In sink
Published Saturday November 7th, 2009
New styles add a little luxury to your bathroom
Bathroom sinks are no longer simply utilitarian.
There are an amazing number of different styles of bathroom sinks available, from contemporary oval above-counter sinks to 18th- and 19th-century inspired elegant cabinets with vanity top sinks, to tempered glass basins that are virtually works of art.
One of the newer trends in bathroom sinks is the vessel or above-counter sink, which sits on top of a countertop or vanity.
"Vessel sinks are more of a European style," says Jean Cormier, a sales associate with Kent Building Centre's Trinity Drive store.
"They require special faucets, mostly one-hole faucets, while some have faucets mounted on the sink and others have faucets mounted next to the sink."
Regardless of the type of sink, the plumbing requirements are all the same.
Four other common types of sinks are drop-in lavatory sinks, under-mount lavatory sinks, pedestal sinks, and vanity tops.
"Drop-in lavatory sinks are made of porcelain or enameled steel," says Jean. "Those are the sinks that are dropped into a hole in the countertop and the rim is on top of the countertop."
Vanity tops are one moulded piece that has the surface and bowl combined, while under-mount lavatory sinks are recessed beneath the countertop.
"Under-mount lavatory sinks are for people who choose a granite top or another type of specialty sink," says Jean. "There's only a small percentage of people buying these sinks because they are high-end and very expensive."
Pedestal sinks remain a very popular choice.
"Pedestal sinks have two pieces, a top and leg, and they're made of porcelain. They won't rust and they're very elegant," says Jean.
"They come in many different styles and, because they stand alone apart from a countertop or vanity, people usually match the colour to their toilet."
There are also console pedestal sinks that have two legs.
Denis Poirier, owner of A1 Plumbing, says the vessel sinks have become very popular.
"An advantage of vessel sinks is that they sit higher on the vanity for easier access and show a modern, clean look," he says.
Other styles of sinks include wall-hung sinks, that literally hang on the wall without a pedestal, vanity, or counter. There are also specialty sinks made from wood, stone, ceramic, and copper. Denis says they find that there aren't really any trends anymore.
"People are purchasing what appeals to them, probably because there are so many choices being offered today."
One of the benefits of the drop-in sinks is that they are more economical.
"Nowadays, porcelain china drop-in sinks are a better quality than the steel enamel ones," says Denis, "which is making it harder to find the steel sinks in the market."
Before deciding what type of sink to install, homeowners need to consider the style of the room in which it will be installed.
Is it a second bathroom for the kids to use, a luxurious en suite bathroom, or a half bathroom tucked beneath a staircase?
For a farmhouse, Denis recommends a Victorian drop-in sink.
"A vessel sink would suit a more modern-styled home and the larger style of vessel sink would complement the bathroom in a luxury home."
White is the traditional colour of most bathroom sinks because the majority of people match them to their toilets and bathtubs, which are generally white.
Denis says that if people want to install a coloured sink, they should ensure it fits the décor of the bathroom and that they pick a neutral colour such as biscuit or bone.
"Colours change too often and go out of style so it makes it harder to replace later on."
Another reason to avoid coloured bathroom products is because Jean says coloured toilets and bathtubs generally cost 20 per cent to 30 per cent more and need to be specially ordered.
Whether people are renovating or building a home, they need to know the size of the space available before they choose a particular type of bathroom sink.
"There are different choices for every person out there," says Denis.
"The plumbing market is huge now and price has a big influence on what people will put in their house."
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