Countertop Sink for Bathroom: 55+ Interior Photos

A countertop sink is an elegant solution that will please even the most demanding homeowner. In recent years, this sanitary fixture has gained enormous popularity among buyers. The demand for sinks is well-deserved due to their attractive appearance and functionality.

A countertop sink is a basin that sits on a horizontal surface. The item with a flat bottom does not sit into a cabinet or countertop, but is simply placed on top. When looking at such a sink, it may seem easy to move it. But in reality, it is firmly attached.

Design: Anna Furbaken

The countertop can be used as a storage place for cosmetics or small items used in the bathroom. Some homeowners do not limit themselves to functional capabilities. They decorate the empty surface with flower arrangements in vases, candles in candleholders, pots with live plants, and other decorative elements.

Material Selection

Modern manufacturers use various materials to make countertop sinks for the bathroom:

• ceramic,

• artificial or natural stone,

• faience,

• metal,

• porcelain,

• wood,

• glass,

• acrylic.

The choice of material for bathroom sanitary fixtures affects the price and operational and decorative characteristics.

Design: Darya El'nikova

Ceramic, Faience, and Porcelain Variants

Countertop sinks for the bathroom made of ceramic, faience, and porcelain are very popular. The popularity of these materials is well-deserved: they offer high performance at affordable prices. These basins are practical and easy to maintain.

Sanitary fixtures made of these materials differ slightly in production methods and chemical composition. They are also similar in appearance: they have a perfectly smooth surface. Such basins look aesthetically pleasing. There are items in various shapes, colors, and sizes on the market. The most common variant is a white round basin.

The cost of porcelain and faience basins differs significantly. Porcelain is positioned as more prestigious and expensive bathroom fixtures. Although it is indeed slightly better in performance, the price difference is too large. It's easier to choose a cheaper sink and replace it in case of damage.

All the listed materials are rather fragile. Therefore, it is necessary to install the basin carefully. During further use, one should also be careful to avoid dropping heavy objects on the sink. When purchasing, inspect the item carefully; there should be no scratches or chips.

Design: Zhena Zhdanova

Stone Basins

Natural stone, granite, and marble are expensive materials. However, their high cost is justified because such basins are extremely durable and long-lasting. You don't have to worry about surface damage during use. In addition to durability, stone basins have another advantage – aesthetics. Stone basins look elegant and refined. They will appeal to lovers of natural yet refined items.

For a wide range of consumers, there is a more affordable alternative – countertop basins made from artificial stone. Their performance characteristics are slightly worse, but they are easier to maintain. The advantage lies not only in the affordable price but also in the variety of colors.

Design: Evgenia Razueva

Acryl Models

Acrylic basins are lightweight, so they can be safely placed on thin countertops. Despite their small weight, acrylic is a very durable material. If the basin undergoes strong mechanical impacts during use, scratches and chips may appear on its surface. If used carefully, it will last a long time while maintaining its attractive appearance.

Design: Olga Borovikova and Irina Nikolaeva

Metal: Style and Sophistication

Basins are made from stainless steel, cast iron, copper, bronze, or brass. Metal countertop basins in the bathroom are not very common. Some models would fit well in bathrooms decorated in an Eastern, classical, or Mediterranean style.

Among the merits of these basins are affordable pricing, high strength, and wear resistance. The main disadvantage is the difficulty in maintenance. To keep the surface gleaming, special cleaning products must be used. Also, metal fixtures have a limited color range.

Glass: An Original Solution

Countertop basins made from glass are also used very rarely. Designers find applications for them when other options don't fit well into the interior. In such cases, a glass basin serves as an original element.

The merits include an attractive appearance. There is a huge variety of models in different shapes and sizes on the market. Glass can be matte, colored, or decorated with patterns.

Additionally, countertop basins made of glass are resistant to mechanical impacts and chemical agents. Glass basins are usually more expensive than ceramic ones. Besides the cost, another disadvantage is the complex maintenance. You will need to clean the surface of water streaks and rings.

Wooden Structures

Not everyone can afford to install a wooden basin at home because the cost of such sanitary fixtures is high, and the basin itself requires special care. This eco-friendly material belongs to the class of elite raw materials. Wooden sanitary fixtures look exclusive and noble.

Not all types of wood are used for making basins. The ideal choice would be wood materials commonly used in shipbuilding, such as larch, oak, teak, bamboo, veneer, and mahogany. More affordable types include birch and walnut.

The surface of wooden basins is protected with special lacquers and oils. However, the moisture protection layer wears down over time. Then, the item needs restoration.

Sizes and Shapes of Basins

The design of countertop basins for bathroom countertops is diverse. Among the wide range of options, you can find even asymmetrical models with wavy contours, and a basin may look like a flower or a drop of water. But the most popular basins are:

• rectangular,

• round,

• square,

• oval.

Design: MEDIANA interiors

There is another popular shape of the basin installed directly over a washing machine – a bowl-shaped basin. Its feature is the location of the drain hole. In traditional models, the drain is in the center, but in "bowl" models, it is on the edge. This allows placing the drainage pipes almost flush with the wall, which enables fitting a standard washing machine under the basin.

Design: Anna Mozharo

Another type designed for installation over a washing machine is a countertop basin. This model has an asymmetrical shape. On the right or left side of the basin, there is a flat horizontal surface where the washing machine is placed. Under the basin, you can optionally place a small cabinet for storing bathroom accessories or a laundry basket.

Design: Olga Chernenko

Among less popular shapes (triangular, rhombic), there are ready-made sets consisting of a basin and countertop. There are also unique designer items, for example, basins with LED lighting. It turns on when the tap is opened, and changes color according to water temperature.

When choosing the size of the basin, consider the bathroom size and available space for installation. A countertop basin does not have to be mounted flush against the wall; it can be placed in a corner, recess, or between the bathtub and toilet.

A wide range of sizes allows finding a suitable sanitary fixture for any bathroom. Countertop basins are usually small. There is no standard size, but among the most popular models, round basins with a diameter of 40 to 50 cm stand out.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of a countertop basin:

• An elegant appearance. Hundreds of models are available, differing in shape, color, and design. A wide range will help find an item that perfectly fits into the interior of your bathroom.

• Convenience in use.

• Significant space savings. Various bathroom accessories can be placed on the countertop, and household chemicals and personal hygiene items can be stored under it.

• Ability to place the basin in a corner.

• Easy installation compared to standard basins. To install a basin, you just need to fix it on the countertop and hide the plumbing elements.

• Relatively low cost due to simple construction.

Design: Maria Ivanova

Disadvantages of countertop basins can include:

• the need to purchase a special built-in mixer;

• costs for purchasing a countertop or cabinet.

Design: Nikita Morozov

Countertop for the Basin

The elegance of a countertop basin will be enhanced by properly chosen countertops. They not only serve as support but also perform a decorative function – hiding pipes and hoses. An open countertop can be complemented with a curtain that matches the color.

Bathrooms have high humidity levels, and water splashes are common. To prevent the countertop surface from deteriorating, it is necessary to choose a moisture-resistant material. Marble and granite countertops look stylish and elegant. Their more affordable alternative is artificial stone. The most budget-friendly option is MDF and particleboard panels treated with special water-repelling agents. Tempered glass can withstand large loads, so glass countertops are also a good choice. Wooden stands look original but are less practical and often used in bathroom interiors.

Countertops can be custom-made or bought as ready-made options. There are no standard sizes. The choice should depend on the designer's concept. Do not rely solely on the bathroom area. Even in a small bathroom, the countertop can be larger than needed for installing the basin. In a spacious room, it is not necessary that the countertop occupy an entire wall.

Typically, basins cabinets have a height from 75 to 90 cm. The countertop should be installed at approximately the same height. There are no standardized parameters, and the height of the structure depends on the height of the homeowners.

The range of countertop basins is quite extensive – from budget-friendly faience to exclusive wooden models. Among this variety, everyone will find an item that harmoniously fits into the interior of their bathroom. High functionality, easy installation, and attractive appearance make such basins increasingly popular and in demand.

Design: Zhena Zhdanova Design: Zhena Zhdanova

Photo examples of countertop basins in the bathroom.