5 Rules for Choosing a Sink for a Small Bathroom

Without a bidet, shower cabin, or jacuzzi, you can manage in a tiny combined bathroom. But without a sink — no.

Small bathroom, small sink

If you're talking about a compact bathroom, you have to give up something. Usually it's the length of the basin, which in compact sinks is 32 cm or less. The width of such a sink is also smaller than usual — about 30 cm.

Important: even if you want to save space, it's not advisable to choose too miniaturized models. With them, even with the most careful handling, it's hard to avoid splashes on the floor.

Design: Ksenia Drapey
Non-standard forms are great for large spaces

For compact bathrooms, traditional classics work well: rectangular, semi-circular, or square-shaped sinks. If there's no space at all, look for corner models.

Important: rectangular and square sinks should be placed so that when moving in a tight space, you don't hit their corners.

Design: Irina Krivtsova
Not enough space? Choose a wall-mounted model

For a small bathroom, suspended (console) models with wall mounting are optimal. Or special types of sinks designed for installation above a washing machine. Both require little space and don't need furniture or stands.

Important: a sink installed above a washing machine has a specific flat drain. It is believed that it clogs more often than usual. Also, consider whether installing a washing machine in a small space is necessary. Perhaps it's better to place it in the kitchen.

Design: Anastasia Kamen-skikh
Ceramic and metal — optimal materials

Sinks made of natural or artificial stone have one major disadvantage — weight. You can't mount them on the wall without a countertop, which is not available in a tiny bathroom. For the same reason, you may have to give up glass models.

However, sinks made of faience or stainless steel come in suspended, corner, and even cup-shaped versions designed to be installed under a washing machine.

Important: ceramic sinks are much easier to maintain. Also, they come in various color schemes that harmonize with any interior.

Design: Olga Kulikovskaya-Eshbi and Interior Box
The finishing touch — the right faucet

There are two faucet options:

• A single universal faucet with a long spout that covers both the sink and the bathtub. It's convenient because it saves space (you can buy a narrower sink without a faucet hole);

• Two separate faucets. This option is considered more modern and aesthetically pleasing. The spout length can differ for the bathtub and sink.

Important: if there are small children at home, choose a faucet with a long spout. This makes hygiene procedures easier.

Design: Anna Mozharo
Expert opinion

We asked designer Irina Krivtsova which sink she would choose for her bathroom.

Krivtsova Irina
expert
Interior designer. Studio director of Irina Krivtsova Design

I recommend oval sinks, as they are the most convenient for washing.

When space is limited, a washing machine is often placed next to the sink, covered by one countertop. Because of this, the sink height becomes higher than standard.

I recommend mounting the sink into the countertop. You can look for a manufacturer with the widest and deepest basins available. But don't forget that all depends on your bathroom dimensions.

Design: Irina Krivtsova