Overhead sinks: types and nuances of choice

Plumbing has taken a decisive step forward today. This movement brought many pleasant surprises to lovers of novelties and progress. The conservatives, unfortunately, remained with their opinions and reluctance to change. You will not surprise anyone with built-in appliances, which act as a single monolithic structure with furniture. Built-in countertop washbasins have recently become popular, but have already captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world.

An overhead sink is a standard wash basin installed on a prepared work surface: a countertop or cabinet. Original shapes, colors and materials lend a special charm to this sanitary ware.

The main advantages of overhead sinks.

• Compactness. Such models are very convenient to install even in the smallest rooms. The corner sink in the bathroom, built into the cabinet, looks especially familiar.
• Mounting. Installing a countertop washbasin is a fairly simple and quick process. In addition, you are unlimited in choosing a place for it.
• Surface. This plus is accentuated by the fact that a tabletop or a curbstone is an additional area for placing both improvised bath products and all kinds of decorative ornaments and interior things.
• Sealing. The waterproofing of this device is made as conveniently and simply as possible, which affects the increase in the service life and prevention of the appearance of dampness, mold and mildew.
• Appearance. All the advantages one way or another lead exactly to this positive side of using overhead sinks. The device easily fits into any interior and any theme. Even a loft-style bathroom looks attractive thanks to it.

Cons, however, I would also like to mention. The most significant, which most users talk about, is the high cost due to the material of the sink and the need to purchase a surface for its installation. Sometimes there is an opinion that the installation of an overhead structure in small rooms entails a decrease in the usable area and the inability to hide the water supply.

Continuing our acquaintance with the original piece of furniture, and sometimes art, we will consider the main types of overhead sinks.

Plumbing suspended structures have several classification options: by material, by size and by shape. The overhead sink is such a versatile device that can be used both as a washbasin in the bathroom and as a standard kitchen sink. Thus, depending on the scope of application, it is necessary to distinguish two main types: kitchen and bathroom models.

The bowls of these washbasins are installed on top of the countertops.y (meaning a flat horizontal surface), are built into it, leaving only a certain part outside.

The models with side drain are very convenient. They are usually installed in a bathroom where all the plumbing is hidden behind a false wall. In order not to make additional holes in the table top, all the fittings are brought out of the human sight. They also do the same with wall-mounted faucets.

Overhead sinks are divided into different types and according to the material from which they can be made.The most common are now considered faience, ceramic and porcelain products. Such models have a classic look, are very easy to install and maintain, and are approximately in the middle price range. However, increased fragility can be considered a significant disadvantage of their use. Therefore, you should carefully install and operate such a sink.

Acrylic is a good option for a false bowl. This material is very lightweight, which allows it to be installed on the most fragile and lightest surfaces. Acrylic is very durable, has a long service life, but is afraid of mechanical damage.

Among the luxurious and expensive materials, any kind of natural stone is often used for the manufacture of overhead sinks. The most common are marble and granite. The stone bowl is the strongest and most durable.

Sinks made of artificial stone have a more economical price compared to their natural counterparts, but in terms of operation, they are in no way inferior to them.

The glass construction does not justify itself either in price or in quality. It fits only into an exclusive interior design or if the owner is very fond of glass in all its manifestations. It should be noted, however, that glass sinks have a wide variety of colors, shapes and degrees of opacity. They are not as fragile as porcelain, earthenware or ceramics, and react calmly to the use of household chemicals.

Overhead sinks made of metal are quite common and have several varieties:

• copper;
• brass;
• made of stainless steel.

Copper products are the most popular. These washbasins are very suitable for retro-style interiors. They have high strength and durability. The price is also pleasantly surprising.

A metal sink made of stainless steel or brass is used somewhat less often. Their main disadvantage is the difficulty of leaving. Very often, such surfaces have streaks, stains, traces of detergent and even fingers.

This parameter is most influenced by the area of ​​the bathroom and the place where the structure will be located. First of all, it is the diameter of the sink bowl that is taken into account. The standard size of a round sink is from 42 to 50 cm in diameter, which is slightly smaller than that of wall-mounted or stationary models.

As for the height of the overhead sinks, the choice must be made individually.focusing on yourself and your family members. This parameter should be convenient for the implementation of hygiene procedures for everyone living in the house. The approximate distance from the floor to the top edge of the sink should be 85 cm. This figure was calculated taking into account a family with small children. If it is possible to install a separate sink in the children's bathroom, then the height parameter changes to 60-70 cm from the floor, depending on the height and age of the child.

In terms of depth, all bowls are divided into 3 types:

• deep: 48-61 cm - depth and 75-125 cm - diameter;
• medium: 35-48 cm - depth and 55-75 cm - diameter;
• shallow: 12-35 cm - depth and 40-55 cm - diameter.

The average parameter of an overhead sink is considered to be a depth of 30 cm. A bowl that is too high can be uncomfortable. In order to determine the ideal parameter of width and depth, it is necessary to use one secret, but valid technique. You need to bend over the selected shell model and spread your elbows to the sides. It is very important that at this point your limbs do not bump into the walls or edges of the bowl. Then the depth and width are sufficient for you.

In most cases, the shape of an overhead sink directly depends on four factors:

• host preferences;
• bathroom design;
• countertop type;
• amount of free space.

The convenience of using such kits is that they can be installed anywhere. Corner overhead sinks are more commonly used in smaller rooms. Where space allows for a walk, users like to center washbasins. Between the bathroom and the toilet, this design also fits perfectly if the room resembles a narrow rectangle. If there is a secluded niche in the wall, the sink will also become a cozy and comfortable filling.

In the design of overhead devices, there are basic and exclusive shapes. Among the first are the standard geometric shapes. The second category implies an extraordinary solution, custom-made and other original design ideas.

The round overhead sink, like the oval one, fits perfectly into the interior of a spacious bathroom. If you try and find a bowl with a minimum diameter, you can install one in a small room. Their main convenience lies in the fact that smooth rounded edges allow you to approach them from any convenient side. And the simplicity of their installation generally gives them a head start.

If the sink is rectangular or square, there is a danger of using it by young children due to the relatively sharp corners. And they also take up a lot of space.

The use of original designer bowls is sometimes dictated by the design and placement of the countertop. The most popular model of an overhead sink is a water lily designed to be placed above the washing machine. Space saving and ergonomic design is provided to you. The nuance of the installation of this exposure is the presence of a narrow model of the machine with horizontal loading.

Everyone is already pretty accustomed to the fact that the sink bowl is always white. Perhaps, out of habit, many continue to buy exactly the model of this color. Although there are a wide variety of colored overhead sinks on sale. Choosing a model to match the overall color scheme of the room, the color of the toilet bowl or rugs, finally, today is not at all difficult.

A black sink is usually used if this device is made of natural or artificial stone. Less often you can find this color in acrylic, earthenware and porcelain sinks.

A huge plus of designer sinks is that you can apply them to any style. And the variety of ideas is just off scale. And not only in terms of shape, but also colors. I would like to dwell on several options for overhead structures in more detail.

Let's start simple. A round shallow sink with a translucent bottom, which seems to float above the surface of the countertop. It is a mixture of conservative ideas about plumbing with a desire to emphasize the originality of the owner of the bathroom.

Another shallow cup-shaped bowl. Its sides are quite high, but there is not very much usable area. Quietly and easily fits into the classic style and the bathroom in pastel colors.

Not only forms can be original, but also additional options. Just like this washbasin: a classic polygon made of natural stone with lighting. It is installed separately, on its own pedestal, but it is also a consignment note.

Sink in the form of ... a shell. Spiral-shaped overhead bowl made of artificial stone, as if carved from a table top.

An excellent design solution for those who have a hard time waking up in the morning, for lovers of coffee, tea and other warming drinks.The high and deep bowl is made of earthenware, has a pleasant white color and a very original design.

A blotted marble countertop washbasin is an option for creative people. This form is good because there is nothing standard, monotonous, conservative in it. Complete freedom of lines and natural marble.

The overhead glass sink is one of the few options that can truly brighten any bathroom. The bowl is made in the form of a leaf, taking into account the finest details of this particle of nature. Every vein, every tooth was repeated in this design masterpiece.

Overhead sinks can be found today in any hardware or plumbing store. In order not to get lost in the wide variety of these devices, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the main manufacturers who will definitely not disappoint you.

Melana - Russian trade mark of sanitary ware. They have been producing their products since 2006 and selling high-quality overhead sinks from their own production of sanitary ware. Customer reviews are focused on the fact that the low price does not affect the quality of the product at all. The company has all European and Russian certificates.

In the top there is also a transnational company for the production of sanitary ware Villeroy & Boch... Basically, they produce standard classic overhead bathroom sinks. The material that the Germans successfully use in their production is sanitary porcelain and some ceramics. The arsenal includes sinks for installation on a countertop, cabinet and on a washing machine. The price range scares the domestic buyer a little, but judging by the reviews, it has an excuse in the form of quality and ease of installation. On average, such a sink will cost from 10 to 66 thousand rubles.

Leader among Spanish manufacturers - the company Roca, also does not sleep. Ceramic countertop washbasins made from our own proprietary material are not very expensive. There are not only standard models, but also original design solutions. Basically, this is manifested in the application of colored patterns on the snow-white surface of the false shell. Users note high strength, ease of installation, and pleasant appearance.

French company Jacob Delafon has been producing sanitary ware for over 100 years. At the same time, they walk confidently in step with the times, easily adapt to new customer requests and easily guess all their wishes. The same thing happens with overhead sinks. Users who leave their reviews for this brand are very happy with their purchase. Jacob Delafon provides its customers with a wide range of models of standard geometric shapes, original design projects, as well as comfortable overhead sinks along with natural and artificial stone countertops.

Turkey is not lagging behind its European counterparts. Trademark Vitra presents to the judgment of Russian buyers overhead shells of round, oval and rectangular shapes. According to the owners, even the angular shape has a fairly streamlined and softened surface, which avoids injury. The economical price also does not affect the quality. The shells of the Turkish manufacturer are pleasing to the eye and are completely unpretentious in their care. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for all its products for up to 25 years. There is also a small assortment of countertops for countertop washbasins.

One of the most famous plumbing companies is the company Cersanit, has in its arsenal a number of snow-white models of bowls.Here you can also pick up variations of pedestals for overhead sinks and countertops. The price range, like all products of the Polish manufacturer, is kept in the economy segment, but the quality is at the declared level. Some users notice that the difference from European sinks is observed only in the price and passport of the device.

Salsa Basin Is a Chinese manufacturer that manufactures quality products. Has in its assortment overhead sinks of various shapes and sizes. Buyers are reluctant to respond to this manufacturer, arguing that the price is too low and the country of origin.

Another Chinese plumbing tycoon - TM Gid, is practicing the manufacture and sale of ceramic countertop washbasins. Standard shapes, white color and low price are the main features of the manufacturer's products.

German quality takes center stage again when the brand Duravit takes over the production of overhead sinks. European conservatism, white geometric shapes and excellent quality fit very easily into the price ladder, where the bottom step is located at 17,000 rubles, and the top one - at 42,000 rubles.

The precision of the Swiss leaves no choice. Manufacturer reviews Laufen not too much. But even the existing ones simply sparkle with delight and vivid impressions - the clarity of the lines, the surface is very pleasant to the touch, a large selection of models. You can also choose a countertop or cabinet for a countertop washbasin in the bathroom.

Six immutable rules for choosing a countertop sink:

• compliance with a single style of the bathroom;
• special attention to the external state and appearance of especially fragile structures (they should not have scratches, cracks, scuffs and other unpleasant little things);
• choice of a model with an individual approach to each family member;
• the selection of the mixer must be done under the overhead sink, both in height and in the method of attachment;
• you must have with you the exact dimensions of the bathroom and the place where the bowl will be directly mounted;
• for the least time-consuming, experts advise to select sink models immediately with a countertop or cabinet.

The installation of the surface-mounted bowl is carried out in almost the same way as the installation of the standard model. Therefore, any owner is quite capable of doing it on their own.

The first and foremost thing is to connect the sink to the sewer.

This is one of the most difficult processes, but it is easy to carry out, knowing the algorithm of actions:

• clean the countertop from dust and debris, if any;
• it is necessary to bring the drain system to the hole in the surface;
• connect the bottom of the sink to it;
• install the bowl in its place on the tabletop by screwing them together.

The expert advice on the crane is slightly disagreeable. Some people advise attaching it directly to the sink, if such a function is provided in it. Others insist on installing the faucet in the wall, as is usually done with bath faucets. In the first case, you will have to make holes in the surface on which the sink is installed in order to bring the water pipes. The backstage of the second option will be very neatly hidden behind the wall and the tabletop will remain with a single drain hole.

The disadvantage of mounting the mixer on a surface is that over time there may be problems with the fixings of this device, especially if the installation was made on a wooden surface or a surface similar in structure.

Overhead washbasins are often used not only in our homes and apartments. It is also customary to install such a design in beauty salons and hairdressing salons.Very handy sinks, equipped with a shampoo pad, also become part of the composition, installed in a worktop or cabinet. But such sinks are most often equipped with mixers that are attached to the bowl itself. They do not have a tap as such, but are equipped only with a shower head with a hose.

In the interior, overhead sinks always look advantageous, have a laconic image and look, and can be installed in pairs. Here are some examples of original and classic designs.

Unusual overhead sink, the drain of which is hidden under two cavities on its surface. As you can see in the second photo, it has a standard shape, the originality of the design is expressed by its upper decorated part. One gets the impression that a thin gap along the entire width of the sink is a drain. The manufacturer offers a variety of variations of this model: round, square, oval and rectangular. The minimum diameter of the round bowl is 40 cm, which allows it to be installed even in the smallest bathroom. It is worth noting that due to the unique design of the drain, the sink depth is also no more than 20 cm.

Classic round surface-mounted bowl made of clear glass. Installed in a sideboard, equipped with a retro-style mixer tap, also installed in the worktop.

The wooden countertop washbasin with central drain is built into the ceramic worktop together with a tall mixer. It goes well with the overall design idea of ​​the room and does not take up much space.

Overhead sink for installation on a washing machine. Made of marble, installed on an MDF table top. Has a blue smoky color. Under the sink there is a handy drawer for household items. Central drain.

Simple but beautiful execution of a ceramic surface-mounted bowl with an offset waste, an overflow system and a tap installed in the sink. It has a small diameter, it is conveniently installed in the corner of the bathroom and in a room with a small area.

White faience rectangular sink. The manufacturer is already completing it with a wooden countertop. You can choose its size from those available, or you can order the necessary parameters for your room. The mixer is installed on a surface-mounted bowl. The table top is equipped with a towel holder.

Overhead washbasins are today the leader among other plumbing fixtures. But there are also conservative views on this bathroom subject. In any case, the available classic and original examples of overhead bowls allow you to be inspired by design solutions and establish such functional beauty in your home.

See below for more details.