Edit Article

Bathroom sinks have been designed to provide style to the bathroom as well as purpose. They come in a variety of sizes, materials and colors. Bathroom sinks can be mounted to the wall, stand on their own in a pedestal fashion, or be built into a vanity that also provides space counter and storage. Buy a bathroom sink that matches the size and style of your bathroom, and provides the functions that you require in a sink.



  1. 1
    Measure the amount of space you have in the bathroom for your sink. To prevent the bathroom from getting too crammed, the center of the sink should be at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the closest wall. Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the area you have planned for the sink.
  2. 2
    Decide on the ideal height for your sink. Most sinks are around 34 inches (86.4 cm) from the ground. Vessel sinks, which sit on top of a counter or a vanity, can be tricky to measure because they tend to look like a bowl sitting on a counter. When you measure for a vessel sink, remember that there will be several inches of sink extending up from the vanity or counter, rather than dropping into it.
  3. 3
    Calculate your budget. Bathroom sinks can cost from under $100 for a basic sink to several thousands of dollars for more ornate or custom fixtures. Decide how much you are able to spend before you start shopping.
  4. 4
    Shop around for your favorite style. Once you know what will fit in your bathroom, you can decide between the many different bathroom sink designs.
    • Keep a common and traditional look with a wall mounted sink. These are ideal for small bathrooms. These basic models have no floor support and the drain is often visible beneath it.
    • Choose a pedestal sink if you have limited space, but you want to conceal the plumbing. These sinks are secured to the floor and have no wall mounting.
    • Create a trendy look with a vessel sink. These look like large bowls and come in many different materials and colors.
    • Maintain a versatile bathroom with a drop-in sink. Also called self-rimming or top-mount sinks, these can be installed into any counter top or vanity. Made of cast iron or china, they often have an extra overflow drain, and their piping is concealed by the counter top.
    • Use a framed vanity sink for an older-home feel. Also popular in apartment bathrooms, these sinks are trimmed with a metal frame and they fit into plastic vanity counter tops.
    • Choose a console bathroom sink if you like the ease of a wall mounted sink, but prefer the extra support of two legs at the front of the sink.
    • Consider an under mount sink if you have a solid surface, such as stone. These are installed beneath the counter top, and their basins are slightly wider than the counter top opening. These are modern and provide a sleek look to an upscale bathroom.
  5. 5
    Think about the overall fit of your sink. Make sure the sink you choose will fit with your plumbing, the faucets and other hardware you have in your bathroom. If you are completely remodeling the bathroom, you can plan all of this ahead of time. If you are simply replacing your sink, you will need to be sure it is compatible with what is already in place.
  6. 6
    Look for durable materials that you will be able to clean. Most sinks are made from cast iron, porcelain, vitreous china, fire clay, stone, glass, metal, concrete, or even bamboo and wood. Ask about cleaning instructions and what to do in case of damage.
  7. 7
    Browse the selections. Check local hardware stores, home improvement centers and design showrooms. Most places will provide delivery and installation.
  8. 8
    Check for additional bathroom sinks online. You may be able to find a larger selection and lower prices online. Conduct an Internet search for bathroom sinks, and thousands of online retailers will come up, including well-known sites such as Amazon and eBay.


  • Remember what you use a bathroom sink for. The most attractive sinks may not have enough counter space for you to rest your towels, washcloths, toothbrush, grooming accessories and other toiletries. Think about what you need before you decide on a specific style or design based on appearance.
  • Buy the faucet when you buy the bathroom sink. Do not shop for them separately or you may buy one thing that does not fit with the other.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape

Article Info

Categories: Plumbing Drains Waste and Vents

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,645 times.

Did this article help you?
Yes No