Vessel bowls and sinks can add a jaw-dropping visual to a bathroom design and cause your guests to swoon with delight as if they were admiring a work of art. But they can also be more maintenance and less, shall we say, useful. Here’s what to know when choosing a vessel sink for your bathroom remodel.

WHAT IS A VESSEL SINK OR VESSEL BOWL?

A vessel sink or bowl is any sink that sits entirely on top of your bathroom counter. They come in all shapes and sizes, and materials range from porcelain to stone and various metals. Vessel sinks can be simple and clean, or a sculpted work of art.

One of the main reasons to choose a vessel sink is that it creates an opportunity for unique design in a space that is often nothing more than white porcelain. 

VESSEL SINK PROS AND CONS

Splashing is a reality of life no matter what type of bathroom sink you decide on. However, because vessel bowls sit several inches above the counter, they make it more difficult to clean up behind them. 

The fact that the sink is exposed will also mean more surface area to clean. After all, you don’t want your expensive copper or glass vessel bowl covered in water spots. 

On the other hand, you could argue that a deeper vessel bowl means less water escapes when people wash their hands or face, but if the vessel sinks you choose are beautiful enough, you might not care either way.

Shopping & Installation Consideration: When you install a vessel sink, your countertop will have to be set lower to account for the height of the vessel bowl above the sink. Vessel sinks average 4”-8” in height, so consider this when choosing a vessel sink for your bathroom.

WHAT IS THE BEST VESSEL SINK MATERIAL?

Vessel lavatory sinks are made out of just about everything. Here is a short list and some pros and cons:

Stone. This includes marble, granite, onyx, basalt and concrete, among others. While the hardness of natural stone makes it durable, they will need to be sealed periodically to prevent staining. With regular use, this would be done every 2-3 years. 

Concrete reinforced with natural fibers such as jute is a stronger, less crack prone option. These can be a durable, attractive choice, but they tend to chip and wear as they age. This type of sink also needs to be re-sealed periodically.

Glass.  Glass sink options range from simple monotones to abstract works of art. This is an ideal piece for a bathroom you want to showcase or tie into a special design. 

Maintenance of glass sinks is simple. Mild soap and water for regular cleaning, and a 50/50 mix of water to vinegar for hard water spots.

Copper/Hammered Copper: Polished or antique copper vessel sinks, whether hammered or not, will begin to patina from regular use and exposure to the elements. If you want to maintain the copper shine or prevent oxidation, you can use a copper polish to bring it back, followed by a copper wax to maintain it. 

These same rules apply to a plated copper sink.

Bronze: 

Bronze is a beautiful natural material that patinas over time. This material will often have a coat of wax on it when first purchased to help prevent water stains and provide a natural sheen.

Corrosive substances such as anti-bacterial soap or toothpaste that are left on the sink can ruin the patina, so these sinks are not the best for a daily use bathroom. 

However, they will make a stunning visual centerpiece for any bathroom if used with care.

There are many other options for vessel bowls. Some, such as porcelain or stainless steel, are less sensitive to daily use and cleaning, but all manufacturers offer the following care instructions:

-Wipe after use with a soft cloth.

-Only use mild, non-abrasive cleaners

-Never use harsh chemicals such as bleach to clean.

-A 50/50 mix of water to vinegar is safe to use for harsh waterspots but wiping down after use will prevent the need for this.

TIPS WHEN BUYING A VESSEL SINK

If you buy a vessel sink without an overflow, which is common, be sure your drain has no overflow holes, and no way to plug the sink. 

This can prevent the sink from filling up and flooding your house if someone leaves the water on. It also prevents excessive pressure buildup which can damage a natural stone sink.

As a general rule, buy grid drains or fixed dome drains for vessel sinks. 

As a final note, it’s a good idea to buy the recommended drain from the manufacturer when choosing a natural stone vessel sink. These sinks tend to be thicker and a regular drain doesn’t tighten properly.

When you’re out there shopping for a vessel sink, remember that regardless of the potential maintenance or install considerations, you want to make the investment that brings you joy and works with the design of your bathroom. After all, we can adapt to just about anything!

Do you have more questions about vessel sinks? Whether you should get one, if a certain sink works with your design, etc.? Send me an email or book a call!

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