Types of Bathroom Sinks: A Comprehensive Explanation

Bathroom sinks, also known as basins or wash basins, come in various types, with different designs, materials, and installation types. Bathroom sinks are not only an indispensable practical facility in the bathroom but also an important element to show personality and taste. They cleverly combine functionality and aesthetic values, becoming the soul of the bathroom space.

A well-chosen bathroom sink can not only enhance the functionality of the bathroom, but also make the daily washing process more pleasant. The choice of bathroom sinks is rich and varied, from simple and smooth lines to retro and elegant contours, from easy-to-clean smooth surfaces to textured natural materials, to meet the needs of all styles of bathrooms.

What Are the Different Types of Bathroom Sinks？ In this blog, we will explore the different types of bathroom sinks, including different installation types and materials.

Bathroom Sinks by Installation Method

Bathroom sinks have a variety of installation types to meet different design needs and functional requirements. Each installation type has its own unique advantages and applicable scenarios, which can meet the personalized needs of different users. Let’s explore the various installation methods of bathroom sinks.

Countertop Sinks/ Vessel Sink/Above-Counter Basin

This type of bathroom sink is installed on the vanity top, which is relatively simple to install. It does not require large-scale cutting and modification of the countertop structure, reducing the difficulty and time of installation. Bathroom sinks installed on the countertop provide designers with a wide range of creative space and flexibility.

Advantages of countertop sinks:

• Beautiful and elegant: Countertop bathroom sinks usually have a unique design and exquisite appearance, which can enhance the overall decoration effect of the bathroom and make it look more modern and stylish.
• Easy to install: Compared with traditional embedded sinks, countertop bathroom sinks are relatively simple to install, and do not require large-scale cutting and modification of the countertop structure, reducing the difficulty and time of installation.
• Diverse choices: Countertop bathroom sinks come in a variety of materials, shapes and colors, which can be selected according to personal preferences and bathroom styles to meet the personalized needs of different users.

Undermount Sink/ Under-Counter Basin

Undermount sink, also known as under-counter basin, is a modern and popular type of sink that is installed under the countertop, with the edge of the sink completely hidden under the countertop. This design not only makes the countertop look flatter, but also provides more countertop space.

Advantages of undermount sink

• Easy to clean: Since the edge of this bathroom sink is not above the countertop, dirt and water stains are not easy to accumulate, and the countertop is flat, which is very convenient to clean.
• Beautiful and neat: Undermount sink makes the countertop look more integrated and neat, suitable for modern minimalist style bathroom design.
• Maximize countertop space: Since the edge of the undermount sink is hidden under the countertop, it can provide more countertop space, especially suitable for small bathrooms.

Drop-In Basin / Self-Rimming Sink/ Top-Mount Sink/ Overmount Sink /Inset Sink

This type of bathroom sink is installed on the countertop, and the edge of the sink forms a border above the countertop. They are called drop-in basins, also known as self-rimming sinks or top-mount sinks. It is a traditional and common type of sink and one of the most popular sink styles. They usually come with faucet mounting holes.

Advantages of drop-in basins

• Easy to install: Drop-in basins are relatively simple to install and do not require complicated countertop cutting, making them suitable for most DIY projects.
• Easy to repair: Since the edge of the drop-in basin is above the countertop, it can be easily removed and replaced if the sink needs to be replaced.
• Widely applicable: This design is suitable for matching with various countertop materials, whether it is wood, marble or granite, it can be well matched.

Semi-Recessed Basin/Semi-Countertop Basin/Partially Recessed Basin

A semi-recessed basin is a bathroom sink that is somewhere between a wall-mounted basin and an above-the-counter basin. Essentially, half of the basin hangs over the edge of the countertop, while the other half sits within the countertop. Essentially, the front half of the basin protrudes away from the vanity. This design is perfect for bathrooms where space is limited but you still want to keep it stylish and functional.

Advantages of a semi-recessed basin:

• Modern beauty: The Semi-Recessed Basin has a novel design that combines the advantages of traditional recessed and above-the-counter basins, giving the bathroom a modern feel and unique style.
• Space saving: Since the sink is partially recessed into the countertop, the depth of the countertop occupied by the sink is reduced, making it ideal for small bathrooms.
• Easy to clean: Compared to fully recessed or fully above-the-counter sinks, the semi-recessed design is easier to clean and there will not be too much dirt accumulated at the seam between the sink and the countertop.

Wall-Mounted Basin/ Wall-Hung Sink

Wall-Mounted Basin, also known as Wall-Hung Sink, is a sink that is directly mounted on the wall and hangs on the wall without touching the ground or countertop. This design provides a simple and modern look to the bathroom while saving floor space, making it suitable for bathrooms of all sizes, especially smaller ones.

Advantages of Wall-Mounted Basin:

• Space saving: Since the Wall-Mounted Basin is hung on the wall and does not take up floor space, this sink makes the bathroom look more spacious, especially suitable for small bathrooms.
• Easy to clean the bathroom: This bathroom sink has a baseless design that reduces dead corners for cleaning, making floor cleaning more convenient and ensuring bathroom hygiene.
• Flexible installation height: The Wall-Mounted Basin can adjust the installation height according to the needs of the user, providing more humanized design options to adapt to different heights and usage habits.

Pedestal Basin/Freestanding Sink

Pedestal Basin, also known as Pedestal Sink, is a classic bathroom sink design that is supported by a separate base that usually hides the drainage pipe. This design is not only simple and beautiful, but also adds an elegant temperament to the bathroom, suitable for bathrooms of all styles, especially traditional and vintage style decoration.

Advantages of Pedestal Basin:

• Beautiful and elegant: The Pedestal Basin has a simple and generous design, and the decorative nature of the base makes it a visual focus in the bathroom, adding elegance and classic beauty.
• Hidden pipes: The base of this bathroom sink can cleverly hide the drainage pipes, keeping the bathroom tidy and beautiful, without exposed pipes to ruin the overall visual effect.
• Easy to install: Compared with some complex countertop sinks, the installation of Pedestal Basin is relatively simple and does not require additional cabinets or supporting structures.

Bathroom Sinks by Material

Bathroom sinks are available in a variety of materials, each of which can bring unique beauty and functionality to the bathroom. Common materials include ceramic sinks, glass sinks, stainless steel sinks, etc. These sinks of different materials can meet various styles and usage needs, making the bathroom both beautiful and practical.

Ceramic sinks

Known for their smooth, hard and durable properties, ceramic sinks are easy to clean and highly resistant to stains, making them suitable for all styles of bathroom design, especially modern and traditional styles. Its classic white color and diverse shapes make it the first choice for most homes and commercial locations. Ceramic sinks are the preferred type for bathrooms. Ceramic sinks are now also available in a variety of colors and glaze treatments.

Glass Sinks

Glass sinks often have a modern and stylish look, and clear or colored glass can add a unique visual effect. They are suitable for upscale and modern-style bathrooms but require careful maintenance to prevent scratches and cracks.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Known for their durability and ease of cleaning, stainless steel sinks are perfect for modern, industrial-style bathrooms. They are highly antibacterial and resistant to corrosion, but may develop scratches and water stains and require regular maintenance.

Stone sinks

Stone sinks, such as marble and granite, have natural beauty and unique textures, and are suitable for high-end, luxury-style bathrooms. They are strong and durable but require regular maintenance to prevent stains and corrosion.

Cast iron sinks

Cast iron sink has an enamel coating on the outside, which is durable and has good thermal insulation properties. It is suitable for retro and country-style bathrooms. They are heavier and require sturdy mounting support, but still perform well over long periods of use.

Explore Different Types of Ceramic Basins

Maybe your impression of ceramic basins is still stuck on the smooth white design. Nowadays, ceramic basins are diverse, with a variety of colors to choose from, pattern design requirements, and different glaze types to meet different aesthetic needs and design styles, providing rich choices for bathrooms. Next, let’s take a look at the various types of ceramic basins designed and produced by HanYu.

Matte Color Basin

Matte ceramic basins are popular for their unique texture and elegant appearance. They are not only available in traditional white, but also in a variety of colors such as gray, blue and black, which can add a modern feel and personality to the bathroom.

Marble Color Basin

This ceramic basin uses water transfer technology to perfectly present the natural texture and color of marble on the surface of the ceramic basin. The water transfer marble ceramic basin not only has the nobility and elegance of marble, but also has the durability and easy cleaning characteristics of ceramic, which is very suitable for high-end and luxury-style bathrooms.

Electroplated Metal Ceramic Basin

This bathroom sink forms a layer of metal coating on the surface of the ceramic basin through the electroplating process, showing metallic colors such as gold, silver, and copper. This ceramic basin retains the excellent properties of ceramics and has the luster and texture of metal, which is suitable for modern, industrial and luxury-style bathroom designs.

Click here to view HanYu’s bathroom sink collection

In Conclusion

Hopefully this article can answer your questions about bathroom sink types. There are many different types of bathroom sinks, from installation methods to material choices, to meet the needs and preferences of different consumers.

As a leading professional bathroom sink manufacturer, HanYu designs, manufactures and wholesales high-quality ceramic basins and glass sinks in various designs. We provide wholesale and custom services for construction projects and sanity ware dealers to meet the design needs of various bathrooms. Welcome to contact us to customize or purchase bathroom sinks.