New designs give this elevated sink a modern mood.
EDMUND BARR
At the 2023 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, vessel sinks were an unexpected attention-getter.
Since then, weve noticed vessels trickling back into the product mix with new styles hitting the market.
Credit:EDMUND BARR
Now,Houzz reportsthat vessel sinks have increased their presence in bath remodeling after years of declining popularity.
Though they have a long history, vessel sinks were most recently popular in the early 2000s.
Today, vessels come in many materials and styles, making them much more than a contemporary-style companion.
Credit:Laurey Glenn
This raised profile gives the sink area more visual attention than a recessed sink.
They come in myriad colors, materials, and shapes to fit your unique style, says Merbeth.
This array of styles is, in part, whats bringing vessel sinks back to the bath.
Credit:Christina Schmidhofer
Vessel sinks can also be intentionally incorporated as part of more thoughtfully designed home experiences.
Fewer spills.If youre tired of cleaning up splashes, vessel sinks might be your stylish solution.
Ideal for small bathrooms.Vessel sinks are popular for small-space designs.
They are a great option when you have a smaller bathroom and need to save space, says Cates.
Below the countertop, forgoing a deep, recessed sink offers more space inside the vanity.
Easy to update.Vessels are easier to replace thandrop-in or undermount sinks.
Cons of Vessel Sinks
Atypical installation.Installation for vessel sinks requires different considerations thanother sink styles.
Notably, and not always realized, is that vanity height should be different for a vessel sink.
This may require a non-standard vanity cabinet height, or a different bang out of support.
Without the height consideration, the sink may be difficult for many users to maneuver.
In addition, not every faucet style works with a vessel sink.
Hard to clean.Vessel sinks can be more difficult to clean.
I recommend using natural or handmade materials to avoid appearing dated.
The sink will appear like a work of art and not a plumbing fixture, says Merbeth.
Todays vessel sinks come in an array of textures and materials.
Merbeth chose a coup-inspired vessel sink for her own bath, which adds both color and texture.
The contrast of the two materials adds visual interest and provides such a beautiful and natural look.
Create a Focal Point
Vessel sinks naturally draw attention given their elevated placement at the vanity.
Homeowners looking to bring an authentic, historic element to their bathrooms will appreciate them, says Merbeth.
The variety of vessel sinks can help you lean into a particular traditional aesthetic, too.
