Tulip shell: features and benefits
Of course, the main element of the bathroom can be called a sink. In addition to its aesthetic characteristics, it should be as comfortable and functional as possible. That is why the tulip shell is considered the best option due to the stand, which not only gives it strength and stability, but also perfectly masks pipes, hoses and other communications.
Special features
Pedestal sinks are considered the most popular model, so they can be found in the product line of most well-known manufacturers of sanitary ware. They fit well into any interior due to their exceptional design and functional features. Such products are resistant, durable and durable.
In addition to the classic options, you can find a wide selection of non-standard designs from a wide variety of materials, so everyone can buy a sink to their own taste and wallet.
The popularity of the model with the "foot" due to its extremely high consumer properties.
- the model is compact, so it can be installed even in the smallest bathrooms;
- the design is universal - thanks to the thoughtful design, it harmoniously fits into any interior, emphasizes its style and thoughtfulness;
- aesthetics - the design not only looks attractive, but also hides all elements of the water supply system that can spoil the overall impression of the bathroom;
- the model is easy to install, all work can be done independently, without the involvement of third-party specialists;
- a sink-tulip can be installed along the wall and in the corner of the bathroom;
- in most cases, “tulips” come out with rounded corners, this significantly reduces the risk of injury and is very important for families with small children;
- the product is presented in a large variety of options in a wide range of prices.
The disadvantages of such installations include the absence of a cabinet under the sink. In the conditions of small-sized bathrooms, many use the space under the sink to store household chemicals and other household accessories. The installation of a “tulip” does not leave such an opportunity, however, this is easily solved by installing models with a semi-pedestal, in which the place under the washbasin can be used for storing necessary household items.
Description
The sink with the beautiful name "Tulip" is, in fact, the simplest wash basin, the design of which does not imply any other functional load. A distinctive feature of the model is the “leg”, it is also called the pedestal. It can be made in the form of a semi-column or a solid column. “Foot” can hide all communications that are responsible for the supply and discharge of water, and in addition, it takes the bulk of the load from the bowl.
For the manufacture of sink used a variety of materials. Most often used faience, porcelain, stainless steel, glass or copper. Modifications from bronze, artificial and natural stone are less common.
The production of shells and tulips on a stand is based on the use of standards and GOSTs for sanitary ceramic products - GOST 30493-96, GOST 15167-93, GOST 21485-94, and also ISO 9001.
Kinds
The sink-tulip is made in a wide variety of options - they distinguish both the main types and secondary criteria, which can have a significant impact when choosing a suitable sanitary ware product. Consider them in order.
According to their design features, there are three main types of shells.
- Monolithic structures - in them the bowl and support are a single whole, which cannot be disassembled into its constituent elements.
- Compact model - in this case, the structure consists of two elements: the washbasin itself and the leg support with a height equal to the distance from the floor to the sink.
- Semi-tulip - collapsible design, as well as the "compact", consists of a bowl and a pedestal, but the latter does not have an emphasis on the floor, so it can be fixed at any convenient height. This is especially true when installing a washbasin for small children, or if the hostess plans to use the space under the sink to install the cabinet.
Depending on the location of the shell emit:
- ordinary - they are mounted along the wall;
- corner - these models are installed in the corner of the bathroom.
These models are distinguished by their appearance, shape and dimensions, they can be mounted and built-in, and in addition, they affect the functionality of the entire installation. Corner options offer more opportunities for the rational use of the entire area of the bathroom.
Materials
Tulip shells, as well as all other types of sinks, are made from a variety of materials. The most popular models are made of porcelain and earthenware, the most stylish are products made of steel and glass, and the most affordable are made of stainless steel.
Traditionally, such installations are made from ceramics, namely from porcelain or earthenware.
A glass sink can be a very stylish element in the overall design of a bathroom. This material allows you to implement an interior concept in the hi-tech style, especially effectively such a washbasin looks in combination with chrome-plated surfaces.
The advantages of glass installations are obvious:
- attractive appearance;
- resistance to low and elevated temperatures;
- small dimensions;
- resistance to the effect of coloring liquids - zelenka, iodine, wine, etc.
However, the disadvantages are significant:
- water splash stains are clearly visible on the glass surface;
- fragility;
- with minor mechanical damage the glass cracks.
Do not install glass sinks in homes with small children and large pets.
Such models are quite expensive, so they are produced in small editions.
Faience and porcelain at first glance are indistinguishable from each other. However, over time, the difference in the quality of materials makes itself felt. Porcelain retains its appearance and color throughout the entire period of operation, and the earthenware turns yellow after a few years, and indelible stains from splashes and other liquids appear on it.
If we talk in general about ceramic models, then as their advantages are the following:
- attractive appearance;
- resistance to high and low temperatures, as well as their differences;
- noiseless operation;
- long service life;
- Good interaction with all types of cleaning agents, except for abrasives.
In previous years, shells were made of stainless steel everywhere - such models were cheap and affordable for most consumers. To date, the product range has expanded significantly and you can find models made of brass, bronze, cast iron and even gold and platinum on the market / However, the latter are made to order and are not available for sale.
The advantages of metal are indisputable:
- durability;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- interaction with all types of detergents.
One drawback - the shells are noisy when the installation comes in contact with the spurting water jets.
Stone or artificial acrylic - high-quality, aesthetic and durable materials that belong to the category of "elite" and have a corresponding price tag.
Dimensions and sizes
Tulip shell can have a variety of forms:
round;
semicircular;
semi-oval;
square;
rectangular;
hexagonal;
ellipsoid.
Standard models are made in the form of a semicircle or half-fold and have a width in the range of 55-70 cm (most often 60 and 65) excluding additional side surfaces in multifunctional structures. In this range, you can pick up any model.There are also non-standard options of small sizes: from 45 to 50 cm and large-sized sinks - from 70 to 90 cm. In this list, the choice is not very large, and finding them on sale is not so easy. Larger sinks are not recommended in medium sized bathrooms - in this case, users will feel a constant tightness. At the same time, some old buildings have such small dimensions of a bathroom that only models with a width of 40 and 30 cm can fit in there - such options are called “office” ones.
Tulips, as a rule, are produced with a rack height of 80 cm - this applies to traditional options with a column (keep in mind that sometimes this height may slightly differ from the accepted standard). In the case of semi-tulips, the buyer himself decides at what distance from the floor should hang the sink.
Color solutions
The times when shells were performed in a single white version are long gone. Today, the plumbing industry offers products of various colors and shades.
The most popular are several models.
- Light beige - harmoniously fit into the interiors, decorated in warm colors, combined with natural stone and wood.
- Cream - make an excellent composition with bathrooms, lined with gray-brown or red-brown tiles, and also look original with white cabinets, glossy or matte coatings.
- Soft white - in their texture, such sinks resemble, rather, a delicate flower, give sophistication and refinement to the entire interior of the bathroom, and well complement any toilet design.
- Crystal White - this is a classic of the genre, universal color, which aesthetically looks in combination with any textures, shades and stylistic elements.
- Cool shades of gray - used for the implementation of modern design, in harmony with the chrome-plated trim elements, as well as underline all sorts of beige tones.
- Warm shades of dark gray - an elegant solution that will allow the nobility and a certain aristocracy to be brought into the bathroom space, which harmonizes well with the facing made of stone and wood.
- Light green shell - adds to the decor of the bathroom freshness and juiciness of the spring day.
- Rich black - This is a bold move that can not be used in every home. The use of this shade presupposes the thoroughness of the interior to the smallest detail, but at the same time, with the proper arrangement of the bathroom, it can become a real highlight of the room.
How to choose?
A little advice - before choosing a suitable model, measure the entire room well and make a plan for placing all the necessary elements (bathroom / cabinets / toilet) with their measurements - only in this case you can be sure that the purchased model will allow you to install all the other necessary settings and create conditions for the most efficient use of the useful area of the bathroom.
At the time of purchase, special attention should be paid to the appearance of the product and its technical condition.
- Check out the package bundle. It may be necessary to additionally purchase a siphon, since manufacturers often complete sinks with additional materials of inadequate quality.
- Make sure the sink fits snugly to the pedestal. Try to push the bowl - if it swings, then you should get a sink in another place.It is optimal to check the pedestal itself on a flat surface with the help of a building level.
- Make sure that there are no cracks, chips or other deformations on the sink.
High-quality plumbing is not cheap. At the same time, you buy a sink once and for many years, and more often even decades, so allow yourself a quality product from a well-reputable manufacturer. Remember, the miser pays twice, and attempts to save can result in additional expenses.
We give a small rating of the most popular manufacturers of plumbing, the quality of which is time tested.
The most popular with consumers around the world products brand Roca (Spain). This company specializes not only in the production of plumbing. The assortment list of products includes everything you need for bathroom equipment - mirrors, furniture, moisture-proof accessories and more. The company has its production facilities in many countries of the world, including Russia. This significantly reduces the cost of products and makes them available to our compatriots.
Tulip shells of this brand are made in the corner versions, with or without a pedestal. As a rule, they are made of porcelain and earthenware, have a classic color scheme and design.
Tulip shells from Jacob Delafon (France) are also in consistently high demand. The product range includes models of standard and corner washbasins, which are characterized by classical geometry. All products are made of ceramics.
Gustavsberg (Sweden) for many years produces plumbing of the highest quality, which is popular in Scandinavia and far beyond its borders. Products of this brand are characterized by concise design and ergonomic shape.
Jika (Czech Republic) - a brand that has received fame for its low prices with a rather high quality of product performance. Collections of the brand offer not only standard options, but also models for disabled people, as well as baby sinks. As the material is usually used faience.
Russia also has very decent products. For example, an enterprise "Kirov ceramics" considered one of the leaders of the domestic market.All products are of exceptional quality and affordable prices. In the arsenal of the manufacturer are models of a wide variety of shades - blue, black, green and many others.
“Oskol ceramics” is another our compatriot, all products of which meet the highest European quality standards. Production is located in Stary Oskol at the facilities of the Italian company. All shells of this brand belong to the average price segment.
How to install?
To install a sink-tulip, it is not necessary to resort to the services of professional plumbers - All work can be done independently, armed with the necessary tools:
- a drill;
- screwdriver;
- a hammer;
- keys;
- special siphon with the option of overflow "overflow";
- level;
- grouting.
Before starting work, it is necessary to completely dismantle the old sink, after turning off the water and disconnecting the drain. The shell itself is easily unscrewed from the wall with wrenches of various sizes.
Next, you should prepare a place for mounting a new sink. To do this, remove all traces of cement from the walls, and fill the old holes with grout.
After this, new holes are made corresponding to the dimensions of the structure. The siphon is fixed to the footrest with special fasteners, and rubber washers must be used without fail. Water can be connected only after installing the siphon, although many do exactly the opposite, and this is a big mistake - if the installation of the tulip is not quite right, then you cannot avoid a small (or maybe a large) flood.
At the very last stage, you may need help - the bowl is quite large and heavy, so you need a person who can hold it while you are trying to fix the installation. Nuts do not need to tighten too much, because you need to install the leg. To do this, slightly raise the bowl, fix the support and connect the drain hose at the final stage.
That's all - it remains only to hold all the fasteners, and the place of connection of the support with the floor to miss with grout or sealant.
For many decades, the shell-tulip remains the most popular and sought-after model. This is a classic version, which is unlikely to go out of fashion in the coming years.That is why we can safely recommend such a design even to those strict consumers who vigilantly follow the latest trends in interior fashion.
Beautiful examples in the interior
A snow-white tulip shell will decorate any interior.
Original look models of color shades.
Corner options allow you to use the space as efficiently as possible.
Products are distinguished by sophistication and elegance.
How to install a shell-tulip, see the next video.