Tips on Shopping for a Bathroom Sink

Top 10 Tips on Shopping for a Bathroom Sink

1.  It is best to set a high budget for purchasing bathroom sinks.  The basic sink models start out at $100 and go on indefinitely.  Each manufacturer maintains a variety of bathroom sinks in all price ranges to accommodate the needs of all of their customers. 

2.  Consider the type of bathroom sink you will need.  There are double sink models, single cabinet models, single pedestal sink models, single and double wall-mounted lavatories, and consoles. 

3.  Know the material that the bathroom sink will be made of.  All of these models are made with a variety of materials.  Some will be fire clay, vitreous clay or more luxurious models will be made of fine Italian porcelain.   

4.  Learn the language of bathroom hand washing fixtures.  If you hire a building contractor, and use the wrong lingo in telling them what type of sink to purchase, they may very well bring back the wrong model.  A bathroom sink is commonly referred to as a lavatory to building contractors.  A bathroom sink will only apply if the lavatory tops a pedestal, such as the pedestal sink that is so popular.  Other common jargon for lavatories are lav, and lavy.

5.  Learn the categories of bathroom lavatories.  The categories for sinks are pedestal sink, countertop mounted lavatory basins, wall-mounted lavatories, and consoles.

6. Understand the color choices that are available for your decorating needs.  You can take an elegantly styled bowl with designs built into the base, and color them in colors of kiwi, zesty lemon, bitter lime, tangerine, mango, or choose a finish that is white matte.  In English porcelain bathroom sinks, the color of white is presented in three styles of croquet, stucco and linen.  There are color choices in glass that are clear, blue, and those that resemble hand blown glass complete with bubbles that refract the light.

7.  Be aware that there is a vast price difference to be found in hand-painted lavatories.  The price is based on the intricacy of the design and the number of colors in the design and can range from $250 to $1200.  Be sure to examine all models because some will surprise you.  If you are shopping in this category, you might look for specialty themes such as sports.  Some companies will create lavatories with photographs in them.

8.  Keep in mind that lavatories can be installed on any type of surface.  There are 24 basic countertop colors offered on the market, and they are displayed in tile, wood, marble, stone, granite, solid surfacing and laminate.  Feel free to mix these surfaces together, and blend them with colored grouting compounds for a look of refinement.

9.  Consider restoring antique furniture and converting it for use in the home bathroom.  Lavatory sinks can be placed into any level surface, and antique furniture can be protected with wood grain sealers.  The elegance that these bathroom lavatories emits is quite breathtaking.

10.  Consider whether a bathroom is functional or does it just look good.  If the bathroom sink does not have all of the functions that your family needs, such as double sinks and combined water connections, how will the bathroom serve the family when the good looks start to wear away.