Overhead bathroom sinks: pros and cons

In just a couple of years, countertop bathroom sinks have gone from little-known to popular and in-demand plumbing fixtures. They are distinguished not only by ease of installation, but also by their original design and wide range. Today on the market you can see sink models from a number of the world's leading manufacturers in a wide variety of shapes. The features and disadvantages of overhead washbasins remain to be studied today.

Installation

You can install a countertop bathroom sink anywhere, and it’s easy to do. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a corner, a ledge or a niche, the only prerequisite is the presence of a tabletop or any other reliable stand for plumbing fixtures.

The overhead bowl is connected in almost the same way as a regular one. Drain hoses are passed through the hole made in the countertop. Installation is often carried out through a hidden installation of drainage in the wall. This is a new, in-demand technology that makes your sink look more impressive.

To add to this benefit, check out the overhead bowl installation diagram to see how easy it really is.

What does the installation process look like?

The installation diagram of an overhead sink is somewhat similar to the installation of a conventional kitchen sink. The only caveat is the insert into the countertop, but this feature is in no way considered a disadvantage. When making a slot for a siphon in the countertop, be sure to be careful. Thus, the hole for the siphon on the surface of the cabinet or tabletop must exactly match the size of the drain pipe so that the part passes smoothly through it. It is not worth cutting a large hole so that the pipe does not fall out. The flask with siphon is placed below.

The best wall-hung sinks for the bathroom

Cersanit TETA 40 UM-Te/1

Cersanit TETA 40 UM-Te/1 – Polish oval washbasin with central holes for overflow and mixer. It is made of sanitary ware and finished with glaze. Shape – angular, bowl – oval, color – white. Supplied with a siphon (optional) and fasteners.

Installed in a corner: fixed to the wall - if desired, can be supplemented with a cabinet or shelves. Well suited for apartments with small bathrooms.

Pros:

workmanship, heat resistance, low noise, smoothness;
efficiency and functionality: no splashes, easy maintenance, optimal size ratio;
ease of installation: compact (0.46×0.43×0.16 m), light (7.9 kg);
aesthetics: the classic device has a modern design;
durability: the manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty;
more than low price: you can buy a sink for 1.5-1.8 thousand rubles.

Minuses:

little space for a soap dish;
limited equipment: siphon can be sold separately.

Recommendations: 12 Best Kitchen Sinks

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13 best washbasins

RAVAK Avocado Comfort

RAVAK Avocado Comfort is a Czech non-standard washbasin with an asymmetrical bowl, left/right wing, overflow hole and seat for a faucet. It is created in white color from cast marble (dolomite + resin) in hi-tech style.

Equipped with a built-in drain and overflow. Attached in a hanging position to the wall. Intended for use in everyday life, namely in apartments and private houses. Overall dimensions: 0.95×0.53×0.19 m.

Pros:

noiselessness, mechanical strength, resistance to shock and high temperature;
ease of use: there is a wing for hygiene items and a capacious bowl (0.49 × 0.43 × 0.17 m);
quick installation: drain and overflow already built-in;
easy care: using liquid detergents;
unique design: the device is shaped like an avocado;
long service life: warranty – 10 years.

Minuses:

may be scratched due to careless use;
relatively high price: 11.7-18.1 thousand rubles.

How to install a mixer

Plumbers recommend using one of the three methods presented when installing the mixer:

There are overhead bathroom sinks that have a connector for the faucet, which is where it is installed. It is worth noting that in this case the hole in the mixer is made with a slightly larger diameter than is intended for the pipe.
If there is no hole in the sink, you can embed the faucet into the cabinet or countertop itself.
Another installation option is a wall. You can install the faucet in a similar way to a bathroom faucet, hiding everything unnecessary.

To fasten the mixer, you can purchase a special siphon equipped with a clamping nut, although it is quite possible to do without such an addition.

In principle, you are familiar with the basics of installing a faucet and the features of installing an overhead bowl-sink in a bathroom. As you can see, the work scheme is practically no different from installing classic sinks.

The best bathroom sinks on a pedestal and half-pedestal

Jacob Delafon Escale E1025

Jacob Delafon Escale E1025 is a French rectangular washbasin with an asymmetrical bowl, a left-hand faucet seat and an overflow hole with a chrome-plated plug.

Equipped with a semi-pedestal and a towel holder (optional). Created in high-tech style from white sanitary porcelain. It is fixed to the wall in a hanging position - fasteners must be purchased separately. Used in apartments and private houses with a modern interior.

Pros:

quality, durability, environmental friendliness, low noise and hygiene; resistance to high temperature and mechanical stress;
comfort of use: rational size ratio (0.50×0.30×0.16 m);
easy installation and maintenance: the surface of the sink is easy to clean;
ultra-modern look in hi-tech style;
durability: manufacturer's warranty - 1/4 century;
reasonable price: you can buy a sink for 10.9-11.0 thousand rubles.

Minuses:

the design is unsafe for children: injuries are potentially possible due to the sharp corners of the bowl;
no right-hand model available.

LAUFEN ILBAGNOALESSI ONE 811971

LAUFEN ILBAGNOALESSI ONE 811971 – Swiss round sink with a combined pedestal and a central hole for the mixer: an overflow is optional. Made from sanitary porcelain in hi-tech style. White color. During installation, it is fixed to the floor and (or) to the wall.

It has a domestic scope of application: it is installed in apartments and country houses with advanced interior design. Dimensions: 0.53×0.52×0.85 m.

Pros:

high quality and durability; environmentally friendly, hygienic and smooth;
resistance to chemical compounds, high temperatures and accidental impacts;
standard care: regular cleaning liquids are used;
comfortable and pleasant use: optimal dimensions, absence of noise and splashing;
extravagant appearance: author - famous designer Stefano Giovannoni;
long service life: the company provides a guarantee for a quarter of a century.

Minuses:

large weight (41 kg): difficult transportation and installation;
expensive: price – 55.5-73.5 thousand rubles.

Design

It would also be useful to mention the attractive appearance of overhead sinks. They look unusual, and some even creative. This brings a touch of individuality to the interior of the room and allows you to play up the style. Thanks to the large assortment, choosing a bowl is not a problem. And the most ordinary surface-mounted washbasin becomes a bright accent point in the bathroom composition.

A few more tips for choosing

To ensure that your new washbasin brings you only positive emotions from the convenience and beauty of the product, you should remember a few simple rules when choosing:

Choose a sink that matches the style of the entire bathroom

Check items carefully, especially those made from materials such as porcelain and glass, for cracks or chips. If found, request a replacement item. After all, even the smallest crack can grow into a big nuisance over time.
If there are children in the family, it is better to refrain from purchasing models with sharp corners to avoid possible accidental injuries.
Decide on the sizes in advance. When choosing a countertop sink, you should know the expected countertop size and placement location.
The selection of the mixer must be carried out according to the height of the washbasin. The deeper your sink, the higher the faucet should be.

Details of choosing a countertop sink

When selecting plumbing fixtures, some difficulties and nuances arise related to the characteristics of the products. They may be positive or turn out to be a problematic issue due to certain circumstances. Therefore, when buying a sink, you should pay attention to their distinctive characteristics: the material used for manufacturing and the shape of the washbasins. The differences and combinations of these two parameters provide a considerable number of plumbing models for an intelligent choice.

In a showroom or store, you can look through a catalog of furniture and plumbing for the bathroom with colorful photos and full product characteristics. This is an undeniable advantage of buying in a specialized place - the opportunity to look and study the details and characteristics of an overlay sink for a bathroom countertop.

It’s also good that the store will help you make a choice and tell you which material is best today.

Comparison of the presented models

We present to your attention a table of comparative characteristics. It contains the main technical parameters of the models described in the rating, which help you make a choice in favor of one model or another.

Model name	Material	Weight, kg)	Dimensions (mm)	Cost, rub)
Cersanit TETA 40 UM-Te/1	ceramics	8.5	465x430x160	1 500 – 3 000
RAVAK Avocado Comfort	fake diamond	18	850x450x124	10 000 – 14 500
Roca Diverta 327116	ceramics	12	550x425x170	2 000 – 3 500
LAUFEN ILBAGNOALESSI ONE 811971	ceramics	41	635x525x200	30 000 – 40 000
Roca Bol 327876	ceramics	10	420x420x230	4 000 – 6 000

Attention: what material is best for sinks?

Raw materials and their quality determine the strength, durability and reliability of the product. Special emphasis is placed on the appearance of the sink, since a visual overview of not only the inner surface of the bowl, but also the outer surface is assumed. Therefore, the quality level of earthenware or ceramics, most often used in production, is important. The advantages of overhead sinks for the bathroom include low price and routine care.

Lovers of antiquity prefer copper and brass bowls, which are truly considered exotic. Such products require more careful care, and the process is a hassle. Since regular use of special products is required to maintain the aesthetic appearance of sinks.

Glass washbasins are no less popular. They look stylish, are inexpensive and do not require special care.

There are overhead bowls made of natural and artificial stone. But to install a natural sink, you need to install a special countertop that can withstand the weight of the plumbing.

Some buyers like plumbing fixtures made from an acrylic substitute - it is cheap and easy to care for such a sink.

Materials

The choice of material is where buying a sink begins.

Faience

The most common option, classic for the manufacture of plumbing fixtures. Usually supplied in white, it is inexpensive and easy to clean. Requires caution - it is fragile and may crack if dropped on it with a heavy or sharp object.

Overhead water lily sink

Metal countertop sink

Acrylic

A less common option, but one that deserves no less attention. It is distinguished by its lightness, which allows it to be installed even on thin, fragile countertops. There is a huge variety of flowers. But here, too, you need to be careful—acrylic sinks are more sensitive than ceramic sinks. It can be scratched easily.

Orange countertop sink made of artificial stone

A natural stone

It is considered a very prestigious material, and this is not surprising - stone sinks are expensive and their service life is approaching infinity. They are not afraid of mechanical damage, scratches or cracks. They look original and aesthetically pleasing, especially if they match the rest of the room. The only drawback is they are heavy. Not every cabinet can support a stone sink.

Wall-mounted washbasin

Fake diamond

In terms of performance characteristics, products made from it are not inferior to products made from natural stone. Resistant to damage, beautiful, easy to use. Much lighter than those made from natural stone and cheaper.

Rectangular countertop washbasin

Glass

Quite a rare material, usually used by professional designers.

Surprisingly, a glass sink is no less resistant to damage than any other. It looks great and can become a real decoration for the bathroom.

However, it is expensive and requires complex care, otherwise the surface will become covered with stains and lose its chic.

Frosted glass countertop washbasin

Metal

It is also a rare material, but sinks made from it are cheaper than those made from stone or glass. They look beautiful and exotic in their own way, they can even be multi-colored if the metal is covered with enamel on top. However, they require no less complex care than any glass sink; Only special products and frequent cleaning will help maintain shine.

Countertop washbasin with long countertop

A ceramic sink, a glass sink, a sink made of artificial stone - they are all good in their own way, but only if they fit into the interior and complement it, and do not destroy it. You need to choose the material according to tastes, appropriateness and means.

Countertop sink with shelf

Features of furniture for an overhead sink

Installing a countertop sink in the bathroom is an advantage in itself. Since it requires additional support, here you can choose a cabinet, a tabletop, and a shelf. Specially designed furniture allows you to hide all the “internals” of plumbing fixtures: couplings, tubes, hoses.

Undoubtedly, the property of moisture resistance for furniture is a big plus, because it is intended to be used in a room with increased formation of steam and accumulation of moisture.

The best option for a countertop under the sink is a surface made of natural marble or artificial stone. Special furniture or countertops can usually be purchased as a set at a plumbing store. Most often this is a surface made to standard sizes.

Bathroom cabinets are equipped with special drawers or shelves where you can store everything you need. This way you can free up part of the room, thereby preserving useful space.

Where would this design fit?

An overhead sink is an ideal option for a small room or combined bathrooms. Its compact size and ease of installation in any space, including niches and awkward corners, allows it to be used in bathrooms with limited space. With the help of a properly selected design, you can create an original design for even the smallest bathroom.

If space allows and the bathroom area is large, a countertop sink will be a wonderful decoration; it can be used as an additional washbasin.

Price as an undeniable advantage of overhead sinks

Price is another advantage that cannot be ignored. The cost of a countertop bathroom sink varies and largely depends on the country of origin.

Domestic sinks are the cheapest. For oriental counter-mounted sinks, prices start from 3,000 rubles.

Earthenware products made in Europe will cost several times more, the price range is from 7,000 to 41,000 rubles.

The most expensive option is products from an Indian manufacturer, made of natural onyx, granite, and basalt. For such pleasure you will have to pay from 27,000, not to mention more respectable models belonging to LUXERY-class plumbing fixtures, the cost of which reaches several hundred thousand rubles.

Summing up, I would like to say that over-mount sinks-bowls on bathroom countertops have earned their inherent popularity due to their originality and a lot of advantages.

Best lists

We present to your attention a list of the best models in three popular categories:

Best price.
The most popular.
Original design.

Let us dwell in more detail on the listed positions and give them a full description.

Best price

Santek Pilot-60 is a rectangular washbasin with a round bowl from a Russian manufacturer. The appearance of the product is in the form of a slab made of faience with a glaze coating. The kit includes a horizontal siphon, a corrugated outlet and fasteners. Ideal for installation in small rooms.

Dimensions	615x605x200 mm
Housing material	ceramics
Form	rectangular
Country of Origin	Russia

Cost: from 2,000 to 4,500 rubles.

Sink Santek Pilot-60

The most popular

Villeroy & Boch Amadea 6198 is a sink with a large number of holes - 1 drain and 3 for the mixer. Made of sanitary porcelain and a trough with a special material that provides dirt-repellent properties. Fastening is done to the tabletop using a mortise method.

Form	oval
Size	635x525x200 mm
Weight	16 kg
Housing material	ceramics

Cost: from 30,000 to 35,000 rubles.

Villeroy & Boch washbasin

Original design

PAA Claro is a square washbasin with an oval bowl and several holes for installing an overflow and mixer tap. Manufactured from artificial stone in a variety of colors. The package includes a siphon, a soap dish and two brackets. Installation is carried out on a washing machine and is additionally attached to the wall for greater stability.

Dimensions	600x600x96 mm
Bowl location	central
Form	square
Material	fake diamond

Cost: from 15,000 to 19,500 rubles.

Sink PAA Claro