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Vessel sink - long term durability and usability issues?

8 days ago

Dear all, thanks again for your help!


For our master bathroom we are considering to use this AmbroVania 30" Floating vanity with ultra-thin ceramic basin and countertop


My concern is that the ceramic basin (bowl) might have some cleaning and long-term maintain issues. Also, the basin is only 4.53" tall, which I suspect if the waterflow is fast, then water would splash everywhere. Also the fluted wood and no cabinet door handle - long term wise I think it may not be easy to clean and the cabinet door opening groove might get dirty easily. Any thoughts? Can people please share your experience using such a vessel sink type of design for vanity? It certainly looks cool and modern, but is it a good idea (when think about cleaning and maintenance, etc.)? It also require a special type of faucet (the height of faucet spout ≥9'' is recommended). What kind of faucet would go well with such vanity? Would this kind of design considered as timeless or it can go out of style few years later? Thanks!


BTW I was able to find the faucet via using "Google Lens", but somehow this item cannot be shipped to California (maybe related to the water flow rate? Not sure).


Comments (18)

  • PRO
    5 days ago

    CA has many weird rules about water . As for the actul pieces if you are concerened why choose them. There are so many choices available that do not have these concerns .

    W C thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 5 days ago
    last modified: 5 days ago

    Is there anything you are not considering in the way of materials? You do realize all your choices need to work together? Stop selecting in a vacuum. I swore I was not going to say this again but just cannot help myself.

    W C thanked millworkman
  • 5 days ago

    although an artful statement, a vessel sink is better suited to a powder room.

    Primary bedrooms/baths get used and abused. Install something that doesn't need to be wiped down after every use.

    W C thanked Lyn Nielson
  • 5 days ago

    Shallow vessel sinks get surrounded by puddles of water. If you wash and rinse your face over one, the sink will have water splashed all around it. If you don't mind wiping up after every use, you can keep an extra hand towel nearby that is dedicated to that purpose. Due to the splashing, things like combs and toothbrushes get wet, so they have to be put well away, not left out near the sink.

    W C thanked apple_pie_order
  • PRO
    4 days ago

    Vessel sinks are horrid. Period. Stop trying to find combo units. Get a custom maker to make you soemthing similar to that, and get a local fabricator to put a top on it. And get design help.

    W C thanked Minardi
  • PRO
    4 days ago

    Neither timeless nor modern- this trend hit hard twenty years ago. Won’t die for some reason. Terrible for function. That said, the rim of the sink should be at 36” so the cabinet goes at 30-32 above the floor. Every manufacturer makes the taller faucets for vessel sinks or you could really spend and do a wall mount. Go to an actual plumbing store and they can get the correct height faucet for you.

    W C thanked HALLETT & Co.
  • PRO
    4 days ago

    Here is the list of items NOT recommended for bathroom remodeling.


    An upscale undermount sink might be a great substitution.



    W C thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • PRO
    4 days ago

    I used vessel sinks in a bath remodel with no regrets and no splash or cleanup issues.

    W C thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
  • 4 days ago

    You have listed so many valid concerns, I think you already know that this isn't going to be a great purchase. (I'm quite biased though because man do I hate a vessel sink.)


    This one gets great reviews, is still modern, and takes a regular faucet. I think it comes in different finishes and colors. Still same great grooves for dirt to get caught in, and no handle. Though the reviews don't seem to complain about that.


    https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/ebern-designs-aglaia-36-wall-mounted-single-bathroom-vanity-with-ceramic-top-modern-luxury-vanity-with-storage-eco-friendly-e1-for-small-bathroom-apartment-hotel-style-w110305042.html?piid=2717895#dt8psgg1x9-3




    W C thanked Kendrah
  • PRO
    4 days ago

    Would not do vessel sink

  • 3 days ago

    More vessel sink hate. And certainly they are not “ modern “. Bad for cleaning. Bad for best use of space.

  • 3 days ago

    Items not recommended from Beverly. 100%!

  • 3 days ago

    I don't own vessel sinks. But I have used them a lot, my in laws have a fondness for them. No splashing or puddling issues. My not fond of them is because I'm on the short side, and a vessel sink on a standard counter gets a bit high for my hand washing preference.

    Sink use can vary. Some folks can do it in a measuring cup and not spill a drop, others can have a large built in sink and still look like they used a wild kitchen sprayer in there. And of course, all sorts of use in-between. How your household uses a sink can matter too. If you have people in the house that might be rough on a vessel, don't do it.

    I think of the OP pic- the vessel top isn't so bad. Probably farily easy to use and clean. Looks like a one piece though, so if that bowl gets chipped that's a bigger replacement than the kind where a vessel sits on a counter. But I wouldn't want a cabinet like that, looks like a potential PITA to clean nice.

  • 2 days ago
    last modified: 2 days ago

    We had a wet bar area and I used a vessel sink there...more for the look. Rather than have a counter mounted faucet, I chose wall mounted. Storage under counter and a beverage fridge behind a cabinet door. It was awkward to use, except to fill a short container. (old photo)




    I, personally, would not install one kitchen or bathroom. No, vessel sinks are not trendy; the concept has been around since the beginning of civilization – an indentation in rock. Then, as what my grandmother (b.1885) called it: a basin. Everyone in those days had a basin in their house...it was good for sits baths, foot soaking, and stomach flu, substitute for a cold trip to the outhouse, et al. I used my mother's to wash my nylons (1960's). I think I have talked myself into finding one on etsy. It was a mainstay. Funny, how outdated things can become a necessary. Love vintage. What goes around....


  • 2 days ago

    As a shorter person, I do not like vessel sinks. The sides always are stabbing my arms. While they may look pretty, I would not want one in my house.
    I vote no with Beverly, HIWE and Minardi.

  • 2 days ago

    I always liked the way they looked until we had them in the house we rented while we built this place. Funtionally, they absolutely suck. Water gets everywhere, and forget using them for hand wash or anything practical like that.

  • 2 days ago

    Silly trend. I thought we left vessel sinks back when everyone got indoor plumbing. Nothing beats an under mounted bathroom sink where you can effortlessly sweep debris off the counter, into the sink and down the drain.