Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks are plumbing fixtures consisting of a stand, sink and faucet. Vessel sinks are designed to replicate the appearance of a bowl resting on a table, reminiscent of a traditional wash basin. Vessel sinks are typically installed in bathrooms.

The shape and material used as the bathroom vessel sink to match the appearance that is desired. Glass, porcelain, metal, and stone are all materials used in vessel sinks.

Glass Vessel Sink

Glass vessel sinks are available in a many colors and patterns. Both clear and opaque glass is used in vessel sink design. Clear and etched glass vessel sinks are used if a clean modern look is desired. Opaque glass is used if a pattern or more solid appearance is desired.

Porcelain & Ceramic Vessel Sink

Porcelain vessel sinks as well as ceramic vessel sinks have colors and patterns similar to glass, but create stronger textures. Porcelain and ceramic can be manipulated into more diverse shapes than glass while still retaining smoothness and clean design lines.

Metal Vessel Sink

A metal vessel sink can provide a strong design point within the room providing color and texture. Many metals are used as vessel sinks. Copper, bronze, and stainless steel, are common. Metal vessel sinks can be formed into round, square, oblong, or freeform shapes. Metal vessel sinks can be stamped, embossed, painted, etched or distressed.

Copper Vessel Sink

Copper has been used historically as sink material because of its durability, workability and resistance to water. Copper vessel sinks draw on the past to create both traditional and modern designs. A copper vessel sink is versatile, and works well with both metal and wood sink stands.

Stone Vessel Sink

Stone vessel sinks often become the major design element of the room in which it is located. Formed by carving, these sinks can be round, oblong, rectangular, freeform, thick, or translucent. As a solid material, stone vessel sinks create a strong sculptural appearance. The natural colors, textures and patterns of the stone used in the vessel sink create the primary design effect. Stone vessel sinks are often paired with stone, glass or metal vessel sink stands to create a contrast of patterns and textures.

Part of the overall appearance and design of the vessel sink is the faucet. The faucet design and color selected is an accent element to the vessel sink. The faucet is located to enhance the appearance and functionality of the vessel sink. The vessel sink faucet can become a visual focal point in the design since it is the item operated to create water flow into the sink.

Wall or Deck Mounted

Vessel faucets are either wall or deck mounted. Wall faucets are part of the wall and have a spout long enough to flow water into the vessel. Deck mounted faucets are typically located to the side behind the vessel sink. A deck mounted vessel faucet is taller than regular plumbing faucets so that water can flow at a useable height into the vessel sink.

The vessel sink stand is a primary design element of the vessel sink. Simplistic to ornate vessel sink stands are available depending on the desired room effect. The overall vessel sink design depends on integrating the vessel sink and faucet with the vessel sink stand. The most common types of vessel sink stands are wall-mounted, freestanding or vanity.

Wall-mounted

A wall-mounted vessel sink stand has brackets that support the vessel sink and stand from the wall. The wall-mounted stand enhances a minimalist design making the vessel appear to float or cantilever from the wall.

Freestanding

A freestanding vessel sink stand resembles a table or sideboard, and does not appear to be attached to the adjacent wall. Wood or metal table legs are combined with wood, glass, stone or ceramic tops to create the intended design of a vessel resting on a table.

Vanity

A vessel sink vanity is a stand that is similar to the traditional vanity with cabinets and doors. Vessel sink vanities have wood, ceramic, or stone tops. Vessel sink vanity designs can be simple or ornate depending on the overall design and theme of the room.

A vessel sink can add to the appearance of a room by creating a central design element. Properly selecting a vessel sink, faucet and sink stand will provide a prominent room feature out of an otherwise mundane plumbing fixture.