Since 2005Choosing and Caring for Vessel Sinks
The market for vessel sinks has grown, and today, you can find a host of options that can give your bathroom a brand new look. These types of sinks are those that are mounted either to the top of the bathroom vanity, or that are partially or fully recessed. More and more people are starting to use these types of sinks in their bathrooms because they love the look and how easy they are to install and maintain.
What Are Pros and Cons of Vessel Sinks?
There are some great reasons to choose vessel sinks. Naturally, the first benefit of these sinks is that they are so stylish. You can choose from a range of materials and options including metal, ceramic, glass, and even stone. There is a massive selection of different sizes and shapes, so you should not have any trouble finding a solution that will work well for your needs. There is an option that will work for everyone and every style.
These sinks are also easy to install, even when you do it on your own. This means that it is also easy to change them out later if you would like. Perhaps you decide that the ceramic vessel sink you bought just doesn’t work for your style a few years down the road. You can simply get another one and switch them out easily.
Since the sinks are higher than traditional sinks, it also means they tend to be more comfortable for most people. Smaller children, however, could have some trouble accessing the sink, so you might want to have a step stool in the bathroom if your little ones are using the sink to wash their hands or brush their teeth.
These sinks also tend to take up less counter space, which leaves more space on the counter for the items you need when you are getting ready for the day or for bed.
Are there any cons to vessel sinks? There aren’t really any drawbacks, as long as you are sure that you like the look and you consider that you will need to replace the faucets, as well. Faucets that you have in your current sink will need to be changed out to accommodate the taller vessel sink. More on the faucet configurations below.
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Natural Petrified Wood Stone Sink
How to Maintain and Care for the Vessel Sink?
Cleaning and maintaining your vessel sink will not be difficult, but it does generally take a bit more work than a traditional sink. This is because you have to clean the inside and the outside of the sink. You also want to make sure you are cleaning down near where it connects to the countertop to remove any dirt, water, or gunk that starts to build up. There is also a greater risk of a bit of splashing and water overflow in the sink, so you will need to be sure you are cleaning the countertop, as well.
Related: How to Clean White Marble in your Bathroom
Fish Vessel Hammered Copper Sink
How to Mount the Vessel Sink?
When mounting the sink, you have a few options. You could have a top mount, which has the vessel sitting on top of the vanity or countertop. This is the type of vessel sink that most people picture in their minds. You will typically only need to have a drain hole drilled into the vanity, but you won’t have to do any further cutting to the countertop.
Another option is semi-recessed. This can provide some added stability to the sink and reduce the risk of damage. However, you will need to have a hole drilled that’s larger than the diameter of the drain hole but smaller than the sink’s diameter. This will sit partially in the sink. When you are choosing this option, don’t go for clear glass as a material. Stone or ceramic could work nicely, though.
Finally, there is the option of a fully recessed sink. This is close to a traditional sink. The vessel sink you choose will need to have a lip around the top, where it can be mounted to the hole that’s drilled in the sink. The hole needs to be large enough to accommodate the vessel, but smaller than the lip. These types of sinks are not as popular because they essentially remove what is unique about the vessel sinks in the first place.
Related: Maintenance Tips for Your Bathroom Vanity
35.5 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity with a Dark Walnut Finish
Faucet Configurations to Consider
One of the advantages that the traditional drop-in sinks have over vessel sinks is that they have predrilled holes for installing the faucets and handles. The vessel sinks, because of their design, do not have this. Therefore, you will need to have holes drilled in the vanity or the countertop, or the wall. You can choose single or double-hole configurations, based on your preferences.
You could also choose special vessel sink faucets. These faucets are simply taller, so they can reach over the rim of the vessel sink.
Chrome Single Hole Vessel Sink Faucet
Choosing Your Faucet
When you have a top mount or semi-recessed vessel sink, you may find that the standard faucets you have will not work. Instead, you need to be sure that you have faucets that sit high enough to work with the vessel sink. You can find a range of options available including single and double-hole options. Special vessel sink faucets will be taller than the standard. These look great, and you can be sure they will work with these types of sinks. Just make sure you measure their size against the height of the sink.
Two Handle Wall Mount Bathroom Faucet
Types of Vessel Sinks to Consider
You have so many options available for vessel sinks today that you will be spoiled for choices. If you want to have a natural look in your bathroom, a stone sink might be a good option. You could find a rough, natural stone sink, or one that has been polished and that is smooth, such as marble or granite. These sinks require special care, so they will last. Make sure you never use any abrasive materials on them.
You can also choose from various types of metals, such as copper. Glass is another great option, and you can find them in a host of colors and shapes. Ceramic is a popular and affordable choice, too. There is something for everyone.
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