If you want a sleek, chic look, a pedestal sink might be for you
 - Derek Rose.png?impolicy=thumbnail)
Pedestal sinks are simple bathroom sinks with a basin mounted on a pedestal base.
Homeowners choose pedestal sinks because they’re durable, have a smaller footprint, and are easy to clean.
Pedestal sinks are more expensive, harder to install, and offer no storage space compared to vanity-mounted sinks.
Their compact size makes pedestal sinks a smart choice for smaller bathrooms and bathrooms with sleeker design configurations.
Pedestal sinks were a popular bathroom feature at the beginning of the twentieth century, and they are making a comeback with fresh new styles. Unlike a vanity sink, a pedestal sink typically contains just two parts: a basin on top and a pedestal on the bottom. The basin collects water, and the pedestal supports the fixture’s weight. However, what it lacks in storage, it makes up for in space-saving. The pedestal sink is a common choice for smaller bathrooms, powder rooms, and bathrooms with additional storage areas.
If you’re looking for something simple and elegant, consider a pedestal sink. Let’s look at the pedestal sink’s key features in more detail to help you decide.
You can easily identify pedestal sinks by their simple construction, which includes only a sink basin and pedestal base. The two parts come separately and join together during installation. Unlike other sinks, pedestal sinks are freestanding and don’t require a cabinet or other surround. Most are centered over the drainpipe and are anchored at the base and to the wall for stability.
While pedestal sinks save a lot of floor space, they offer no countertop space or storage around or under the sink. This can be a dealbreaker if you need extra space to store your cleaning products, lotions, makeup, hair tools, and other bathroom essentials. Most vanity sink options feature a countertop and base, allowing for more storage than pedestal sinks. Vanity sink options also tend to be more customizable.
Pedestal sinks have many benefits beyond their sleek looks and classic appeal. The simple construction creates an instant style boost, gives bathrooms a distinct flair, and offers benefits like easy upkeep.
Pedestal sinks are more durable and long-lasting than other types of sinks because the entire sink consists of fireclay or similarly strong material. The sinks stand up to water and regular use without multiple surfaces and attachment points. For the most durable sink, shop for value and not the lowest price point. You will get a longer-lasting sink by choosing a high-quality material meant to last.
A pedestal sink means more floor space, so it’s ideal for small bathrooms. Because the bowl is usually the widest part of the sink, there’s more floor space visible around the sink, giving rooms an airy feel compared to traditional cabinet-based vanity sinks. Additionally, most are pre-drilled and tapped, so the plumbing is contained within the pedestal or is attached at the back of the bowl, limiting the amount of visible plumbing.
Pedestal sinks have such a simple design and so few components that cleaning is a cinch. A simple wipe-down of the bowl and fixture area is all you need to do for daily cleaning, and the lack of countertops and display space keeps them and the bathroom looking less cluttered. It’s also easy to clean around the pedestal area. Gentle cleaning products are best for easy-to-maintain porcelain or fireclay, and harsh scrubbing isn't required.
As pretty as they are, pedestal sinks aren’t for everyone or every bathroom. Their compact size, while a plus in some rooms, can look too small in larger bathrooms. And not all homeowners like the idea of trading storage for style. For these reasons and the ones below, it’s smart to really think about how you use your bathroom and your overall needs before installing a pedestal sink.
If you’re someone who keeps a lot of cleaning supplies or beauty tools in your bathroom, a pedestal sink won’t offer the storage you need. So, unless your bathroom has ample storage elsewhere, you may prefer a sink with a cabinet and countertop. Pedestal sinks are often a better choice for powder rooms, guest baths, half baths, and smaller bathrooms than primary bathrooms, unless floor space is an issue.
Although they’re more streamlined than other bathroom sink options, pedestal sinks aren’t necessarily cheaper. Higher-quality material can make the price higher, and installation may also cost more if the sink needs anchoring to the wall and floor.
The cost of your pedestal sink will depend on the material you choose—stainless steel tends to be the least expensive, and solid surface porcelain is the most pricey material. The average cost for a quality pedestal sink is around $250, plus the price of the faucet, but luxury models can cost more than $2,000. The average pedestal sink installation cost usually falls between $230 and $800. However, that can vary, especially if your plumber needs to install new water and drain lines or charges fees for old sink removal.
Added together, you can expect to spend between $600 and $2,500 for a new, installed pedestal sink, which puts them on the higher end of average bathroom remodel cost estimates.
While pedestal sinks cost more than some others, there are affordable options due to the range of styles. Since pedestal sinks are highly durable, save space, and can give bathrooms a fresh and classic look, the right one may be worth the long-term investment. If this isn’t in your budget, there are several other sink options, many of which you can install yourself if you know what you’re doing and want to save.
Installing a pedestal sink can be particularly complex if you need to replace your current flooring, baseboard, and wallboard (any material attached to studs and used for finishing material) under and behind an existing vanity space.
The pedestal sink is supported by both the wall behind the sink and the bolts that are secured to the wall and attached to the sink’s base. Sometimes, installation requires additional wall or floor supports. Typically, your installer will secure two hanger bolts to the wall behind the sink.
Note: If you’re thinking about transitioning from a traditional vanity to a pedestal sink, keep in mind that you may need to make repairs or changes because often, the wall behind your vanity will not look like the other walls. It might be scraped, discolored, damaged, or even have super-cool ‘60s floral wallpaper.
That being said, with enough research, a little patience, and some time, many homeowners can successfully install a pedestal sink on their own. However, if you don’t have the skill or desire to install your new sink yourself, there are many local sink installers that can help you out.
While pedestal sinks can be beautiful in any bathroom, they’re better suited to some bathrooms than others. When researching bathroom remodel ideas, remember that pedestal sinks tend to be ideal for smaller bathrooms or bathrooms that don’t require as much storage. While you may need vanity drawers and cabinets in a full bathroom, you likely don’t need to store as much in a power room.
You’ll also want to look at the other fixtures and layout of your bathroom before choosing a pedestal sink. Full bathrooms that have stand-alone porcelain bathtubs or sleek, luxury showers tend to look good with pedestal sinks rather than large, clunky vanities.
If you like a traditional look, need more floor space, and have enough storage space elsewhere, a pedestal sink may be perfect for you.
If you’re seeking more bathroom storage and counter space, or if you don’t want a costly installation, this might not be the sink for you.
Several factors go into the overall cost of installing a pedestal sink. There’s the price of the sink itself, which runs anywhere from $100 to $2,000. Then, there are potential expenses for labor, plumbing alterations, permits, a new faucet, and removal of the old sink. When all is said and done, the average homeowner pays $530 to add a pedestal sink to their bathroom.
Installing any type of sink is tricky for most homeowners, and pedestal sinks are more challenging, especially if you’re switching from a vanity sink. As a result, it’s worth contacting a pro—at least to do the rough-in plumbing—unless you have previous experience with similar tasks.
If you have the skills, DIY sink installation is cheaper than hiring a pro. A local sink installer costs $400 on average, but that figure varies based on where you live and the job's complexity.
Lauren Bongard contributed to this article.
Since pedestal sinks are narrow and don’t have a cupboard to conceal pipes, many homeowners change their plumbing to make it less visible. It’s a big reason why installing a pedestal sink is more labor-intensive than other types.
The best option is to alter the plumbing. Moving and centering the drain pipe behind the sink usually does the trick and creates the sleek, minimalist look that pedestal sinks offer. If you don’t want to do any plumbing work, there are a few decorating hacks:
Painting the pipes
Placing shelves, plants, or baskets in front of the pipes
Adding a sink skirt
Pedestal sinks are bolted or screwed into the floor and the wall to prevent it from moving out of place. You may have to change or add to the bathroom flooring when installing a pedestal sink if the flooring was laid around the previous sink, not under it.
