Stylish Vessel Sinks

Above-counter sinks, also called vessel sinks, rise to the level of sculpture as they rise above vanity tops. These cool blue glass vessel sinks echo the watery hue of the glass tile on the wall. The lightly frosted finish on each bowl helps minimize water spots. Chrome faucets arch gracefully, adding a sense of fluidity.

A pristine white ceramic vessel sink, perched on a slab marble countertop, creates an airy focal point against a tumbled cut-marble backsplash. A wall-mount faucet in brushed nickel lends understated grace.

A bronze wall-mount faucet pairs beautifully with a hand-hammered copper basin. Although this sink matches a hand-hammered copper tub (not shown), you needn't match your vessel sink to other fixtures in the room. Rather, create a focal point by choosing from porcelain, pottery, glass, or metal -- vessel sinks come in a wide range of materials, shapes, and sizes.

With a vessel sink, you can choose a cabinet or a piece of furniture that matches the style you love. In this bathroom, a rustic freestanding cabinet -- dressed in its original paint -- adds vintage appeal. The porcelain sink bowl complements the distressed finishes. When opting for a spread-fit faucet, select a model that raises the handles above the rim of the sink for easy operation.

Fashioned in a sleek rectangle, this white marble sink lends a natural feel to the bathroom. Because stone is naturally porous, it is susceptible to staining. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for a sealant that will preserve the look.

For the same reasons a stainless-steel sink is prized for the kitchen -- beautiful shine and cleanliness -- consider one for your bathroom. Sleek stainless-steel sinks are available in several finishes, from a mirrorlike shine to a satiny luster.

Wall-mount faucets are a popular choice with vessel sinks. When choosing a wall-mount faucet, be sure the design works with your sink, and follow the manufacturer's specifications for the correct height and placement to minimize splashing. For a deep vessel sink, it's typically suggested that the water stream be positioned to hit just behind the sink drain.

Special finishes on vessel sinks give your bathroom a high-end look. This chunky glass sink features a metallic finish for a contemporary look. When selecting a shallow vessel similar to this sink, position the faucet so water is directed into the center of the drain to minimize splashing.

Bath vanities typically vary from 32 to 36 inches tall. When choosing a vanity and sink, consider the height of those who will be using it. Remember that a vessel sink rises above the countertop -- this one by several inches. Determine a comfortable height for brushing your teeth and washing your face, and achieve the desired height by choosing the right size cabinet for the depth of the sink bowl.

Gentle upward curves on the rim of this vessel sink are reminiscent of a leaf floating on water. Teaming this tranquil bathroom sink with a tall, arched chrome faucet enhances the graceful, spa-like effect.

This black and beige granite vessel sink offers the best of both worlds -- great texture and silky polish, with its rustic chiseled sides and a highly polished interior. Paired with a quartz countertop, the sink conveys elegance and permanence.

Vessel sinks made of pottery offer multiple options for customizing with one-of-a-kind color, unusual shape, or even a painted design. This pottery sink mimics the look of a large farmhouse bowl and is paired with a bronze faucet, creating an antique look.

Faucets are among the details that can spell the difference between a moderately successful bathroom design and a truly remarkable one. This uncomplicated single-handle style is easy to operate and lets the dramatic blue vessel sink take center stage.

This vessel sink mimics the look of a smooth, carved-out stone, but it is made of porcelain for easy cleaning. Search online and in bathroom showrooms to find vessel sinks in distinctive designs.

Although vessel sinks are a contemporary trend, they can complement most any style. In this bathroom, matching porcelain sinks rest on an antique table and are teamed with reproduction bridge-style faucets to play up the cottage look.

A few well-chosen materials and fixtures go a long way in transforming a simple powder room into a graceful space. Rather than a standard-issue bathroom sink, this space features a rectangular sink that borrows the concept of an infinity pool, with water cascading over the center into a moatlike perimeter. A simple walnut vanity keeps the focus on the sink and the beautifully tiled wall.

Romance and Art Deco design meet in this bathroom vanity composition that begins with a writing desk. The desktop offers enough space between drawers to nestle a simple porcelain vessel sink. The wall-mount faucet and handles are installed through the backboard of the desk. Drawers provide storage and serve as pedestals for soap and toiletries.

Not all vessel sinks rest on the countertop; some models are partially set into the counter. This porcelain basin anchors into a concrete countertop and features a wall-mount faucet that appears to float beyond the mirror.

Today's vessel sinks are really the rebirth of the old-fashioned basin and pitcher used in the days before indoor plumbing. So it seems appropriate when the idea comes full circle. This antique blue-and-white porcelain bowl was drilled to accommodate a drain so it could serve a second life as a sink. The matching pitcher stands nearby as a vase for flowers.

A galvanized-metal bucket, drilled and outfitted with a drain, is inset into a wood countertop and set off by red and white toile wallpaper. The combination creates a charming vignette in a guest bathroom.