Over the past few years, vessel sinks have become a popular sink option for modern bathrooms. If you are considering installing a vessel sink for the first time, you may be wondering which size is best. Lucky for you, you've come to the right place. We've done some digging to find how to size a vessel sink for your vanity, and in this post, we will discuss this in detail.
It's important to know what size vessel sink will work best for your vanity before starting your search for a new one. Vessel sinks typically range anywhere from 16 to 23 inches in width. The depth of a vessel sink can range anywhere from 4 to 8 inches, and the length of the sink will typically fall between 13 and 20 inches.
The sink and vanity are typically the biggest focal points in your bathroom. So, it makes sense to want to choose the perfect style and ideal size configuration for your new sink. Continue reading to learn more about size and style considerations for vessel sinks.
How to Choose the Right Vessel Sink
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Take the sink measurements
A top-mounted vessel sink, as most are, will add anywhere from 4 to 8 inches to the configuration of the countertop. That being stated, it's important to first measure the length and height of your bathroom countertop to determine the right size for your vessel sink.
Your average bathroom vanity will be anywhere from 32 to 36 inches tall and anywhere between 18 and 17 inches wide. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that vanity countertops are between 32 and 43 inches high. This range allows for a comfortable height for users.
This means is that if your vessel sink is top-mounted, the total height of the vanity and the sink should not be more than 43 inches tall. It's also important that you note the diameter of the bottom of your vessel sink, as you will need at least 3 to 8 inches of space between its edges and that of the vanity for a safe installation.
Consider the faucet
Plumbing is another factor that you'll need to consider before purchasing a vessel sink. Being that most vessel sinks are top-mounted, a typical 4-inch-tall faucet will not be high enough to accommodate the sink. You'll likely need to purchase a faucet that will be tall enough to reach over the vessel sink. These faucets are usually either mounted on the deck of the vanity or wall-mounted. They will range in height anywhere from 8 to 12 inches.
Also, keep in mind that a wall-mounted sink may require advanced preparation, as you will likely need to tear open the wall to install the plumbing for the faucet. Oftentimes, gooseneck and bridge-style faucet designs will work best for vanity sinks, as they are typically taller.
Check out this gooseneck faucet on Amazon.
Decide on the material for the sink
Be sure to also consider the material that you want your vessel sink to be composed of. The most common materials include stone, glass, fire clay, copper, and enamel. Let's discuss each material in more detail.
Stone
You'll find that stone is one of the most popular materials used to make vessel sinks. There are several stone options to choose from, including soapstone, onyx, granite, and marble, among others. Stone-made vessel sinks can offer a relaxed and warm atmosphere to your bathroom, and they can also come in a variety of different sizes, patterns, and shapes. If you're looking for a material that will stand out, stone is definitely the way to go.
On the downside, however, you'll find that stone sinks may need to be cleaned more carefully and with specialized products, especially if they are not sealed. If not, the sink may develop stains and scratches rather easily.
Check out this stone vessel sink on Amazon.
Glass
Glass may hold the title as the most popular material used to make vessel sinks, especially within the past 10 years. The great thing about glass vessel sinks is that there are so many textural combinations and patterns available. You can find glass vessel sinks that include stone inlays, various colors, as well as etched surfaces. The options are endless. Glass vessel sinks are fairly inexpensive to clean.
However, you may find that they'll need to be cleaned more often, as they may show spots and stains rather easily. You'll also want to make sure that you purchase a glass vessel sink that's made of tempered glass, as it will be less likely to break under conditions of rapid temperature changes, hard impacts, and improper installation.
Take a look at this glass vessel sink on Amazon.
Fire clay
Fire clay is another commonly used material to make vessel sinks. These sinks often resemble classic cast iron sinks, and they are very resistant to scratching and staining. However, they are formed from clay ceramic and may require some re-glazing at a point. Fire clay sinks are heavy and should only be placed on countertops that have been reinforced and are strong enough to support their weight.
You'll typically find fire clay vessel sinks available in various shades of white as well as different hues of blue and black. Overall, you'll find that these ceramic sinks are very durable and super easy to maintain.
Check out this fire clay vessel sink on Amazon.
Enamel
Enamel vessel sinks are both traditional and timeless. You can find them in a variety of colors including white, eggshell, black, and various shades of gray. These sinks should also be reinforced with solid cabinetry and countertops, as they are fairly heavy. They are also very durable. You'll find that cleaning them is pretty easy, as you can typically use a mild all-purpose cleaner or homemade cleaner such as vinegar to remove dirt and grime.
If the enamel becomes damaged at any point, a quick epoxy repair can help to restore it in no time. You can usually find an enamel sink available anywhere from $250 to $500, however, vintage models may be more expensive.
Take a look at this enamel vessel sink on Amazon.
Do vessel sinks splash more?
Overall, yes. When compared to traditional sinks, vessel sinks do tend to cause more splashing. This is particularly true if the vessel sink is less than 16 inches in diameter or less than 5 inches deep. The best way to prevent this is by purchasing a vessel sink that is installed at the proper height for your vanity and by having your vessel sink properly installed by a professional.
What type of vanity is needed for a vessel sink?
The material for the vanity should be solid and durable to support the vessel sink. It's best if the vanity is on the shorter side as opposed to the standard sink height. When combined with the height of the vessel sink, the height of the vanity should not be over 43 inches tall. The sink will need to be easy to reach, especially if it is top-mounted.
Can you put a vessel sink on a pedestal?
Yes. You can place a vessel sink on a pedestal. It's best to ensure that the pedestal is made of durable and sturdy material so that it will be strong enough to support the weight of the vessel sink, especially if the sink is made of stone or cast-iron. The pedestal should also be long and wide enough to support the dimensions of the vessel sink.
Can a vessel sink be under-mounted?
Yes, a vessel sink can be under mounted. However, this will require a very involved installation process and should be done by a professional to ensure that the seat is sealed properly. This particular installation method will require advanced knowledge of sink installation to make sure that the sink and vanity materials are compatible.
Should I get an oval or rectangular sink?
The answer depends on the aesthetic that you are going for in the bathroom. If you envision a bathroom that is unique and modern, then a rectangular sink may be more fitting, as they can add an element of sophistication to the bathroom. If you prefer a more classic or traditional look, an oval sink may be a better option.
Check the current price of this rectangular sink on Amazon.
Wrapping Things Up
A vessel sink can make for a wonderful addition to your bathroom. We hope that this post has provided you with all the information that you need to find the perfect vessel sink for your bathroom.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:
Vessel Sink Vs. Drop-In Sink Vs. Undermount Sink – Which To Choose?