Choosing a vessel sink faucet is a little more complicated than choosing any other kind of faucet. After all, the vast majority of bathroom faucets fit into a standard 4-inch, 3-hole spread, protrude a more or less standard distance forward, and pump water directly into your sink. But upgrading to a vessel sink presents a few unique problems: your faucet needs to accommodate the height and depth of the sink while still remaining accessible. To give you an idea what to look for, here are a few common styles and features to keep an eye out for when choosing a new vessel sink faucet.
Height Matters
The number one difference between traditional sinks and vessel sinks is that vessel sinks sit on top of the counter like a bowl, typically installing into a hole in the counter no larger than the drain opening. That means that vessel sink faucets must also be much taller – and specifically sized to match the height of the sink to ensure proper clearance and a comfortable level at which to wash your hands. This Valle faucet from Anzzi is a fairly common design, but the height of the post and the angle and length of the spigot vary from faucet to faucet. You’ll want to make sure the spigot not only clears the edge of your sink, but sprays down onto the drain to prevent splashing.
Single Hole Installation
Another significant difference between a traditional faucet and a vessel sink faucet is that the latter typically has a single hole rather than a three-hole installation. Since you’ll likely be installing a new vanity top to accommodate the vessel sink anyway, it shouldn’t be a problem to have new holes cut to match. But this is an important feature to be aware of, as traditional faucets with two handles rather than one integrated one sit below the level of the vessel sink, and would be quite difficult to reach. Instead, look for something like this Contemporary Faucet from Sumerain, with the faucet handle on top and easy to access.
Wall Mount It
Vessel sinks come in all sizes and shapes. Between one company and another, or even just between two different designs, you can wind up with vastly different heights, widths, and even shapes. This can make it a little difficult to find a faucet that’s exactly the right height for your sink. And though standard deck mounted sinks are available in a variety of heights, they can tend to be a little plain and post like. Instead, consider opting for a wall mounted vessel sink faucet like this Wave Modern Faucet from Rohl. It can be adjusted to any height you need, and creates a unique, artistic stream of water with the curved, fixed spigot that’s a whole lot more interesting than a standard faucet.
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Make It A Classic
If you’re looking for a more traditional style – say, opting for a hand-painted, vitreous china vessel sink rather than a modern glass one – wall mounted can still work. I particularly like this Royale Faucet from Herbeau, which has a classic French country design, including the very traditional porcelain hot and cold insets. This is a nice way to get the look and feel of an antique washbasin with the “modern” convenience of indoor plumbing.
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Make It Modern
The good news is, while most vessel sink faucets have a fairly simple post-like style, many high end modern designers are putting a little twist and flair on their faucets, playing with the simple shape to make them sleek, angular, or otherwise accented or interesting. Fima Carlo Frattini faucets often come with inset swarovski crystals for an extra touch of luxury, while Hansgrohe offers elegant, shapely faucets like this Axor Starck Organic that add just enough curve to the relatively simple design to make them truly lovely and unique.
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Pretty As A Pair
One common and rather simple solution to the problem of finding the right vessel sink faucet is to buy your sink and faucet as a pair. Now, I don’t just mean buying from the same company, nor do I mean getting just an average looking vessel sink faucet. When you buy together, you often buy in the same style – or even the same material. Take this stunning Tone Series faucet from Anzzi: the sink and the spout of this waterfall faucet are made of the same dazzling red and black glass. And not only do they match, but they’re mated, so the curved neck, unusual dish-shaped faucet head, and joystick-style controls are designed to fit perfectly and even help reduce splashing, while creating a gentle cascade of water.
Vessel sinks are a lovely addition to any bathroom remodel, and are a great way to add a signature focal point, even in an otherwise simple design. But choosing the right vessel sink faucet is important not only to perfecting your final look, but to ensuring full and optimal functionality. Which of these styles do you like best? Do you prefer a post style faucet, a waterfall faucet, or a wall mounted one?
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