Freestanding sinks are chosen by a large number of people, but they are not the most popular due to the amount of space needed for installation. Other types include wall-mounted, countertop, cabinet-mounted, and inset sinks. Recently, semi-recessed sinks, which extend partially beyond the worktop, have also appeared on the market.
The Pros and Cons of Freestanding and Wall-Mounted Sinks
Freestanding sinks are both a practical and elegant bathroom accessory. They suit both well-appointed traditional and modern interiors. They can be placed near a wall, in the middle, or in a corner of the bathroom. However, they are not the cheapest sinks, and are better suited to larger spaces. They also tend to get dirty, as all their parts are visible, so more time is needed to clean such products. It's also important to be careful not to damage elements from any side.
Wall-mounted sinks, also known as hanging sinks, are installed in fewer and fewer bathrooms, but they still exist. There is a very large selection available on the market. They are priced affordably. They are hung on screws. They are perfect for small bathrooms, as they do not restrict space. However, their plumbing elements, like joints, are visibly less attractive, and it is extremely difficult to organise the space beneath such sinks.
Countertop Sinks vs. Cabinet-Mounted Sinks
Countertop sinks are designed to be placed on the counter (above counter), partially recessed (semi-recessed), or mounted from below in a cut-out hole (under-counter). When installing this type of sink, you have a lot of space on the counter to place bathroom accessories. They are easy to install, made from various materials, including wood and glass. There is plenty of storage space beneath such sinks for various utensils. To install, a considerable amount of free space is needed. When dealing with a high countertop sink, shorter people, especially children, may have trouble using it.
Cabinet-mounted sinks are usually sold with the furniture. They are fixed to the wall, with a cabinet or a frame with open shelves positioned above them. Each cabinet-mounted sink looks very aesthetically pleasing. They have hidden plumbing elements. There is a capacious storage space located in an area where a cabinet could not be placed otherwise. However, such a cabinet with a sink can feel overwhelmingly large in some bathrooms, which can visually reduce the space. Moreover, if the cabinet becomes damaged, there may be a problem finding an exact replacement.
Which Sinks Are the Most Comfortable to Use?
For a sink to be comfortable to use, it must be chosen according to the size of the room in which it will be located. We shouldn’t buy sinks that are too small, as in most cases this results in water spilling onto the floor and nearby areas. In principle, we should buy the largest sinks we can fit into our bathrooms. Some of the most comfortable products of this kind are freestanding sinks, cabinet-mounted, and those with a countertop.
If you have a lot of space in your bathroom, you can opt for a double sink, which greatly enhances comfort. Comfortable use of a sink is ensured with dimensions of at least 50 by 40 centimetres. Additionally, a deeper product ensures that water doesn’t splash around. Therefore, the top edge of the basin should be between 80-90 centimetres from the floor. Ideally, the sink should be at least 20-30 centimetres away from other appliances and the wall. It is important to remember that the layout of all dimensions should also depend on the height of the users of the bathroom.