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How to Choose a Bathroom
Vessel Sink and Faucet
Vessel
sinks have opened up a whole new world of Bathroom design
Vessel
sinks are so versatile. Aside from being functional, they are
also elegant looking and great conversational pieces. They are
truly works of art. They are very popular in renovating bathrooms,
not only in contemporary homes but in traditional homes as well.
They can be used in bathroom remodel (which is the most common
place to use vessel sinks), kitchen (2nd sink for hand and vegetable
washing only and not for heavy duty dish and pot washing), and
as a sink for your wet bar..
When
choosing the right vessel sink for your home, one needs to take
a few factors that will go with the design and architecture
of your home into consideration:
FINDING
YOUR VESSEL SINK STYLE:
If
you have a contemporary home,
glass and ceramic vessels show clean contemporary styles to
go with your home décor. For example using frosted glass vessel
sinks that come in different shapes and colors. Some are funky
and look like wildeyed glass with different mixture of colors.
If you are using glass counters, highlight them by using a light
underneath or directly above the sink. You and your guest will
not want to leave your bathroom.
If
your home is more on the traditional side; for example a
Victorian or Craftsman style, there a lot of options to choose
from. Ceramic vessel sink with floral design for a Victorian
powder room. With a Craftsman style home, try glass with deep
color more on the earthy side like golden brown. A vessel sink
made of stone or concrete goes well with the Craftsman and Old
World design. Gives it that rustic feel and texture.
CHOOSING
THE RIGHT VESSEL SINK MATERIAL:
Glass:
The most popular vessel sink material. It is wonderful to see
into and through the glass when the water is running. Glass
vessel sinks come in never ending different colors, designs
and shapes. Some even mimic wood and other textures like rope.
The big thing about glass is you always make sure to clean it
up after each use, especially after brushing your teeth, making
sure that the toothpaste marks are wiped off . The price range
for a simple glass vessel sink can start from the low $100's
but the hand blown with unique artistic designs can cost up
to $2,500 a piece.
Stone:
Vessel sinks made of stone are the second most popular material
and are probably the most durable of all materials. Onyx, marble,
granite, concrete, and travertine stones are some of the stone
materials to choose from. They can be used in all types of homes,
from contemporary to craftsman style homes. They can also be
very expensive, since they are made from expensive natural materials.
Usually stone vessel sinks are cut from a single block of stone
adding to the cost.
Ceramic/China:
This is the third most popular material. Vessel sinks made of
ceramics are easy to maintain and clean. They also come in different
shapes and colors. Being over the counter they create beautiful
and unique shape and feel to the bathroom.
Stainless
Steel: Vessel sinks out of stainless is a good choice to
use in your wet bar or sink next to your stove. The finish will
go with your kitchen and bar appliances. They are usually one
of the higher maintenance of the vessel sinks.
Metals
(Copper, Brass, Bronze, and Nickel): Copper is probably
the most popular metal finish vessel sink available in the market.
Copper is also a disenfectant for germs.
Wood:
Still popular and are found in many home is wood vessel sinks.
They come with finishes that are water-proof. Wood needs special
care and attention, but once properly maintained it can be very
rewarding especially if you use it in bathrooms less frequented
or in a spa-like retreat atmosphere.
VESSEL
SINK SHAPES:
Round
or Oval: This is the most common shapes for vessel sinks.
Because they have the highest production volume they usually
are less expensive than other types of sinks.
Square:
Used in smaller counter spaces.
Rectangle/Oblong:
This is a good shape choice. This gives water plenty of room
to move around in the sink and therefore has more functional
element to them other than design shape.
Shell
Shaped/Tapered: Used in themes and children's bathroom,
this shape can add beauty and charm.
Triangle:
Although not as popular as the other shapes, this is for a unique
take on sinks and contemporary fee.
As
you can see there are many options to choose from. If you really
want to have something that is eye-catching and unique, have
it custom-made. However, with more and more new kinds and of
vessel sinks coming onto the market daily, you many times can
find a unique style that will work right at your finger tips
at Top10vesselsinks.com.
One thing also to remember you can order custom sinks from Top10vesselsinks.com
but like anything else there can be a lead time from a few weeks
to a few months on custom pieces depending how complex they
are.
NOW
LETS CHOOSE A FAUCET
After
choosing your vessel sinks, you want to choose vessel faucets.
Vessel-sink faucets are meant for use with above-counter vessel
sinks. The faucet you choose must have a spout that is long
and high enough to reach the bowl. You may also consider a wall-mounted
faucet. There are two types of vessel sink faucet types:
MOUNTING TYPES OF VESSEL SINK FAUCETS
Counter
top mount faucets:
These vessel faucets are higher than your normal faucets because
they raise higher than the height of the vessel sink.
Wall-mounted
faucets: Bbecoming more and more popular since mounting
faucets on the wall can save counter space by pushing your bowl
closer to the wall. There is then no need to save space for
a faucet on your countertop.
STYLES
OF VESSEL SINK FAUCETS
Modern/Contemporary
Style:
most vessel faucets come in modern styles since those opting
for vessel sinks like those made of glass. Clean lines and shape
is a distinctive characteristic of a contemporary style vessel
faucet.
Vintage/Classical
Style: These are styles that come in curves and forms that
would go well in a traditional- like the Victorian, Old World,
and Country French style homes.
FINISHES OF VESSEL SINK FAUCETS
Vessel
faucets come in varios choices of metal finishes. Some of them
come with glass spouts as well. Please note that different finishes
have different prices. Remember to choose the right finish with
the drains and accessories for a more cohesive look. Examples
of finishes include: Chrome, Brass, Bronze, Nickel, Copper,
Gold Metallic, Pewter, Painted
VARIOUS
SPOUTS OF VESSEL SINK FAUCETS
Cascade/Waterfall
vessel faucets: Usually made of wider spouts, these types
of faucets can add drama to your bathroom. The water cascades
into the glass vessel sink creating an illusion of a waterfall.
Narrow
mouthed spout: This is similar to standard faucets, the
water flows straight down.
Wide
mouthed spout: This allows for more water coverage like
the cascading waterfall type
VESSEL
SINK FAUCETS HANDLES
Single
lever handle: This is very common with the tall counter
mounted faucets.
Double
handle: double handle means one on each side.
Separate
handles (single or double): Used mainly for wall mounted
faucets.
Last Tip: Also consider the complexity of installing
the faucet. Wall mounted faucets are more complicated, which
may require a few plumbing adjustments. It may be worth considering
hiring a plumber to do the work; especially if this is the first
time you are going to tackle this type of installation.