While perhaps not the most glamorized part of your bathroom compared to your bathtub, the sink is still a vital part of your bathroom. With the correct materials, one can transform even the most modest bath space into a pocket of luxury.
However, before that step, we should figure out what sink can fit in your bath space to begin with.
When it comes to installing sinks, the two most common choices are drop-in or cabinet/vanity installation. Which you choose will largely depend on taste and space limitations. Listed below are standard sink sizes, though there really isn’t any hard standard-you are ultimately allowed whatever freedom you wish in designing your bathroom.
Jump to a specific section
Standard sink size will largely depend on your bath space and your own individual needs. The two most common types of sinks are round or oval designs and rectangular or square. Generally, round sinks are smaller and generally deeper when it comes to water height whereas rectangular sinks are larger in overall measurements but more shallow in water depth.
Here are the standard sink sizes:
Sink sizes are measured based on their type. If it’s a round sink, you will get the length by circumference of the sink. Measure the diameter, or the length across the widest point, of round and oval sinks. Typically if you are measuring out your space for a sink, you should take the interior width and length of the install space, most commonly a cabinet or vanity against the size of the the actual sink. Generally it is advised to leave about 1-2 inches extra when installing, as you will have more room to maneuver when installing.
To calculate the sink’s depth, measure the depth of the sink from its top, or where it meets the countertop, to the lowest point.
Take into account the area in which the new sink will be installed. Measure the accessible area (countertop or wall), and make a note of plumbing exits. If available, leave a few inches of space around the sink on counters for personal items.
Large sink sizes, most commonly used for washing hair or clothes, start at 34 inches long, 22 inches wide with a general water depth of 12 inches. Though there are also sinks that end at 72 inches wide, 24 inches long with the same water depth, so keep your measurements in mind when purchasing.
Smaller sink sizes are more common as they can be made to accommodate almost any space which is very handy if your bathroom is space limited. In general, small sink sizes are usually round in design, though they still carry a decent water depth, usually around 6-7 inches.
Small sinks usually run 15 inches wide, 9 inches long, with a water depth of 5.75 inches. On the larger end, small sinks can run 18 inches wide, 10 inches long with a water depth of 7 inches
Sinks are available in a wide variety of materials that each have their own positives and negatives:
Ceramic sinks are a mixture of clay, powders, and water, that are then shaped before being heated at high temperatures inside a kiln or oven. The result is a material that is durable, resistant to scratching, and chipping, and can even weather heavy impacts. Ceramic sinks come in both oval and rectangular designs.
Similar to ceramic, porcelain sinks are made by refining a mixture of clay and then heating it at high temperatures. Although traditionally, porcelain sinks were simply a coating placed over cast iron, their fabrication has changed greatly over the years. Today, porcelain is fused with stainless steel at high heat to create a very durable material.
Wooden sinks are a fixture of beauty since they are rarely seen in the modern bathroom. They are made from hardwood that is then strengthen with a moisture-resistant seal to protect it from the humidity of the bathroom. Wood sinks are available in both oval, rectangular or custom designs.
Bronze is an alloy that consists of mainly copper. The alloy patinas over time, creating a unique and distinctive look that pairs well with any bathroom. It is also incredibly durable and contains anti-microbial properties that pair well in a bathroom environment. Bronze sinks are available in oval and rectangular designs.
Tempered glass or toughened glass is a glass that is specially treated through chemical or thermal methods which harden the glass, making it more durable for fabrication needs. Glass sinks create a stylish impact, but are not as durable as other materials on the market. However, due to their flexibility, glass sinks can be constructed to fit any shape you want.
Natural stone such as travertine, marble, sandstone, onyx, and granite represents the highest quality sink material on the market. They are high durable, highly customizable, and add a unique look to any bathroom. They are also the most expensive material available and quite heavy, which can make installations, difficult. Natural stone is available in both oval and rectangular designs.
Very popular in many kitchens, stainless steel sinks retain the added benefit of being durable and blemish free. They also give your bathroom a much needed shine and will not be damaged or discolored unlike other sink materials, though overtime as with most steel or metallic surfaces, it will attract water stains.
A nice blend to any bath space aesthetically, stone resin conforms to normal sink sizes. The added benefit of the material is that it has excellent heat retention, allowing early morning rinses and shaves to be much more enjoyable. Stone resin sinks will also be a typical rectangular style, though basin and more oval designs can be readily found as well.
Giving your bath space a more rustic look, copper sinks are a bit more interesting on the size end. The nature of copper being a more expensive material also means that your sizes will be a bit limited. These sinks are primarily oval or basin shaped with drop-in being the most common style available in this material, though rectangular designs also exist.
Another natural look to your bathroom is Granite. The material overall is a tad pricey, meaning that the size variants or options available will overall be much more limited than other materials unless you wish for a custom project. Like most other materials as well, granite comes in both oval or rectangular designs.
Drop in sinks are the most common, as a result, these types of sinks have the most size variants to choose from as they are very easy to install on your own. Just to be clear though, with most drop ins, you want to leave on average about 2 extra inches in both length and height of your space.
One of the smallest sinks on the list is a bathroom corner sink. Whether or not a corner sink is utilized in conjunction with a vanity will determine its size. It will measure between 17″ and 24″ if the corner bathroom sink is put straight onto the wall. The corner sink might be slightly smaller, measuring between 16 and 20 inches, if it is mounted on a vanity.
The size of the sink will change based on the size of the cabinet and the amount of available space in the corner where the sink is going to be installed.
A powder room or little bathroom is the ideal place to put a corner sink. Because these sinks are smaller in size, they are also quite inexpensive. A corner sink might be a terrific method to add an extra sink, even if your bathroom is larger than average.
Sink base cabinets are another common sink type found in most bathrooms, though your size is ultimately restricted to the average size of the base cabinet installed in your bath space. If you have trouble installing larger sized cabinets, it is often advisable to seek professional help to sort out the plumbing and space needs.
A popular choice for a master bedroom, a Double Sink Vanity by its name, allows you to have two sinks instead of just one. The obvious drawback is that these cabinets are very large and may not fit into every bathroom. The vanities usually start at a minimum of 60 inches wide and can go to 84 inches at the extreme.
Installing your sink also means understanding standard sizes for your sink’s drain pipes. Traditionally most drains have 1 ½ inch outlet that connects to a tailpiece, forming a P-trap pipe configuration. These pipes will generally either be 1 ¼ or 1 ½ inches in diameter and are commonly installed at the base of your sink. If you have a cabinet or a vanity, they are installed underneath.
There is a sink for everyone person out there, take your time. While it may be tempting to choose a dual sink vanity set up, keep in mind the space of your bathroom as well as any additional hassles such as piping and vanity installation. The correct sink can greatly improve the look and feel of your bathroom, and while it may be a steep investment, it is sure to pay off in the long run.
Which sink size you settle on will be determined by the size of your bathroom, a small sink for a small bathroom, a large sink for a large bathroom, etc. But the actual answer is dependent on what style of sink you want, ease of sink installation and if you want a standalone sink or a drop-in or undermount. If you want a stand alone sink, then you have a great deal more freedom in terms of picking a larger size. If you have a drop-in, you will be limited to the size of your vanity or install base, so it is important to measure your counter top and plan accordingly.
Also, keep in mind that your choice of sink will limit your other options, especially when it comes to choosing a bathroom faucet brand, size, and type. Depending on your sink, you will also need to choose a bathroom vanity. That is why it’s best to decide which sink to buy once you have an idea of how you want the entire area of your sink to look.
ADA regulations require homeowners to comply with certain specifications when it comes to their bathroom sinks. These are the ADA regulations you must meet:
Choosing the right sink size is important to ensure the rest of your bathroom is the appropriate size. When adding to a bathroom, you have to create an important balance between all your fixtures. So determining how big of a sink you want is critical to how much available space you have left. You don’t want to cram all your fixtures into your bathroom with little room to maneuver. Alternatively, you don’t want to select too small of a sink for your bathroom or it might be too difficult to use, especially if your bathroom has multiple occupants. For this reason, it is key that you do research on popular types of bathroom fixtures, measure out your space, and choose from a wide selection of materials to better help you decide which size is appropriate for your bathroom.
There is a sink for every one person out there, take your time. While it may be tempting to choose a dual sink vanity set up, keep in mind the space of your bathroom as well as any additional hassles such as piping and vanity installation. The correct sink can greatly improve the look and feel of your bathroom, and while it may be a steep investment, it is sure to pay off in the long run.
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.
Free material samples and tub templates
Freestanding soaking bathtubs are the pinnacle of elegance and comfort, offering homeowners a luxurious way to unwind while elevating the
Soaking tubs are synonymous with relaxation and luxury, transforming a simple bathroom into a serene retreat. These tubs are designed
A sunken bathtub is a drop-in bathtub that is integrated with the floor. The outer profile of the bathtub is
When designing your bathroom, be sure to implement your own style and create a theme that appeals to your own
