Homily Magazine

Vessels sinks can give the bathroom a Japanese look. The elegance and sophistication can create an Asian flair and complements various styles of faucets and finishes very well. They come in many different designs and materials which will often produce a stunning focal piece in the bathroom.

They have a distinctive three dimensional appeal as the bowl appears to be sitting on top of the counter surface. They are produced in a variety of materials but commonly granite, stone, glass and marble. They give an air of unique, sophisticated elegance.

Vessel sinks are usually about five to six inches in diameter with a height of about fifteen to eighteen inches. They are great for washing in but have a tendency to allow water to splash out compared to normal sinks. This can be reduced by using a deeper bowl. With these types of sinks, it is more of a case of form over function. I think their beauty is a small price to pay for this slight inconvenience.

The top materials for vessel sink manufacture are: Granite, Stone, Marble, and Onyx:

The granite vessel sink is cut from a single piece of granite and polished to a high sheen. They will give the bathroom a stunning contemporary earthy look. They come in many different shades from black and grey to pink and orange. Sat on an oak vanity with polished stainless steel or chrome faucets, they are simply stunning.

Stone sinks are hand made and chiseled, making each one unique. This hand finishing gives a lot of texture to the outside of the bowl.They come in many colors and come in standard rock or pebble style adding a natural look to the bathroom. Again, they look good with a polished faucet and also a matte finished one.

Marble vessel sinks provide more of a luxurious modern look. They come in the largest variety of colors, with dark colors giving a strong urban look and lighter shades giving a more traditional appearance. Another interesting variety is the sink made out of marble cubes, creating a mosaic like pattern.

Onyx sinks are the ultimate in sinks, giving the best Japanese inspiration. Not only can you find the traditional bowl shaped sinks but also square and flat, sushi plate like, varieties. To finish the look use chrome or polished stainless steel faucets.

Installing a sink requires plumbing skills and can be quite tricky. If you are renovating and installing a new sink, I would advise using the services of a professional plumber. This can save money in the long term by avoiding expensive mistakes.

Gavin writes many articles about bathroom vanity sinks and about finding the best bathroom sinks for your room.