How to Choose the Best Bathroom Sink

Choosing the right bathroom sink is more than just picking what looks nice β itβs about balancing style, function, and space. Hereβs what to think about so you get a sink that works beautifully for your bathroom and lifestyle.
1. Know Your Space
- Measure carefully β the width, depth (how far it projects from the wall), and height. Make sure thereβs enough room for doors, drawers, and movement. IKEA Indonesia+2diy.ie+2
- For smaller bathrooms or guest toilets, compact sinks like wall-hung, pedestal, or corner sinks are great for saving floor space. American Standard India -+2diy.ie+2
2. Think About Sink Types & Installation Style
Here are common sink types to consider:
Type | Pros | Considerations |
---|---|---|
Wall-hung | Very clean look, saves floor space, height can be customized. American Standard India -+1 | Needs a strong wall or good support; plumbing may need hiding. |
Pedestal | Elegant, classic, minimal footprint. American Standard India -+1 | Little or no storage; the base takes up visual space; limited countertop. |
Vanity / Countertopβmounted | Provides storage, whole countertop surface for toiletries. IKEA Indonesia+2diy.ie+2 | Takes more space; may cost more; plumbing might be in cabinets. |
Semi-recessed / Semi-countertop | Good compromise if you have limited counter depth but want a decent basin size. American Standard India -+2Badeloft+2 | |
Vessel / above-counter bowl | Very stylish; focal point; works well with modern design. Livingetc+2IKEA Indonesia+2 | May splash; youβll need tall or wall-mounted faucets; cleaning around base can be harder. |
3. Pick the Right Material
Material affects durability, maintenance, look, and cost:
- Ceramic / Porcelain β Classic, easy to clean, durable. Screwfix+1
- Fireclay β Tougher than regular ceramic; good for high-traffic bathrooms. Livingetc
- Glass β Beautiful, modern, can be colored or textured. But shows water spots; more delicate. Livingetc
- Natural Stone (marble, granite, etc.) β Luxurious and unique, but heavier; needs sealing; more costly. Livingetc+1
- Metal / Composite / Resin etc. β Some metals (like stainless steel), metal finishes, or engineered materials/resins offer uniqueness. But check how they tolerate cleaning chemicals, scratches, etc. Livingetc
4. Faucet Compatibility & Drain Features
- Make sure the sink and faucet match in hole number and layout (single hole, 3-hole, etc.), especially if going with a vessel sink or one without pre-drilled holes. American Standard India -+1
- Think about the overflow β it helps in preventing accidental overflows. Some sinks have them built in; others donβt. diy.ie+1
- The position of the drain, shape of the bowl, depth β down into how water flows, splashes, and how easy clean-up will be. Buster Ireland+1
5. Height & Ergonomics
- Typical sink height (top of basin or countertop) is around 80-90 cm (β 31-36 inches) from the floor, but this can be adapted. Screwfix+1
- If vessel or above-counter bowls are used, remember that they add height β you might need a lower vanity or sink base so itβs comfortable to use. Livingetc
6. Style & Finish
- Match the sink shape (round / oval / rectangular / square) with the overall bathroom style (modern, classic, rustic, minimal, etc.) Livingetc+1
- Colour and finish matter β do you want it to blend in with tiles and countertop or stand out? Contrasting sinks can be great focal points. American Standard India -+1
7. Budget & Maintenance
- Be realistic about not just the cost of the sink itself, but plumbing, installation, possible countertop modifications, and any wall reinforcement. Badeloft+1
- Think about how much cleaning you want to do. Some materials or styles require more care (e.g., glass, metal finishes, very deep bowls). Livingetc
β Final Tips
Match sink style with faucet and other fixtures so it looks coordinated.
Before buying, sketch your layout or mark on the wall/vanity the sinkβs dimensions to see how it feels in the real space.
Consider how many people will use it and for what tasks (just hand washing, face-washing, shaving, or washing clothes, etc.).