Many people don’t think much about their bathroom sink and don’t realize that a square bathroom sink is a trendy option. Sinks come in many shapes, sizes, finishes, and styles to match any home’s overall look. There is a style of sink to match any taste. Whether your style is vintage classic or modern contemporary, there are numerous square bathroom sink to match your style.
Bathroom sinks come in four shapes: square, oval, asymmetrical, and rectangular. Two of these shapes are pretty common in bathrooms: oval and square. Oval sinks provide a traditional, simple feel, whereas square bathroom sinks are modern and sophisticated.
A square bathroom sink is trendy. They offer clean lines, have a more contemporary feel, and are less dated.
For detailed information on how to install a vessel sink then check out this article I wrote here.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Square Bathroom Sink
Not to be confused with rectangular sinks, a square bathroom sink has squared corners and is the same width on all sides, but not necessarily equal depth. The trend went from the traditional oval sink to the rectangular, and now square bathroom sinks are gaining popularity due to their clean, sleek, modern lines.
The benefits of a square bathroom sink in terms of design are:
- Provide a sleek design and are stylish
- They are shorter in height which increases underneath storage space
- Takes up less space than rectangular sinks
- Contain more wide and flat surface space
- Can hold more water over traditional sinks
- More space means that it is easier to bathe babies in this type of sink
- Works well with pedestal or sinks that mount under counter
While they look great and are incredibly practical, there is a downside to these sinks as well:
- Since the corners are square, this makes them more difficult to clean than an oval sink
- Compared to oval or round sinks, they take up more space
- They don’t have a large depth in terms of holding water in contrast to other shapes
Should I Buy a Square Bathroom Sink?
In deciding whether you want a square bathroom sink, the decision comes down to personal taste and the look of your bathroom. As mentioned, square sinks offer a more sophisticated and modern appearance. They work well in minimalist, contemporary, elegant, or stately bathrooms.
While many people will argue that a square bathroom sink is best for large bathrooms, there is something to be said about using them in small spaces. Most experts recommend oval or round sinks for this type of space. Yet, the practicality of this design and visual aesthetics may additionally prove valuable to limited space.
This type of design may also work well for smaller bathrooms as the lines run horizontally, which creates the illusion of width. Since their shape makes them smaller, they fit easily into small countertops and create space without the bathroom feeling cramped.
Another factor that may play into your section is the bathtub shape. Many people want to coordinate the shape of the bathtub and the sink for continuity.
Things to Consider
Sinks tend to be available in standard sizes to coordinate with standard cut-outs in countertops. If a sink rests on the countertop, you need to consider the reach of the faucet and height when making your selection. You always want to ensure that it fits properly in your space.
When it comes to space, ask yourself the following:
- Is the sink replacing an existing one? Does it have the exact footprint, or are modifications necessary?
- Is it coordinating with a vanity, or would a pedestal sink offer a better solution?
- Is your space designed for one or two sinks? How are they centered?
- Will the existing faucet limit sink height?
- Can the vanity accommodate the sink shape?
Sink Types
If you can drop it into an existing cabinet or don’t want to upgrade the bathroom, then all you need to do is take measurements to ensure the sink fits into the vanity. But, if you want to do some renovations, then there may be some things to consider before making a purchase.
Drop-in or self-rimming sinks are the most common because they are easier to install. The basin dips into the cut-out, and the outer rim rests on the silicone-sealed countertop. The benefit is that it can accommodate most faucets. Below You will find our drop-in sink recommendation.
When installing them, ensure proper sealing as the space between the counter and sink is prone to grime, excess moisture, and mold. Also, select the proper style for your bathroom. Some rims are not noticeable, while others are chunkier.
Since it leaves the counter’s edge exposed, ensure the material is waterproof. If not sealed properly, water will get in and allow mold to form. Not only will this affect the sink, but it also destroys the integrity of the countertop.
Also, consider the reveal, which is how much the rim shows. Negative reveals have no noticeable rim, while a positive reveal may show 1/3”.
Have a look at this article I wrote on how to install an undermount sink which may be helpful.
Pedestal sinks are ideal for powder rooms or small bathrooms. Some people appreciate them for their vintage look. However, there are more modern designs for a square bathroom sink as well. Below you will find our pedestal sink recommendation.
A pedestal sink doesn’t take up much space, so it will open a room and create the illusion of openness. However, the downside is that there is no under-counter storage space. Most people compensate for this by installing wall-mounted shelves or incorporating tall, narrow, shelving units.
Wall-mounted sinks also save on space, but they can add additional work because they need to be mounted between studs. You will want to select a finish-matched P-trap to make it less conspicuous. Below is our wall-mounted sink recommendation.
Above-counter sinks are more common than square bathroom sinks. The bowl contains a hole and goes on top of a counter. They are the easiest to install, and you can install them as an above-counter or recessed for added stability. The downside is that they are easier to damage due to height and may not readily accommodate some faucets. Below you will find our above-counter sink recommendations.
Rims are susceptible to breaks and chips, meaning they are not ideal for high-traffic bathrooms or children. They may lack an overflow as well.
Function
Will this sink be placed in a master bathroom, regular bathroom, or powder room? If you only plan to use the sink for handwashing, you can select a shallow square sink. This style makes more of a design statement, is more practical, and may cut down on water consumption.
If the sink is for a large room and you plan to use it for multiple activities, a deeper square sink is more practical. It will hold more water and have a greater width to accomplish required tasks.
Final Thoughts
Square bathroom sinks are gaining in popularity due to both design and functionality. They are notably practical and offer a quick update to any room. Before making a purchase, be sure to measure the space properly and consider the surrounding fixtures in the room. You want to make sure that everything flows visually.