By Christine Harrell

Long before indoor plumbing was a staple in every building, people had the desire to wash up in their homes. Vessel sinks provided them with such an opportunity. The earliest models simply sat on top of a dresser or table in the bedroom for quick access. The bathroom as we know it was a thing of the very distant future.

As indoor plumbing became more common, the large, decorated vessel sinks slowly were phased out. The pedestal sink became the new staple because of their durability and hardened china surfaces that were simple to clean. Also, the cleaning that originally took place in the privacy of one”s bedroom became isolated to the bathroom. The pedestal sink was expanded on even further as it gave way to mounted sinks and cabinets for the modern look.

The home design industry can be compared to the fashion industry in that it is constantly changing in terms of colors, designs and other cosmetic finishes. While the pedestal sink and cabinet-mounted model still take precedence in most bathrooms, the vessel sink is making a comeback. Don”t expect to scrub up in a vessel sink at a fast-food joint or supermarket restroom, but more upscale restaurants and hotels are opting for this fashionable alternative. Look to newer construction homes and businesses with modern-minded ownership for vessel sinks.

The modernized vessel sinks are sleeker and made of innovative materials that allow for the durability and cleanliness desired from the pedestal sink. The greater variety of materials allows costs and styles to range across the board; anyone with any style can appreciate the new vessel sink designs. Glass, porcelain and marble are just a few of the options. Because the bowl provides a canvas, some models even have illustrations etched onto the sides. The possibilities are endless with the vessel sink.

When considering a vessel sink, there are a few things to keep in mind. Bathrooms that accommodate this style best are ones that offer ample storage space beyond the sink area. Vessel sinks sometimes are more susceptible to damage, especially if they are made of glass or ceramics, because they are more exposed in comparison to the mounted sink. Also, more plumbing and pipes may be visible if you are converting your traditional sink with the vessel sink. With a little bit of advanced planning, the material the pipes are made from can be ordered to match the rest of the hardware in the bathroom.

No matter how new or modern the vessel sink may seem in the fashion magazines, it is actually the timeless, classic factors that make it so appealing to designers and homeowners alike. The vessel sink was the inspiration for nearly every bathroom model today. The glorious vessel sink designs that are available today should not be seen as an innovative interior design model, but as a tribute to the model that allowed for every sink ever created.

About The Author

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about vessel sinks, please visit http://www.overstock.com.