25 Step Guide to Designing and Buying a Bathroom
A Professional Designers Guide
Step 19. Bathroom Sinks Guide
Bathroom sink choices have increased dramatically since the introduction of the vessel type sit-on sink, and the wall hung modern sink options. Material options have increased with the introduction of glass and stone. The other interesting developement is an appetite for strong colours again such as black and citrus oranges and lime greens. I have provided links to most of these options and descriptions where required. Another strong trend coming through is a more freestanding look with raised furniture and wall hung basins.
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Sink material types
Vitreous china sinks
The most popular material for sanitary ware, being a high temperature fired clay with coloured fired ceramic glaze coating. It can be damaged or cracked easily when poor quality,and chipped if hit with a sharp object.
Fired clay sinks
Similar to vitreous china being a fired clay but harder so is more resistant to damaged or chipping
Composite sinks.
Corian is the most obvious version of this type of material being a mixture of acrylic and stone dust, bonded together by a catalytic process .The material is non-porous, waterproof, hardwearing and repairable. Colour choices are very good for the countertop, but mainly whites and off- whites for the integrated sinks.
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Glass sinks
Mainly seen as vessel options and in various tinted colours. This is a fashion statement and very 'now'. Glass is a very hard material and can be quite durable and pretty, especially in frosted finishes. Shape options and sizes are good.
Stone sinks
Vessel sinks are also available in machined natural stone. The look of this sink is as unique as a piece of stone is. The shapes and variety of stone are only limited by the difficulty to carve it. This is still a difficult and expensive option to produce but can be very beautiful.
Enamel sinks
This is a limited choice but very strong and durable being vitreous enamel onto a metal or cast iron base. I have never used this option but don't let me stop you ! I have left it to you to find one !
Stainless steel
A popular material, but not in domestic bathroom sinks. I can see it used in an ultra modern setting when the opportunity occurs, but not very often in your average bathroom. This is one for the architects and industrial designers.
Metals
This is a material that has returned to bathroom sinks with new ideas and finishes. Vessel basins are prominent even with traditional materials like copper and bronze.
Types of sink
Countertop inset sinks
These sinks are installed into a hole cut-out and have a lip to seal around. They are normally installed into deep vanity units, so take up quite a lot of room. The popularity of this option has reduced since the introduction of semi-recessed and sit -on modern sinks
Villeroy-Boch sinks . Armitage Shanks sinks . Jacussi sinks . Jacussi sinks . Kholer sinks
Undermounted sinks
Another more traditional option that is still strong in the bespoke market with traditional handbuilt furniture but not popular in the modern market.
Kholer sinks . Kholer sinks . Porcelanosa sinks . Kholer sinks . Italian Interiors sink
Vessel sinks
Vessel sinks are the most interesting option in a bathroom for choice of materials, shape and style. The cabinet top option for this sink needs to be durable because it tends to get wetter, and water can linger at the back if not seen. Taps have to be extended counter type, or wall mounted. Unit top height needs to be lower if the sink is quite tall sided. This can be a problem if there is a back to wall wc and concealed cistern on the same run. The concealed cistern is difficult to lower below the worktop height.
Scarabeoce sinks . Villeroy-Boch sinks .Azzurra Ceramica sinks . Ceramica Flaminia sinks . Ceramica Globo sink . Rhoper Rhodes sink . Jacussi sink
Sit-on sinks
Similar to vessel type basins because they sit on the worktop but are flat bottomed and sometimes lipped over the front of the worktop. The square or oblong option is quite popular at the moment. I like the curved edged option which looks good next to a curved wc.
Laufen sink . Azzurra Ceramica sinks . Boffi sinks . Reggia coloured sinks . Ideal Standard sinks . Kholer sinks
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Semi-recessed sinks
The most poular option by far until recently because it allows for a reduced depth unit and counter top. The rear part of the sink sits on a counter top and the front part lips over and fits flush against the unit top facia panel . In the slimline option the worktop depth can reduce to about 220mm. I have fitted hundreds of these solving many problems with tight bathrooms.
Scarabeo Ceramica sinks . Laufen sinks . Argent sinks . Ideal Standard sinks . Ceramica Globo sinks . Argent sinks
Pedestal sinks modern
Still a very popular choice even though a very old concept. It has recently been updated with ultra modern options in steel and glass, and unusual shapes. Also because of the movement away from fully fitted furniture, it has had a new lease of life. The pedestal part is used to hide the waste and water pipes.
Pedestal sinks traditional
A style that has been around for many decades and for many more to come. The interest in a freestanding look has endured with traditional bathrooms whether bespoke or ready made.
Semi- pedestal sinks
A popular choice at the moment because the semi-pedestal hides the waste and water pipes ( they still have to be hidden in the wall or behind a panel )but still has a modern off- the-ground look. It is a neater look than exposed open chrome traps, but for the ultra modern bathroom plays second fiddle.
Wall-mounted sinks
This is the look that catches most peoples eye but is the hardest option to fit, requiring a neat solution to losing the waste pipe and water pipes. It also requires strong brackets to hold it in place. The oblong option is always popular with chrome bottle trap. It is possible to mount shelves underneath for storage.
Console sinks traditional and modern
A period decorative sink with two legs at the front and exposed waste and water pipes. It can look spectacular in a large high ceiling room with other large items but can look too much in smaller bathrooms.
Vanity top basins
This type of sink has an integrated top and sink in ceramic or composite type materials. The lack of a sealed joint where the sink is, makes this sink a very durable option. The top size is normally set to sizes suiting the base unit underneath for ceramic sinks. Corian sink options can be any width and various depths depending on sink size.
Whats new ?
This is a section for what are new trends and the unusual from here and abroad.
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