Sink is one of the main elements of the bathroom. It is no less important than, for example, the bathroom itself or the shower. However, sometimes, when buying an apartment, new owners are faced with the fact that this element is not in the room. Or, perhaps, you just want to replace the sink with a new one, or completely change the entire interior.
It will take a lot of time to select the appropriate washstand, because many criteria must be taken into account: affordable cost, reliability, functionality, appearance and combination with other elements of the interior. We will try to make it easier for you in this article, where we will talk about different types of sinks, depending on their design, as well as the material of manufacture.
Advantages and disadvantages
Most often, when a separate sink in the bathroom is missing for one reason or another, you can do without it. However, having a sink in itself is a huge plus. Its main function is that it should be convenient to wash it. Agree, doing this over the bathroom can be inconvenient, especially to tall people.
The sink above the bath noticeably facilitates this process, but it also has certain disadvantages. Firstly, it takes up free space, which is very important in conditions of insufficient spaciousness of the bathroom. Secondly, the overhanging sink also requires some care.
But these disadvantages can be attributed to any plumbing, and they are insignificant. Most of the advantages and disadvantages of shells are associated with the characteristics of specific varieties and materials for their manufacture. Therefore, we proceed to the analysis of each of them.
Species overview
Like many other interior details, washbasins are divided into several varieties, each of which has its own characteristics. The choice of sinks for the bathroom is more diverse than the choice of kitchen sinks. Let's look at the main types.
- Hanging - The most standard and common type of sinks. As a rule, it is located on the wall, has special holes for fixing. It can also be mounted on a pedestal.
- Console - Already built-in washbasin. This type was very popular at the end of the last century, but today it remains in demand. All elements of the pipeline led to the sink are hidden inside the cabinet, behind the doors. Many consoles also have legs.
- Built-in - the next stage of development of the previous variety. It is more comfortable, functional and attractive. The cabinet is additionally equipped with drawers and free space where you can store accessories for the bathroom and, for example, for cleaning.
- Miniature - A sink, perfect for rooms with a small area. In its design, this type is practically no different from standard washbasins, but at the same time it has smaller dimensions. Most often, mini-sinks are installed in toilets of various institutions and offices.
- Tulip - washbasin, characterized by a bowl shape. The stand, on which the sink itself is located, hides the elements of the pipeline underneath, so you do not need to think about how to otherwise mask them. This species is characterized by a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Thanks to this, you can choose a tulip sink for any bathroom.
- Water lily - A type of washbasin that allows you to compactly place all the elements of the interior. It is installed at a certain height so that a washing machine can fit under it. This arrangement saves free space. Often this method is also used to equip kitchens.
- Waybill - The most modern and effective variety. At the same time, it is original, attractive in appearance and comfortable. It can be placed on any suitable surface, including cabinets, stands, and shelves above the washing machine.
But the overhead sink requires a certain amount of free space so that various accessories and accessories can fit next to it. Therefore, such models are installed mainly in spacious bathrooms.
Additionally, several types of shells can be distinguished, depending on their shape and location:
- oval;
- round;
- semicircular;
- rectangular;
- square;
- angular.
All of them differ from each other in their convenience, efficiency, requirements for the arrangement of the room, as well as their pros and cons. For example, mini-sinks save your space, but it will not be very convenient for an adult to wash her face. And overhead sinks, with all their convenience and ease of installation, do not have holes for the mixer.
Materials
An important criterion that you should pay attention to when choosing a washbasin is the material from which it is made. In terms of diversity, the choice of materials is practically not inferior to the choice of varieties, which we described above. However, they also have their advantages and disadvantages.
Bathroom sinks are made of the following materials.
- Ceramics - includes porcelain and earthenware. The most common materials for washbasins. Ceramic sinks are in demand among buyers due to their affordable price, high quality and smooth surface. They also fit very well in any interior.
- Metal - namely stainless steel. It is durable and durable. But the surface of such a sink is easy to spoil if cleaned with powder products. And metal washbasins are noisier than others. A loud sound occurs when a water stream falls on a steel surface.
- Marble is the most expensive material. But such sinks can boast of their chic appearance. They are perfect for decorating a rich home. And to save money, you can choose a washbasin made of artificial marble. Outwardly, they hardly differ, but the second option has a less smooth surface.
- Glass - an original design solution for interior decoration in the bathroom. Despite the alleged fragility, such a shell is difficult to damage, because high-strength glass is used to make it. The disadvantages can be attributed to the high cost, as well as the need to constantly care for the wash basin, because any traces and smudges are visible on the glass.
- Tree - Least Commonbut original material. Such shells perform rather a decorative function. Like glass, they require constant and thorough care. Externally processed wood is more like plastic.
- Fake diamond - Outwardly looks like natural materials, which include onyx, marble and granite. But their cost is more affordable. Thanks to this, you can equip a chic interior for a reasonable price. In addition, sinks made of artificial stone are distinguished by a variety of shapes and colors.
Separately, it is worth highlighting washbasins made of composite materials, which today are rapidly gaining popularity. They most often include granite, quartz and acrylic. These materials are highly resistant to various temperatures and chemicals. At the same time, they retain their appearance without requiring careful care.
Selection tips
When choosing a sink, you should first take into account the area of your bathroom, and at the same time allocate a specific place for placement. For example, if the bathroom is spacious enough, you can choose a console or surface model, which will not only perform the basic functions, but will also become an interior decoration. In a small room, somewhere in the "Khrushchev", you can arrange a corner sink or a compact tulip. As a last resort, you can always get a mini wash basin.
If you have already decided on the variety and size, you should think about the appearance of the sink. It should be in harmony with the rest of the plumbing. This will not be a problem if you purchase a ready-made set for the bathroom. But, firstly, it is costly, and secondly, most often there is a need to change only the washstand.
The main role in choosing a sink for the interior is played by its color. If the bathroom is made in a classic style, you can choose the white colors without hesitation. In other cases, you should take an interest in current trends and find out which colors are best combined with each other when it comes to the bathroom.
However, appearance is not as important as reliability. Experienced plumbers recommend choosing sinks equipped with overflow holes. They exclude the possibility of flooding in the event of possible clogging of pipes.
Beautiful design examples
A simple and elegant example of a corner sink built into a headset.
A striking example of the location of the overhead sink. It looks quite unusual, but original.
A classic tulip sink that can fit into any interior.
Marble or artificial stone sinks look like greetings from the 19th century.
Very unusual wooden sink.
Compact placement of the washbasin above the washing machine in a small area.
See below for how to choose a sink.