Bathroom Sinks That Rise Above the Rest Unlike standard bathroom sinks, vessel designs sit above the counter surface. Reminiscent of historical bedroom washstands that consisted of a wash basin and pitcher for freshening up, current vessel sinks utilize modern materials and designs to sculptural effect. Since vessel sinks are top-mounted, you’ll have to adjust your counter height to accommodate for the vessel’s depth. Since standard sink rim height is 34″ high, subtract your vessel’s depth from 34″ to figure out the ideal countertop height. You might try retrofitting a vessel sink to an existing console or dresser under 30” high to achieve an ergonomic sink height. You’ll also want to consider its location. Vessel sinks are usually found in powder rooms and guest baths where they see lighter use, typically just hand-washing. That’s because this type of on-display design requires a bit more cleaning and maintenance than your average below-deck sink. For instance, a clear glass sink will show watermarks or dirt, so you’ll want to wipe clean frequently.

A copper sink’s living finish will develop natural patina and is therefore less fussy, so that may be a better choice in a frequently used master or main bath. Whatever material you choose, make sure the sink base doesn’t have tight angles; you’ll want a base that’s easy to clean around. As with most fixtures, use non-abrasive cleaners to keep your sink in top form. The faucet pairing and placement requires forethought as well. A wall-mounted faucet is common, but a carefully selected deck-mount faucet will also do the job. Like with other projects, site measurements and product dimensions are majorly important. Keep in mind that the faucet must be long and tall enough to reach the basin. Also be sure to position the faucet so that the nozzle sits directly over the drain to avoid bothersome splashing. If you’re after eye candy, vessel sinks are the way to go. Don’t miss our gallery Vessel Sinks: 10 Works of Art for a set of fine examples from around the market, at every price range.

For more on bath fixtures and fittings, consider: The New Bronze Age for Fixtures 12 “Decorator-Worthy” Bathroom Vanities Bathroom Essentials: Tubs, Showers and Sinks We build our vanities at 36". Why does AWI specify vanity height at 31"? I hate having to stoop over a sink, especially because I have a bad back. High vanities are a godsend to me. How tall do other people out there build their vanities? Normal vanity height is usually 29 to 30 high. I agree it is low, but that is what they have been for the 25 plus years I have dealt with them. It's probably 31" so the rugrats can wash their hands, too. But I agree that 36" is more comfortable. They are low because it is a shared area with children. Kids don't normally work or use the kitchen countertops, thus the 36". It also evolved from women washing their hair in the bathroom sink... It was easily accessible from sitting in a chair. If no kids are involved and I was building for myself, I would make them at a comfortable height.

If you're building for someone else, I would stick to the 30" to accommodate the kids. 29" is our standard vanity height and 34.5" is our standard adult height vanity. I'll build a vanity any height the client wants; Hobie Cat Dealers TexasI'm not the one that will live with bending over it.Best Cheap Hackintosh Laptops I build mine between 32" and 34". Grow Light For Meyer Lemon TreeFor the last two years I have been asking my customers how high they want them and they've all (to a person) asked me to raise them a little higher than the standard 30". Many of the factory lines are offering higher vanities also. 36" seems a little high to me, but if the customers are happy, I'd be happy. I do the same as several others. Many times the customer has no idea what height a vanity should be.

I like to show them the difference. Many times the price is the same and so they go with 34.5" in height where they will be and 30" for the kids. The type sink being used also has an effect on the cabinet height. If the customer wants to use one of the new vessel sinks, the ones that are installed on top of the countertop, you will want to use the lower height vanity, otherwise, the top of the vessel bowl will be about 40" to 42" if used with a 36" high vanity. Our standard is 32 1/2 to top cab, then 3/4 or 3cm top. But we'll make them to whatever height they want. 34" floor-to-finished top surface. I like to make mine 36'' with tops. If you do, you may have to use a 3'' fill strip to clear the bathroom doorknob if you have a bank of drawers against the wall. I know this because I learned it the hard way - the drawer opened and hit the doorknob. Comment from contributor A: It is important to remember the client�s age from young to old when installing a vanity at 36".

If elderly -- that client could become temporarily or even permanently wheelchair bound, than have quite an issue reaching the faucet. If on the other hand the client has other bathrooms available for children and guests or a handicapped individual there should be no problem having a vanity at this height. Considering all of the factors is important before deciding, anywhere between 29" - 36" can be appropriate considering all circumstances. I have seen all the way up to a height of 42". Best of luck in the decision and building process! The height of almost all modern furniture-style vanities is 33 1/2", with a few coming in 3/4-2" shorter. This usual height, with 1" granite, marble or quartzite, brings them to 34 1/2". This is about as standard as I can see for a current adult-height, furniture-style vanity. Would you like to add information to this article?Interested in writing or submitting an article?Have a question about this article?Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below?

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