Choosing the right bathroom sink is an important decision that impacts the look, feel, and functionality of your space. With so many materials and styles to select from, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what will work best for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most popular sink materials and styles to consider for your bathroom remodel or new construction project.
Porcelain Sinks
Porcelain is one of the most common and versatile materials used for bathroom sinks. Made from a hardened clay composite, porcelain sinks are smooth, durable, easy to clean, and stain resistant. They come in a wide range of styles and can complement traditional or contemporary bathrooms equally well.
Pros
- Extremely durable – porcelain resists chipping, abrasions, and scratches
- Easy to clean – the non-porous surface prevents grime buildup
- Stain resistant – the dense material prevents stains from setting in
- Variety of styles – from rectangular undermounts to vessel bowls
- Affordable – porcelain sinks cost less than most other materials
Cons
- Prone to cracks if subjected to rapid temperature changes
- Noisy – water landing in the basin can be loud
- Not as lustrous as some materials – porcelain has a matte finish
Popular Styles
Undermount sinks – these sinks mount underneath the countertop creating a sleek, contemporary look. They come in single, double, and triple basin options.
Vessel sinks – a vessel sink rests on top of the counter like a bowl. The exposed sides showcase the sink’s color and design.
Pedestal sinks – the sink basin is mounted on a central pedestal base that hides the plumbing. Pedestal sinks are space-savers.
Console sinks – featuring a finished front or “apron”, these sinks offer storage space underneath.
Wall-mount sinks – wall-mounted sinks are fixed directly to the wall studs, saving space.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel is valued for its industrial look, durability, and affordability. Comprised of a steel alloy with chromium and nickel, stainless steel boasts a high-shine, modern aesthetic. It’s a versatile choice that pairs nicely with various materials and color palettes.
Pros
- Extremely durable – resists scratches, dents, stains and rust
- Hygienic – nonporous surface inhibits bacterial growth
- Easy to clean – smooth finish prevents grime buildup
- Sound dampening – limits noisy water droplets
- Heat resistant – won’t crack under exposure to hot pans, etc.
Cons
- Condensation – cold water creates water droplets on the sink
- Shows water spots – mineral deposits from hard water can build up
- Lacks elegance – not as refined as stone, ceramic, or metal
Popular Styles
Undermount sinks – allow for easy wipe-down of the countertop surface into the sink. Common in double basin designs.
Farmhouse sinks – oversized, rectangular apron-front sinks often used in country kitchen designs.
Bar/prep sinks – compact sinks sized for use as wet bars, laundry rooms, or prep areas.
Inset sinks – sit flush within the countertop for a seamless appearance. Require custom countertop cutouts.
Solid Surface Sinks
Crafted from a blend of natural minerals and acrylic resins, solid surface sinks are durable, stain resistant, and available in a variety of colors. With seamless styling, solid surface sinks appear to be carved out of the countertop material itself.
Pros
- Seamless – material allows for integrated sink/countertop designs
- Durable – resistant to chips, scratches, and stains
- Renewable – small scratches can be buffed out of the material
- Hygienic – nonporous surface deters bacteria growth
- Sound absorption – material helps minimize noisy water droplets
Cons
- Expensive – higher cost than porcelain or stainless steel
- Limited styles – mostly contemporary, streamlined designs
- Requires expert installation – precision is needed to get a seamless look
Popular Styles
Undermount sinks – installed beneath the counter create a streamlined look.
Integral/self-rimming sinks – material is shaped into both sink basin and surrounding countertop.
Rectangle sinks – single or double bowl rectangular undermount sinks are common.
Custom colors – solid surface allows for custom colored sinks.
Natural Stone Sinks
Sinks cut from granite, marble, travertine, and other natural stones make an elegant statement in the bathroom. Each piece exhibits the unique veining, colors, and textures of the source stone. Durable finishes are applied to prevent staining and etching.
Pros
- Unique aesthetic – one-of-a-kind natural patterns and colors
- Durable – hard, heat/scratch-resistant surfaces
- Elegant – stone offers luxury, beauty, and opulence
- Variety – extensive choices beyond just granite
Cons
- Expensive – natural stone costs more than materials like porcelain
- May stain – porous material requires resealing to prevent staining
- Heavy – extra support needed for the weight of stone
- Etching – acids may damage sink’s finish over time
Popular Styles
Vessel sinks – stone’s natural patters beautifully accentuate the exposed bowl shape.
Undermount sinks – seamless installation showcases stone as part of the whole countertop.
Stone composite sinks – pulverized stone and resin allows for intricate sink shapes.
Marble sinks – provides a soft elegance and timeless appeal.
Copper Sinks
Copper has been used for sinks and tubs for centuries due to its natural antibacterial properties. When exposed to air and water, copper develops a unique patina finish. Copper offers a distinct, vintage-inspired look gaining popularity for farmhouse and traditional spaces.
Pros
- Antibacterial – natural copper kills harmful bacteria
- Develops patina – forms unique aging and color patterns
- Durable – scratch resistant and able to be hammered back into shape
- Vintage inspired – brings a timeless, antique look
- Rustic – complements farmhouse, traditional, and cottage styles
Cons
- Expensive – costs more than basic stainless steel or porcelain
- Needs frequent cleaning – patina accumulation can appear dirty
- Discolors – can stain lighter countertop materials over time
- Soft metal – prone to scratching and denting without proper care
Popular Styles
Farmhouse apron-front – oversized double bowl sinks complete the vintage farm look.
Hammered copper – hand-hammered finishes provide artisanal character.
Vessels – tall copper bowls make striking focal points.
Butler’s sinks – rectangular sinks with a shallow third basin for drain-drying.
Glass Sinks
Glass vessel sinks make a gleaming, eye-catching statement in contemporary bathroom designs. Made from tempered glass or hand-blown glass, glass sinks radiate luxury. Colored, patterned, and even illuminated glass provides dramatic focal points.
Pros
- Contemporary styling – glass makes a bold, modern design statement
- Variety – colored, patterned, and lit sinks available
- Easy to clean – smooth nonporous surface
- Brilliant shine – glass offers unmatched radiance
Cons
- Prone to showing water spots and mineral deposits
- Susceptible to scratching, chipping if handled roughly
- Noisy – sound of running water amplifies in glass
- High maintenance – needs frequent cleaning to maintain appearance
Popular Styles
Vessel sinks – glass bowls displayed on the countertop make striking accents.
Vanity top sinks – glass incorporated into stone or quartz vanity tops.
Lit glass vessels – colored LED lights create a vibrant, mood setting accent.
Frosted/etched glass – diffused glass softens the sink’s gleam.
Fireclay Sinks
Fireclay is a densely fired porcelain that creates sinks of remarkable durability and charm. The material allows vintage styling along with modern shapes and configurations. Fireclay can mimic materials like concrete at a lower cost.
Pros
- Extremely durable – resistant to chips, scratches, stains, and acids
- Vintage styling – recreations of early 20th-century sinks
- Affordable – generally lower cost than natural materials like stone
- Easy to clean – glasslike enamel surface
- Design versatility – available in modern styles as well
Cons
- Limited styles – niche material without the variety of porcelain or stainless
- Noisy – the hard surface amplifies running water
- Prone to cracks – vulnerabilities if subjected to rapid temperature changes
- Heavy – fireclay sinks have significant weight
Popular Styles
Farmhouse apron-front – double bowl fireclay sinks complete a vintage farmhouse look
Retro – designs modeled after early 20th-century sinks
Modern – streamlined fireclay sinks complement contemporary bathrooms
Colored enamel – hues like jade, plum, and navy match color schemes
Acrylic Sinks
Acrylic sinks provide an affordable option with seamless styling and custom color options. Made from a polyacrylic resin, acrylic combines acrylic and polyester to form a durable, plastic-like material easily molded into any shape.
Pros
- Affordable – lower cost alternative to stone or solid surface materials
- Durable – resistant to chips and scratches
- Custom colors – match any color scheme
- Seamless appearance – bowls seem carved out of countertops
- Sound absorption – material dampens running water noise
Cons
- Prone to scratching – not as scratch resistant as stone, glass or metal
- Stains – acrylic stains from chemicals, dyes, or long-term exposure
- Cheap feel – lacks the elegance and richness of stone or ceramic
- Limited styles – mostly contemporary integrated or undermount bowls
Popular Styles
Undermount – installed beneath the counter for an integrated, streamlined look
Integral bowls – acrylic molded into the bathroom vanity top
Colored – acrylic allows for vibrant, customized colors
Double bowl – provides more utility for guest bathrooms
Composite Sinks
Composite sinks offer great durability and extraordinary versatility of shapes, textures, and styling. Composed of a blend of crushed stones, powdered glass, and binding resins, today’s composite sinks provide quality, customization, and affordability.
Pros
- Extremely durable – resistant to chips, scratches, stains and heat
- Custom designs – array of shapes, textures, and appearance options
- Affordable – lower cost than natural stone materials
- Easy to clean – nonporous surface
- Sound absorption – dampens noise from running water
Cons
- Limited styles – niche material lacking the breadth of porcelain/steel options
- Prone to cracks – vulnerability to sudden, rapid temperature changes
- Stains – composite stains from constant chemical/dye exposure
- Unrefined look – lacks high-end elegance of natural stone
Popular Styles
Farmhouse – composite allows for a deep, wide farmhouse sink without the weight of cast iron.
Stone look – composite formulated to mimic granite, marble or other stones.
Molded designs – swirling, artistic patterns molded directly into the sink surface.
Multiple levels – unique stepped and layered basin shapes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Sink
With so many options to weigh, choosing the right bathroom sink requires careful consideration of your needs and style. Keep the following factors in mind:
Installation Type
The sink installation impacts the aesthetic and ease of cleaning. Undermount sinks offer a continuous counter surface. Vessel and top-mount sinks have exposed basins requiring cleaning around the edges.
Sink Configuration
Single bowl sinks work well for powder rooms while double bowl sinks are preferred for master bathrooms. Unusual shapes and sloped basins also provide style.
Durability
Choose a durable material like porcelain, stainless steel, quartz, or stone if the bathroom will get heavy use. More delicate materials like glass may chip under heavy use.
Stain Resistance
Consider how the sink will be used and what products will come in contact with the surface. Staining can be an issue for materials like concrete and natural stone.
Design Style
Let your overall bathroom design guide your sink selection. For example, stainless steel works for modern spaces while fireclay suits farmhouse styles.
Cost
Bathroom sink costs range widely from $100 to $1000+. Know your budget and where you’re willing to splurge or save.
Easy Maintenance
Select nonporous, stain-resistant materials if you don’t want to deal with heavy cleaning. Porcelain enameled cast iron is a great low maintenance option.
Countertop Compatibility
Make sure your sink choice pairs well with your countertop aesthetically and functionally. Undermount sinks work best with waterproof counter materials like quartz and solid surface.
Bathroom Sink Installation Types
Installation is a key factor influencing sink style and functionality. Let’s look at the most common installation methods.
Undermount Bathroom Sinks
Undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertop with a precise cutout made to hold the sink in place. Silicone adhesive secures the sink rim to the counter underside. Undermount installations provide a seamless transition from countertop to sink basin for easy cleaning. However, countertop materials like wood or tile that are not waterproof are not candidates for undermount sinks which expose the cut edges to water.
Self-Rimming Bathroom Sinks
Self-rimming sinks have edges that sit on top of the counter. They often come bundled with matching countertops as one preassembled unit. A bead of caulk or sealant around the rim prevents liquid from penetrating to the counter material underneath. The exposed sink rims make cleaning the flat countertop near the basin challenging. Self-rimming installation is simple and pairs well with nearly all countertop materials.
Vessel Bathroom Sinks
Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter like a bowl or basin. Their rim typically stands 3-6 inches above the vanity top. Vessels come in stunning shapes and materials that make an eye-catching statement. However, their elevated basins can obstruct usage and make personal grooming like shaving difficult. Vessel installation is not compatible with wall-mount faucets.
Wall-Mount Bathroom Sinks
Wall-mounted sinks attach directly to the wall studs using concealed wall brackets. They can be installed at any height as needed. Wall-mounted sinks are great space-savers in small baths. However, the exposed wall mount hardware can detract from the aesthetics. Wall-mounting also makes counter space unusable behind the basin area.
Pedestal Bathroom Sinks
Pedestal sinks feature a tall, narrow pedestal base that both supports the sink basin and hides the drain pipe and plumbing. The small footprint makes them ideal when space is limited. However, the exposed pipes and restricted storage underneath are downsides. Cleanup can also be tricky with basin overhangs.
Corner Bathroom Sinks
Corner sinks maximize bathroom space by fitting into tight or angular spaces that other configurations can’t. They utilize wasted space and allow better ergonomics. However, the unusual shapes and sizes of corner sinks makes selecting faucets and drains challenging.
Bathroom Sink Styles By Installation Type
- Undermount – Integral/solid surface, stainless steel, composite, natural stone
- Self-Rimming – Porcelain, stainless steel, fireclay, acrylic, resin
- Vessel – Glass, stone, porcelain, copper, concrete
- Wall-Mount – Glass, porcelain, stainless steel
- Pedestal – Porcelain, fireclay
- Corner – Porcelain, resin, composite
Now that we’ve covered the popular sink materials and installation types, let’s look at some specific sink styles that utilize those materials and configurations.
Common Bathroom Sink Styles
1. Undermount Double Bowl
Double bowl undermount sinks allow two users to share the sink space simultaneously. The divided basins also optimize workspace. The undermount installation provides a smooth transition from countertop to sink. Stainless steel and porcelain are common double bowl materials.
2. Porcelain Pedestal
The porcelain pedestal sink offers a compact footprint perfect for small powder rooms. Porcelain provides a durable, easy to clean and maintain surface. The column pedestal base adds vintage flair.
3. Glass Vessel
A glass vessel sink sits atop the vanity surface like an ornament. Glass vessels showcase brilliant colors, shapes, and even interior illusions. The bowl shape can cause splashes yet makes a breathtaking statement.
4. Farmhouse/Apron Front
The generous rectangular sink apron on a farmhouse sink adds vintage rural character. Fireclay and stainless steel are common materials, providing durability and vintage styling. The large basin allows for washing large pots and baking sheets.
5. Wall Hung Modern
Wall-hung modern sinks have simple, streamlined designs with the plumbing hidden within the wall. Made from materials like vitreous china, glass, and enameled metal, they exemplify contemporary, minimalist style.
6. Integral Double Bowl
Integral double bowl sinks appear carved from the countertop surface for perfect seamlessness. Solid surface and natural stone materials work beautifully for this integrated look. The divided bowls increase functionality.
7. Hammered Copper Farmhouse
The hammered finish and warm copper material of these farmhouse sinks provide artisanal, rustic flair. Copper’s natural antibacterial properties provide hygienic benefits as
