Bathroom Sink Buying Guide

This is the most common type of bathroom sink installation, with the sink sitting in or on a countertop. It’s typically part of a vanity unit with cabinetry. Bathroom sink countertops generally offer good storage and elbow room, as they allow for sizable surfaces around the basin and cabinetry. This category includes the following:

• Integrated and Console Sinks: The countertop and sink are one piece and made of the same material. These sinks are easy to clean.
• Drop-In Sinks: These have rolled edges that allow the sink to be dropped down into a countertop opening. Drop-in bathroom sinks are the easiest to install.
• Undermount Sinks: They’re mounted below the countertop. An undermount bathroom sink exposes the edge of the countertop surface around the sink. With no rim to contend with, undermount models are the easiest to clean.
• Vessel Sinks or Above-the-Counter Sinks: These basins sit on top of the counter and offer the most striking style.

How-To Guides
Learn how to install an undermount sink.
Follow these instructions to install a vessel sink.
Try these quick and easy ways to clean a bathroom.

A pedestal sink consists of a basin connected to a tall, slender base. With sophisticated lines, these sinks are often considered vintage, but there are modern versions available. This type of sink can help tiny spaces appear larger by freeing up physical and visual space. They’re compact and work well as a powder room sink and in small baths where countertop space and storage aren’t a priority.

Before selecting a pedestal sink, consider a few factors. First, decide if you want the under-sink plumbing to be visible or hidden. This choice depends on personal preference. Look at examples of both installations and know that you may need to move the existing water and drain lines to achieve the hidden look. Second, you may find that the wall and floor behind your old vanity aren’t finished, so you’ll need to finish them. Also, if you had to move the drain lines, you’ll need to patch the wall.

More Information
Learn how to install a pedestal sink.
Find sinks for small bathrooms.

Often found in commercial and institutional settings, wall-mount sinks work in home baths too. They hang from the wall at a comfortable height and are open below, exposing the drainpipe and water supply lines. With the plumbing visible underneath, they call for an attractive pipe finish such as polished chrome. Wall-mount sinks are affordable, work well as powder room sinks and in small baths to create a clean, open look.

A popular variation of the wall-mount sink is the console sink, which resembles a traditional console table found in an entry or hallway. A console sink is basically a wall-mount sink with legs, usually two but sometimes four. These sinks typically have generous counter space and open shelving below. Consider these sinks for powder rooms. For larger bathrooms, use baskets and trays to store toiletries on the open shelving. Recessed medicine cabinets also work well if you need additional storage.