by Patti Beckert

Created on: December 24, 2009

With so many styles of bathroom sinks on the market, it has never been easier to choose the right sink for your bathroom. Whether you are updating an old bathroom or designing a bathroom in a new home, there are many wonderful designs to choose from. 

If designing a small bathroom where space is limited, a good choice for a bathroom sink is the pedestal sink, which is basically a pre-cast sink that sits atop a matching pedestal. There are many styles and colors to choose from, the most common being white, black and beige. Another type of sink to consider for a small space is the vessel sink, which is constructed by pairing a sink bowl with a decorative stand. The vessel sink allows the designer to create a space that is a bit more artistic than one which contains a common pedestal sink.

Even the tiniest bathroom spaces can be fitted beautifully with wall-mounted sinks which come in many different styles and shapes. For the utilitarian bathroom, a simple white sink made from vitreous china can be mounted in the corner of a small bathroom, leaving enough space for a matching commode. Wall-mounted sinks also come in more decorative styles such as wrought-iron brackets that hold artistically designed glass vessels for a more creative look.

For larger bathrooms, your choice of bathroom sinks runs the gamut from decorative vanities with countertop sinks to beautifully designed cabinets upon which rests a one-of-a-kind vessel sink. Some vanities are manufactured with a pre-molded countertop made of stone or marble, while others are designed to have the sink bowl mounted from underneath the cabinet, creating a more finished look.

If your budget is tight, your best bet is to find a nice wooden vanity with a granite undermount sink included in the price. Most vanities contain several drawers and at least one door to allow you to store all your essentials out of sight. Marble sink and countertops come in a wide variety of colors, so you’re sure to get the right one for your bathroom design scheme.

For those with a little more money to spend, vessel sinks add a much more luxurious look to a bathroom and come in many wonderful designs and materials. For those looking to create a harmonious space complete with Zen-inspired décor, a lovely dark mahogany cabinet coupled with a white or black vitreous china vessel sitting atop it is a good choice. These type vessels come in many shapes, including round, oval, square and rectangular and can be deep or shallow, depending on your needs. Complete the look with a waterfall-type faucet and you will have created a calm and serene personal space.

For bathrooms that are less functional and more on the showy side, a contemporary space can be created by pairing a stone or marble stand with a hand-blown glass vessel sink. Hand-blown glass vessel sinks are expensive, but you are paying for more than a bathroom sink. You are paying for a unique piece of art. Other sinks that fit into a more glitzy bathroom décor are made from metals such as copper and brass, various decorative stones and even wood. These sinks, when paired with an equally impressive vanity or stand will turn any ordinary bathroom into a beautifully artful space.

Whether you are designing a bathroom for a large family or a small, intimate space for just yourself, you're sure to find a bathroom sink that will fit perfectly within any design scheme you choose.

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