Vessel Sinks: Add Class to Your Bath

Vessel sinks are a modern take on the ancient washbasin.  Sitting on or slightly recessed into the bath countertop, these fixtures look similar to the bowls of water that were used for washing up for centuries.  Beyond superficial appearances, though, they part ways very quickly.  A vessel sink will add a unique and attractive touch to your bathroom.  The wide variety of choices means that there is one to suit nearly any décor.

Just about any type of material can be used for a vessel sink, from glass to ceramics to steel.  Copper vessel sinks are especially striking in appearance.  They are also available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, as well as different price points.  Regardless of your tastes and budget, there is bound to be one of these fixtures to meet your requirements.

Aside from their distinctive appearance, vessel sinks have the advantage of being very easy to install. Since they do not have to fit into a precisely-cut hole in the top of the vanity, they can be positioned quickly and simply.

When preparing to install, however, some thought needs to be given to a few important considerations. One of these is the faucet. Most standard bathroom fixtures will not be high enough to extend above the edge of a vessel sink. In the majority of cases, a gooseneck or wall-mounted faucet will be the best solution to this issue.

The height factor also impacts the use of the sink.  Children may have difficulty reaching over the edge … a stool may be required.  This makes vessel sinks less than ideal for baths in a family setting.  The fact that many of these fixtures are shallow also increases the probability of water splashes, meaning more of a mess after everyone has brushed their teeth, shaved, and so forth.

Still another concern is possible damage to the bowl itself.  Ceramic and glass vessel sinks are susceptible to cracking and chipping, since their edges are not protected by being flush with the counter.  Depending on how much use the bathroom in question gets, stone, steel or chrome may be a wiser choice.

All of these issues aside, however, vessel sinks continue to be a very popular choice among consumers.  If you plan ahead to have an appropriate faucet and select a vessel sink vanity of a suitable height for family and guests, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy this touch of elegance in your bath, as well.