Console Sinks: Everything You Need to Know Before Adding One to Your Bathroom

If it’s time to freshen up your bathroom, plenty of sink designs can complement your style. Among them is the console sink, a space-saving option that adds flair to bathrooms big and small. This guide covers everything you need to know about console sinks to help you decide if they’re right for you. 

What Is a Console Sink?

A console sink blends elements of a wall-mount sink, which mounts to the wall, with a pedestal sink, which stands on a wide base resembling a pedestal. Essentially, console sinks stand on two or four legs with a sink compartment mounted to the bathroom wall.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Console Sink?

Before you decide on any type of bathroom sink for your home, it’s vital to weigh the pros and cons. A console sink offers some advantages regarding appearance and storage, but also be aware of possible drawbacks. 

Pros

Because console sinks stand on slender legs and boast exposed plumbing, they offer a minimalist appearance that can open up your bathroom and give the impression of extra space. The legs also allow enough space to fit a wheelchair for increased accessibility. Alternatively, you could opt for more storage options, such as shelves or baskets under the sink.

Cons

Mounting a bathroom sink console to your wall requires additional considerations, tools, and know-how to ensure it’s done correctly. Console sinks are also wider than most other sink designs, so you may lose space depending on the layout of your bathroom. If you want the exposed plumbing to complement your bathroom, you may need to finish it with a special material, such as copper or stainless steel. And the extra considerations can potentially drive up the cost of installation. 

Console Sink Installation Considerations

Console sinks come with various design elements between the counter, pipes, and legs. But no matter what appearance your console sink takes, there are several details you’ll have to consider before installing one. If you’re unsure, a sink installer can help you choose the best console sink for your bathroom. Below are some factors to consider to get started. 

Size

Your sink has to fit in your bathroom and leave you enough space to move about during your routine. The dimensions of your bathroom will inform the height, width, and depth of the console sink you choose. Some sinks come in double configurations, with two compartments supported by five legs, while others are small enough to fit in a half bathroom.

Style

Console sinks traditionally have a minimalist design, but more contemporary styles are available. Whatever style you choose, ensure that it complements your other bathroom fixtures and decorations to your liking. For example, if your bathroom has many wooden features, you may want wood or copper legs on your console sink.

Legs

You have options on which kind of legs you want to put on the sink. Metals like chrome and brass are the most common materials you could go with. However, you can opt for console sink legs made from the same material as the sink top, like marble or porcelain. 

Installation Type

There are two ways to install a console sink: mounted and freestanding. Each style has benefits for various tastes and bathroom configurations. 

Mounted

Mounted console sinks are attached to your bathroom wall at one or more points along the sink top to give them extra stability. If your sink is mounted, you can opt for more slender legs or legs made from more fragile materials like porcelain.  

Freestanding

A freestanding console sink stands on four or five legs without attaching to another point (except for the plumbing). Without wall attachments, freestanding sink installation is more straightforward and less costly. 

Whether you want a sink with a traditional look or contemporary flair, make sure the fixture satisfies all of your needs. If you want a wall-mount sink or qualified assistance, talk to a local sink installation professional for a hassle-free project.

Storage

Most console sinks don’t come with built-in storage. The space below the sink is open, allowing for storage. For example, you can add a small container or basket. You can also get a console sink with a small shelf, drawer, or integrated towel rack. Consider the amount of storage in your bathroom and whether this sink is a good fit. 

Plumbing

The plumbing is exposed because console sinks don’t have a thick pedestal underneath, giving you the chance to embrace the plumbing as a vital design element with a modern industrial look. You have several stylish options for pipework, provided you choose pipes made in a coordinating finish like copper or galvanized steel rather than PVC.   

How Much Does Console Sink Installation Cost?

Once you have a solid idea of how you want your console sink to look, the next step is to plan for sink installation costs. On average, installing a console sink costs $400 to $1,250. When calculating your project costs, consider the cost of materials and labor. Once you know where to start, the next step is to call a local professional who installs bathroom sinks to help handle the mounting and plumbing concerns.