The Paradox of Unlimited Choice

Theparadox of the unlimited choices available through online search is that it’salmost impossible for anyone to make the best buying decision because of thenearly infinite number of options presented. If you searched on a Houzz.com,Pinterest or Instagram to get ideas for a new bathroom sink, you would be giventens of thousands of choices. How can you confidently make the best decisionwith so much sensory overload? The answer for most is that most times youcan’t. The following is a guide to make the selection process easierfor homeowners, designers and builders in the Greater-Cincinnati region. 

When selecting a bathroom sink, begin by consideringyour lifestyle and space:

• Who will use the sink, how often and for what purposes?
• What are the ages of users and their mobility capabilities?
• Is the sink to replace an existing fixture or for a new bath?
• How much countertop and storage space do you need/want?
• How much space is there to work with?
• Would you like a single or double bowl?

Next, give some thought to aesthetics:

• What type of sink do you like?
• What style do you prefer (e.g., contemporary, traditional, transitional)?
• What type of faucet do you like?
• How will the sink material influence your bathroom style? How durable will the sink be and what maintenance will it require?

As you identify your functional needs and aestheticpreferences, you may consider the following sink types: Console Sink Console sinks can either be freestanding supported by four legsor mounted to the wall and supported by two or four legs. Leg materials canspan the gamut of styles and aesthetic options from hollow steel pipes to postsmade from the same material as the sink. Console Sink Pros: ·Provide almost unlimited options in terms of shape and design.·If the legs are wide enough, they can provide comfortablewheelchair access·Easy to maintain and clean·Durable Console Sink Cons: ·Limited countertop space·They are best suited for larger bathrooms because they typicallyrequire considerable floor space·Not a lot of storage space underneath Pedestal Sink Pedestal sinks resemble birdbaths. They feature a wall-mountedsink sitting on top of a pedestal secured to the floor. The pedestal is open inthe back to provide access for the drainpipe and supply lines. Pedestal Sink Pros: ·Pedestal sinks hide the pipework·Best suited for smaller spaces, e.g., powder rooms.·Easy to maintain and clean.·An endless array of design and aesthetic options fromtraditional to contemporary·Shorter than a free-standing·Durable Pedestal Sink Cons: ·Limited countertop space·No storage space underneath Wall-Mounted Sink Wall-mounted sinks are installed directly against the wall. Wall-Mounted Sink Pros: ·Does not take up floor space, and are a great option when spaceis at a premium·Typically wheelchair accessible Wall-Mounted Sink Cons: ·Minimal countertop space·No storage space underneath·Plumbing must be inside the wall to achieve a clean look Integrated Sink An integrated sink is a countertop with a built-insink made out of the same material. Integrated Sink Pros: ·Easy to clean·Available in a variety of colors that can look and feel likestone·Repaired easily Integrated Sink Cons: ·To replace the sink, you have to replace the countertop·Compromises some countertop space·Must be the same material and color as the countertop Drop-In Sink A drop-in sink fits into a hole cut into the countertop.Typically, the sink sits below the counter with the rim at the top of thecounter. Drop-In Sink Pros: ·Easy to install on all types of materials·Available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials·Integral raised rim prevents overflow on double bowl sinks·Hides waste and supply lines in the cabinet underneath Drop-In Sink Cons: ·The raised lip makes it challenging to wipe water and soap fromthe countertop into the sink·Limited depth options Vessel Sink A vessel sink sits on top of the countertop. Vessel Sink Pros: ·Opportunity to make a personal design statement·Offers the capacity to hold a lot of water·The counter can serve to complement the sink visually ratherthan just providing a place where it is located. Vessel Sink Cons: ·Because the sink sits on top of the countertop, you need toconsider how high the countertop and vanity should be carefully·Can be more difficult to clean, especially around the base andback of the sink Undermount Sink An undermount sink is installed from underneath a solidsurface countertop. Undermount Sink Pros: ·Clean lines·Easy to clean as water, soap and other materials can be easilyswept from the countertop to the sink bowl·More minimal appearance than drop-in sink Undermount Sink Cons: ·Typically, these sinks are made of stone, quartz, marble oranother solid surface material and are not suitable for laminate countertops becausethey can be completely sealed.·More difficult to install than drop-in sinks

With so many choices and factors to consider, homeowners inCincinnati are best served with the help of a showroom professional whospecifies bathroom sinks daily. If you would like assistance to assure that youmake the best purchasing decision for your new bathroom, please call us at513-271-3490 or visit one of our two showrooms.