Should Sink and Toilet Match?
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Sinks and toilets are the most important fixtures in a bathroom. Although most people match the toilet and sink, it is not an affirmed rule that matching is mandatory.
While some dictate toilet and sink designs should coordinate and complement each other, others believe in creating an exciting blend of techniques.
So, should sink and toilet match?
Do You Really Need to Match Sink and Toilet?
The truth is, there is no right question to this answer. While some people believe in matching toilets and sinks, others dislike the monotony of completely similar bathroom fixtures.
The following are reasons why you don’t have to completely match your toilet with your sink.
1. Your Personal Preference
We all have different preferences when choosing things, and the bathroom design is no different. Even though matching sink and toilet is typical, we live in modern times where designs and styles are endless. You don’t have to stick to the monotony of standard bathroom colors and designs.
In addition, personal decorative preferences have a personal touch that tailors your unique taste. The bathroom is your personal sanctuary. Get as creative as possible with your interior.
2. Diverse Styles and Designs Available
The prevalence of technology over time has resulted in countless innovations in the plumbing industry. Traditionally, there were limited designs and styles available, which made matching familiar.
Unlike before, there are plenty of colors, shapes, sizes, designs, and styles to choose from when buying a sink and toilet for your bathroom. Therefore, you do not have to limit yourself when selecting your bathroom fixtures.
3. Various Construction Materials
There are various types of materials used to construct sinks and toilets. Some of the materials used in bathroom fixtures include porcelain, concrete, plastic, ceramic, and wood.
Although materials used are often similar, they don’t always have to match. For instance, you can choose a ceramic toilet and a concrete sink.
4. Countless Brands in the Market
Often, you will find that brands that manufacture bathroom sinks also make toilets. Henceforth, some people believe that the brand toilet and sink should match.
However, you may find other brands that make better sinks than others and vice versa. Therefore, mixing the best quality brands for both fixtures might be more convenient.
Types of Bathroom Sinks and Toilets
There are plenty of bathroom sinks and toilets available in the market today. If you are looking for a new sink and toilet, you may be overwhelmed by the different shapes, sizes, styles, and designs available.
It’s advisable to research the different bathroom sinks and toilets available before purchasing to avoid any regrets.
Types of Bathroom Sinks
Sinks are an essential fixture of every bathroom. Apart from functionality, choosing the right sink tub can either decorate or degrade your bathroom aesthetics.
There are ten different bathroom sinks available in the market today. They include:
1. Wall-Mounted Sinks
The wall-mounted sink is a sturdy body directly installed on the adjacent wall, occupying minimum space. The sink lacks a vanity cabinet hence saving space.
2. Semi-Recessed Sinks
In this style, the sink mounts in front of the vanity unit and the countertop. The semi-recessed is storage-friendly since it takes up minimal floor space.
3. Pedestal / Free Standing Sinks
The pedestal sink is ideal for any bathroom theme, design, or layout. A vertical column below it supports the basin which requires minimal floor space. This type of sink also lacks a vanity unit.
4. Vessel Sinks
They are bowl-shaped basins installed on top of the counter or partially fitted in the countertop area. The vessel sinks are available in a variety of materials, making them easily accessible in the market.
5. Vanity Sinks
They are sinks made for luxurious purposes since they take up a lot of space. The elegant sinks come with a vanity unit or a table. They are available in either vessel, undermount, or self-rimming styles.
In addition to the luxurious aspect, vanity sinks have spacious cabinets that serve as storage compartments for soaps and other accessories.
6. Console Sinks
These types of sinks are mounted on the wall and supported with two or four legs. Console sinks lack a counter area; hence are easy to clean and maintain.
7. Self-Rimming/Top-Mount/Drop-In Sinks
They are the most accessible sinks to be installed in a bathroom and are easy to clean. Replacement is also almost effortless since changing the vanity unit, or countertop is not necessary.
8. Undermount Sinks
As the name suggests, the sink mounts below a countertop or vanity unit. The depression where the sink sits fits according to the shape and dimensions of the basin. Therefore, replacement may be difficult.
9. Integral Sinks
The integral sink is a combination of the sink and the vanity unit. It is one seamless set that surrounds the countertop making it ideal for large family households.
The sink has an elegant design that matches both a contemporary or modern bathroom. However, upon any damage to the sink, replacement costs are expensive.
10. Dual Faucet Sinks
Dual Faucet sinks are the most recent and trending sinks in the market. The sink has two faucets installed into one big basin. These types of sinks are ideal for large households to provide maximum convenience.
Types of Bathroom Toilets
There are over 18 different types of bathroom toilets. However, they all fall under three main categories.
1. Close-Coupled Toilets
A close-coupled toilet is the most conventional toilet that suits any bathroom. The toilet comes with a conspicuous cistern and a floor-standing unit.
Unlike the traditional style where the cistern is installed high above the toilet, the close-coupled toilets have the cistern and the toilet joined together. In addition to the coupled design, they are also available in a ‘fully shrouded’ design.
The fully shrouded design is where the toilet’s top to bottom mounts against the wall. Consequently, cleaning is made easier by the omission of unreachable nooks and crannies.
Ranging from simple to modern to elegant, closely-coupled toilets are available in many different designs, shapes, and styles to suit your preference. For instance, if you are conscious about hygiene, there are rimless toilet options in the market.
When considering flush operations, close-coupled toilets have handles ranging from traditional to modern flush buttons. In addition, some manufacturers even install options to adjust the water flow.
2. Back to Wall Toilets
Back-to-wall toilets are more advanced compared to close-coupled toilets, although they have certain similarities. The difference is that the cistern hides in a furniture unit or partition wall in back-to-wall toilets.
If you have limited bathroom space, the back-to-wall style is an ideal stylish and storage-friendly option. Even though the cistern is invisible in this style, you can still opt for a closed toilet unit that is usually available in various finishes to match your bathroom interior.
A more modern option, back-to-wall toilets, is similar to close coupled toilets except that the cistern hides within a partition wall or a furniture unit. This toilet style is excellent for a contemporary bathroom and can provide a space-saving option in a smaller ensuite or cloakroom.
A back-to-wall toilet can look exceptionally sleek and stylish when the cistern completely hides within the wall. Still, you could also opt for a closed toilet unit, available in a range of finishes to match your bathroom furniture.
Note: When buying a back-to-wall toilet, always confirm that the concealed cistern and the toilet unit are in the package. Most manufacturers tend to sell them separately.
3. Wall Hung Toilets
The wall-hung toilets are the advanced version of the back-to-wall toilets. They feature closing seats that are incredibly soft and made of high-quality materials for maximum comfort and reliability.
The advanced toilet appears like it’s floating above the ground and has no visible pedestal or cistern. The style is not only effective in functionality but also luxurious. If you are making or remodeling a spacious or designer bathroom, the wall hung is an excellent option.
Just like the modern back-to-wall toilet, the advanced wall hanging toilets may also require a wall-mounting fixture and a hidden cistern during installation. Often, the cistern and the mounting unit are sold together with the wall-hung toilets.
Often, you will find that brands that manufacture bathroom sinks also make toilets. Henceforth, some people believe that the brand toilet and sink should match.
However, you may find other brands that make better sinks than others and vice versa. Therefore, mixing the best quality brands for both fixtures might be more convenient.
Factors To Consider When Matching Sinks and Toilets
Sinks and toilets are crucial fixtures in every bathroom. Although matching is unnecessary, their coordination in color, styles, and designs significantly complements the overall bathroom aesthetics.
Therefore, there are certain factors to consider when matching sinks and toilets. They include:
1. Color
Although many sink and toilet colors are available today, specific standard colors are related to the bathroom. Even if the colors need not match, they should come together to create the perfect blend.
For instance, it’s convenient and easy to link a new sink with a white toilet or almond toilet since they are standard bathroom colors. Therefore, choosing a sink that corresponds to the subtle John’s tone creates a color connection between the sink and the toilet.
If the toilet bowl has a retro or unconventional color like pink, select a white toilet seat or a white sink as an accessory to break the monotony.
Also, different colored fixtures create visual illusions. For instance, if you have a small bathroom space, use colors like black, beige, and white to avoid visual cluttering.
2. Monochromatic Design
If your bathroom has a monochromatic design, select similar but compatible toilet and sink colors. For instance, if the toilet is light gray, then the sink should be white to add to the subtle white-on-white effect of the interior design.
However, if you choose a red or yellow toilet or sink, the bright color visually impairs the white monochromatic design of your bathroom.
3. Space Available
The type of sink and toilet to match your bathroom dramatically depends on the amount of space available in your bathroom. Keep in mind some fixtures require an enormous amount of space while others require minimal space.
You can combine a close-coupled toilet with a vanity or integral sink if you have a spacious bathroom. If you have limited bathroom space, a wall-mounted sink, and toilet design, corner sinks and toilets, and a 2-in-1 basin combination unit are the ideal designs to install.
4. Maintenance Level
Construction materials have different maintenance levels when matching bathroom sink and toilet, select fixtures that are easy to maintain and have the same cleaning procedures.
Having the same cleaning and care procedure for your toilet and sink is not only time-saving but cost-effective.
5. Quality
The quality of material used in your fixtures is essential to consider when choosing a matching sink and toilet. If you buy a high-quality toilet and a low-quality sink, the sink is likely to fade or corrode quickly compared to the toilet.
Consequently, the aesthetic appearance of the bathroom is obstructed, along with additional replacement costs. Therefore, choose fixtures of the same high quality to enable longevity of both the sink and the toilet.
Conclusion
A bathroom is a personal sanctuary that is used daily in every household. While others prefer matching fixtures with the bathroom’s interior, some prefer to explore their creativity. Therefore, consider what styles and designs are appealing to you when decorating your bathroom.
