Vessel sinks are a popular choice right now for those who are seeking modern bathroom design trends. These bowl-type sinks are generally considered to be freestanding and are raised from the counter or vanity to create a unique visual design. Whether you’re renovating your entire bathroom or just looking to upgrade your vanity with these stylish vessel sinks, here’s everything you need to know.
Natural Petrified Wood Stone Sink
Table of Contents
- 1. What is a vessel sink?
- 2. Are vessel sinks out of style?
- 3. Do vessel sinks break easily?
- 4. What are the pros and cons of vessel sinks?
- 5. Do vessel sinks need a special drain?
- 6. How do you prevent vessel sinks from splashing?
- 7. How do you clean under a vessel sink?
- 8. How much room do you need behind a vessel sink for a faucet?
- 9. How high should a vanity be with a vessel sink?
- 10. How far should your faucet extend over vessel sinks?
- 11. Can you use any faucet with a vessel sink?
- 12. Can I partially recess a vessel sink?
1. What is a vessel sink?
A vessel sink, which was first known as a bowl sink, is a standalone sink that is designed to be mounted to the counter surface or the vanity cabinet. It creates an elevated basin, offering better height accommodations for some. Vessel sinks are available in bowl shapes, as well as rectangular, square, and other shapes. Some even have an artistic sculptural look to them.
2. Are vessel sinks out of style?
Some people are looking to other design trends, but vessel sinks are still very much in style, especially for half-baths and spaces where you want a unique design aesthetic. Although they lack an overflow and faucet options could be more limited, vessel sinks are still trending and plentiful in their selection, making it a good choice for those who like the look.
Related: 2023 Design Trends To Watch For
Carribean Wave Glass Vessel Sink
3. Do vessel sinks break easily?
Typically, vessel sinks will be just as durable as other sinks, but that also depends on things like materials and construction. Even glass vessel sinks are designed to be durable and come with tempered glass so that they are more durable. Improper installation or temperature shock (extreme heat to extreme cold or vice versa) could cause breakage, but that’s rare.
4. What are the pros and cons of vessel sinks?
Vessel sinks are a stylish choice and their versatility makes them stand out, as well. They can also be customized in several different ways and as mentioned, some are even almost art pieces because they’re handcrafted by artisans. They can also be more comfortable and ergonomic for those who are taller. These sinks don’t usually have an overflow built in like most sinks and they may splash more than inset sinks, but that can be remedied with thoughtful installation and not turning the water up higher than necessary.
Related: 10 Questions About Bathroom Sink Faucets
Free Form Hand Forged Old World Copper Vessel Sink
5. Do vessel sinks need a special drain?
Vessel sinks are typically designed to fit a standard bathroom plumbing setup, including using a standard drain that you will find on most sinks. These sinks do require a special faucet that’s tall enough to reach over the basin and not create excess splash, but the drain is the same as any sink.
6. How do you prevent vessel sinks from splashing?
To prevent vessel sinks from splashing, you’ll want to make sure that you have them professionally installed so that the sink and faucet height are ideal for minimal splash. Also, consider the type of faucet that you choose and the shape of the sink. Proper installation can resolve a lot of splashing issues, as can turning the water down or adding an aerator.
Related: 8 Questions About Bathroom Vanities
Multi Toned Swirl Pattern Glass Vessel Sink
7. How do you clean under a vessel sink?
Keep cleaning considerations in mind when choosing your vessel sink. Make sure that you leave enough space between the sink and the wall so that you can clean around the basin. Regular cleaning will prevent the buildup of dirt and grime under the basin where it meets the counter. Typically, as long as you install the sink with adequate space, cleaning will be easier than you might think.
8. How much room do you need behind a vessel sink for a faucet?
The exact amount of space you need for a faucet depends on what faucet you choose and where it’s being installed. Make sure that you leave room so to access the faucet to clean it in the future and that the faucet is properly aligned over the sink. Some people have a few inches between their vessel sink and the wall, while others have a closer installation with a faucet installation that’s offset for a more unique look.
Related: Top 10 Modern Bathroom Vanities
Honed Lava Stone Rectangular Vessel Sink
9. How high should a vanity be with a vessel sink?
Right now, the average vanity height is between 32 and 36 inches, depending on individual preferences and height needs. If you are installing a vanity with a vessel sink, make sure that you account for the height of the vanity and the height of the sink in making your decision. For example, if you choose a 36 inch high vanity, you won’t have room for a vessel sink unless you want the maximum height to be 40 inches. It’d be better to choose a 30 to 32 inch vanity and add a sink that’s 4-6 inches deep.
10. How far should your faucet extend over vessel sinks?
Ultimately, the final placement depends on what you want, but it’s best to have a faucet that extends at least to the middle of the basin or over the drain. This will help reduce splashing, as will ensuring that there are at least six inches between the faucet tap and the bottom of the bowl.
Related: Remodeling A Bathroom On A Budget: Where Should You Focus Your Money?
Large Round Vessel Hammered Copper Sink
11. Can you use any faucet with a vessel sink?
Vessel sinks do require a specialty faucet that is taller so that it can reach over the top of the basin. Standard faucets would not be tall enough to reach properly. The good news is that when you’re shopping for a vessel sink, it may come with faucet options. You can also shop specifically for vessel sink faucets, narrowing down your options and taking out the ones that won’t work for your new installation.
12. Can I partially recess a vessel sink?
In addition to being installed on top of the counter, vessel sinks can also be installed as semi-recessed sinks. This can create a unique visual look and resolve some of the height issues that come with these sinks. A semi-recessed vessel sink is a more complicated installation process, but if you have the work done by an experienced professional, it will turn out just the way you wanted.
Pod Shaped White Marble Vessel Sink
My name is Julia Ritzenthaler, Founder and President of Unique Vanities, started in 2005. I started this business as an extension of our residential remodeling business, which focused on the design and build of custom cabinetry and architectural trim. I also worked as a financial advisor for 10 years at Ameriprise Financial, helping clients make sound money decisions, including budgeting for home improvement expenses. This expertise led me to start Unique Vanities, which offers a handpicked selection of high quality bathroom vanities, sinks, mirrors and more. You can find me most days sitting in Starbucks, my second office, or in my car driving my daughter across Dallas to gymnastics training.
