Options in Sink Materials

Bathrooms can be a unique design challenge. They must function well and serve their intended purpose, but most of us would also like it to look beautiful. We may not have a lot of space; most bathrooms are relatively small. However, there is one element in the bathroom that is necessary but can also add a little elegance where it may be lacking, and bring out your personal style in surprising ways. What are we talking about? The sink.

Porcelain Sinks
Porcelain sinks are pretty common, often white and oval or round-shaped. They may sit level with the countertop or on top of it, or be part of a pedestal sink. They're flexible, working well with many styles, which may contribute to their popularity. A simple change of faucet can overhaul the look, taking it from ultra modern and sexy to traditional or shabby chic. They won't disappear with the trends, and will last for years. Porcelain sinks are easy to find in all price ranges, and if you want a look that's flexible and timeless, a porcelain sink is an excellent choice.

Granite Sinks and Basins
If you want to step up the elegance in your bathroom, a granite sink or basin is a great place to start. Combine the metallic sheen of granite with a modern basin sink for a new classic look. Or, choose a more traditional pedestal style sink for a traditionally designed bathroom. Whatever style you prefer, granite will transcend the changes of the design world and keep your bathroom looking fresh through the years. You'll feel like you're using a 5-star hotel bathroom everyday.

Marble Basins
Marble is another excellent addition to a bathroom. You can bring a piece of the Gilded Age into your home with a marble basin. The swirling patterns of marble can soften modern, masculine angles, or enhance the spa quality of a Zen-inspired master bath. You can find quality basins cut from one piece of marble without seams. You'll feel like an heir or heiress every time you wash your hands or brush your teeth.

Onyx Basins
Onyx has its own unique veining just like other stones such as granite and marble. It's another excellent way to bring nature into your home. With its softer patterning, similar to marble, it may not have the punch of granite but it certainly has a worn-in feel that's calming and perfect for a bathroom. Onyx basins are also cut from one continuous piece of stone for a beautiful, seamless appearance. Instead of only looking at granite or marble as sink options, look into onyx as well.

No matter what your design taste or bathroom needs, you will find a product to fit both. While porcelain sinks are flexible and classic, the many natural sinks and basins available today might add a unique touch to a room that can be barren of personality. Granite and marble are classic stones that add a natural touch and are a perfect fit for most bathrooms. But you might consider onyx for something a little different but that still carries the timeless look of natural stone. Shop around and discover what fits you best.

More Ways to Incorporate Granite in Your Home Design

What mainly comes to mind when you think of granite? Kitchen countertops? Bathroom vanities? Perhaps flooring now and again in public buildings? These are popular applications of granite, and they all certainly have their place. But there are actually many other ways to incorporate granite into a home. Here are some ways you can include this lovely product of nature in your house without necessarily adding a counter or vanity top.

Granite Basins and Sinks
You may think stainless steel, porcelain, or glass when you think of sinks, but stone is also a popular sink material these days. If you'd like to go au natural in your bathroom, granite is a terrific stone to use. It's elegant and durable, resistant to common stains, and doesn’t require a lot of upkeep to remain beautiful. You can find granite sinks, including pedestal style, but also basins, which add a sleek, modern edge to this timeless material. It's a touch of luxury and refinement in any bathroom.

Granite Table Tops
A step away from a countertop, a granite table top makes a beautiful dining table or even desk. Just like granite countertops, you can count on the long-lasting quality of a granite table top. Granite’s stain and scratch resistance makes it a great surface for eating, and you won't need to spend hours grooming it or worrying about it. When company comes, you have a fabulous place to gather, and when they're gone a little soap and water cleans up perfectly. Even if you plan to use your granite table top everyday, a little mild cleaning and wiping up of spills will keep it shiny and healthy for a long time. Granite also makes for a solid desktop for an office or even just a home office.

Granite Fireplace Mantles
Surround your fireplace with a granite mantle to make an elegant focal point. The flecks and swirls of various colors in the stone will glimmer in the firelight, and granite is naturally heat-resistant so it's a perfect contender for a fireplace. If you like to sit by the fire at night with your family, consider adding granite as a mantle piece for the visual benefit of everyone.

Granite Medallions
A granite medallion is essentially a pattern made from pieces of granite that have been laid onto one large tile. They're safe to use inside or outside, on the floor or on the wall. You can find various designs, all of which make the perfect natural art. Because medallions are one composite piece, it's easy to install. You might consider installing one in your entryway, master bathroom or shower floor, patio or deck floor, or pool. It can bring art and color to some otherwise artless places.

Now you can see that you have many more ways to bring a little granite into your home. You no longer need to wait until a kitchen renovation to consider granite. A simple sink upgrade in your bathroom, for instance, or a new dining room table top can work just as well. Same beautiful material, different application.