Your sink is probably one of the more underrated fixtures in your house, but it is one of the most essentials ones. Think about it. Without a sink you would struggle to wash your hands, your dishes, or even your fruit and vegetables. And, if your sink has a garbage disposal, you would lose that convenience.
Sinks are a functional part of your home, but they also add an aesthetic piece to it as well. They can help tie an entire bathroom or kitchen design together. Below, our guide will help you determine the best and recommended kitchen and bathroom sink options available. We know there are many to choose from and it can make your decision difficult. We hope that this guide will serve you well and assist you in learning more about the different varieties of sinks.
Kitchen Sinks: Best and Recommended
Sinks in the kitchen can be stylish and continue to provide you with the functionality you seek. As you have probably noticed, there are many modern and rustic designs that have moved away from the traditional 70s look in the kitchen. Below, we will discuss some of the best and recommended sink styles for your kitchen along with their pros and cons.
Undermount Sink
This type of sink is installed underneath the countertop and is a popular option because it offers a seamless appearance as the surface level. They come in a variety of styles and work with marble, granite, and composite countertops, which makes them a good choice.
Pros:
- Modern look
- Affordable for homeowners
Cons:
- Limited to specific sizes
Self-Rimming Sink
A self-rimming sink is one that you are likely to see in a home. They withstand the test of time and continue to be a popular option. They do sit above the countertop surface, but this does not detract from the look of them. Many of the most popular styles include porcelain, stainless steel, and granite.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Larger surface to keep clean
- Water buildup around the lip can lead to mildew
Integrated Sink
If you are after a smooth look for your kitchen counters, this is the sink you want. These sinks are ideal for quartz counters and provide both a stylish and sleek look to them. You will find that these sinks come in natural stone and marble as two of the more popular options.
Pros:
- High-end look to them
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Expensive
- Detailed repairs (requires full replacement)
Prep Sink
A prep sink is a great addition to any kitchen and the fact that these sinks offer a variety of add-ons makes them ideal. You are able to wash your food in this sink before you cook.
Pros:
- Functional
- Saves space
Cons:
- Small in size
- Can be expensive
Apron Sink
Going for an upscale yet country look in your kitchen? Look no further. These sinks come in a wide variety of styles and some of the best are made from copper, porcelain, or stainless steel.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Popular choice
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can leak
Most Popular Kitchen Sink Brands
Below, you will find some of the most popular kitchen sink brands in the industry
- Kohler
- Blanco
- Houzer
- Kraus
- Sinkology
Bathroom Sinks: Best and Recommended
Your bathroom sink is used for both self-care and your grooming habits. Whether you only spend a couple minutes in front of the sink or you spend hours, you want a sink that is designed to be functional and meet your every day needs. Below, you will find some of the best and recommended bathroom sink styles.
Self-Rimming Sink
This is a traditional option and one that is most commonly seen in bathrooms throughout the nation. They come with a finished edge that naturally rolls over the countertop. You will find that most are made from porcelain but there are some other styles and variations available.
Pros:
- Classic and timeless look
- Easy installation process
Cons:
- Grime and mildew can build around the lip
- Does not offer a modern look
Vessel Sink
A vessel sink sits on top of the bathroom counter. It is a sleek option that stands out to those who see it. It is recommended for small counters as they do well in smaller spaces. You will find that they come in a variety of materials to match your style.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Saves space
Cons:
- Requires a special faucet
- No overflow drain
Undermount Sink
These sinks sit underneath the bathroom counter and look flush with the counter itself.
Pros:
- Modern and stylish
- Easy to maintain and clean
Cons:
- Not compatible with some countertops
Wall-Mounted Sink
If you are a minimalist or you are very limited on space, a wall-mounted sink is a good option for you. These sinks stand freely and are mounted directly to the wall without anything attached below (other than the pipes, of course).
Pros:
- No cleaning underneath needed
- Frees up floor space
Cons:
- No storage available
- Does not hide any clutter
Pedestal Sink
One of the more popular options, a pedestal sink can really bring your entire bathroom look together. These sinks do not require a counter so your bathroom can be more functional and designed to fit your specific needs. You will find that these sinks help you feel like your bathroom is more spacious.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Takes up little space
Cons:
- No storage
- Limited space around the main basin
Vanity Sink
These sinks are very popular and seen in most bathrooms as well. The sink is mounted into a cabinet, which can provide you with much-needed space. You can choose from a large variety of different shapes and styles.
Pros:
- Versatile designs
- Provides storage space
- Hides clutter
- Many options to choose from
Cons:
- Requires more cleaning
- Bulky in the bathroom
Most Popular Bathroom Sink Brands
- Nantucket
- Kohler
- Native Trails
- Aquaterior
- American Standard
What sink material is the most durable?
Porcelain is considered to be the most durable option for a sink for the bathroom. These sinks are known to last for up to 100 years, especially when well taken care of. Porcelain sinks are extra strong and offer a ton of durability, so you do not have to worry. In addition, they are chemical and heat resistant.
Which kitchen sink material is the easiest to clean?
Keeping the kitchen sink clean is important and you want to make sure it is easy to do. Stainless steel sinks are considered the easiest as they are staining resistant. They are known not to hold onto food leftovers, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
Self-Storage Can Help with Your Next Project
Once you are ready to replace your sink, you may find that you are left with items that cannot be stored underneath anymore or you may want to complete an entire remodel. Either way, a self-storage unit can help you make it happen. Storage units can keep your items protected while the remodel occurs.