Copyright (c) 2009 Julia Ritzenthaler

Quickly and easily redesign your bathroom by adding a new vessel sink vanity. Transform the appearance of your bathroom by adding style and a hint of flair. Vessel sinks are very popular because they are available in a great variety of styles and finishes.

The two most essential decisions to make when considering a vessel sink are the faucet type and the material. Vessel sinks are constructed with a wide range of materials, including glass, metal, ceramic, wood, and natural stone. Stone vessel sinks are available in granite, onyx, travertine, marble, and so much more.

If your style is natural and earthy, stone is a perfect choice. Additionally, they are quite durable and with proper maintenance and can last for many years to come. Natural stone calls for a different type of maintenance compared to other options due to its porous surface. Use a mild soap dissolved in warm water for cleaning. Chemicals can etch and mar the surface, so avoid them. Some types of natural stone may require sealing to prevent water stains. Check the manufacturer's instructions.

Now let's talk about selecting a vessel faucet. Vessel sink faucets are designed specially for vessel sinks. The faucet you select should have a spout that is long and high enough to reach the bowl. There are two kinds of vessel sink faucets, and these are counter top mount faucets and wall-mounted faucets. Counter top mount faucets come up higher than traditional faucets so that they are higher than the top of the vessel sink. Wall mounted faucets, on the other hand, save a lot of counter space since the bowl is pushed closer to the wall. In this case you won't have try and save space for a faucet on your countertop. Wherever you find your vessel sink, you will likely find the appropriate hardware and faucets too.

Another thing to consider are the faucet handles. The single lever handle is a very typical design with the tall counter mounted faucets. There are some other vessel sink faucet handles you may want to consider, such as double handles and separate handles (single or double). Separate handles are often utilized for wall mounted faucets.

You will find vessel faucets in many styles to coordinate with your vessel sink, include vintage or classic style, and modern or contemporary styles. Vintage or classical styles often come with curves and forms that are reminiscent of country French, Victorian and Old World style homes. On the other hand, modern or contemporary styles are often sleek, with clean lines, and smooth easy-to-maintain materials.

Installing wall mounted vanities and hardware may involve a different process than you are used to, so take account of any plumbing adjustments you need to make. If you do not have plumbing experience, consider hiring a plumber for the job. As with any home project, safety is number one.