The Comeback of the Pedestal Sink

Pedestal sinks have made a huge comeback in recent years. What used to be thought of as only a vintage piece is now finding a home in modern and contemporary design. A pedestal sink is composed of two parts; the leg, which it stands on, and the sink basin that both come together to form this vintage piece. A few things to keep in mind with this type of sink is that the wall behind it must be strong enough to support a substantial amount of weight. This is because it is the wall that actually bears the weight of this often heavy fixture and not the leg, like most people think. Also, the drain pipes and supply lines run through the wall and not at the base, unlike the formation might suggest.

Pedestal sinks look great in most bathrooms but are especially ideal for half-baths and powder rooms or any bathroom where space is hard to come by. They are also more affordable than a traditional vanity and can cut your budget down quite a bit. If you want your bathroom theme to represent a period style, a pedestal sink might be the answer. If you are hoping to do a bathroom renovation yourself, a pedestal sink is quite easy to install as well.

Like any bathroom fixture, pedestal sinks come with a list of pros and cons. Included in the positive list are the following.

Attractive: Even though the design is simple, there are plenty varieties that offer sleek lines and smooth curves that add dimension to this sink.

Size: Great for small bathrooms, they help make the space feel larger because they don't hide the wall or floor as much as a traditional vanity would.

Fast Remodel: Swapping out your outdated vanity for a pedestal sink can instantly change the feel and look of your bathroom, all within a day.

While there are adjustments that can be made to avoid the negative aspects of a pedestal sink, they get low marks for the following.

Space: There is very little counterspace with a pedestal sink. There are varieties available with extended lips that allow for a little more storage but these do take away from the design of these sinks.

Mounting: Pedestal sinks require bracing on the wall behind them. This is not required in traditional vanities so an extra step in installation is required.

Transition: When changing out a traditional vanity for a pedestal sink, many home owners find that there needs to be extensive repairs done to the area. Sometimes tile does not match or was not continued to the wall underneath the previous vanity and the paint might have been skipped on that portion of the wall. Very rarely does the space behind a traditional vanity look like the rest of the bathroom. If you're redoing your entire bathroom though this should not be a problem.

If you feel that a pedestal sink is right for your bathroom, there are so many options to choose from. Gather some ideas from the following examples that chose a pedestal sink.



Seeing Double: Put two pedestal sinks next to each other for a double sink concept. The space will still feel light and airy without the heavy presence of a large vanity.



Looking Sharp: A pedestal sink comes in many different varieties. Pictured above is a more modern version of the sink, with sharp defined lines and no curves in sight. This makes it work for more modern bathrooms.



Powder Room Perfection: Storage is often not needed in large quantities in powder rooms and half-baths. Pedestal sinks look great in them and offer the bare necessities without taking over the usual limited space of these bathrooms. Separate storage is added nearby.



Class Act: There's a pedestal sink for every bathroom style. This sink has smooth curves that blend well with the ornate design and sleek finishes. It easily fits into the corner of the room, taking up minimal space while still providing a beautiful design element.



Utilizing Overhead Space: This room would feel cramped with a traditional vanity and double sinks. The use of pedestal sinks keeps the room feeling open but great design was included to accommodate for storage. The mirrored medicine cabinets offer shelves plus hidden storage while shelving throughout the room provides plenty of space for other items.

Pedestal sinks were once thought to be old news but they are quickly proving that they are more stylish and functional than ever before. If you're looking for a way to maximize space without compromising quality, a pedestal sink is your answer.