Bathroom Vessel Sink Base: Pedestal vs. Vanity

A bathroom vessel sink makes a bold, though sleek and elegant, design statement in your home. It declares a refined, yet contemporary taste, and it’s a piece that can really hold together the design scheme of the entire bathroom. It only makes sense, of course, that the sink base makes the same sort of statement. When it comes to type of base, your 2 basic options are either a sink pedestal or a sink vanity. Both have their pros and cons in terms of ease of installation, storage capacity and, of course, design considerations. Keep reading to learn more in order to make an educated decision about your bathroom vessel sink base.

Installation Issues

The big advantage that a pedestal base has over a vanity base is the ease of installation. Depending on material, of course, pedestals tend to be lighter weight. They simply need to be carried to the appropriate spot in the bathroom, then the vessel sink and faucets are merely placed on top. It couldn’t be easier.

A vanity base, on the other hand, is by very definition larger, bulkier and usually heavier than a pedestal base, which already complicates the installation process. Furthermore, you’ll probably need to run the requisite plumbing through the back of the vanity up to the vessel sink, which also translates to a more complicated and labor-intensive installation process.

Storage Issues

The vanity wins out when it comes to storage, however. Vanities are equipped with cupboards and drawers for the storage of your cosmetics, cleaning products, soaps, guest towels and the like, which helps keep you organized and your bathroom tidy. If you go for a pedestal base, on the other hand, you lose that storage space and will need to make up for it elsewhere in the bathroom. If you’re the type of person who likes to have all of your makeup, brushes and whatnot at your fingertips in the morning, then a vanity base is better for you. If you don’t have a lot of extra accessories to store in your bathroom, on the other hand, than a pedestal might be fine for your lifestyle.

Design Issues

The question of style and design is one area where there’s no clear cut winner; it really comes down to personal taste. The pedestal base tends to give a sleeker, edgier, more minimalist look, whereas the vanity is more solid and more traditional. When thinking about your bathroom design, take into account the entire room; which base would look best not only with your bathroom vessel sink, but with the other elements in the bathroom, and even the rest of the house? Which style do you feel better reflects your own personality and lifestyle?