The bath sink and its surrounds marks the most used area in the bathroom. It is a multi-functional space that should be given much attention in order for it to play a meaningful role.

Take the area, where your new bath sink will be installed, into account when choosing
a bath sink. Opt for a wall mounted bath sink when space is limited in the bathroom. If bathroom space is not a problem for you, a set of twin bath sinks on an expansive surface will ease traffic jams in the bathroom.

Besides the actual basin, you will need to ensure that there is sufficient storage place around the sink. Under counter cupboards or vanities are spacious and also hide unsightly plumbing.

Small drawers at hand level are easy to access and small enough to hold a few things, requiring little or no "digging" for items.

Wall mounted cabinets also provide handy storage compartments. They can provide a mirror on the outside and have the added benefit of holding items at eye-level, reducing the strain on your back.

Bath Sinks

Deciding on the actual basin can be done once your color scheme and placement of fittings has been finalized. Size and shapes vary much and it will come down to personal taste and budget. Many obvious and standard shapes of designer ilk that have been popular are now being reproduced by mass producing sanitary ware dealers. These knock-offs can be just as good quality with the only distinction being a design label.

That being said, design in terms of wash basins is experiencing a resurgence of beautiful creativity and attractive inventiveness. In a number of shapes and sizes, whether rounded or square, the bowl you select should appeal to you as the immediate user.

When shopping, take the following into consideration:

- The type of tap you choose will have an impact on the choice of bowl, so select the sink and faucets simultaneously.

- Will your bowl be under counter, set on top of the counter or wall hung for aesthetic appeal. This information is important for plumbing work as taps may be freestanding or originate from the basin itself.

- Most buyers will choose matching fittings for their bathroom to make it easier on the eye. Choosing an alternative basin can acts as a focal point in the bathroom.

- If you choose a countertop vessel, keep in mind the height of the basin and the countertop to prevent any awkwardness when using the basin, particularly in a children's bathroom.

Materialistic

General trends favor plain white basins, but there are many more materials out of which basins are now being formed.

Glass is by far the most popular vessel sink material. It's available in thousands of different color combinations and many even feature printed images between the layers of glass. It's easy to clean and maintain which is a big advantage; however glass sinks are also fairly easy to break. Improper installation, over tightening of the drain, quick temperature changes or just a straight out impact could cause a glass vessel to crack or shatter. It is important to note that if you do select a glass vessel sink, make sure it is made of tempered glass because non tempered glass could definitely do some damage to you or your counter top if it ever shattered.

Resin based basins molded in attractive shapes can offer a natural and rustic look, often creating excitement with darker hues and stony textures. With this industrial product an entire "wet area" can be created by shaping a basin top with clear indentations that are then used as the basin, with taps inset. They also allow designers to form tall, obelisk-like basins that sit on the floor, with taps hung over them from the wall.

If you like a cool, contemporary less-is-more type of bathroom, wall hung stainless steel sinks are for you. It's relatively easy to clean and they tend to look new for a longer period of time as long as they are cared for properly. The best advantage of stainless steel sinks is that they are relatively cheaper than other materials, such as granite.

Ceramic basins remain an old classic. Ceramic evolved from the dull white pedestal sink you found in almost every home to classy sinks that are available in a huge range of shapes and sizes. The clear advantage of a ceramic or porcelain vessel sink is that they are extremely easy to clean and are quite durable.

Prices of bathroom sinks vary depending on various factors such as sink size, finish, manufacturer's brand or image. There are a wide variety of choices so that you can definitely find one that will best suit your budget without compromising quality.