Because trends in interior design are never static, enterprising interior decorators and architects give new names to old ideas. If you are looking to remodel your bathroom or perhaps even design one in a house you are having built you may run into the term "vessel sinks". Don't be alarmed by the terminology. They are not talking about some kind of contraption that looks like an ocean liner or space ship. Vessel sinks are nothing more than a sink that is a drop-down from above the counter sink. Perhaps the name came about because of their sleek design reminiscent of the bottom of a boat or water "vessel." Rather than a squared off drop in sink, vessel sinks tend to have a gradual oval basin. The overall lateral shape could be oval, round, square, or rectangular. Current trend leans toward oval.
Traditionally bathroom sinks are manufactured from porcelain; however preferences in vessel sinks lean toward glass, stone and ceramic. For some it may be a trend away from tradition. For other designers it may be a matter of utility. To accommodate the amazing designs, or better put, the creativity of some of those trendy designers, there are so many variations of materials used for them in the market. Stone vessel sinks are quite fashionable in high end developments as are glass vessel sinks. There are a couple of obvious advantages that glass holds over stone though. Glass sinks can be embossed with designs, logos and unique coloration during the high heat manufacturing process. For just this reason, if a decorator wants to exhibit a trendy unique design, he/she might just run with glass.
If you are considering using vessel sinks there is a common misconception because of the rather vague definition. Not all vessel sinks need to be attached to a counter or vanity. They are referred to as drop down form above the counter but many fine vessel sinks are really seated on a pedestal fashioned from the same material. These are not only lovely free standing basins but they can also be a great space saving feature. Because the sink is "free standing" it can be placed almost anywhere within the room. If the sink is free standing then vessel sink faucets would obviously have to be attached to the sink. If the sink is against the wall or part of a cabinet, the cabinets are referred to as vessel sink vanities and the faucets could also run from the wall behind it.
Again, don't be confused by the name. If you look at the history of sinks you can probably note the evolution. When plumbing was moved indoors sinks were usually free standing deep square basins set up near a wall where water pipes ran freely and visibly. Cabinets and vanities were designed to cover the pipes. Trends in sink basins changed through the years, but not the desire to disguise unsightly plumbing. Vessel sinks are a blend of old ideas with new variations. They can be free standing, but the plumbing comes up through the pedestal. They can be against the wall but again the plumbing is hidden. Sometimes old ideas give way to trendy new designs. Sometimes, some random designer might be visiting an ancient spot, he or she might see something that strikes their fancy, and come up with a way to incorporate that ancient trend into something modern. You see, even though we might think that these sinks are so new and innovative, that is not really the case. In reality, bathroom vessel sinks are simply an old idea with a new design.
I got a vessel sinks discount but I'm not sure if I want to use it. I don't know about cheap sinks, but I've already gone ahead and started a discount kitchen remodel.
I have a vessel sink bathroom that glows in the dark. The walls and countertop are dark gray and the lighting is pale green so it really puts on a show at night.
My vessel sink vanities alternate in black and white accents. The sink is see-through and the cabinets alternate. I need a new faucet, though, since it's been leaking and making a mess everywhere.
I'm all over this glass sinks design because it is so simple. It is very clear, very see-through, and very pure-looking. Seeing the water spill all over it provides a greater accent.
I have an iron vessel sink stand from DreamLine that almost looks antique. It doesn't have a cabinet or anything so it's kind of bare, but I would love to install matching countertops.
I've been admiring glass vessel bathroom sinks all day. I have one that's crimpled with some sort of tortoise shell design and when the light passes through it's almost a light show.