Whether you’re someone who’s always in a hurry running in and out, or you take your time to savour every moment – the design of your bathroom does a lot to impact your day-to-day life. This is especially true for commonly-used bathroom elements like the vanity.
Your bathroom vanity is an important corner where you spend a lot of time getting ready or simply washing up. For this reason, you need to make sure it’s designed with practicality and style in mind. There are a few things to think about when creating your ideal vanity.. These are the type of light fixtures you will be using, the size of the mirror, the design of the cupboards, and of course – the style of your bathroom sink.
What Are the Different Types of Bathroom Sinks?
This essential bathroom element doesn’t only serve a practical purpose but also sets the tone for your overall bathroom design. If you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom and still haven’t found the right basin, check out the range of stylish basins bathroom supply stores offer. You can find a variety of styles and finishes, from the standard conventional white sink to matte black, stainless steel, brass, and even designs with crushed stone, glass, and quartz (the last option is ideal for adding some texture and visual interest).
Apart from their difference in finish, modern basins also come in different forms. The ideal one for you will depend on your bathroom design and the space you have available as well as your particular needs. Read on to gain a better understanding of the pros and cons of different types of basins.
Vessel Basins
There is usually no middle ground when it comes to the vessel basin, people either love it or hate it. This controversial type of basin sink made a big impact on bathroom design over the past years. Today we see it shift from a daring choice for wealthier people to a widely available trendy bathroom element for any homeowner.
The eye-catching design resembles something that is both modern and antique. It reminds you of the times before indoor plumbing when people used to use large bowls on top of dressers as sinks. However, the designs offered are sleek and contemporary, which brings you back to the here and now.
If you opt for this unusual yet stylish basin, you should know that there are two ways in which you can install it according to your preference:
- An above-counter installation, where the sink lies completely on top of the counter or vanity.
- A recessed installation, where the countertop has a hole bigger than the diameter of the drain hole, allowing the sink to sit halfway down. This type of installation offers better basin stability.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Vessel Basins?
Pros:
- Gives your bathroom a wow factor – perfect to be used as an accent piece.
- Easy to install – you only need to cut out one hole for the drain pipe.
- You can easily change it out as it’s not stuck in place.
- It takes up less counter space – leaving you with plenty of room for your hygiene products, grooming tools and beauty essentials.
Cons:
- Unless you have a recessed vessel basin, it will offer less stability than an integrated basin, as it’s secured only at one point.
- More difficult to clean than other types of basins.
- Vessel basins don’t have overflow relief drains, so you could have an issue with water overflowing.
Integrated Basin
Contrary to vessel basins, the integrated ones are completely merged with the countertop of the vanity. A lot of people favour this type as a way to add style and elegance to a bathroom. The integrated basin can be constructed from the same material as the countertop, and the finish is usually matte or gloss white. This is ideal for those looking for a simple and luxurious basin.
What are the Pros and Cons of Integrated Basins?
Pros:
- They create a modern, sleek and seamless look.
- Integrated vanity basins are low-maintenance.
- They come with overflow relief drains, so there’s no risk of overflowing.
Cons:
- They’re difficult to alter or remove once in place, so you should carefully plan out your bathroom design before opting for an integrated sink.
Wall-Mounted Basins
If you’re dealing with a lack of square footage, I suggest you go with the wall-mounted basin. If you need more space for bathroom storage, these basins will be your best friend. They’re small in size and – as the name suggests – they’re mounted on a wall. This leaves a lot of storage space under or on either side of the sink. Because it’s not attached to the floor in any way, the wall-mounted sink helps to create a visual flow and a minimalist aesthetic.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Wall-Mounted Basins?
Pros:
- They take up little space, so they’re ideal for small bathrooms.
- Clean and minimalist look.
- Low-maintenance.
Cons:
- You will need to open up the wall for backing support installation, which can be tricky, depending on the placement of your plumbing lines.
How to Pair Your Basin with a Bathroom Tap?
Lastly, a bathroom basin isn’t complete without its partner in crime – the bathroom tap. Choosing one for your basin can be a challenging task. The first thing to look at is the overall design of your bathroom. A contemporary bathroom favours more from a simple and sleek bathroom tap, preferably in matte black or neutral chrome. Otherwise, curved designs in warmer colours are better suited for more traditional bathrooms.
As for the dilemma between mixer taps and standard taps – the first option is usually prefered. A mixer tap mixes both hot and cold water in one flow, while the standard taps draw from two different pillar taps. Using a mixer tap, you can control the temperature of the water more easily. On the other hand, standard taps don’t give you as much control, which often results in burns from water that is too hot.
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When it comes to aesthetics – both types of bathroom taps bring their own charm to the table. A lot of people consider mixer taps to be more stylish and modern; however, standard taps bring a dose of royal elegance which makes them a favourite for some people, despite their drawbacks.
