Decorating Guides
For Your Next Sink, Think Unique
Any kind of vessel can do the trick — from buckets to barrels, outsized shells to old-fashioned washers
There's no need to limit your sink to what's on store shelves. Repurposing any number of vessels into a sink — whether new or vintage — will show off your personal style with little effort. From old metal buckets to massive shells to rain barrels — if it can hold water, it can be your next sink.
Still doubtful? Check out these innovative ideas to get inspired for your next home design project.
Still doubtful? Check out these innovative ideas to get inspired for your next home design project.
Mop bucket. Skip the online shopping and dive into your cleaning supply closet instead. With a hole drilled into the bottom, a metal mop bucket can make a great sink.
Tip: Keep the theme going and use the bucket handle or a mop handle as a towel rack in the same room.
Tip: Keep the theme going and use the bucket handle or a mop handle as a towel rack in the same room.
Vintage. Embrace the vintage patina of a salvaged sink in your home — this antique soapstone sink is perfect for cleaning up a messy craft room.
Tip: Depending on how old they are and what they were used for, some vintage sinks don't actually have holes drilled into them for plumbing fixtures. Take note — this will add to the overall cost.
Tip: Depending on how old they are and what they were used for, some vintage sinks don't actually have holes drilled into them for plumbing fixtures. Take note — this will add to the overall cost.
Barrel. A barrel drum turned sink stand becomes an instant focal point in a small powder room. Whether you have a sink installed inside the barrel or have the barrel modified to be a sink itself, talk to a local designer to see how much this custom treatment will cost.
Tip: The best part about this barrel is the label on the side. Consider printing and applying one of your own designs to your new sink.
Tip: The best part about this barrel is the label on the side. Consider printing and applying one of your own designs to your new sink.
Shell. Give a coastal style half-bath an elegant upgrade with an oversized shell sink basin. You can find an authentic one if you're willing to hunt, but be prepared for a hefty price tag. Composite reproductions can save money but won't look as genuine.
Tip: If you do find an authentic shell, the edges can be sharp and dangerous. Ask your contractor or builder to carefully file them down so your sink is safe.
Tip: If you do find an authentic shell, the edges can be sharp and dangerous. Ask your contractor or builder to carefully file them down so your sink is safe.
Log. Take your bathroom back to nature with a wooden sink basin or vessel. Whether you have a found log custom-crafted into a sink, or a ready-made version from a store, make sure it has a polyurethane clear coat for durability.
Tip: A substantial piece of wood like this can be very heavy — make sure it's adequately supported on both the wall and floor.
Tip: A substantial piece of wood like this can be very heavy — make sure it's adequately supported on both the wall and floor.
Fountain. An elegant, vintage fountain brings the outdoors inside in a very different way than the previous sink. The copper verdigris in this photo honors the grand gardens of a different era.
Tip: Depending on the age of your fountain, make sure to check for cracks and leaks that might need repairing before installation.
Tip: Depending on the age of your fountain, make sure to check for cracks and leaks that might need repairing before installation.
Washing machine. This powder room goes to show that pretty much any sturdy vessel can become a sink. This antique washing machine needed little adjustment to serve as a sink in this beautiful space.
Tip: Many old-fashioned appliances can have marred and damaged finishes. If you'd rather not embrace the patina, find a specialist to refinish the surface to a shine.
Tip: Many old-fashioned appliances can have marred and damaged finishes. If you'd rather not embrace the patina, find a specialist to refinish the surface to a shine.
Tip: Rough stone like this is best left for outdoor use. The material is extremely porous and hard to clean.