Articles -> Kitchen/Bathroom -> Kitchen Sink

Sink into Style
by Tanya Cromey

This striking glass washbasin raises sinks to a new level of sophistication. It can be used as a single unit with a standard countertop or as part of a complete system. Couresy of Toto Kiki USA, Inc.

In the early days of indoor plumbing, fancy, decorative washbasins were attainable only by the wealthy. But with the advent of newer, more affordable materials and mechanical production, almost anyone can now enjoy the bath accoutrements once reserved for the rich.
Gone are the days of utilitarian white sinks. Stuck to the wall, their plumbing on display beneath them, these basic basins exuded an institutional feel. Nowadays, a myriad of stylish, affordable sinks (or lavatories, as they're called within the industry) abound to match whatever overall style and design of bath you desire.

Countertop lavatories make up the top of a vanity, which provides storage space below and plenty of room for grooming accessories above. The lavatory itself can be of a piece with the countertop, consisting of a concavity in its surface, in which case the material is usually some type of solid surfacing; or it can be a separate entity of different material (vitreous china, enameled cast iron) set within the countertop. In such cases the countertop may be made of any number of materials, such as ceramic tile, laminate, marble or some other solid surfacing. The variety of material options for both countertop and lavatory, as well as the wide selection of vanity styles, assures your success in creating a countertop lavatory that appeals to your personal taste and complements your bath decor.

Pedestal lavatories are lighter and more elegant in look and feel than countertop lavatories. Usually made of vitreous china, they consist of a column that gives rise to the sink basin. Although they lack the storage space of vanities, a well-placed linen closet can easily remedy the situation if you plan ahead. Pedestal lavatories work well in baths where space is at a premium or in baths with a decided decorative motif; their modest presence leaves room both literally and visually for more pronounced design components. As with countertop lavatories, pedestal lavatories come in any number of styles, so you can find one for a flowery Victorian bath, a sleek contemporary bath or anything in between.

In baths with a very specific design theme, you may find that a hand-painted lavatory fits the bill. American China offers an extensive line of hand-painted basins featuring various floral patterns, color schemes, animals, musical instruments or other objects. If they don't have what you desire, the company offers customized designs and will match your bath's wallpaper, tile and fabric patterns.

If you're looking for a sink to put in a half-bath, consider a wall-hung lavatory. Wall–hung lavatories are simply attached to the wall with no supporting columns, legs or vanity, thus freeing up the floor space beneath them. To ease an even more stringent space constraint, try a hand basin—a small, shallow lavatory large enough only to wash one's hands. One of these may be all you need for a half-bath.

And no one says that a sink, regardless of its inherent function, is confined to a largely utilitarian role. If your budget allows, some manufacturers offer highly stylized, decorative hand basins that are half sink, half work of art.

When deciding what type of lavatory to put in your bath, consider your storage needs, space limitations and overall design scheme. Before you make a final decision, test it out. Act out using the lavatory to make sure the basin is large enough, that you can maneuver comfortably around and within it, and that there's space for the necessary washing items.

No matter what your budget, the options for lavatories are many and the styles are unlimited. Take your time, look around, try things out. This is where, ultimately, you will spend countless hours brushing your teeth, washing your face, rinsing your hands. You want convenience and usability combined with style. Given the wide range of lavatory types and designs available, you most assuredly can have