Vessel sinks are a popular choice for bathrooms looking to add a touch of style and flair. With their bowl-shaped design sitting atop the vanity, vessel sinks are an eye-catching focal point that can help enhance the aesthetic of your bathroom. Paired with a stylish vanity, vessel sinks allow you to create a bathroom with unique character and charm.
Why Choose a Vessel Sink Vanity
Vessel sinks are a great way to add personality and visual interest to your bathroom vanity. Here are some key reasons to consider using a vessel sink vanity:
Unique Styling
The defining characteristic of a vessel sink is the bowl that sits on top of the vanity counter, rather than being recessed into it. This makes for an elegant, distinctive look unlike traditional drop-in or pedestal sinks. Vessel sinks come in a range of bowl shapes, from rounded to square to artistic asymmetrical designs. Their positioning on top of the counter provides an eye-catching focal point.
Creative Freedom
With their unique mounted design, vessel sinks give you more creative liberties when designing your vanity area. You can choose a vanity in any size and material – like natural wood, stone, or metal – without needing to accommodate a recessed sink. Their versatility also allows you to install vessel sinks in corners or small spaces that may not work with other sink types.
Easy to Clean
In vessel sinks, the sink bowl sits fully above the counter, which makes cleaning much easier. There are no tight corners, crevices or backsplashes to work around. You can quickly wipe down all surfaces of the sink without obstruction. This minimalist style and exposure also mean vessel sinks stay drier and are less prone to developing hard water or calcium deposits.
Modern, Sleek Aesthetic
Vessel sinks inherently provide a more modern, sleek look. Their minimalist bowl design, often in gleaming materials like glass or metal, exude a contemporary style. When paired with the right vanity, light fixtures and other bathroom accents, vessel sinks can lend a chic, spa-like feel. If your bathroom remodeling goals include a clean, sophisticated aesthetic, a vessel sink vanity is one way to achieve this.
Vessel Sink Vanity Design Considerations
While their striking style makes them popular choices, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind when designing a bathroom around a vessel sink.
Sink and Vanity Height
Vessel sink bowls tend to be a few inches higher than regular sink basins. Be sure to factor in the additional height needed when selecting your vanity. Standard vanity heights may result in the vessel sink being too high for comfortable use. Customizing the vanity height to a few inches shorter can provide the ideal positioning.
Sink and Vanity Pairing
It’s important to select a vanity size, shape and style that properly balances with the vessel sink bowl you choose. You want the two elements to complement each other. A large ornate sink will look overwhelming on a small delicate vanity, while a tiny rectangular sink can get visually lost on a wide vanity top.
Faucet Selection
Pay attention to faucet heights and designs to find options that will accommodate a vessel sink. Go for taller, more articulated faucets that can clear the bowl rim and allow adequate clearance. Wall-mounted or vessel-specific faucets are ideal pairings.
Countertop Overhang
Vessel sinks don’t utilize any of the countertop area around them. Optimize function by selecting a vanity with minimal overhang between the sink and cabinet body. This limits wasted surface space.
Drainage Space
Make sure to factor in proper drainage space below the vessel sink when designing your vanity. Customizing the vanity height or plumbing may be needed to accommodate drain pipes. Insufficient drainage room will cause water to back up in the sink.
Best Materials for Vessel Sink Vanities
Vessel sinks allow ample flexibility when selecting a material for your vanity. From natural wood to modern lacquered finishes, certain materials pair especially well with vessel sink styling.
Wood
A natural wood vanity provides an organic, earthy contrast to the sleek lines of most vessel sinks. The rich grain patterns and textures of wood like mahogany, walnut, or teak complement the smooth surfaces of glass or metal sinks. For a cohesive yet classic bathroom style, a wooden vessel sink vanity can’t be beat.
Stone
If you want a solid, substantial vanity base for your vessel sink, natural stone is an unparalleled choice. Granite, marble, and other stones project elegance that harmonizes beautifully with vessel sinks. Neutral colored stone surfaces don’t compete visually with the sink but provide an ultra-durable, high-end foundation.
Lacquered Wood
For a bit of sheen, lacquered wood vanities offer lighter tones and satiny finishes. The subtle natural wood grain still shows through, creating visual interest. Matte black, navy blue, or even glossy white lacquered vanities provide a striking, modern contrast to copper, stone, or concrete vessel sinks.
Metal
For contemporary bathroom styles, metal vessel sink vanities are a perfect match. Brushed nickel, bronze, brass, and stainless steel finishes exude modern simplicity. They work especially well with glass vessel bowls, combining sleek lines and metallic tones. Sturdy metal vanities also accommodate the weight of stone sinks.
Vessel Sink Styles to Consider
With so many shapes, materials, and designs available, it helps to narrow down your preferred vessel sink style. Keep these popular styles in mind as you design your new vanity.
Glass Vessel Sinks
Glass is one of the most common materials used for vessel sinks. It provides a sleek, modern look. Glass vessel sinks come in assorted shapes like circles, rectangles, ovals, and diamonds. Textured, colored, or even hand-painted glass sinks offer artistic accents. Glass complements nearly any vanity material.
Oval Ceramic Sinks
Ceramic lends itself well to soft oval or boat-shaped vessel sinks. The smooth porcelain finish pairs nicely with wood vanities for a soothing natural style. Shapes range from symmetrically tapered ovals to fluid freeform styles. White ceramic sinks keep things simple, while vibrant colors add pops of brightness.
Copper Sinks
For an earthy material with natural antibacterial properties, copper is a go-to. The soft metallic finish brings a subtle shine and pairs well with wood or stone vanities. The malleable nature of copper allows for artfully shaped sinks like rippled waves or rounded cubes. Patinas and dingy coins provide a lovely aged look.
Stone Sinks
Natural stone vessel sinks emulate the beauty of marble, travertine, onyx, and other luxury stones. Each sink has its own distinct mineral patterns and colors for one-of-a-kind styles, from bold black and white quartz to soothing beige marbles. The heavyweight material requires a sturdy metal or stone vanity.
Hammered Metal
For industrial edge, metal vessel sinks with a hammered finish add interest. The dented texture provides visual depth and casts small shadows for a dimensional look. Stainless steel, copper, and bronze work well for these sinks, which often have rounded shapes. The rough metal pairs best with stone or contemporary vanities.
Choosing the Right Size Vessel Sink and Vanity
Vessel sink vanities come in an array of sizes, from compact 24-inch models to expansive 72-inch options. Consider the size and layout of your bathroom to select the ideal vanity and sink proportion.
Small Bathrooms
For powder rooms and half baths, opt for a narrow 24 to 30-inch single-sink vanity. This provides adequate vessel sink space without crowding the room. Corner vanity placements can maximize small baths. Avoid overly large sinks that overwhelm; stick to scaled-down vessels.
Medium Bathrooms
A 36-inch vanity with one centered oval or round vessel sink creates a nice focal point in a medium-sized main bath. This offers enough counter space for bathroom essentials. Floating vanities can save floor space in modest baths.
Large Bathrooms
For spacious master baths, double vessel sink vanities make a dramatic style statement. 48 to 60-inch vanities provide ample room for his-and-hers sinks and storage. Choose rectangular sinks that align with the vanity length instead of competing for attention.
Extra Large Bathrooms
To furnish oversized baths, bump up to sprawling vanities like 72-inch furniture-style models pairing two large vessel sinks. Or, opt for his-and-her single sink vanities set apart to define separate grooming spaces. Extra counter space accommodates full makeup spreads or shaving kits.
Best Finish Options for Vessel Sink Vanities
The finish you choose for your vanity, whether painted, stained, or left natural, will impact the overall style significantly. Consider these finish options to complement your vessel sink selection.
Stained Wood Finishes
Staining is ideal for showcasing the natural wood grain of vanities made from oak, walnut, teak, or mahogany. Dark espresso and wengue stains add drama while lighter oak and maple help brighten. The wood tone should coordinate with your vessel sink hue.
Painted Finishes
A fresh coat of paint in a color you love transforms basic vanities. Painting also allows you to match the sink and vanity finishes. Glossy lacquer paints in black, navy, or white give off sleek contemporary vibes. Matte grey and blue-green paints feel more beachy.
Natural Finishes
For wood vanities, a clear polyurethane finish leaves the natural color and grain visible. This provides a rich, organic look that pairs well with stone, concrete, or hammered metal sinks. Natural finished wood exudes warmth and texture.
Distressed Finishes
Soften traditional woods with an artisan distressed finish. Intentionally created nicks, dings, and worn spots provide antique character that contrasts beautifully with gleaming vessel sinks. Whitewashed, weathered gray, or chippy painted finishes also impart vintage charm.
Metallic Finishes
Add shine with stainless steel, chrome, bronze, and brass finished vanities. The polished metal look meshes seamlessly with glass, metal, and stone vessel sinks. Futuristic silver or retro gold finishes impart glam styles. Metallic vanities should take center stage.
Vessel Sink Vanity Design Ideas
When designing your bathroom around a vessel sink vanity, keep these eye-catching arrangements in mind:
Complementary Contrasts
Play with contrasts – like sleek glass sinks atop natural wood vanities or hammered copper vessels on black stone bases. The juxtaposition of textures and tones makes the different elements stand out.
Sink Focal Points
Floating shelves on either side of the sink highlight vessel bowls as the focal point. Keep the shelves minimal to avoid competing with the sink. A vivid sink color like emerald green pops against neutral vanity backdrops.
Double the Drama
For his-and-her bathrooms, pair two identical vessel sink vanities side by side. The duplication magnifies the dramatic effect. Include coordinating mirror frames to tie the arrangement together.
Farmhouse Charm
A white ceramic apron-front vessel sink exudes old-fashioned charm against weathered wood vanities. Add vintage accents like curtain tiebacks as knobs. A distressed blue, green, or pink paint job amps up the timeworn appeal.
Industrial Edge
The combination of concrete vessel sinks, exposed piping, and black metal vanities exudes cool industrial edge. Keep the vanity legs and hardware strategically mismatched for an eclectic warehouse vibe.
Modern Zen
Minimalism is key to zen-inspired baths. Floating wood slab vanities with a single oval white vessel sink encapsulate peaceful simplicity. Neutral stone or bamboo tile surrounds complete the spa-like tranquility.
Pros and Cons of Vessel Sink Vanities
Like any design choice, vessel sink vanities come with both advantages and disadvantages. Assess the pros and cons to decide if they are the right fit.
Pros
- Distinctive stylish look
- Huge variety of sink and vanity designs
- Easy to clean with no hard-to-reach areas
- Draw attention as a striking focal point
- Allow freedom to customize vanity height and size
- Sink sits higher for easier access
Cons
- Limited countertop workspace around sink
- Require precise faucet selection and placement
- Poor overhangs waste counter space
- Higher risk of splashing water or debris on counters
- Condensation drips down sides of cold materials
- Not suited for individuals with limited mobility
FAQs about Vessel Sink Vanities
What is the best material for a vessel sink vanity?
Vessel sinks pair well with nearly any material from natural woods to lacquered finishes to metals and stone. Choose a material that coordinates with your sink selection and overall bathroom aesthetic. Wood and stone offer an earthier contrast to sleek glass sinks.
Do you need a special faucet for a vessel sink?
Yes, standard faucets won’t work. Opt for tall gooseneck faucets, articulated designs, or wall-mounted faucets that clear the top of vessel bowls. Make sure to account for adequate clearance between the faucet spout and sink.
How much space do you need behind a vessel sink?
Plan for 10-12 inches of backsplash space behind the sink to accommodate plumbing and provide protection from water splashes. If space is tight, customized plumbing can allow closer placements.
Should the vanity be shorter for a vessel sink?
Often yes, an inch or two shorter helps. Standard vanity heights may make vessel sinks uncomfortably high for use. Measure your desired sink height and adjust vanity heights accordingly.
Can you put cabinets under a vessel sink vanity?
Yes, vessel sinks allow normal storage cabinets underneath. Just ensure adequate plumbing and drainage space. Customize cabinet heights to align with the vanity height.
How do you clean a vessel sink?
Daily cleaning simply requires wiping the inner and outer sink surfaces with a soft cloth and mild cleanser. Avoid abrasive pads. For hard water stains, use a vinegar solution. Bleach solutions can disinfect metal and glass sinks.
Conclusion
With their eye-catching bowl-on-counter style, vessel sinks are a go-to choice for adding modern flair or vintage charm to bathroom vanities. Their versatility pairs well with any vanity material from natural wood to lacquered, painted, or metal finishes. When thoughtfully designed, a vessel sink vanity can transform your bathroom into a stylish oasis with unique character.
From glass to ceramic to copper and stone, the range of vessel sink and vanity options allows you to create a look that aligns with your personal taste. Just keep key considerations in mind, like proper sink and faucet pairings, customized vanity heights, and adequate drainage space. Vessel sink vanities provide a creative way to infuse visual interest and your unique style into the heart of your bathroom.