A washbasin is an essential attribute of a bathroom. It is with its use that the morning of each family member begins. At the same time, it is important that the sink meets the mandatory requirements for comfort: it is located at a height convenient for washing from the floor, and has a shape and size that does not hinder a person's movements during hygiene procedures. Only after taking into account the requirements of ergonomics, you can think about the style of the washbasin. A countertop bath sink can be a real designer highlight in this room.
Content
- 1 What materials are used for overhead bath sinks
- 2 Shapes and sizes of overhead sinks on the countertop in the bathroom
- 3 Advantages and disadvantages of an overhead sink in the bathroom
- 4 Countertop bath sink: where and how to install
- 5 Countertop under the sink in the bathroom
- 6 Overhead bathroom sink: an overview of manufacturers and prices
What materials are used for overhead bath sinks
The range of materials used in the production of overhead bath sinks is very wide and varied. The primacy remains with traditional ceramics and faience, wealthier buyers can afford models made of stone or marble, among designer products one can find glass, metal or even wooden washbasins.
Useful advice! When purchasing a wooden washbasin - pay close attention to the quality of its workmanship. It must be treated with special protective moisture-resistant compounds, the durability and appearance of the product will directly depend on this.
Ceramic, earthenware and porcelain overhead sinks for bathtubs
Sinks made of earthenware, porcelain and ceramics are deservedly popular with consumers due to their high performance at a fairly low cost. Such washbasins have an aesthetic appearance and an ideal smooth surface, which is very easy to maintain.
Of the shortcomings, fragility can be noted, and therefore it is necessary to mount the sink very carefully, and with further use, avoid dropping heavy and sharp objects into it.
Acrylic bathroom sink
The acrylic washbasin is lightweight, making it ideal for thin and delicate countertops. Despite its light weight, acrylic is a strong, inexpensive and fairly durable material.
The disadvantage of an acrylic washbasin is the fear of mechanical damage, so you need to use it with extreme caution.
Overhead stone sinks for bathroom countertops
Natural stone, marble and granite are the most expensive materials for making bathroom sinks. However, the high price is justified by their great strength, durability and presentable appearance.
A product made of artificial stone is an affordable analogue of a marble or granite countertop washbasin for a bathroom. A wider range of consumers can buy it.
Bathroom glass sink
A glass sink is a less common option for use in urban apartments, more often it acts as a design touch when no other product fits into the intended interior.
Of the advantages of a glass washbasin, one can single out a chic appearance, resistance to chemical and mechanical stress, a large selection of shapes and sizes.
Disadvantages: high cost and difficulty in care, as with any glass surface.
Metal countertop bathroom sink
Metal sinks are made of brass, copper, stainless steel, with or without enamel. These washbasins are not very expensive, but they are durable and durable products. The disadvantages of metal sinks include a limited color spectrum (this applies to non-enameled models) and the difficulty in care due to the need to use special products to maintain the gloss of the surface.
Shapes and sizes of overhead sinks on the countertop in the bathroom
Having decided on the material of the washbasin, which will most harmoniously fit into the interior of the bathroom, you can proceed to the choice of the shape and size of the product.
Sizes of washbasins
The choice of the size of the surface-mounted or built-in sink in the countertop in the bathroom will directly depend on the footage of the room and the availability of free space for installation. The advantage of the overhead sink is that due to the symmetrical sides of the bowl, it is not tied to the installation close to the wall or in the corner, and can be located on the island-type countertop. However, this type of space organization is appropriate in large bathrooms of country houses, for city apartments such an island is an unaffordable luxury.
All sinks usually have standard dimensions, however, for individual manufacturers they may vary by ± 3 cm.
Helpful advice! If the place for installing a plumbing fixture is strictly limited, before buying it is necessary to clarify its exact dimensions, or to make measurements in the store yourself.
Common sizes of overhead sinks (width x depth x height):
- small compact - 30-45 x 30-45 x 10-12 cm;
- medium standard - 46-75 x 46-60 x 10-20 cm;
- large - 76-124 (and more) x 46-60 x 20-31 cm.
Overhead washbasin shapes
The shapes of overhead sinks can be very diverse - from strict geometric shapes to designer asymmetric products, for example, with corrugated edges, in the form of a drop of water, a flower, etc.
The most common are rectangular and square shell bowls, sometimes with rounded edges. They are suitable for installation on a bedside table or over a washing machine. Photos of sinks of this type in modern bathrooms confirm their popularity.A wide range of sizes of rectangular sinks will allow you to choose and install the product even in the smallest bathroom.
Round and oval bowls are suitable for larger bathrooms. Their use is accompanied by additional comfort, because you can approach such a bowl, unlike a rectangular one, from either side. A distinctive feature of rounded bowls is that they do not have a designated hole for the mixer - it cuts directly into the tabletop. Built-in sinks in the bathroom are usually oval, round or rectangular.
Among other, less common forms, you can find triangular, polygonal, diamond-shaped and other types of shells. There are ready-made sets of sinks in the bathroom with countertops and / or built-in mixer... Designer pieces can have LED backlighting, which turns on when you open the tap and changes color depending on the temperature of the water.
Sink "water lily" to be placed above the washing machine
There is another form of built-in bowl designed to be installed above the washing machine - a water lily sink. Its peculiarity lies in the location of the drain hole, which, unlike standard models, is off-center and is located on the edge of the sink. This allows you to place siphon and sewer pipes almost flush with the wall, which makes it possible to install a washing machine under the bowl.
Related article:
Correct connection of the washing machine to the water supply and sewerage system. Choosing a place to install the device. Rules for connecting the washing machine to various types of communications.
The "water lily" sink has dimensions that correspond to the standard dimensions of washing machines, as a rule, it is 60 x 50-60 cm with a height of no more than 20 cm. It should be remembered that using a water lily with large models of washing machines with a depth of more than 51 cm is not work out. Thus, a 60x60 cm water lily sink can be installed on a machine with a depth of 51 cm, a bowl 60x50 cm - on a machine with a depth of 32-36 cm.
Helpful advice! Some manufacturers offer ready-made sets of a washing machine and a countertop sink. Despite the higher cost, this option will be the most advantageous not only in terms of aesthetics - matching the size of the products will greatly simplify their installation.
In addition to the water lily, there is another variety - sink with a countertop for a washing machine. Its feature is asymmetry, i.e. to the left or right of the bowl there is a horizontal surface under which the Washer... Such a model is good in that the countertop creates additional storage space for bathroom accessories, and under the bowl itself you can install a bedside table, or put a laundry basket. Photos of washing machines under the bathroom sink clearly demonstrate the convenience of this arrangement.
Advantages and disadvantages of a countertop washbasin in the bathroom
The advantages of an overhead sink include:
- Ease of use;
- easy installation compared to standard wall-hung washbasins;
- presentable appearance;
- ease of care;
- a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Disadvantages of overhead sinks:
- the need to purchase a special mortise mixer, the cost of which is higher than standard models;
- the need to purchase or equip a special tabletop or cabinet;
- high price.
Countertop bath sink: where and how to install
There are several ways to install a countertop sink:
- on the countertop.The disadvantage of this placement is the openness of the sewer and water pipes. To avoid the unaesthetic component in this case will help the sinking of the supply lines into the walls, and the use of a special decorative siphon - chrome-plated or stainless steel;
- on the curbstone. The most practical option for placing an overhead sink: communications are hidden behind furniture doors and, importantly, there is quick and constant access to them. In addition, the space of the bedside table provides additional storage space for household chemicals;
- over the washing machine. Ideal for small bathrooms and bathrooms.
Installation of a countertop washbasin is generally straightforward. Installation is easy to do by hand:
- first, a cabinet or tabletop is installed, which has a special cut-out hole on the surface for mounting a drain pipe. The curbstone is placed on legs, the tabletop is fixed to the wall and, in some cases, is equipped with additional supports;
- the sink for placement above the washing machine is fixed to the wall. For this, anchor bolts or dowels are used;
- then the bowl is installed and mixer;
- then the connection of water and sewer pipes is carried out;
- the finished structure is necessarily tested for leaks.
Countertop under the sink in the bathroom
A properly selected countertop will help to emphasize the style and sophistication of the countertop washbasin in the bathroom. It, like the bowl itself, can be made from a wide variety of materials and have different sizes.
A widespread and affordable material for the manufacture of countertops is moisture-resistant MDF and chipboard. At the same time, you can order a product of any size and color. Perfectly combined with acrylic, earthenware and metal bowls.
Homemade countertops can be made of moisture-resistant drywall, lined with bricks, etc. In this case, there are a great many options for their finishing - from painting with water-based paint to facing with ceramic mosaics. Compatible with all types of sinks - stone, porcelain, metal, glass.
Stone, marble and granite countertops look expensive and presentable. No less beautiful, but more affordable - products made of artificial stone. As a rule, they are equipped with stone shells. A transparent glass bowl looks exquisite on a marble surface.
Despite the high cost, wood countertops are in great demand. They are suitable for installation in bathrooms of almost any style. Wooden countertops look especially elegant in combination with glossy white ceramic or porcelain sinks.
Overhead bathroom sink: an overview of manufacturers and prices
Table of manufacturers and prices for common types of invoices sinks in the bathroom:
Surface washbasin material | Manufacturer (country) | Average price, rub |
Ceramics | Artceram (Italy) | 9000 — 13000 |
GSI (Italy) | 8000 — 10500 | |
Faience | GSI (Italy) | about 9000 |
Scarabeo (Italy) | 13000 and above | |
GALA (Spain) | 3100 and above | |
Laufen (Switzerland) | 4200 and above | |
Ideal Standard (Germany) | 4600 and above | |
Artceram (Italy) | about 13000 | |
A rock | Sheerdecor (India) | 15300 and above |
Glass | Kraus (USA) | about 14000 |
Ledeme (China) | about 2200 | |
Metal | Makro (Italy) | 32500 and above |
Linkasink (USA) | about 75000 | |
Tree | Franco Ceccotti (Italy) | about 87000 |
Livinteg | Artceram (Italy) | 100,000 and above |
As you can see, the assortment of overhead sinks for the bathroom countertop is quite diverse - from compact faience models to presentable stone and wooden products.Using the advice of the article and focusing on your own taste and budget size, you can choose exactly the model that will ideally fit into the overall style of the bathroom and will provide adequate comfort when using for many years.