Your bathroom lavatories is one of the most often used fixtures in the house.
Therefore, it's especially important that you choose a lavatory that is right for you--one you will feel
comfortable using and enjoy looking at every day.
With that in mind, consider our three-step guide to choosing a bathroom lavatory.
Installation Type
The first step in selecting a bathroom lavatory is to choose an installation type.
If you've already chosen a vanity or cabinet at a standard counter height,
you'll probably want a self-rimming, countertop or undercounter model.
In small bathrooms or powder rooms, pedestal or wall-mounted lavatories can be great space-savers.
Or, if you want to incorporate furniture pieces in your room design, perhaps a vessel lavatory is right for you.
Self-rimming
Self-rimming lavatories have rolled finished edges that can be placed directly over countertop openings.
Self-rimming lavatories come in a
wide variety of designs, shapes, colors and materials.
Undercounter
A style that is becoming more popular is the undercounter lavatory, which offers a smooth profile with
solid-surface countertops, and is easy to clean. Undercounter lavatories are attached to the undersides
of countertops, vanities or console tables. The top of the lavatory is covered by the countertop, so only the
inside of the basin is visible.
Undercounter lavatories are offered in a wide variety of materials and shapes that you can use
to blend with your countertop so it looks like one piece or contrast with your countertop to make a bold statement.
Vessels lavatories are identified by their distinct above-counter installation.
Their original design was inspired by china washbasins, with finished interior and exterior surfaces.
Vessel lavatories are available in a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel, glass, cast iron, vitreous china and marble.
Vessels lavatories typically sit on top of a counter or furniture top that is slightly lower than most regular bathroom counters.
They work well with wall-mounted or tall countertop-mounted faucets that provide adequate clearance above the rim of the lavatory.
Vessels lavatories can be installed in a wall-mount bracket, and select models can also be installed in
a self-rimming or undercounter application.
Pedestal lavatories feature a basin that is positioned at a comfortable standing height
and rests on a pedestal base that is usually made of the same material. These lavatories offer a clean,
distinctive look that works well in small bathrooms or powder rooms where you don't need a lot of counter space.
Lavatory pipes are hidden inside or behind the pedestal, contributing to the sleek design. A pedestal lavatory's slender
lines can help give a small space a more open feel.
Pedestal lavatories come in a variety of shapes, materials and styles, some with ample surface area for soap or personal items.
The basins come in different shapes, including square, round and oval.
Wall-mount lavatories feature a basin that is hung from the wall at a desired, functional height.
Wall-mount lavatories are useful in small bathrooms or powder rooms where space is at a premium and you don't need a lot of counter space.
Some wall-mount lavatories feature a matching shroud beneath the basin, for support and to attractively conceal plumbing pipes.
Bathroom
Bathroom
