Sink Types and Sizes: Small Sinks and Large Sinks

When you're considering a remodel of your bathroom, one of the prime considerations is the size of your sink. Choosing the optimal sink size will affect not only the aesthetics of your new bathroom, but also how well it serves you.

There are several different kinds of sinks, and different kinds can be appropriate for different situations. There are three main kinds to consider. Freestanding pedestal sinks are generally smaller and lack storage space around the sink, but they can add a nice ambience to the bathroom. Above-counter sinks can be larger, are often very decorative, and generally have more storage space than pedestals sinks. Drop-in sinks sit inside the countertop, and thus generally have the most storage space, as you have all the drawers and cabinets below the counter.

Before selecting what type of sink you'll go with, and whether you'll opt for a small sink or a larger sink, it is essential to consider what type of bathroom you'll be installing the sink in, what type of appearance you're looking for, and precisely how you'll be using the sink.

What is the Bathroom Like?
Perhaps the biggest factor in selecting whether to go with a small sink or a large sink is the size of the bathroom that you are working with. A small apartment bathroom is the perfect candidate for a small sink, whereas a larger bathroom would benefit from a larger drop-in countertop sink.

What type of bathroom are you looking for?
Along with sizes, sinks come in many different styles, some of which may be more appropriate to the style of bathroom that you are trying to create. For instance, a freestanding small sink, also called a pedestal sink, creates something of an old-fashioned or bohemian look. This may be exactly what you're looking for if you're re-doing the bathroom of an urban loft or small apartment. However, if you're dealing with a master bathroom in a large suburban house, you may want to go with a different option. Check out our vessel and lavatory sinks.

Consider the situation
Lastly, make sure that you think about the role that this sink will be playing; how many people will be using it, and what they will be doing with it. If it's for a half-bathroom or a powder room, then something more decorative, like a pedestal small sink might suffice. If, on the other hand, it is for a heavily-used bathroom, you'll probably want to opt for a vanity or countertop drop-in sink.

Likewise, consider what you will be using the sink for. If you'll likely just be washing your hands or brushing your teeth, you probably won't have many things around the sink, and you can go with an above-counter sink or a freestanding pedestal small sink. But if its in the main bathroom, and you'll have a lot of clutter around the sink, you'll want to go with a sink that's built into the countertop so that you can take advantage of the storage space.