Sink in the bathroom: types of washbasins + nuances of choosing the best design

Amir Gumarov
Checked by a specialist: Amir Gumarov
Author: Tatyana Zakharova
Last update: May 2019

Today it is difficult to surprise someone with the technical equipment of the bathroom - the choice of expensive multifunctional equipment exceeds demand. Perhaps that is why more and more attention is being paid to the design of plumbing fixtures.

Perfectly matched sink in the bathroom should combine visual appeal with high performance. It is important that the washbasin is easy to use for all family members. How to choose plumbing that meets all of these requirements?

We will help you in solving this issue. The article provides a detailed classification of sinks, describes the features of the use of different models, and also gives practical recommendations for choosing the shape, material of manufacture and style of execution of the washbasin.

Types of washbasins for the bathroom

Choosing the right plumbing fixture is really getting harder. Hundreds of magnificent models of famous brands are presented on the market, and the moderate cost of sinks is not an obstacle to purchase. Even in economy class you can find an original and comfortable model.

Consider the most common types in order to make a general idea of ​​the huge assortment of household sinks, and in particular, the design features of these irreplaceable bathroom interior items.

Choosing a model by installation method

Usually they acquire new plumbing when they completely change the situation in the bathroom: they make major repairs or just refresh the wall and floor lining.

And although the interior of the bathrooms is more conservative and is less likely to change than the surroundings of a bedroom or living room, from time to time, property owners have a desire to update appliances, finishes, and technical support for the bathroom and toilet.

Furniture collection for a bathroom
Furniture collections for bathrooms, which include plumbing, are becoming more and more popular. Items decorated in a single style form a harmonious and complete ensemble.

According to the installation method, sink models for the installation of washbasins are divided into wall and floor.

Types mounted on the wall can have various designs:

  • mounted model or console;
  • half tulip.

In fact, they differ only in the nuances of design. For example, a conventional hinged model does not have additional masking elements for pipes and a water seal, while the lower half of the half-tulip allows you to hide eyeliners behind the ceramic base.

It differs from a full-fledged tulip in that the “leg” is also attached only to the wall and ends before reaching the floor.

Washing machine under the hinged sink
Hinged models are often used in small bathrooms, when the lack of free space makes saving every centimeter of space. A washing machine is usually installed under them.

Floor modifications are only conditional. This is explained by the peculiarities of their installation: the sinks are still fixed on the wall, just some part - the “leg” of the tulip or the pedestal - is placed on the floor. Some manufacturers call floor-standing sinks integrated into furniture (such as "Moidodyr").

Also, according to the installation method, two types of sanitary equipment are distinguished:

  • embedded - are part of the headset and are usually mounted on a bedside table or countertop;
  • autonomous - fixed separately on special brackets or studs.

Each view has a set of pluses and some disadvantages that relate to the nuances of installation.

As you can see, the variety of the model range makes you think about the choice. However, in addition to appearance, you should definitely pay attention to the fasteners. This is especially true for wall mounted in a brick, concrete, aerated concrete or wooden wall.

Heavy sinks are not fixed to thin partitions, however, in exceptional cases, special mortgages for installation are hidden inside the false wall - a metal profile or a factory installation.

On our site there is a series of articles describing the installation technologies of different models of washbasins, we recommend that you read

  1. Bathroom sink with pedestal: installation and connection technology
  2. Hanging bathroom sink: step-by-step installation instructions
  3. Overhead sink on the countertop in the bathroom: how to choose + installation manual

Location Classification

Most of the shells can be safely attributed to the frontal type. This means that they are attached to one wall. They are opposed to corner models, for the installation of which two walls are required, that is, a corner. Plumbing fixtures have a fundamental difference in installation, although they may look similar in appearance.

Corner bathroom sink
Compact corner models, which are often used for installation in a small toilet, can also be installed in the bathroom, if frontal fixation is not possible

Previously, the entire range of corner washbasins was reduced to simple, standalone white sanitary fixtures that belong to the economy class.

Today it is diverse in shape, color and way of designing sinks, among which you can find integrated models. Corner solutions with a pedestal are more practical than single bowls suspended on brackets.

Sometimes a conventional front sink is set in a corner using diagonal mounting. For this, an installation fixed at an angle of 45 ° is used. But this solution is only possible for large bathrooms.

Models of washbasins by material

The main segment of sanitary equipment is ceramic products. This is not surprising, since they have a whole range of suitable qualities.

Advantages of ceramic sinks:

  • strength and resistance to mechanical damage;
  • ecological cleanliness;
  • resistance to chemical cleaners;
  • nice appearance;
  • model variety.

Faience and porcelain products perfectly tolerate temperature changes, are absolutely not hygroscopic, therefore they serve for decades and are ideal appliances for use in bathrooms.

Ceramic model in the interior of the bathroom
The disadvantages of ceramics include a relatively heavy weight, inconvenient for installation, and the possibility of chips when struck by a heavy object

Among the assortment presented on the market of bathroom sinks, you can find both economical faience products and exquisite porcelain models.

In addition to ceramics, other materials are also involved in the production of washbasins: glass, artificial and natural stone, various kinds of polymers, metals and even wood.

Of course, wooden and stone designer sinks are not suitable for the usual urban interior. They are chosen by wealthy people who can afford a luxurious interior in an appropriate style.

Ceramic models remain the classic solution, so it is precisely on their release that famous manufacturers of sanitary ware are focused. Original look in the bathroom glass sinks - they are appropriate in a compact and spacious bathroom.

Design nuances: shape, color, size

If you plunge into the variety of models presented by foreign and domestic companies, you can find absolutely any wash basin. Along with standard classic models, they produce exclusive versions of the most unusual shapes and colors.

Unusual shell shape
Designers have long moved away from traditional shapes - oval and rectangular - and deliver amazing models to the market with a truly fantastic configuration.

In addition to snow-white shells, you can find products of all shades of the rainbow, while they can be matte and glossy, plain and with patterns, with brilliant splashes and even 3D images.

Variety extends to sizes. Along with compact models with a width of 30 cm, volumetric meter devices resembling mini-baths are also sold. For more information on choosing the right sink size, see this article.

In contrast to single modifications, they began to produce double washbasins. Some of them are separately placed on the countertop, others are a single whole.

There are also paired models of various heights - for families with kids or people with disabilities.

Of course, the design of the interior as a whole influences the choice of a particular model. It is impossible to install a stainless steel sink in a classic “royal” bathroom or place a painted tulip washbasin in the “space” surroundings. Everything should be chosen according to the chosen style or general direction.

Style Guidelines

In addition to neutral models, which occupy the main sales segment, the plumbing market has original stylized options. Most often, they are part of a bathroom kit, which usually includes a bathtub and some pieces of furniture.

Exclusive glass model
There are shells, which themselves are a work of art. These are piece masterpieces that are often custom-made, and not for large-scale production.

Collection stylized bathroom fixtures are the best that the modern market can offer. However, products of original design are not only distinguished by their appearance and high quality, but also by a price that is too high for many.

Products from the middle price segment are also at their best, so if you wish, a retro-style washbasin can also be found at a reasonable price.

Modern interiors gravitate towards simpler, more straightforward content. However, if you wish, you can find models in the style of Baroque, Rococo, Art Nouveau, Art Deco - each of them is good and interesting in its own way.

For lovers of industrial and technical interiors there are also a lot of interesting proposals from different materials, so everyone who is interested in creating an extraordinary atmosphere in the house can find their sink in the bathroom.

What factors influence the choice of shell

Before stopping on the model you like, you need to find out whether it is suitable in all respects for a specific interior.

The main points that must be taken into account are the following:

  • area of ​​the bathroom;
  • wall strength;
  • features of interior design;
  • family affluence.

If at least one of the parameters does not match, you will have to find a more suitable replacement.

As you can see, the range of sinks for equipping washbasins has no boundaries. Every year, popular manufacturers release new collections, more convenient, beautiful and flawless in all respects.

They focus on all walks of life, so among the many offers you can always find a unique model of crystal, and an economical faience sink.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Interesting models, useful recommendations, interesting ideas for bathroom design are presented in the next video.

Journey to the world of ceramic sinks:

About popular models among users:

Pros and cons of glass models:

Collectible wooden sinks:

Footage of the original models:

When choosing a sink you like, try to unbiasedly evaluate both the visual appeal and the technical side. The design should be combined with the impeccable functionality of the washbasin, otherwise the purchase will be beautiful, but inconvenient equipment.

Also, when choosing, do not forget that the faucet should be combined with the sink according to the installation method, size and style.

Looking for the best bathroom sink? Or maybe you have useful tips on choosing such plumbing? Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Daniel

    They made repairs in the bathroom. My wife really wanted a console that would be attached to the wall. I decided to please, bought a beautiful sink, hired an employee who can install correctly. And it all ended with the fact that after a while the sink just fell off along with a piece of the wall! Indeed, you need to pay attention to the strength of the wall, otherwise you risk being left without it at all)

  2. Vladimir

    So many great ideas! A couple of comments: it seems to me that the sink above the standard washing machine will be a bit high, for a child, that's for sure. Well, double sinks for an apartment do not stand up to criticism at all. I just imagined how I would blow my nose and spit in the morning during washing, and next to it my wife will do it or God forbid my mother-in-law. Somehow I don’t want to.

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