Vanity units for overhead sinks: model varieties

The comfort and aesthetic ambience of the bathroom plays just as important a role in the interior of the house as the living room, bedroom and kitchen. After all, our morning begins with the bathroom, and we also spend the day there before going to bed. Even in small apartments, where you have to save usable space, the bathroom can become an island of comfort and the embodiment of artistic taste.

Along with the most important components of the bathroom interior, the washbasin and the cabinet underneath are one of the most functional items. But standard washbasins do not differ in their original design and take up a lot of space in the cabinet. They are being replaced by new designs in the form of beautiful bowls, as if accidentally placed on the tabletop of the curbstone.

This is a modern design technique, in which the sink is not recessed into the countertop, but is installed on a horizontal surface. Besides the original appearance, overhead washbasins save space.

Such sinks are bowls of various shapes and materials and serve as an independent design element.

So, for example, snow-white earthenware structures are perfectly combined with the classic style, and sinks made of wood or stone will become an exclusive highlight of a respectable room.

The main condition for installing an overhead sink is the place where it will be placed. And the best for this purpose are special cabinets, which are presented in a huge assortment on the market.

The main feature of the vanity unit is the drain hole in the countertop and the absence of a back wall, which facilitates the supply of communications. To strengthen the structure in the upper part of the cabinet, additional strips are used, and the lower part is reinforced with steel corners.

By design, this piece of furniture can be floor-standing or hinged. Each of the types has its own advantages, and their choice depends only on the preferences of the owner.

• Floor stand more stable, you can lean on it. It can support the weight of heavy shells made of dense glass, cast iron and stone. For better fixation on the floor, such pedestals can be additionally fixed on the wall. Models with legs or a small narrow pedestal will protect the lower part of the cabinet from possible getting wet if a large amount of water suddenly spills. In addition, it is easier to wet clean under such furniture.

• Mounted models are attached to the wall with brackets, do not reach the floor and create a feeling of weightlessness of the entire structure. These can be very narrow pedestals, resembling a tabletop, but at the same time hiding plumbing communications. The main condition for the installation of hinged products is a load-bearing wall that can withstand the load of both the cabinet itself and the heavy sink on it. The choice of a wall-mounted model will be especially justified if a floor heating system is installed in the bathroom.

Classic types of pedestals have a square or rectangular shape. Moreover, they can be of different sizes depending on the design and size of the room.

This option will give the bathroom a rather unusual look, will allow not only to hide pipes and hoses, but also to supplement the room with voluminous space for storing household items.

The design of the vanity units for the countertop washbasin depends primarily on the free area of ​​the room and is determined by the cabinet's facade. Whether it be open shelves or classic hinged doors, drawers or empty space under the sink - each option has its own characteristics and purpose in the room.

• Standard pedestals with one or two doors are the most spacious. They hide unsightly cleaning items and cleaning products.
• Cupboards with glass doors will give the interior elegance, but also require a special aesthetics of their filling. In such cabinets you can store cosmetics, bath accessories, towels.

• For very small rooms, it is rational to purchase cabinets with sliding doors... This may not be very convenient from the point of view of an overall view inside the product, but open doors will not take up extra space.
• Sideboard in the form of a chest of drawers with drawers, it is convenient if it is supposed to store many small things in it.

• An original solution for spacious bathrooms can be console, stylized antique or modern. This model in its classic form is a narrow "mantel" shelf with long legs, can be equipped with a small drawer under the table top for storing small things.
• Bookcase - another unusual solution for a countertop washbasin. Open shelves allow you to decorate the room with art objects or marine-themed souvenirs. Large shells, corals, starfish are suitable for decoration.

The choice of the optimal parameters of the cabinet is a guarantee of the aesthetics of the interior and the convenience of using the washbasin. Standard cabinets are 80 cm high, 1 m long, 50 cm wide.

Individual parameters are determined by the availability of free space in the room and the dimensions of the bowl.

• Models with a width of less than 50 cm are inconvenient in everyday life and are installed only in very narrow rooms, combined with a toilet room, if there is such a need. But even a width exceeding half a meter is unprofitable even for spacious rooms. A countertop that is too wide will look unnecessarily bulky.
• The height of the cabinet is calculated based on the growth parameters of an adult and is dictated by the recommendations of posture specialists.
• The length is not critical and is chosen based on the overall style of the bathroom and consumer preferences.

The vanity unit is always associated with high humidity, even if it is hermetically sealed from water ingress. Therefore, it is necessary to choose materials that are resistant to temperature extremes and fumes. It is important that the material does not deform over time, does not undergo mold and mildew.

Modern methods of processing materials make it possible to produce cabinets that meet all of the above standards.

The following materials are most often used in production:

• noble varieties of wood;
• wood fiber chipboard and MDF;
• plastic;
• glass;
• metal.

As a rule, several types of material are combined in products, one of which is taken as a basis, and the rest serve as components or facade decor.

The most expensive are models made of natural wood.... It makes sense to purchase them for luxurious interiors in classic style, baroque or rococo. A cabinet made of solid wood can be decorated with a bowl made of glass, stone or porcelain, which will add additional respectability to the room.

But for simpler interiors, it makes no sense to spend money on the purchase of expensive wood: it will be safely replaced by chipboards (chipboard or MDF). Products of modern production are indistinguishable from solid wood in appearance, protected by a thin plastic film, and at a price they are much more economical. Wood-based panels are the most common option the frame of all the vanity units.

Plastic (in other words, a strong plastic film) most often serves as a coating for the countertop and the front of the cabinet. And also plastic parts can be used as fittings: guides, handles, hinges, latches.

In a similar capacity, and metal... In addition to the function of completing elements, metal can be used as decoration: in the form of forged handles, stands, patterned decor additions.

Glass used to cover countertops or to make shelves and door leaves. This also includes the mirror design of the curbstone facade, complete or partial.

By far the most enjoyable moment of purchase is the choice of the appearance of the furniture. In order not to get confused in the variety of options offered, you should decide in advance on the style of future furniture. A designer composition of a countertop washbasin and a vanity unit can become the main accent of a bathroom interior.

Consider the most common style options, which, if desired, can be supplemented with your own design ideas.

The style is characterized by clear lines and regular shapes. Materials and colors are also important.

Antique classics will be emphasized by a marble cabinet with a stone or porcelain bowl, and for the classics of the century before last it is worth taking a closer look at products made of noble varieties of wood in warm shades. Forged decor elements in brass or bronze will add splendor to the interior of the Baroque style.

Classic versions of pedestals without decorations are also suitable for the minimalism style. The main rule in this direction is maximum simplicity and functionality.

The main advantage of this minimalist bedside table is that with its unpretentiousness it accentuates the beauty and brightness of the bowl.

One of the areas of country style that deserves special attention. This style is characterized by pastel colors and the atmosphere of the coziness of a country house in the south of France. Wood materials of the curbstone will create a feeling of warmth, and artificial aging or styling under bleached oak will complement the overall style of the interior. Forged decorations on the doors, carved bent legs, an abundance of small drawers are suitable here.

Conceptual modern style based on an urban approach. It is a delicate balancing act on the verge of luxury and poverty. A loft-style space resembles a production factory or an abandoned attic of a high-rise building. However, upon closer examination, designer things from expensive materials, author's works of masters and decor elements, incredible in their execution, come to the fore.

The vanity unit for the countertop washbasin can be made of a variety of materials, the main condition is that it should carry a semantic idea.For example, a curbstone can be stylized as a metal or wooden box with overhead locks, a table from a foot sewing machine.

The style combines elements of wood and steel, brickwork and stone. An overhead sink made of galvanized metal or wood will add brutality to the composition, and airy white faience, on the contrary, will dilute the atmosphere with fresh notes.

For information on how to mount a vanity unit under a countertop washbasin, see the next video.