Before purchasing a sink, there are some general questions — beyond price, material, and mounting options — you should ask yourself. First, how much space do you want to devote to the lav? In a 5-by-7-foot room, for example, the sink shouldn’t be wider than 24 inches, says Suzette Bonsignore of Smolka Plumbing in New York City. For a comfortable amount of elbow room, the center of the sink should be at least 12 inches from the nearest wall. Also determine the sink’s height for maximum comfort and ease of use; 34 inches is typical today (up a couple of inches from
10 years ago). Height is especially important when buying a vessel sink, which sits on top of a counter or cabinet.
Pro Tip: New York City architect Dennis Wedlick advises that homeowners should feel free to pick a sink that’s different from the one marketed with a specific tub or toilet. “Often these coordinating ‘lines’ are just somebody else’s idea of what looks good together,” he says. “I think it’s more essential for the faucets, towel racks and other hardware to match.” He also notes that sinks and faucets should be chosen in tandem to ensure water lands close to the drain — a spout that extends too far will crowd the bowl, while one that’s too short can send water shooting right out onto the user.
Clearance Considerations: Industry-recommended minimums call for at least 15 inches from the center of the sink to any adjacent wall or fixture, and 30 inches of clear floor space in front of the vanity for comfortable use, according to TOH’s clearance guide (TOH Magazine). In a tight powder room, wall-mount sinks are often the best option because they don’t require a cabinet for support, freeing up valuable floor space. Some models come with a “shroud” to cover exposed pipes, or you can opt for a decorative P-trap.
Keep in mind that a sink’s overall look depends in large part on the faucet you choose for it. Three-hole sinks are designed for widespread faucets, with individual hot and cold handles 8 inches apart, or center-set styles, with handles 4 inches apart on a common base. One-hole sinks are for single-handle, lever-operated faucets. Vessel-style sinks with no holes require faucets mounted on the wall or in the sink surround.
Measure Before You Shop: Before selecting a new faucet, measure the distance between the centers of the existing faucet holes. Openings are typically 4 inches apart, but some are spread 6 inches or more. Also check the number of holes on the sink — this determines which faucet styles will fit without modification.
