What are the shells?
Before deciding which sink to choose in the bathroom, you need to understand what sinks are, what their functionality and appearance are. Bathroom sinks have many manufacturing options, which one is better, it’s hard to say, because in this case a lot depends on the architectural features of the room, its interior and the personal preferences of the owner. Therefore, we will focus on the description of the features of these products, and which one to choose - decide for yourself.
The shape of the product sometimes greatly influences the choice of sinks, they come in the most diverse types that you can imagine, ranging from standard round and oval shapes to the now popular ones in the form of a heart, rhombus, shells and more.
According to the range of applications, they are household, kitchen, intended for bathrooms, as well as universal.Our most preferred are universal ones, since the lack of narrow specifics allows them to be reused.
By type of installation sinks are:
With a pedestal - the so-called with us, with a "tulip". They acquired this name from in our country due to the fact that the shape of the first pedestal models that appeared in our country resembled a tulip bud. At the moment, pedestals have a variety of shapes: from a simple parallelepiped shape to various bizarre figures.
With a semi-pedestal - this is a reduced model of a pedestal. If one end of the pedestal starts at the base of the sink and ends at the floor, then the semi-pedestal does not reach it a little
Important: if in a model with a pedestal the height of the drain does not matter, then with a half-pedestal the siphon must be closed, based on this, the drain is made at a certain height.
The advantages of models with a pedestal and a semi-pedestal include the relative ease of installation, repair and maintenance, while the disadvantages are a large occupied area.
- Console - one of the most common models. They are quite easy to install and do not require complex maintenance. Such sinks are attached directly to the wall using brackets. The disadvantage is the appearance: the siphon is visible from under the sink, and this is not always aesthetically pleasing. But some manufacturers make sinks with a special siphon that does not spoil the appearance so much and looks pretty nice.
- Overhead - the latest novelty in plumbing design. Such sinks are mounted on top of the countertop, as well as on special stands specially made for this purpose. The main advantage of these models is ease of care and elegant appearance.But when choosing such a sink, remember that it requires a special free-standing or wall-mounted faucet. The dimensions of the faucet and the sink must match each other, otherwise their further use is impossible.
- Built-in - mounted in countertops. In most cases, built-in sinks are part of a bathroom furniture set. Plus - a minimum of occupied space and ease of use, minus - difficulties in repair and maintenance.
Washstands deserve special attention. This model looks like a small sink that is attached to the wall. Washstands are installed, or, in other words, mini-sinks in bathrooms with a small area, toilets, guest rooms. The advantages of such models include small size, low price, relative ease of installation and repair. In most cases, washstands come with a matching faucet.
Sinks are divided into two types, with and without a hole for the mixer. The former are more successful among buyers. Models with a hole in the center of the sink are in particular demand. The option without a tap hole looks more aesthetically pleasing and does not affect the functionality.
Types of plumbing for the bathroom
Acrylic bath
The main details of the bathroom interior are:
- bath;
- sink;
- toilet.
To create the desired style in the room, the elements are carefully selected
It is important to consider not only functionality, but also external qualities. Choosing the right accessories and furniture
Bath
The main part of the room. The construction market offers a large selection of products of all shapes, colors, sizes.
Dimensions are selected based on the dimensions of the room. Color and design depends on the preferences of the owner.
Cast iron bathtubs
Particularly durable. The classic version, reliable and durable. Such products retain heat well.
Among the disadvantages: heavy weight, enamel coating can crack, quickly loses its original appearance.
Acrylic bathtubs
The easiest option. Products are produced in different shapes and models. Not very durable material, sensitive to scratches and damage. Among the advantages: ease of installation, the possibility of repair and complete replacement.
Steel products
The cheapest option. Light weight ensures easy delivery and installation. Due to the flexibility of steel, a wide variety of models are produced. The smooth surface guarantees easy care.
Among the disadvantages:
- noise when collecting water;
- does not retain heat well.
When installing, use special seals or mounting foam for sound insulation.
sinks
faience sink
This element is no less important for the arrangement of the bathroom. The sink is selected according to the size, style of the room, methods of fastening. Sometimes a room has one bath and sink faucet.
Washbasins are produced from the following materials:
- faience;
- porcelain;
- become;
- glass;
- stone.
Traditional materials are porcelain and faience. Safe and environmentally friendly options. They are durable and do not scratch.
Among the new solutions are sinks made of steel and glass. They are selected depending on the design of the room. Glass products give a unique beautiful environment. They require careful maintenance, water stains remain on the surface.
Stone sinks are installed complete with countertops. There are overhead or mortise. Freestanding structures are mounted on a pedestal or built into the cabinet.
Toilet
Necessary sanitary ware for the toilet, there is a large selection of models on the market. The differences are in the material of manufacture, size, shape, methods of fastening.
Toilet bowls are made of porcelain and faience, which are of high quality and durability. Product Features:
- sizes are chosen depending on the area of \u200b\u200bthe bathroom;
- according to the methods of fastening are divided into floor and suspended;
- the shape of the tank depends on the model of the toilet;
- bowls are selected with an anti-splash system to prevent splashing of water;
- flush is used direct and reverse.
Plumbing for the toilet and the necessary parts for fixing are usually sold as a kit.
Ways to install washbasins
A wall-mounted sink seems to be the simplest option, it is mounted on a vertical surface using brackets or a console (usually included, but worth checking). There is a problematic point: it is recommended to install such models on a main wall or partition that is not inferior to it in strength. The reason for such requirements is not so much the weight of the plumbing fixture, but the load on it: people tend to lean on the sinks. In addition, the bathroom is a potentially slippery place, and it is good if you can grab onto something reliable when you fall.
Wall-mounted washstand IDO Mosaik.
Benefits of hanging sinks:
- installation does not require additional expensive elements, furniture;
- easy to wash the floor under the washstand.
Flaws:
- increased requirements for the strength of the attachment point;
- the space under the washbasin is used inefficiently;
- the eyeliner and drain must be hidden in the wall, otherwise the bad aesthetics will add to the list of shortcomings.
The overhead sink is installed on a curbstone or a table-top.
Washbasin Estet Nika.
Advantages of overhead sinks:
- the space under them is effectively used;
- the strength of the adjacent wall does not matter;
- furniture hides the eyeliner and counters.
Flaws:
- legs create inconvenience when cleaning;
- kit price.
The hanging cabinet is an alternative between the console version and the cabinet. This solution has all the advantages of a headset plus the absence of legs, but creates a large load on the wall.
Mortise or built-in washbasin is mounted in three ways:
- under the opening of the countertop, repeating its shape
- on par with her
- rests its entire perimeter on its surface.
The first two options are more functional: water spilled on the table can simply be brushed into the sink. However, a wooden countertop is not suitable here. The advantages and disadvantages of mortise washbasins are the same as for overhead ones.
Something between overhead and mortise washstands - semi-recessed. Their peculiarity is that the front edge of the sink protrudes significantly beyond the table. Those. in depth, the furniture is smaller than the sink, takes up less space.
The tulip washstand rests on a narrow high pedestal that hides all plumbing ugliness. The parts adjacent to the wall are fixed with self-tapping screws, but the main load falls on the leg. With apparent fragility, this is a reliable support: even faience can withstand pressures up to 80 MPa (more than 800 kgf / cm²).
Pros and cons washbasin on a pedestal obvious: beauty and ease of installation - yes, rational use of space - no, hygiene - in question, since water can accumulate under the leg.
If you don’t like the classic “tulip”, but you need to hide the eyeliner, take a closer look at the models with a semi-pedestal.
Floor washbasins appeared not so long ago, they have not gained popularity yet. Of all the options, they are the most stable, they look interesting, but the price bites.
What factors influence the choice of sink
Before you settle on the model you like, you need to find out if it is suitable in all respects for a particular interior.
The main points to be taken into account are the following:
- bathroom area;
- wall strength;
- interior design features;
- family wealth.
If at least one of the parameters does not match, you will have to find a more suitable replacement.
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The owners of a small bathroom should not dream of a large sink as a multi-piece bathroom set. The best option - the standard classic model is universal in every sense
In a large room for taking water procedures, it is possible to install any headset: with a bathtub and a cabin, a double sink and cabinets, a couch and a coffee table
If the installation conditions allow, or rather, the strength of the wall, you can install the heaviest or fragile models made of ceramics, natural stone or glass
Thin partitions and false walls require the use of installations or mortise models built into the countertop (with legs) or a reliable cabinet
If the installation conditions do not allow you to turn around and create an interior in the desired style, it is better to turn to the classics - restrained, concise, stylish
To create an unusual interior, it is not necessary to buy exquisite collection sanitary ware. You can get by with inexpensive but interesting equipment
You can pick up a quality sink for little money
To do this, you need to carefully consider the interior and focus, say, on the cladding.
Premium sanitary ware includes sinks made of natural marble and granite, exclusive author's models, ceramics of famous brands. Creating a unique interior is not difficult
Washbasin for a small bathroom
When there is no shortage of free space
Wall Mounted Sink
If the hanging method is not suitable
Classics - the main segment of plumbing
Exclusive as the main idea
Budget models for young families
If finances allow
As you can see, the range of washbasin sinks is limitless. Every year, popular manufacturers release new collections that are more comfortable, beautiful and impeccable in all respects. They are oriented towards all sectors of society, so among the many offers you can always find a unique model made of crystal and an economical faience sink.
Bathroom sink - where did it come from?
The washbasin is designed for small hygienic actions: wash your hands, wash a rag, wash your face and brush your teeth. You don't need to bend over it low, so many of us continue to use it. Even the smallest sink creates certain conveniences that are difficult to refuse.
I'll start by saying that it was invented for a reason.The bath and shower can be used whenever you just need to wash your hands or rinse a rag, but then you can also clean this whole huge structure! What is easier to clean from shaving foam, toothpaste residue and fine hair? Of course, a compact sink! Cleaning will take about ten minutes, while we wash the bath much longer, spending much more effort, even taking into account all the achievements of modern chemistry.
So, I immediately conclude that they came up with a sink for a reason - that means you shouldn’t chop off your shoulder and drive it out of the apartment.
Manufacturing materials
In the production of bathroom sinks, leading brands use different raw materials (marble, granite, steel, ceramics, glass and even wood). The type of material determines the performance and durability of a particular product. Therefore, in the production of sinks, they often try to use materials with high resistance to moisture and mechanical shock.
Ceramic
Porcelain and earthenware products are in great consumer demand. The basis of each material is white clay (kaolin). However, its amount varies, as does the firing procedure. This explains the different properties of porcelain and earthenware sinks.
Outwardly, they are similar, but differ in strength.
In addition, they have a porous structure, which is why they quickly become dirty and difficult to clean. Their significant advantage is the price, which is available to a wide range of buyers.
Products can have a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Porcelain modifications have a smoother surface texture.
glass
Glass sinks are not only unusual, but also aesthetically pleasing.They have a spectacular design, fit perfectly into the modern interior of bathrooms, can be complemented by built-in and external lighting. They are made of tempered glass, resistant to scratches and chips. Glass bowls are inert to water and mold.
Such sinks are resistant to temperature changes, their strength is higher than ceramic counterparts. They are insensitive to chemicals, have a smooth surface and do not absorb odors. Sinks are airtight, can have both classic and extraordinary design. However, unique models are very expensive.
Glass is able to give any interior an atmosphere of lightness and airiness. The texture of the material can be transparent, matte, plain colored and printed.
metal
Some manufacturers produce stainless steel bathroom sinks. Due to nickel and chromium, which are part of the alloy, it is possible to obtain products with high strength characteristics. These sinks, although not so popular and specific, have a long service life. In addition, they are corrosion resistant, durable and insensitive to accidental mechanical shocks.
In comparison with other analogues, they are easy to maintain, inert to temperature changes, and can have a different shape. However, over time, yellowness (a coating from hard water) appears on the surface of steel sinks. The disadvantage is the noise from the pouring water flow.
Stone
In the production of certain types of bathroom sinks, marble, travertine, granite, as well as marble and chalcedonic onyx are used.Products from cast marble differ in high external characteristics. Onyx partially transmits light, which creates a beautiful play of colors.
These products are environmentally friendly and durable. They are insensitive to temperature changes, easy to care for and resistant to fungus and mold.
A significant disadvantage of natural stone products is their weight. As for analogues made of artificial material, acrylic varieties are free from this drawback. In addition to their low weight, they are easy to install, are characterized by high wear resistance, strength and hygiene. Their main disadvantages are insufficient resistance to temperature extremes and scratches.
Wooden
Despite the instability to constant contact with water, wooden sinks are considered one of the elite types of wash bowls. In the course of production, valuable types of wood are used, treating it with special moisture-proof impregnations.
However, unusually shaped washbasins are an exquisite decoration of an exclusive bathroom interior. They are especially appreciated by lovers of decorative delights. For example, such models can be designed as sinks, troughs, driftwood products, differing in linearity or, conversely, in asymmetric shapes.
Rare specimens of shells are made of thermowood. Its hygroscopicity is reduced by 5 times. Such products are resistant to decay and temperature changes. In addition to this type of material, stained wood and even petrified wood are used in production. However, chemical treatment deprives wood of environmental friendliness.
Obeying concept
Whatever you place in your bathroom - a sink, a bathtub, a toilet bowl or a shower cubicle - everything should be in harmony, not a single element should fall out of the overall concept. A bathroom is the same room that requires a thoughtful approach combined with an original design solution. It is not for nothing that interior designers are asked to separately execute the project of bathrooms. This is the place where you can relax and soak in the water jets. The most ideal option is if you buy all the plumbing at the same time and in one place. Then you can pick up all the details in combination with each other. When choosing plumbing, be sure to consider the materials from which it is made and take into account their features. In favor are usually easy-to-use and hygienic plumbing products.
Often people are faced with a choice - which is better to buy - a shower or a bath? Here you need to rely on your desires, lifestyle and age. If you are an energetic person who saves time on taking water procedures, then you can opt for a shower cabin. It takes up less space than a bath and allows you to place more furniture. However, if you like to soak in foamy water without haste and maybe even to pleasant music, then the choice in favor of a bath is obvious. All this is easy enough to determine if you live alone. However, if someone else or even a whole family lives in the apartment besides you, you need to take into account the opinion of each of its members.
