Here's a few different vessels that I think could go well with that old fashioned washstand... all depending on the look/colors you want to go with it.

Round is definitely the way to go. I 'd suggest a marble top, granite would be too contemporary. Emperador dark or light would both be nice, and are readily available. A very deep green with white to off white veining would also look nice. I have a similar bureau that has a purplish color marble but the veining and richness of the marble are very similar to that of Emperador dark. One last thought is a black marble with gold veins--very sophisticated looking with antique brass faucet and fittings. Take the existing cabinet hardware into consideration with your faucet design.

Thanks Dorene. I can't believe I had totally ignored the brass pulls when I chose a chrome faucet!

I love the blue pattern sink and also like the cream colored one. Thanks for posting.

I sold vessel sinks in my business I had. I encouraged people to turn treasures into bathroom vanities. And I sold a lot of those faucets to go w/the vessel sinks. You'll love it. There's a plethora of sinks available.

Definitely choose the brass version of your faucet. Love the blue and white vessel sink. Make sure to double check the faucet height in relation to the sink. I would pick up a primarily white marble remnant if you go with the classic blue and white sink.
Post your after pics too!
Liz

I would keep in mind that if you go with the blue and white sink, you are tied to a color scheme. If, like me, you like to periodically change things up with paint, towels, etc., then neutral is better. Totally agree about the brass faucet, although I read an article on here somewhere not long ago which suggested mixing metals in the bath (not for me!).

There's a lot going on with the design of the washstand, so I would go with a simple white round vessel bowl and a white marble countertop, old-fashioned brass faucet. Would you leave the washstand as is or paint it? If painted, there are other options.

Don't love the brass color. Have you thought I oil rubbed bronze. Also I love the Novatto line of sinks. I have the gold ones and I love the look. Good. Luck

I agree with the post about not being so keen on the brass faucet and a more antique bronze would be more pleasing. I would definitely choose a soapstone top for the vanity, and a simple white sink.

Like the faucet pictured very much -- goes with the look of the piece. Consider the door hardware and any other hardware you might want before deciding on the finish for the faucet. Measure carefully and then pick out both the tile for the top and the bowl before buying either. Consider am oval shaped bowl so you'll have plenty of room for the faucet you want.

I'm a historic preservationist, so I lean toward preserving and respecting the original piece as much as possible in a re-use project like this. I would gravitate toward a marble that is similar to the original marble. (That said, these 19th century washstands used white, black, salmon, and green marbles.) If you use soapstone, be sure to check that this piece can stand the weight-soapstone is very dense and heavy.

I would add that the scale of the sink is also important--especially because you have a mirror that will be reflecting the sink. If it is too large in scale it will look even larger and possibly crowded if it has to be installed too close to the back--or it might be difficult to clean behind. Keep splashing in mind when you pick out your sink--some vessel sink designs look good but have a lot of splashback. Wherever you place the faucet, the plumbing under it has to clear the supports for the top and drawers, and the drain for the sink has to have room, too. Some contractors can shorten the drawer depth to accommodate this--others would just take the drawers out and use the fronts as false drawers. When you narrow down your sink choices, you might want to cut out a piece of cardboard to the specs of your sink options and see how they look before you make any final decisions.

I do like the suggestion of a simple white round sink, and the height of the washstand top should work well with a vessel style. I think the original walnut wood and veneer finish has great Victorian character, and is the best way to highlight this piece--the depth and interest of the wood would be lost if painted, in my opinion.

If you like the suggestions about the oil rubbed bronze, you can darken the brass hardware with brass darkening liquid, which will help give the hardware a sense of age.

Good luck-this piece will really make your small bath make a big impact!

I don't think the chrome faucet will work well with the antique washstand. Look at oil rubbed bronze or brushed nickel or copper or brass--not the really shiny stuff.

I am going to do the same with this small bath and the antique cabinet. I like this sink from HD. But this is not for my personal home. This is for an investment property "Hope Floats" so the budget is a concern. What does everyone think? I am concerned about splash and space that is why I chose this faucet/sink.

furbear stole my words... oil rubbed/ antique bronze finish and soapstone countertop if you don't go with another marble. It's so lovely! I definitely see a round or oval neutral white or off-white vessel sink...something very earthy or organic looking. Vessel Sink

Leskyp, thanks for such detailed advice. I definitely plan to see how the model sink dimensions will look and to darken the brass drawer pulls. Do you have a name for the darkening product? I also have begun searching for a green Emperador marble remnant. Although the original marble was creamy white, I think the green marble with dark wood will make the white sink stand out even more. Below is a pic of the clay sink which will be glazed white. The clay will show through and there will be two decorative handles. Because the washstand ledge is only 28" high, the base will be tall to make it more comfortable for my back. The new issue is that I need to find a faucet that is 13" high! Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

You may need to use a gooseneck kitchen faucet (sans sprayer). I am sure you can find one to go perfectly! It would also be cool if you could somehow fasten the fixture to the wall, make a cutout and do a wall mounted faucet. Or how wild would it be to install a pot filler! I also found what looks like a deck mounted pot fill..though I don't know if you can control the water temp.

Hi again,

I think the green marble is a good choice. I agree with you; the greens should balance out the walnut very nicely. I really like the shape of the sink you are considering, too, and the earthy tones of the clay showing through will be a great reference back to the wood colors.

I also think the wall mount faucet or tall gooseneck might be the answer for that sink height and could be very clever. You could also consider a small "ledge" (like a small raised boxy platform) with a piece of the same Emperador marble on top that would bring the faucet up closer to the sink lip. This could work, in part, because many of the pieces of furniture from this period had small glove drawers and similar added shelves and such added to the tops for small accessories (more so with dressers). Since you have the great accessory shelves on your piece, it could perhaps echo the same shape. If you haven't ever seen what I'm talking about, check out some of the antique dressers online, especially Empire and Victorian pieces. The main advantage is that you would have more control over the faucet choice. (We were considering this very thing for a converted antique in a bath, but opted for a semi-recessed sink instead of a vessel sink with a platform for the faucet.)

The Brass Darkening Liquid can be bought online at various retailers, such as I believe Amazon, Michaels, etc. It is called just that on the label. I would suggest buying the smaller size; the way it works, you just clean your item and dip it into the liquid. It sets up a chemical reaction that mimics the same patina that age gives brass. The longer it is in, the darker it gets. When you remove it, you rinse, dry, and voila. You can re-use the liquid, so as long as you can immerse the hardware, you only need a small amount.

Oh, I should add that IF the hardware has lacquer on it, you have to first remove that with lacquer thinner; if you can't tell, do an online search and you will find lots of hits for testing/removing lacquer from brass. ( I can't tell from the photo for sure, but usually lacquered brass is super shiny and bright.)

I feel for you...this is a labor of love with lots of details to be worked out, but you will look at it again and again and enjoy it so much if you are completely satisfied with the outcome! Hope all goes well.

oh, oh, i too love the blue and white and i understand all the stuff every one is saying. although i always worry about soap stone. carvers are not to use. some one said why you could use as counter, but the reason carvers used it is that it was so soft and easy to carve?

But, I saw this glass that looks like wood and fell in love for some reason, you might too? and it is very reasonable;

now, never let it be said i shirk my responsibilities. tehehe

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I am putting in a picture of a sink I used that I feel would blend in with the furniture piece. It has lines similar to the lines of the cabinet allowing the furniture piece itself to stand out.

Gretchen Maurer, that is a great sink for your cabinet. Unfortunately, I need a much taller sink for comfort as the washstand ledge is only 29 inches high.

Did you choose your marble and sink/faucet? I just purchased a similar dresser and would love to see what you did.

I chose this marble and sink. Hopefully installed in 2 weeks!!

Nancy Watson, sorry I didn't see your request until now. I changed my mind about the sink shape, and used Delta Champagne Bronze fixtures to complement the brass handles on the washstand. I also changed my mind about the green marble and used a dark Emperador. Congratulations on your choices. Is the marble grey?

Wow, that looks amazing. I have never seen a sink like that!! It's a white carrara marble to help brighten up the space. I'm painting the room darker muted green shade. Will post pics when finished! Thank you for sharing your photos.