Replacing Bathroom Vanity With Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks are a popular choice when replacing bathroom water fixtures. They can add a very modern and updated look to the bathroom, and are available in many different unique styles that can become the focal point of your entire bathroom. These sinks come in many different beautiful finishes including glass, marble, cast iron, stainless steel, bronze and ceramic. The styling of these sinks mimics that of designs that are centuries old, as washbasins were used long before homes included running water. These sinks are designed to be freestanding, sitting directly on top of the bathroom countertop or other furniture pieces that are designed to support the basin, although some models are designed so that they can be wall mounted.
Plumbing and Countertop Considerations for Vessel Sinks
If you are replacing an existing bathroom vanity with a vessel sink, you might want to first consult a plumber, in case your pipes need to be moved to support the installation. The existing vanity and countertop will also need to be removed, because they will not be configured properly for use with a vessel sink. Countertop height for a vessel sink is different than for a traditional bathroom sink and vanity, due to the fact that the sink will sit higher than the countertop height. The countertop itself should be designed to be lower than normal, to accommodate the additional height of the vessel sink. Since vessel sinks come in varying heights, you should measure the height of the sink, and adjust the countertop height so that the top edge of the sink is approximately 32 to 36 inches from the floor, which is the conventional height for the top edge of a bathroom sink. If you plan to install your vessel sink on the surface of a piece of furniture, you will want to take this height restriction into account as well. Some styles can also be attached directly to a wall using a specially designed bracket if desired.
Choosing a Faucet for a Vessel Sink
Choosing a faucet with a unique look that works well with your sink is also a decision that will take come careful consideration. As opposed to standard bathroom sink faucets, which are often designed to be placed close to the back of the sink, a faucet for this type of sink should be placed so that the water hits the bottom of the sink as opposed to the side, since if the water hits the back wall of the sink, it could cause splashing. The height of the faucet should also be taken into consideration, making sure there is ample room between the top edge of the sink and the faucet. Faucets with a long neck are often the best choice. These faucets and fixtures can either be attached to the wall behind the sink, to the countertop or furniture piece that the sink sits on, or at the back edge of the vessel sink itself, depending on the styling of the sink that is chosen.