I would go with as large a sink as will fit. Even though your use of the space is minimal, that may not be true of the next owner, and you should try to get a resale plus out of the room.

I went with the larger size with ours but it was a much longer vanity. The depths of vanities are standard (I think). The problem we have is that after the faucet was installed (we had a larger/faucet also) that there is very little room behind the faucet and the backsplash to clean.

Also, ours "looks" a little overwhelming but we have gotten used to it. I would go with the standard size if I had it to do over.

When I was selecting sinks for my 2 bathrooms, I drew the vanity up to scale to get a good feel for the look. I drew both a front view and a side view. I then drew in the faucet and sink in both views. This was so I could calculate where the faucet would set on the counter the water would be projected into the sink. Faucets give you enough information to gage the degree of angle the water will flow from the spout. The drawing doesn't have to be pretty, just to scale so that you can see if things will line up and look pleasing to the eye.

I'm going to go in the opposite direction: A 30" vanity is small, and the larger your sink, the smaller your counterspace. So I'd go with as small a sink as is practical. This will mean you'll have space to set out a soap dish, toothbrush holder, etc. Even in a powder room, you need stuff at the sink!

Actually, with space at a premium, I'd try to go with a built-in soap dish; I think they're more commonly seen in kitchens, but they certainly can go into bathrooms.

And I'd go with a one-hold faucet rather than a more typical model. The less on this small counter, the better.

I would use a 17" oval sink. A 15" sink is tiny, and as enduring says, the scale might look off. I always notice those undersized sinks in photos but some people aren't as tuned into things like that. If there's any counter overhang, you'll lose about an inch there. With an oval, you'll get deeper corners for your stuff.

Usually the depth of a bathroom vanity runs in between 18" - 21". If your vanity is 21" deep (which is probably is), I would recommend installing the standard 18" oval sink. Anything under 18" is too small in my opinion. If the depth is around 18" then you can go with a rectangular sink that is 18" wide and 10" deep. However, this is a more modern style.

- Deluxe Vanity

we are going with the kohler caxton in our powder room which has a 17x14 and it's oval. if you want a larger feeling sink go with a rectangular sink. we are doing rectangular in our other bathrooms since they have a more modern feel. the kohler caxton is going in a metal console so it's a more vintage look.

if i can hijack this thread for a question- we are building a 62" double vanity with 23" doors on either side and 16" drawers in the center. my question is, do the sinks need to be centered over the doors? i was thinking of leaving a 2.5-3" space from the edge of the counter to the outside of the sink and in that case i won't be able to go with the 20" sink i wanted as it won't be centered over the cabinet door. thoughts?

This may not allow enough 'elbow room' for each sink. You *would* want to center the sinks (and their mirrors) over whatever is beneath.

I could do a rectangular sink with a 18x13 basin. Is that sink size big enough? I guess that really a subjective question. Oh and I'm not worried about the mirror. We are doing a huge 59" mirror /medicine cabinet so no need for centering.

We have Kohler Caxton (K2209) sinks in our 60 inch vanity. These sinks are 15x12. We find that they are plenty big for us. We like having more counter space.

Localeater, I think this size would work fine in your powder room. I doubt that guests would find it too small. I wouldn't worry about possible future buyers either. Just decide whether you want more counter area or more sink area.

Here's how the 15x12 sinks look in bathroom

How many inches away from the side edge should a sink start? Badger gal I see you have a lot of room there

Thanks everyone for the input. I am going with a drop in copper round sink. I was debating between a 15" and a 17" . I did want to maximize countertop so I went with the 15. It arrived yesterday and I think it will be perfect. The bowl is bigger that what I currently have in the house.