Getting the bathroom you really want is easier when you start by finding the right fixtures. Gathering pictures of sink and faucet styles helps explain the look you are seeking. Once your design consultant understands your goals, he or she can better navigate a wide variety of options to fit your desired style and budget. With some help from our friends at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, here are some things to consider.
Sink into your design plans
Even though they’re installed in the final stages of a bathroom remodeling project, sinks and faucets should be chosen before a project begins. That’s because the plumbing placement is determined by the faucet and sink you choose.
While there are a variety of sink styles, the two most popular options are drop-in and undermount. Using a drop-in sink is the most budget-friendly choice. The trade-off comes with potential cleaning issues where the sink’s edge meets the countertop. Undermount sinks, on the other hand, don’t have that pesky edge that often attracts dirt and grime from daily usage.
There are other sink choices. Bowl-like vessel sinks add visual and design appeal, but that flair comes at a higher cost. Freestanding pedestal sinks are good for tight spaces. Integral sinks, in which the sink is part of the counter itself, provide yet another option.
Sink material selections
Choosing a sink style is just the beginning. Which material is right for you? Vitreous china is a common choice for bathroom lavatories. In addition to working in various decors, it’s easily maintained and affordable.
Clients often ask about metal bowls. They’re great for contemporary spaces; copper, stainless, or other materials require more maintenance and are typically more expensive. Glass lavatories add design appeal, but may not stand up to daily use due to fragility.
Meanwhile, even though it’s dated, cultured marble, made from marble and polyester resin, is an affordable option. Keep in mind, though, that cultured marble can be scratched or cracked more easily than other materials.
Tap into the art of faucets
Once you understand that a faucet is a focal point of the kitchen or bath, it’s easier to understand why people spend so much time and money selecting them. There are four basic varieties from which to choose.
Single set faucets are the most economical choice. Featuring a single spout and handle, they require only one hole be drilled in the counter.
Two-handle faucets, meanwhile, have a common base for the spout and handles. However, since the valves are four inches apart, these units require separate holes be drilled.
Wide-spread faucets have a spout with separate hot and cold water faucets. These units require three holes, drilled anywhere from 6 to 20 inches on center. There are also mini-widespread faucets with a four inch center.
Wall-mounted faucet pairs are particularly well suited to freestanding and above-the-counter basins. These faucets require a separate wall-mount valve and drain.
Finally comes the finish
Your bathroom style will usually dictate the appropriate finish for your faucets and other fixtures. Chrome is the most affordable finish, while oil-rubbed bronze and satin or brushed nickel usually price about the same. Oil-rubbed bronze is popular in more traditional spaces. On the other hand, polished nickel works equally well in both contemporary and traditional spaces.
Which is best for you?
It’s a matter of taste and your personal style. That’s why we recommend gathering pictures and discussing them with a TriFection design consultant. Of course, you should also plan a showroom visit to see your choices in person before finalizing a purchase. Taking these steps beforehand helps insure you get the bathroom of your dreams.
