more space
• Heavy
• Expensive
• Susceptible to leaks and mold

SEMI-RECESSED SINKS

Semi-recessed bathroom sinks are a good compromise when you have space constraints. With a semi-recessed sink, you’ll have a fairly shallow countertop and storage area, with the sink butting out in front a few inches. Semi-recessed sinks allow you to enjoy the benefits of a full-sized basin and a little extra storage and workspace without taking up too much valuable real estate in a small bathroom.

Image source: http://www.bathshop321.com/basins/semi-recess-basins

Pros:

• More floor space
• More counter space
• Stable surface
• Flexible install

Cons:

• Limited storage space
• Spills are common

VESSEL SINKS

Vessel sinks are a type of countertop sink that looks like stand-alone bowls that just happen to be bathroom sinks. The look is striking and elegant. Vessel sinks are often quite deep, making placement and planning crucial. For example, if your countertop is too high, you may find it difficult to wash your face or hands because of the added height of the vessel sink. Vessel sinks are ideal for master bathrooms where a spa-like appearance is desired.

Badeloft Countertop Sink WB-01 Pictured Above

Pros:

• Unique style
• Large water depth
• Easy install
• Easy to swap out and replace
• Extra counter space

Cons:

• Dated design
• Not durable/prone to chipping
• Tall sink, difficult for shorter individuals
• Can overflow with no way of catching the water/no relief drains
• Difficult to clean

WASHPLANE SINKS

A distinctive and modern choice, washplane sinks are extremely minimal. These thin sinks feature a trough that collects and diverts water and are used for handwashing only. Thus, washplane sinks are used in powder rooms.

Pros:

• Saves Space
• Easy to clean floor
• Easy to replace
• Sleek design
• Available in high end material

Cons:

• Requires a water catcher
• Cannot hold water
• Lack of storage
• Cannot support heavy weight
• No counter space

Sink Cost

The final cost of a sink will depend on many factors, such as material and installation costs. Sinks start at around $50-$750 for the sink, labor costs $230-650, and plumbing installation or replacement costs anywhere between $100-350. You want to balance aesthetics, functionality, durability, and cost when choosing material. So when choosing your sink, it’s important to budget out these costs to avoid overpaying.

Sink Sizes: How do you know the correct size of sink your bathroom needs?

Use a measuring tape and measure the length and width of your countertop and the available space in your bathroom. On average, circular sinks range from 16 to 20 inches wide, while rectangular sinks are between 19-24 inches wide and 16 inches to 23 inches front to back. In addition, their depth ranges from 4-10 inches deep.

Faucet styles

• Bridge: A bridge faucet has two handles, one for hot water and one for cold, a horizontal connector pipe joins that. The pipe is exposed above the countertop and forms a bridge between the hot and cold lines
• Center-set: A center-set faucet features one unit with the handles and faucets connected with each other.
• Spread-fit :A spread-fit faucet has two separate handles that are not connected to the base.
• Wall-mounted-A wall-mounted faucet is attached to a wall, with both handles and spouts separate from each other.
• Single-Handle-A single-handle faucet has one spout and one handle to control both hot and cold water.

Sink Considerations

Style-A remodeled bathroom can provide a generous bump to your home’s style and the type of sink you choose can create a classic, modern or unique approach. For example, will you prefer a more classic acrylic drop-in or a more artistic flair with a wood or marble vessel sink? Maybe you want a modern approach with a wash-plane. Having a clear understanding of your style will help you organize your bathroom space and provide a clear lens of what you are looking for.

Mount/How it is installed

When choosing a sink, you should remember how you want it installed. For example, undermount sinks provide a more seamless and clean countertop, whereas a drop-in sink is easier to use and DIY install. Alternatively, if you don’t have room for a traditional sink, you can install a pedestal to save room.

Material

The type of bathroom sink material you choose will affect its durability, installation cost, and ease of use. Solid surface materials emulate natural stone without the exorbitant price, while enameled cast iron sinks are durable and resistant to chipping. Acrylic and porcelain are the most common choices, but there are also metal and wood options. When choosing a material, it’s crucial to balance aesthetic durability and cost.

Space & Storage Options

Before purchasing a new sink, consider where it will be placed and if storage options are available. Sinks are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, so you’ll always be able to find one suitable for your home.

New Trends for 2024

Here are the trends for bathroom sinks in 2024 and what we’ve noticed has risen in popularity. 

Double Vanity

Double vanities never fully disappeared, but they are gaining popularity as they offer increased functionality and better surface area. A double vanity includes two sinks and two storage spaces for all your bathroom accessories. Unfortunately, this means you will have to pay for two sinks, but since bathroom space is such a premium, it’s easy to see why double vanities are so appealing. 

Black and White Color

Modern or contemporary bathrooms are always popular, and black/white color schemes are popular as they pair well with any aesthetic. Black helps to accent darker tones such as darker tones of wood for floorboards or cabinets, whereas white pairs well with lighter tones. The darker color scheme is ideal for any color of sink and vanity material. 

Aqua Tones

Aqua tones create a relaxing tone similar to having the ocean in your bathroom. Aqua color sinks are rising as people look to have a splash of color against more contemporary color schemes, but it isn’t too bright to be seen as garish or overwhelming. Aqua tones pair well with live plants and add some brightness to a usually drab or muted space. 

Colorful Sinks

Experimenting with sink colors is increasing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Painting your sink is popular, and people are no longer limited to their material choices for the look of their sink. Modern/contemporary designs are rising, so the desire to add vitality and life into the space is there. Colorful sinks also transform your sink into a more permanent focal point in your bathroom. 

Utilize Stone

Both Natural stone and composite stone materials have always been popular options in the bathroom. Bathroom sinks will see heavy use and natural stone can handle a beating and is easy to clean and maintain. In addition to their durability and temperature resistance, they provide a unique look that makes a statement piece on it’s own. 

Stainless Steel

While stainless steel was most commonly in the kitchen over the bathroom, some homes have started incorporating it. Stainless steel offers you a material that is highly flexible and durable without costing too much compared to other sink materials. The largest drawback to stainless steel is that the material can be quite loud, however, if it is used in the bathroom, there are no other elements to trigger noise, eliminating it. It is also installed undermount to provide additional counter space needed in the bathroom. 

Non-traditional Sink Materials

Non-traditional sink materials are becoming common as people look for alternative looks for their sinks. Less common materials include soapstone, copper, concrete, wood, glass, and copper. However, almost any material can be utilized for a sink as long as it is durable and can withstand the bathroom’s humidity. Alternatively, you can choose a tested material with high durability and paint it in your desired colors. 

Undermount Sinks

Undermount sinks are popular as many bathrooms require additional storage space and can feel cluttered. Undermount sinks are a great solution to this, freeing up the available counter space without losing any of the sink’s functionality. Undermount sinks are also easier to clean and maintain as you can easily reach all sink elements without blockage. 

Statement Sinks

Statement sinks vary but they usually share a strong material look that is eye-catching and unique. They have striking color choices and are immediate focal points for your bathroom, complimenting your space or allowing you to tie a design around it. These sinks are usually modern in design with smooth surfaces and fewer edges/corners. 

More Storage

With a double vanity comes additional storage, and storage is a must in the bathroom. In addition to the vanity storage, there is an increase in adding shelves/cabinets to your sink space to remove clutter. Hidden cubbies are also popular as many bathroom designs just want to add more and more storage. 

New Technology

Sinks are now experiencing more technological advancements such as touchless faucets, LED lighting, temperature control, and voice-activated commands. Smart features add a modern feel to any bathroom and assist those with disabilities or movement impaired individuals.

Where to Shop for your Sink 

A bathroom sink helps to tie in your bathroom’s aesthetic and elevate it to the next level. When you are ready to shop, you can find a wide selection in retail stores and online vendors.

Badeloft offers high-quality sinks that have the look and feel of luxury materials but at a very affordable price. If you are interested in any of our quality sinks, click here. Or, if you have any questions about our products, and want a free sample swatch feel free to contact us here.

With so many bathroom sink choices, how do you choose the perfect sink? The room type, purpose, and size are all key considerations. For example, if you’re working with a tiny powder room, pedestal or semi-recessed sinks may be good starting points. You’ll also want to consider whether you want to make a bold design statement, such as with vessel sinks, or keep your costs down with a simple drop-in sink. Finally, browse sink manufacturers like Badeloft for inspiration. Your perfect bathroom sink awaits.