Choose a Pedestal Bathroom Sink to Streamline Your Bathroom
If you have a small bathroom, you can streamline its look by adding a pedestal bathroom sink. Pedestal sinks are an ideal alternative to vanities which can easily crowd smaller spaces. With the variety of colors, materials and designs that are available, you can set the style for a new bathroom or your existing bathroom.
A pedestal bathroom sink can have a vintage or traditional style with elegant sculptured patterns or a contemporary style with sleek flowing lines. Some sinks have themed designs such as nature-inspired elements. You can find bold colors such as almond, bone, black and oyster as well as traditional cream and white, as well as materials such as enameled cast iron or steel, bronze, copper, stone, glass, and cast polymers.
Unsure whether a pedestal sink would be a good choice for your bathroom? This Kohler video provides a visual overview of undermounted, pedestal, wall mount, vessel and wading pool sinks.
Basic Considerations
Before selecting a pedestal bathroom sink, you will have to determine how much room you have for installation and choose the sink bowl size accordingly. The stand and sink bowl are separate components. You will need to install a p-trap to seal in sewer gases and other odors and prevent them from escaping into the bathroom as well as a solid wood block in the wall area between the studs for anchoring the sink.
Pedestals
Pedestals range in height from 28 to 36 inches and are available in a variety of widths. If you want the look of a pedestal sink but you need storage space, you can buy a wooden pedestal with shelving to store your necessary bath accessories. To ensure proper installation, the pedestal must be matched to the bowl.
Bowls
Bowls come in a wide range of sizes from 16 to more than 30 inches and in oval, round square and other shapes. A pedestal bathroom sink with a deeper bowl will prevent water from splashing out and make handwashing easier. If you choose a bowl that is not very deep, provide extra room by getting a faucet that rises up above the sink. If you have a larger bathroom, choose a wider bowl with space around the rim for personal hygiene items such as hair brushes. Select a faucet style appropriate for the bowl.
Materials
You have a variety of materials to choose from for your sink. As these materials differ in appearance, cost, durability and maintenance requirement, you will need to consider your choices carefully. Bronze and copper are thicker, more expensive material that will acquire a warm patina as they age. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, but the quality and cost varies according to its thickness and nickel content. Thinner steel is more affordable but can be dented and scratched more easily. Thicker steel is more damage-resistant but costs more. Thick tempered glass will not shatter and can be cleaned with nonabrasive cleaners. Stone such as granite, marble, onyx and soapstone is heavy and very durable but requires periodic resealing.
Bathroom Storage Solutions
If you want the stylish look of a pedestal bathroom sink but are concerned about storage space, you can install shelving or a medicine cabinet for your toiletries. A medicine cabinet with a mirror can be installed above the sink. Other options include freestanding cabinets, wall boxes and over-the-toilet shelves and cabinets.
