Considering a Vessel Sink For Your Bathroom? Read This First!

February 7, 2017 Jay Young

Learn the pros and cons of including a vessel sink in your bathroom renovation.

If you've watched the home improvement shows, or spent any time on Houzz.com you're probably familiar with the vessel bath sink. It's the perfect way to add a sense of contemporary flair and a unique aesthetic to an otherwise ordinary bath design.

Interestingly enough, while the vessel sink is considered a “modern” design, it's based on the more traditional wash basin of the 18th and 19th century. Whatever your view, it's hard to deny that using a vessel sink is a great way to add a focal point to your bathroom remodel.

A vessel sink sits on top of or is partially recessed into the bathroom vanity. Today, they are available in a variety of materials from fired ceramics, to art glass, stainless steel, stone, copper or even marble. Glass and ceramic models are the most popular and they're a great way to add panache to your bathroom remodel for relatively little money.

Let's explore some of the pros and cons of including a vessel sink as your vanity sink in your bathroom remodel.

The Pros and Cons of Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks offer homeowners a number of advantages when used as a vanity sink. They are stylish, currently trendy and available in a wide variety of materials to meet any taste or design need. Let's look at some of the pros and cons of including one in your bath design.

1. Stylish and trendy – vessels sinks are still fairly new so the chance of visitors admiring the style is pretty much guaranteed. It can create a focal point for your bathroom and offers a high-end look and glamour that can help define your design aesthetic.

2. Versatility – Modeled after the original wash basin used in the 18th and 19th centuries, new models are taking full advantage of the materials, technology and manufacturing processes of today. While the traditional glass bowl is the most common, materials like soapstone, marble, granite, and art glass have added a variety of textural choices. If you're looking for something that can make more of a statement, vessel sinks are available in rectangular shapes, as well as sculptural forms. Common designs include those found in nature like lily pads, or oak leaves. They can be placed on top as a vanity sink, or slightly recessed for a different look. Today, there is a wide range of types and styles on the market from the simple, to the spectacular!

3. Removable and changeable – One of the biggest advantages of a vessel sink lies in their ability to be easily removed and changed. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes but all have a standard drainage hole cut in the countertop. This makes swapping one out easy, without disturbing any plumbing, or features of the bathroom. This means you can swap out a glass vessel for a marble if you want to change or update your bath design.

4. Easy installation – Because of its simple design a vessel sink is easier to install. Unlike traditional or under mount sinks, a vessel sink requires a single small hole to be drilled into the countertop and eliminates the need for professional sealing. All sealing is done underneath the countertop, out of sight.

5. Free up counter space – Vessel sinks provide more room than traditional sinks. Some are transparent or translucent which can give your bath design a free flowing feel that can make the room seem more spacious.

Vessels sinks do have some drawbacks that you'll need to consider if you choose to incorporate one into your bath design. The biggest disadvantage is that they are more likely to splash water outside of the sink. This is almost always a result of a poor design choice. Make sure you consider the height and placement of your sink and fixtures before installation to minimize splashing.

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Vessel sinks require a bit of extra cleaning. Because both the interior and exterior are exposed it will take a little extra time and effort to keep your vanity sink clean. This is particularly true for glass vessels as they can show water spots and also depends on the style of vessel sink you choose to install. Because the edges of the sink are exposed, they are also more prone to chipping, cracking or other surface damage. This is not the case with metal sinks, but can be an issue with stone or glass vessels. Extra care should be taken when cleaning to prevent damage.

If you're looking for a way to add style and excitement to your bath remodel, a vessel sink might be a great choice. Understand the benefits and drawbacks, shop around and speak with your designer. They can help you to choose the perfect option for your remodel. Not long ago, vessel sinks were almost exclusively a high-end designer product. Today, there are many elegant choices of both style and material at every price point allowing homeowners on a budget the ability to add some high-end design flair to their bathroom!