Answering Your Top 8 Pedestal Sink Questions

Pedestal sinks are usually chosen for bathrooms with limited space where a vanity cabinet might not be a good fit, quite literally. They often get a lot of flak because they don’t have storage, but these sinks are stylish, simple, and can offer a lot more than you think. Plus, there are probably other places that you can create storage in the bathroom if you opt for a pedestal sink.

Before you make up your mind, it helps if you have a little more insight about what’s out there. To that end, we’ve collected eight of the most common pedestal sink questions and their answers to help guide your buying decision. These sinks aren’t for everyone, but they could be just what you need. Here’s what you need to know.

17.5 Inch Bright White Single Solid Surface Pedestal Sink

17.5 Inch Bright White Single Solid Surface Pedestal Sink

What are pedestal sinks?

A pedestal sink is exactly what it sounds like: a sink that is elevated by a small pedestal, or platform of some type. These sinks are often made from porcelain today, although they can be made of vitreous china or other materials. They have a minimalist design that is ideal for small bathrooms, apartments, and other areas where room is tight or a traditional vanity isn’t desired.

In the early 20th century, pedestal sinks were often statement pieces of their own right, including various traditional designs and unique shapes that made them stand out even with their limited size. Today, they’re more about function, but still have a lot to offer in terms of style.

22.5 Inch White Modern Pedestal Sink Bath Vanity with Medicine Cabinet

22.5 Inch White Modern Pedestal Sink Bath Vanity with Medicine Cabinet

Are pedestal sinks still in style?

Pedestal sinks will probably always be in style. For one, they offer a functional solution for small spaces. They also create a more minimalist design and are easier to clean and maintain than most vanity cabinets, which have tons of different moving parts. Plus, as design trends change, designers create new pedestal sinks to keep up. So yes, these sinks are still in style.

Related: Are Pedestal Sinks Outdated?

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What are the pros and cons of pedestal sinks?

Pedestal sinks are durable, and they are great for small spaces because of their small footprint. They aren’t going to take up as much space as a vanity cabinet, and they’re still going to give you a sink that you can love. These sinks are practical and effective, and the selection of designs available offers something for just about everyone.

Pedestal sinks do have a few drawbacks, of course. They lack sufficient counter space and storage space, which means you’ll have to find that elsewhere. They’re also usually more difficult to install, but if you’ve got a plumber on the job, it’s all the same to them. The potentially visible pipes might be a concern for some, but they’re hardly an eyesore.

23 Inch Unique Pedestal Bathroom Vanity with Granite

23 Inch Unique Pedestal Bathroom Vanity with Granite

How do I get more storage with my pedestal sink?

When you have a pedestal sink, you’ll need to find storage elsewhere. One place that often gets overlooked in the bathroom is the walls. There are plenty of them—use them for storage! Hang shelves, use spice racks, and pick a storage medicine cabinet or vanity mirror that will hold your toiletries.

You can also find shelving that’s designed to go under the sink or over the toilet, which makes maximizing space that much easier. Figure out which storage styles fit into your design and then use them to get the space that you need.

Related: How To Store Toiletries With A Pedestal Sink

30 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Mid Century Walnut

30 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Mid Century Walnut

What can I put around a pedestal sink?

You can actually find pedestal cabinets, which are essentially vanity cabinets designed specifically to go around pedestal sinks, to hide the unsightly plumbing and provide additional storage. You can also hang a small curtain (they make sink skirts for this) that covers the area. Just make sure that you measure the height and width that you’ll need to go all the way to the floor and around all sides of the sink.

Another option instead of concealing the pipes is to paint them. You can paint them the same color as the walls so that they blend in even when you can’t get them out of sight. You can also choose to paint them an accent color instead so that they become part of the design.

32 Inch Modern Gold Console Bathroom Sink with Cabinet

32 Inch Modern Gold Console Bathroom Sink with Cabinet

What is better, a vanity or pedestal sink?

A vanity offers more storage, but a pedestal sink is simple and usually holds up a lot longer to regular use. If you want something that is colorful or part of your design, a vanity might offer better selection. While vanities are typically more affordable, pedestal sinks do have a lot to offer. Ultimately, it’s a matter of what’s best for your space.

Related: Decluttering Your Bathroom Is The Key To Redecorating

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What holds a pedestal sink to the wall?

Most pedestal sinks include a mounting bracket that is used to attach the sink to the wall. This is done using toggle bolts, in most cases (more information on that below). Some sinks can also be secured with silicone adhesive for a stronger hold. There are pedestal sinks that have mounting holes right on the sink instead of using a separate bracket. Make sure that you know which type you’re buying so that you can install it properly.

29.5 Inch Modern Glass Bathroom Vanity with Frosted Edge Mirror

29.5 Inch Modern Glass Bathroom Vanity with Frosted Edge Mirror

How do you secure a pedestal sink without studs?

It’s very rare that your pedestal sink will line up perfectly with the studs in your bathroom walls. In that situation, you will need to utilize silicone adhesive and toggle bolts. You’ll first want to measure and mark the holes with a pencil. Then, you can use a drill bit that’s large enough for the toggle bolts’ wings to fit through when closed (squeezed together).

Prepare the sink by applying a few dollops of the silicone adhesive before you put it on the pedestal. Once the base is secured to the floor, set the sink on top. Then, align it with the mounting holes and slide it close enough that you can fit the toggle bolts into the wall. Push them into the wall until the wings open and you cannot pull the bolt back out. Then, use a screwdriver to tighten the bolts securely.

Related: Top 10 Modern Bathroom Vanities

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My name is Julia Ritzenthaler, Founder and President of Unique Vanities, started in 2005. I started this business as an extension of our residential remodeling business, which focused on the design and build of custom cabinetry and architectural trim. I also worked as a financial advisor for 10 years at Ameriprise Financial, helping clients make sound money decisions, including budgeting for home improvement expenses. This expertise led me to start Unique Vanities, which offers a handpicked selection of high quality bathroom vanities, sinks, mirrors and more. You can find me most days sitting in Starbucks, my second office, or in my car driving my daughter across Dallas to gymnastics training.

Resources

https://ajalberts.com/pedestal-bathroom-sink/

https://blog.kitchenandbathclassics.com/pedestal-sink-storage-ideas

https://www.superterry.com/plumbing-101-how-to-hide-pedestal-sink-plumbing/

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-a-pedestal-sink/