For the past few years, a different type of sink has been gaining in popularity in both homes and commercial developments. The vessel sink, unlike most sinks, uses a washbowl that is placed on top of the countertop or vanity. This arrangement has both its advantages and disadvantages over more widely used sink styles. Here are some considerations for determining whether a vessel sink is right in your home.
One advantage to the vessel sink is its style. While what’s in style can come and go, this type of sink has an appearance that is both modern and antique at the same time. Before indoor plumbing became standard, a sink placed on top of a counter was the only option. While this can give the sink a rustic feel, modern materials and forms can instead be used for the sink construction to create a modern look. Judicious selection of the faucet can also give an old or new appearance as desired.
Another advantage to the vessel sink is that the plumbing uses less space inside the cabinet on which it is mounted. Surface mount sinks have their bowl below the level of the vanity, so they require space below both for the sink body and the plumbing. A vessel sink, since it sits on top the vanity, requires only a small space below for the plumbing. This can be especially helpful when repurposing a drawer or other piece of furniture to serve as a bathroom vanity.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the vessel sink is that they are difficult to clean. While surface mount bathroom sinks typically have a smooth surface from the counter to the sink bowl, the elevated vessel sink has an acute mounting between the sink and counter surface. This makes it difficult to clean, requiring more time than a typical sink. Also, the higher vessel means that placing items in the sink is challenging, so use in a kitchen or bar area is usually avoided.
Another drawback is the vessel sink can be harder to use than other sinks. The elevated position means that water is more likely to splash out onto the counter, again requiring more frequent cleaning than other sinks. The higher position also makes the sink harder to use for children or even shorter adults.
While the vessel sink is quite popular at the moment, it also has its drawbacks. We hope this guide has helped you decide on what sink would go best in your new Timberpeg home. Please contact us to further discuss the design of your dream home.