Top 10 best Bathroom Vessel Sinks products

Bathroom Vessel Sinks: A Comprehensive Guide To Choosing The Right One

When considering bathroom sinks, one distinctive type based on its shape is the vessel sink. Unlike drop-in or undermount sinks that are integrated into the countertop, vessel sinks are wash basins positioned atop a vanity or counter. Primarily designed for bathrooms, they are impractical for kitchen use. These sinks are commonly employed in powder rooms or guest bathrooms, although they can also be an excellent choice for the master bath. To assist you in selecting a vessel sink and minimize potential challenges, here are our recommendations and helpful tips.

What Are Vessel Sinks?

A vessel sink is a bowl positioned atop a bathroom vanity or counter, contrasting with conventional drop-in or under-mount sinks that are set into the surface. Typically exclusive to bathrooms, vessel sinks are not suitable for kitchens due to their size and design.

To be more precise, vessel sinks are commonly located in ornamental bathrooms, such as powder rooms or guest bathrooms, where they are less frequently utilized.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vessel Sinks

Advantages

• Style Enhancement: Elevate the aesthetic of your bathroom without a significant financial investment.
• Changeability: Easily swap out vessel sinks as they are not permanently fixed, unlike drop-in sinks.
• Space Efficiency: Gain additional counter space due to the compact design of vessel sink basins compared to recessed sinks.
• Installation Ease: Minimize expenses and complications associated with sink cut-outs by requiring only one hole for the drain pipe.

Disadvantages

• Durability Concerns: Exposed edges make glass and porcelain vessel sinks susceptible to chipping and breakage.
• Stability Issues: Secured at a single point, vessel sinks lack the overall stability of sinks fixed along the entire perimeter. Recessed vessel sinks offer improved stability.
• Cleaning Challenges: Difficulties arise when cleaning around the junction where the vessel sink basin meets the vanity or countertop.
• Lack of Overflow Relief Drains: Vessel sinks do not come equipped with overflow relief drains, potentially causing water-related issues.
• Height: The elevated rim of vessel sinks may pose a challenge for some users.

How To Choose A Vessel Sink

Choosing a vessel sink involves considering various factors to ensure that it complements your bathroom's style, fits the space, and meets your functional needs. Here are some tips to help you select the right vessel sink:

Take Plumbing Into Account

Begin by examining your plumbing needs, particularly the type of faucet required. Vessel sinks are installed on the countertop deck, so a standard 4 or 5” high faucet won't suffice.
Vessel sink faucets typically come in two styles: wall-mounted and deck-mounted. Deck-mounted faucets are the more straightforward option, as they only need a hole in the countertop and can utilize existing under-counter plumbing. These faucets are tall, often with a goose neck design, reaching above the vessel's edge for effective handwashing.
Wall-mounted faucets, on the other hand, necessitate more preparation. They require hot and cold water lines to run through the wall above the vessel sink basin. The faucet is then attached to the wall, extending towards the center of the basin. This option is feasible for new constructions or fully renovated bathrooms.

Choose Between Above and Recessed Mount

There are two primary installation types for vessel sinks: Above Counter and Recessed (also known as drop-in).

• Above Counter Installation: In this installation type, the vessel sink sits on the surface of your bathroom vanity or counter. The only modification needed is to drill a hole with a specific diameter, and the sink easily fits without further adjustments.
• Recessed Installation: While more challenging to install, a recessed bathroom vessel sink offers increased stability. The countertop is cut to create a hole larger than the drain hole but smaller than the sink's diameter. This size allows the sink to fit securely into the counter, creating a sleek and stable installation.

Choose the right size

Bath sinks come in various sizes with no universal standard. Some compact basins are suitable only for handwashing, while larger sinks are spacious enough for hair washing or delicate clothing. Round sinks typically range from 16 to 20 inches in diameter, while rectangular sinks are generally 19 to 24 inches wide and 16 to 23 inches front to back. The typical basin depth falls within the range of 5 to 8 inches. Preferences play a significant role in choosing the size and shape of the sink, unless you're replacing an existing fixture and intend to reuse the vanity and countertop. In such cases, the new sink must fit the current countertop opening and be mounted in the same manner. For limited space, you may want to consider a triangular sink designed to fit into a corner.

Select a Finish or Material for Your Bath Sink

One of the primary factors distinguishing bath sinks is the choice of materials used in their construction. Traditional ceramics like porcelain, vitreous china, and fireclay are commonly chosen, but there are alternative options that offer unique aesthetics. Glass, natural stone, vitreous china, and solid surface materials are gaining popularity. Here are some common choices to consider:

1. Glass: Glass has become the prevailing choice for contemporary vessel sinks. Available in various textures and with the option for printed images between glass layers, these sinks are relatively affordable, easy to clean, and maintain. However, they are prone to breakage, especially under rapid temperature changes, over-tightening of the drain, strong impacts, or improper installation. When opting for a glass vessel sink, it's crucial to choose one made of tempered glass to prevent damage to the countertop in case of breakage.
2. Stone: Stone is another popular material for vessel sinks, with options like marble, onyx, soapstone, granite, and travertine. Granite and marble are particularly favored. Stone sinks are unique as each one is hand-carved from a single piece of stone, providing a warm and relaxed atmosphere. However, they can absorb and retain water, requiring regular cleaning and sealing with a stone sealer solution annually. The stone bowl is a practical and popular choice among various shapes.
3. Copper: Copper is a distinctive option for vessel sinks. It reacts with the environment, and factors like temperature, moisture, and water mineral content affect its appearance over time. Regular cleaning with soap and water is necessary, and the sink should be kept dry after each use to prevent an uneven patina layer. When choosing a copper vessel sink, opting for thick shells enhances durability.
4. Vitreous China: Originally designed for bathrooms, vitreous china is now also used for farmhouse kitchen sinks. This glazed clay material is hard, nonporous, and has a glasslike shine, though it is susceptible to chipping. Similar to fireclay in construction, durability, and cost, vitreous china is less porous due to its construction process. Double bowl sinks are easier to mold from vitreous china compared to fireclay.
5. Solid Surface: Made from a polyester or acrylic base, solid surface material is chosen for its stonelike appearance and easy maintenance. Similar to solid surfacing countertops, it can be vulnerable to heat and damage from sharp objects. Regular care is essential to preserve its aesthetic appeal.

Vessel Sink Cost

A short while back, vessel sinks were limited to being luxurious designer items. However, as the demand for vessel sinks has risen, homeowners with various budget constraints can now easily acquire one.

The cost of branded vessel sinks varies, starting from approximately $120 and reaching up to ten times that amount, at $1,200. Please note that these prices exclude installation, faucets, or vanities.

On average, the expense for vessel sinks hovers around $235.

Installing a Vessel Sink

When it comes to installing sinks, the installation of a vessel sink is relatively straightforward, rating at about a three or four on a scale of one to 10. Unlike some installations that strictly require professional expertise, installing a vessel sink is not necessarily reserved for professionals. Even as a homeowner with limited do-it-yourself skills, you can successfully install a vessel sink.

If you're dealing with an above-counter vessel sink, as opposed to a recessed one, it's crucial to be aware that your sink should include a connecting ring. This ring serves as an interface between the rounded bottom of the basin and the flat countertop. In cases where the sink lacks this connecting ring, you may have a basin with a flat bottom, necessitating the application of silicone caulking between the basin and the countertop.

Conclusion

Vessel sinks are now making a bold design statement in contemporary bathrooms, seamlessly combining both aesthetics and practicality. Whether you lean towards the enduring sophistication of ceramic, the modern charm of glass, or the opulence of natural stone, there's a vessel sink that caters to every preference. Integrate this chic element into your bathroom to enhance its overall design, leaving a lasting impression on both guests and family members.