Article by Jeremy Smith
Bathroom sinks are not what they used to be. Now, the choices are nearly limitless. Function, of course, is still the mainstream, but the choices are as varied as the customer and easily make a statement about the homeowner and to the visitor. The traditional metal sink, for instance, is available in sleek or brushed silver, copper, bronze or gold and often proclaims sophistication and good taste with an eye for modern technology. These sinks bring a certain amount of elegance to the most basic room in the house.
Farmhouse sinks are bigger and deeper. They appeal to the more practical person looking for conformity, durability and efficiency. It might be paired in a large bathroom with a second sink either the same size or smaller. This sink or double sink can be placed in a counter made of marble or stone for a more contemporary appearance.
Other choices include a vast selection of vessel sinks or vintage washbasins made of glass, stone, copper, mosaic, ceramic, metal and even wood. Unlike traditional bathroom sinks that are mass produced and made to fit into an accommodating mass-produced cabinet, vessel sinks are unique in shape: round, square, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, deep bowl-like or shallow with unusual rims, textures and colors, limited only by the imagination. Prices vary and can reach thousands of dollars for professional hand-crafted sinks. Vessel and vintage sinks are also available in the mini version for smaller or half-baths. They may sit on top of a cabinet, stand elegantly on a pedestal of the same or complimentary material; or, they can be mounted to the wall itself. Whatever the case, they are sure to be the focal point of the room and a great topic of conversation among guests.
Special accommodations are required when a basin is placed on top of the vanity or cabinet. The traditional bathroom sink is designed for the comfort of the average adult standing in front of a mirror to shave, brush teeth, fix hair or wash hands. Obviously, when the sink has been set on top, rather than recessed into the cabinet, it will be too high for most adults. Therefore, the vanity will need to be shorter than the normal cabinet of 32 to 37 inches in height.
For tall adults, however, this is a good feature to accentuate in the home. Having to constantly bend over and stoop for sink basins, doorways, cramped cars and other spaces built for the average-sized adult can be cumbersome and cause back problems. The vessel sink installed on a standard or tall countertop or vanity can create a convenience that standard models do not afford. Bathrooms and kitchens that are equipped with sinks for taller people create an advantage that cannot be matched by the standard countertop.
In addition, faucets, which are traditionally found on the sink itself, will need to be mounted either on the counter or top of the vanity. Alternatively, the faucets can be mounted directly into the wall. which will require adjustments in plumbing if the new sink is replacing a traditional one.
