Rustic Bathroom Sinks

Think rustic bathroom sink and you picture a vessel sink. That’s because for a long time, rustic sinks were limited to the vessel design or ‘above counter design’ in which the sink is rested above a counter. But that’s no longer the case.

Now, rustic sinks are available in just about any type and configuration that you desire. There are pedestal sinks, under mount sinks, drop in sinks and console sinks in rustic designs. This will be the focal point of the bathroom mind you. So spend some time considering your options and then make a choice.

Round, oval, square, rectangular and custom made shapes in a material of your choice, you are limited only by your imagination. Unlike conventional sinks which are available only in a bunch of standard sizes, rustic bathroom sinks come in a variety of sizes, shapes and depths.

However, your choice should also depend on the available space in the bathroom, current fixtures if any which may interfere with the height or width of the new sink, the available plumbing and whether or not you will be pairing it with a vanity.

While metals like copper, bronze, nickel and brass are quite popular due to their opulence, durability and excellent resistance to corrosion, other materials like petrified wood offer much better aesthetics.

Don’t let the ‘wood’ alarm you. Petrified wood is more stone than wood and is sourced from fossilized tree trunks which have formed over thousands of years. Beat that!

Resin is fast rising in popularity as a bathroom sink material and it can be customized in shape and appearance to mimic the look of just about any natural stone.

If you wish to experiment a little, there’s bamboo, a new renewable plant that’s finding its place in unique applications every day.

Then there’s always the option to get a bespoke natural stone sink. Unhewn sinks of onyx, granite, marble and sandstone have a unique and rustic appeal.

The appeal of a rustic bathroom sink would be incomplete without the right fixtures to match them. Many homeowners throw in just about any blackened nickel or brass fixture and hope that it will blend in. But with a little planning, you can accentuate the look of the sink further.

• Bridge faucet: The vintage bridge faucet is one of the best options to pair with your rustic bathroom sink. It looks wide and blends in easily with deep metallic sinks.
• Deck mounted faucet: The deck mounted faucet is ideal if it’s a space saving installation. This keeps the space near the basin free and is available in a variety of designs and styles.

A vanity serves a purpose and that's storage. One fundamental question to ask is the number of people who will be using the rustic bath vanity. From then on, you can estimate the number of storage drawers you will need.

Another thing you need to consider is the items you will be placing on the rustic bath vanity. Keep in mind that if you are storing "hot" items (e.g., hair blower), you'd want to make sure that the rustic bath vanity can handle the heat.

When it comes to bath vanities, the most popular top materials are:

Wood. Wood vanity tops are homeowners' favorite for the natural beauty and warmth they exude. They are available in a variety of colors so you can choose between maple, bamboo, and cherry. If you want to have a reclaimed wood vanity top, you are also going for something that is eco-friendly. Its only drawback is that it may sustain damage from constant exposure to moisture and water when it is not sealed properly. Also, it may be necessary to refinish it over time.

Granite. Granite tops are graceful, sophisticated, and beautiful. A granite top that's fitted in a bathroom can instantly uplift the atmosphere of the space. Granite is fairly easy to maintain and can be customized to the preferences of the user.

There are generally two types of this type of furniture. There's the built-in and freestanding units. Each has its own pros and cons.

• With a built-in rustic bath vanity, it's attached to a wall. Since this type will usually include mirrors, sinks, and fixtures, it will often look more aesthetically appealing. On the other hand, this type of rustic bath vanity can be costly.
• As for the freestanding unit, it's not attached to a wall and you can move it as you please. Also, this vanity usually comes with a smaller size, which is great if your bathroom doesn't have a lot of space available. On the downside, the unit will fall short on storage space, non-customizability, and overall appeal when compared to the built-in counterpart.

If the budget is tight, then a freestanding rustic bath vanity is the better option for you as it's generally cheaper. If you have more budget to work with, then a built-in unit is the better choice.