Rethinking Pedestal Sinks for Today's Modern Bathrooms
At a glance:
- Pedestal sinks were a mainstay in early 20th-century bathroom design because of their small footprint and practical design, but have since largely been surpassed in popularity by sink and vanity combinations.
- Pedestal sinks are a great option for small bathrooms and powder rooms because they take up little space.
- Pedestal sinks are easy to clean and maintain because of their minimalist design.
- Recently, manufacturers Toto, Duravit, DXV, American Standard, and Kohler have put more of a spotlight on pedestal sink designs, accommodating both traditional, transitional, and modern designs.
- Installing a pedestal sink requires blocking support and piping in the wall.
In the realm of bathroom trends, pedestal sinks have been somewhat overlooked until recently.
Often known as freestanding or standalone sinks, the concept of a pedestal sink hasn’t changed that much over the years — it’s a sink perched atop some type of pedestal or column, also known as the leg.
While functional, these sinks can seem dated within the context of a modern bathroom. Originating in the early 20th century, they were previously favoured for smaller spaces when large bathrooms weren't as common.
Classsic use of a pedestal sink in an early 20th century bathroom
The rise in popularity of vanities, providing extra space and storage options, overshadowed pedestal sinks in recent decades. However, the designs and styles have evolved significantly over the years. What was once a standard fixture in your grandparents' home has been reinvented as sleek, modern, and classic designs.
The result? Pedestal sinks have shed their conventional image and evolved into design statements, resembling captivating pieces of art more than mere functional fixtures.
In this article, we explore the revival of these fixtures, which are transforming bathrooms with a blend of form and function.
Why a Pedestal Sink?
In a small, tight bathroom space, a pedestal is one of the most efficient choices for the best use of space, particularly in a half-bath or powder room.
Dual pedestal sinks can be an elegant choice for master bath styling
Add a Stylish Focal Point
A pedestal sink can make a design statement in a room where function often comes before form.
Aesthetically, a pedestal sink helps to create an airy and spacious feeling. The minimalist, streamlined look is big in the world of bathroom trends.
A pedestal sink can create a design focal point in an otherwise conventional bathroom
Functional and Easy to Maintain
These sinks are functional and made of durable materials that will last a long time. Unlike wood vanity cabinets that could be ruined by water damage, broken, or worn down over time, the porcelain material is durable and will stand the test of time. They avoid issues like wood rot or damage often associated with cabinet-style vanities.
A single-piece basin means there are few nooks and crannies to clean
Vintage or Modern
The pedestal sink has long been a cult-favourite in the vintage fashion community.
For historical or period-style homes, a pedestal sink is a must to create a bathroom design that is in harmony with the time period. There are countless styles of sinks to accommodate every style, from Victorian to Farmhouse.
You can find all kinds of modern bathroom sinks that mimic this style or redesign it and take it to a new level. Or, you can stick with the updated but classic versions.
Simplicity
Most pedestal sinks are a single, fluid piece, making them easy to clean and maintain. The simplicity of a bowl atop a pedestal eliminates the buildup of clutter typical of a traditional bathroom vanity. In a powder or half bath, where the only function needed is a place for washing hands, a pedestal sink is a perfect choice to keep things functional, streamlined, and calm.
Pedestal Sink Downsides
The top drawback to pedestal sinks is the lack of storage. Depending on how your bathroom is used, this could be an issue. In a powder bathroom, however, storage isn’t as necessary and is easily remedied by installing cabinets or shelving.
Pedestal sinks also require bracing to the wall behind them. During installation, this is perhaps the biggest disadvantage when you’re not doing a full remodel, for example, when you're replacing an existing vanity.
Homeowners can often remove a vanity to find mismatched tiles, differently-coloured walls, or other half-fixes that were hidden and now need to be addressed. Since these surfaces will be exposed behind the leg of a pedestal sink, the work required to match the rest of the bathroom can be a headache, especially if the surrounding tiles are rare and difficult to find.
Installation Requirements
The installation of a pedestal sink has a few basic requirements.
While the pedestal may appear to support the sink fully, it is actually attached to the wall behind it. This means that the wall must be strong enough to support the sink, sometimes requiring an extra brace. The drain pipes and the supply lines also run up the wall behind the sink, not through the base.
Which Pedestal Sink Should I Choose?
Traditional Pedestal Sink Designs
Traditional, turn-of-the-century inspired designs are the mainstay of pedestal sink design.
Toto offers several simple yet traditional designs, including the Toto Clayton and the Toto Promenade. Both designs boast classically clean lines, a deep basin, and are available in two faucet centre configurations—4 inches and 8 inches.
The Toto Clayton pedestal sink
The Toto Promenade pedestal sink
From American Standard, the Portsmouth pedestal sink features a spacious faucet ledge with a large deck area. It's available in 4" or 8" centre faucet holes.
The American Standard Portsmouth
The American Standard Estate pedestal and basin showcases turn-of-the-century detailing, adding timeless elegance to any bathroom space. Its faucet ledge provides a large deck area with ample space for soap. As an alternative to a pedestal sink, the Estate sink can also be used as a console sink with the available support framework.
The American Standard Estate pedestal sink
The American Standard Estate is also available as a console sink
American Standard Retrospect pedestal sink top and leg combination
The Kohler Memoirs rectangular basin draws its inspiration from traditional furniture and architectural elements. The crisp, clean lines of this pedestal sink evoke the splendour of fine antiques.
The Kohler Memoirs pedestal sink
Modern Pedestal Sink Designs
Kohler Tresham blends the refined simplicity of Shaker furniture with the lively charm of neo-traditional design. The Tresham collection presents a contemporary twist on traditional aesthetics.
The Kohler Tresham pedestal sink
The Duravit DuraStyle pedestal sink, designed by Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez, is offered with WonderGliss, a special ceramic coating that ensures long-term smoothness, attractiveness, and easy cleaning. It can match with a wide range of Duravit DuraStyle basins, such as the Duravit 2320800000 DuraStyle and the Duravit 2319600000 DuraStyle washbasins.
The Duravit DuraStyle pedestal sink leg is compatible with a range of DuraStyle basins
The American Standard Cornice is designed for corner installations in small spaces. It features a rim that is cleverly slanted toward the basin, ensuring efficient and rapid drainage.
Choose an American Standard Cornice pedestal sink for corner installation
The DXV Wyatt boasts a transitional design characterized by refined lines and controlled contours, offering an elegant aesthetic. The product features an 8" faucet spread, providing versatility in faucet options. Originating from Turkey, this construction showcases skilled craftsmanship and quality production standards.
DXB Wyatt
American Standard Boulevard Tropic pedestal leg showcases a contemporary, rectangular lavatory design and can be paired with a Boulevard basin.
The American Standard Boulevard
The American Standard Ravenna leg can be paired with the Cadet basin, a centre hole, Euro-styled pedestal sink that complements just about any casual décor.
The American Standard Revenna with Cadet sink
The Kohler Cimmeron uses bevelled edges and simple lines to blend elements from traditional and contemporary design.
The Kohler Cimmeron
Key Takeaways
Pedestal sinks, once a staple in early 20th-century bathrooms, have evolved from practical fixtures to compelling design statements in recent times.
Manufacturers like Toto, Duravit, Kohler, and American Standard have revitalized interest in pedestal sink designs, accommodating various styles, from traditional to modern. They continue to be an excellent choice for smaller bathrooms and powder rooms, offering easy maintenance and a stylish touch.