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Stainless steel bathroom sinks. A staple fixture in homes and commercial spaces alike. But just what makes stainless steel a popular material for bathrooms? And why should you choose it?
What's Inside
Why Choose a Stainless Steel Bathroom Sink
Here are some cool reasons to explore contemporary stainless steel bathroom sinks:
- They are modern and stylish
- They create a clean, minimalist look
- They are stain-resistant and easy to clean
- They do not chip or crack
- They are durable
- They are readily available.
How to Choose a Stainless Steel Bathroom Sink
Pick a stainless steel sink that suits your bathroom, meaning your bathroom’s dimensions and aesthetics must come into play when buying the sink.
Does your chosen sink complement the bathroom while remaining practical? That should be your primary concern. And to help you pick a sink that meets both requirements, consider:
Size
Bathroom sinks may be shallow compared to kitchen sinks, but they still vary in depth. Some people want small and shallow bathroom sinks, while others prefer bigger and deeper sinks. Pick whatever size you like.
Shape
Manufacturers design stainless steel bathroom sinks in various shapes. Oval, round, and rectangular are the most popular, but you can choose from many other shapes, including:
- Square
- D-bowl
- Different novelty shapes.
Finish
Do you like your surfaces polished and shiny? Or matte? Whatever your preference, you’ll find something appealing from the variety of finishes stainless steel bathroom sinks come in. Available finishes include:
- Satin—A lustrous finish and the most popular.
- Mirror—A super shiny and sleek polished finish.
- Brushed—A dull finish created through friction.
- Textured—A patterned finish created through various treatments.
Stainless Steel Bathroom Sinks: Mount Types
You can mount your stainless steel bathroom sink as a vessel, drop-in, or undermount installation. Let’s see what each mount type entails.
Vessel
The vessel sink is exclusive to bathrooms and powder rooms and comes in many stylish designs. For ages, vessel sinks were considered a luxurious fixture due to their aesthetic appeal.
Some stainless steel vessel sinks sit atop the bathroom counter. Others are recessed, so they sit halfway down the countertop.
The vessel sink requires a separate faucet because of its design. You’ll need to drill a hole into the countertop to hold the faucet. Drill two holes if choosing a double faucet. Many manufacturers have specific faucets configured to clear the high vessel sink basin rim. So always indicate that you want a vessel faucet when buying.
Drop-In
Drop-in stainless steel bathroom sinks are neat and visually appealing. This type of sink goes into the precut hole on your counter. So, if your bathroom counter does not have a precut hole for the sink, you’ll need to cut one out.
During installation, the sink’s rim rests on the countertop to support the rest of the sink. You can fasten the sink to the countertop underside using clips to provide additional support for the sink.
Undermount
Undermount stainless steel bathroom sinks go under your bathroom counter. They look clean and neat because all the unsightly pipes are hidden under the countertop.
Undermount sinks allow you to choose a deep bathroom sink since there is plenty of space underneath the counter. Just remember that a deeper sink limits your under-the-counter storage. There’s a trade-off, so consider this when choosing a deep sink.
The Takeaway
Stainless steel is a functional, durable, yet sophisticated material for bathroom sinks. Add the many finishes it comes in, and you have a material that matches any decor style and theme.
When choosing your desired stainless steel bathroom sink, pay attention to the shape, size, finish, and mount type because they contribute to your bathroom’s final look.