Pedestal Sink vs. Cabinet Sink: Which is Better?
We'll tell you which is the best sink for your bathroom
You might be admiring the simple beauty of a pedestal sink, but the stylish versatility (not to mention storage options) of a vanity cabinet sink may be tempting. What should you choose?
Usually, the answer is not a matter of style, but rather, a matter of space. Here are some tips to help you choose the best sink type for your needs.
PEDESTAL SINK
This type of sink is usually composed of two pieces: the sink basin, and the pedestal or stand; usually both made out of ceramics. Choose this type if:
Your bathroom is small.
Pedestal sinks work well in small spaces, since there is no need to install it on top of a counter, and it frees up floor area. Proportion is also key when choosing the right pedestal sink. Architect Ivy Tablante-Darilag says, “Choose according to the design theme you’re going for classic or modern, and check that the size is proportional to the size of your bathroom.”
You’re willing to deal with maintenance.
The tricky part: when doing maintenance work on a pedestal sink, take note that you have to carefully slide the ceramic pedestal out to gain access to the plumbing behind it. The sink bowl itself is attached to the wall on mounting brackets. Always ask the store or supplier you’re buying the sink from on how to attach and detach the pedestal.
You don’t have a lot of toiletries.
Are you a minimalist, or can you keep toilet clutter under control, so you don’t need a vanity countertop? Then the pedestal sink is right for you. Otherwise, you might want to relegate this type to a less-used bathroom, like a powder room.
TIP: Choose the appropriate size of sink given the measurement of your bathroom. There should be enough space around it, and the faucet of your choice should be compatible with provision holes of the sink—best to get from the same brand or collection.
VANITY CABINET SINK
The vanity cabinet is way more capacious and has a lot of components: a marble or natural stone vanity countertop, a sink basin (either over- or undercounter), and a base cabinet. This sink is right for you if:
Your bathroom has ample space.
The vanity cabinet and countertop both need enough space to be installed. However, if you are going for a custom-built cabinet, it is possible to have one customized to fit (usually installed wall-to-wall) even in a tiny loo.
You want easy maintenance.
No need to dismantle anything—just open the base cabinet, and have whatever plumbing problem fixed. The base cabinet can also hide a multitude of sins, such as exposed plumbing, and even a damaged or ugly bathroom wall.
You need a lot of storage for your toiletries, cleaning supplies, and abubot.
This is usually the case in family bathrooms. A vanity countertop can accommodate all your makeup and toiletries (you may want to corral them in catchalls, first), while the base cabinet can keep toilet paper, extra towels, or cleaning products.
TIP: A vanity cabinet is an excellent way to add style to your bathroom; you can match the cabinet to whatever look you are trying to achieve, whether it is ultra-modern or classical.
Part of this article appeared in “RL Notebook: Comfort Zone” in the November 2016 issue of Real Living magazine. Photos shot on location at Sanitec Import Ventures, Inc., 240 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City
