The times of the same type washbasins are over: today the focus is on the built-in washbasin. They are multifunctional and have a number of advantages. In the article we will consider their advantages and disadvantages, dwell on the varieties, production materials, and also note the key nuances of such plumbing.
Advantages and disadvantages
Built-in sinks are bowls mounted in cut holes in the countertop or on the roof of the floor stand. Their level coincides with the working surface or rises above it by 2-3 cm. Such sinks can be mounted in the base of different materials. In comparison with other analogues, they have several advantages.
- Due to their compact size, they save valuable centimeters of usable area - this is good for small-sized bathrooms.
- They are practical and ergonomic. During their installation, there remains a place for organizing storage systems, inside the cabinets you can store detergents and personal hygiene items.
- The bowls are easy to install, a beginner can cope with the installation. This saves on the wizard call.
- Models are variable in terms of shape, which is good for arranging the interior of any interior design.
- Products are easy to maintain. Due to the recession in the countertop, they are protected from pollution and accidental mechanical damage.
- Modifications do not limit the buyer in creating a wash basin with an unusual design. With them, the shape of the countertop can be not only linear, but also round, oval, curved.
- Sinks provide for a different type of installation. They are suitable for both conventional floor and hanging cabinets with different internal contents.
- They are aesthetically attractive, do not need fixing to the wall and allow you to increase the surface of the table in the wash area.
- Products vary in price, if desired, it is easy to buy a decent option, taking into account your own preferences and the budget planned for the purchase.
Along with the advantages, built-in sinks have several drawbacks.
- Options with protruding sides are inconvenient to clean. Dirt can clog in seams.
- Not all products are resistant to accidental mechanical damage, they can crack from shock.
- Some of them are heavy, which requires the right choice of installation type and base material.
- Bowls cannot remain attractive for a long time if the water in the water supply system is dirty and rusty.
These are models for headsets on order, which increases the cost of a common set of furniture.
Kinds
Built-in washbasins for bathrooms differ in the type of installation. They can be embedded and semi-embedded. The built-in bowl is characterized by complete seating in the countertop. Half-built half installed. However, in each case, their auxiliary fixation to the adjacent wall is not required.
Variants of the built-in type according to the method of fixation are divided into 2 varieties: recessed above and below. Sinks mortise from above are placed in a sawn hole in the countertops. The top with sides in this case rests on the table. The outer sides of the countertop do not allow the sink to fall through and shift.
The disadvantage of models with the upper installation type is vulnerability of the junction of the washbasin with the surface of the table. It is necessary to solve this problem by means of sealant. The lower type of installation is distinguished by the location of the sink flush with the counter top of a hanging or floor cabinet. This type of installation is notable for the fact that the mixer can be installed on either side.
In the lines of manufacturers there are also modifications of the combined type. In essence, these are sinks integrated into the working surface of the table. On store shelves, they can be presented in the form of single, double and triple modifications. At the same time, countertops are sometimes supplemented with panels that increase the working surface. Due to the solid surface, options with monolithic bowls are easier than others to clean.
Materials
In the production of mortise sinks for the bathroom, different raw materials are used. On this basis, the aesthetic and operational qualities of the products vary.
Pottery and Earthenware
Ceramic and faience washbasins are considered optimal in terms of cost and quality. They are sold in any specialized store, can be traditionally white or colored. Materials are considered hygienic, products from them for a long time do not lose the freshness of the original shade. The disadvantage of such materials is fragility: from sharp blows they become covered with cracks.
Fake diamond
Artificial stone products are in great demand. They are aesthetically attractive, significantly increase the status of the interior of the bathroom, differ in strength and durability. Sinks are easy to clean, have a smooth surface type, and are variable in terms of design and color.
However, such products are more expensive than ceramic and earthenware analogues.
Metal
Despite a wide selection of modifications, metal washbasins are rarely bought in the bathroom. In their production use stainless steel, copper, brass and even cast iron. Stainless steel options are more affordable, they fit perfectly with the style of loft, modern and hi-tech. Products from other materials are bought to create a bathroom interior retrodesign.
Glass
Glass products are produced much less frequently in comparison with mounted and overhead modifications. They are made with a monolithic countertop, since it is impractical to incorporate transparent glass bowls into opaque materials. Such products are expensive, although they look unusual, introducing an atmosphere of lightness and airiness into the interior.. The disadvantage of glass is the need for frequent cleaning, any dirt is visible on it.
Natural stone and wood
Such modifications are classified as luxury plumbing. They cost a lot, are selected for the appropriate interior with expensive furniture and decoration. However, most models are made in a monolithic solution. Buying individual mortise bowls is not so easy.
Shapes and sizes
Built-in washbasins for the bathroom can have a different shape. They are:
- round;
- semicircular;
- oval;
- square;
- rectangular;
- curly;
- asymmetric.
According to the type of location, they are divided into standard and angular. Angular bowls are relevant for small-sized rooms; they significantly save space. Rectangular options are often purchased today for installation in hanging cabinets in the interior of the elite and economy class. Square analogues are considered more ergonomic; they give the interior rigor and conciseness.
Often in the interior of the bathroom use not one, but two sinks. Moreover, their shape can be either square or round, oval and streamlined. Options asymmetric type allow you to create an interior with a curly shape of the countertop. For example, it may have a protruding semicircle.
Product dimensions vary depending on the width of the size range.
For example, oval varieties can have sizes 475x630, 570x410, 585x450, 605x448, 540x440 mm with a depth of 200-400 mm or more. The dimensions of rectangular analogues can be 520x433, 320x525 mm with a depth of 175-450 mm, square - 433x433 mm.
The diameter of round modifications can be 433, 465 mm with a depth of 175-180 mm, 430 mm with a depth of 200 mm. Dimensions of modifications of a monolithic type can be up to 800 mm in length with a total width of 450 mm. The length of the corner models in the front can be 365 mm with the sides of 320 and 220 mm. There are models with a bowl 495 mm long with 350 and 500 mm lateral sides and 155 mm deep.
Design
Design solutions for embedded sinks can be very diverse. For example, sinks can be teardrop-shaped, trapezoidal, with a straight or wavy edge. Depending on the shape, color and the right selection of fittings (mixer and taps) products can be entered in any direction of interior design.
For instance, for the embodiment of oriental style oval and rectangular shapes are appropriate. These sinks are laconic and minimalistic. Clear forms, simple lines perfectly emphasize the characteristic features Asian interior styles.
Options for implementation classic interior composition streamlined. These are oval or round shapes, gilded, bronze or silver fittings in an ancient design. The shape of the bowls is preferably deep; it can be made of stone or modern materials. The edges may have a pattern in the form of imitation stucco molding.
Integrated sink in a modern bathroom can be technological. For example, a sink can be supplemented with illuminated accessories, which gives the interior a special charm and expressiveness. Bowl materials can be artificial stone, faience, ceramics, glass.
For the embodiment of ethnic interiors, symmetrical modifications are chosen. It is white plumbing, built into the floor cabinets with a vintage design. Particular attention is paid to the choice of faucets: their appearance should be similar to antique plumbing, have ornate shapes. Bowls may protrude above the surface of the countertop.
At the same time, their fittings should, as far as possible, coincide with the handles of the installed furniture and the cabinet.
Manufacturers Overview
The manufacture of built-in washbasins for bathrooms involved in many companies. Among them, several brands can be distinguished, whose products are in great demand among buyers.
- Roca - A Spanish manufacturer that produces not only the usual forms of sinks, but also asymmetric models of high-quality washbasins for bathrooms.
- GSI and Galassia - Italian brands that produce high quality sanitary ware for a wide range of customers, featuring a wide price range and concise design.
- Ideal standard - A Belgian company producing single and double type models with narrow and wide sides, round and square, designed for interiors of bathrooms of different statuses.
- Jacob delafon - A French manufacturer that produces concise and elegant models of sanitary ware for bathrooms of different sizes, featuring sophisticated geometry.
- Vidima - A Bulgarian brand that manufactures products with the latest technology and reliable mechanisms in the spirit of European traditions, a model with a practical design at an attractive price.
Selection tips
When choosing a mortise sink model for your bathroom, a number of criteria must be taken into account. In addition to the aesthetic component, their operational characteristics are important. Special attention must be paid to the dimensions of the bowl. The functionality of the product will depend on them.
In the assortment of stores you can find options with dimensions from 40 to 90 cm. The optimal sizes will be values between 55-60 cm. The total height of the product built into the countertop usually varies from 40 to 60 cm. The smaller the bowl, the greater the likelihood of water splashing when washing and brushing your teeth.
The fixation of the shell is also important. By design, a design variant with a bowl protruding beyond the front border of the cabinet can be conceived, the type of installation is top or bottom. In this regard, the buyer decides for himself, which method is preferable for him. Practical options for a monolithic plan, slightly protruding are more difficult to wash, and mounted flush are considered the best solution.
The color scheme depends on the color choice of the entire plumbing. If it is white, the sink will be the same, since the plumbing in the bathroom will look like a single ensemble. However, if the design is intended to use glass elements, you can buy a transparent sink.
When buying a product, you need to pay attention to accessories: some models need an additional siphon.
Examples in interior design
We suggest looking at examples of photo galleries that clearly demonstrate the design capabilities of the built-in washbasin.
- Round sinks with a figured table top in the interior of the bathroom in neutral tones.
- Washbasin with a built-in top type with metal fittings of a laconic design.
- A rectangular cut-in sink with a white shape in white is a stylish accent of the loft style.
- Mounting the sink flush to the mounted countertop shelf.
- The option of mounting the sink from the bottom of the countertop, a contrast game of a white bowl with a brown color on a table-shelf.
- Countertop design with semi-recessed bowls of white color and a round shape in a marble countertop.
- An example of mounting a sink with a built-in top shelf in a niche in the bathroom.
- The design of the wash zone with a mortise sink.
- Countertop design with one rectangular built-in sink and two taps.
On how to choose a sink in the bathroom, see the next video.