Choosing a white and colored sinks from ceramics and other materials

Repair in the bathroom is a reason to look at familiar things from the other side. Many of the items that we use for hygiene every day are able to solve more problems if you choose wisely. For example, a multi-functional shell may be.

When we choose a white or colored sink made of ceramics and other materials, first of all we think about the beauty of the situation. If you do not push into the background the functionality of this subject, you will be able to choose a beautiful and more practical thing.

On the question of what a sink is and why it is needed, most people will answer: to wash their hands. From the point of view of everyday life, the answer is correct, but technically incorrect. In order to wash your hands, you need a sink or faucet, that is, a device that supplies cold and hot water.The sink is only an additional, but not mandatory element in this case. It replaces any container that would have to be put under a tap so that water does not flow to the floor, and also masks the entire system of water drainage to the sewage system.

The forefather of modern sanitary systems was a wash basin or a washstand. It consisted of a water supply tap and a steel pallet. In the water tank, a heating system could be installed, and the used water did not go down the drain, and flowed into a bucket or poured out of a removable drain pan.

Then a more developed system appeared, water began to be discharged into the sewage system, but until the appearance of beautiful sanitary sinks, they continued to use the system with a tray. In this there was little aesthetics, and the smells from the sewage freely returned to the room through the drain. Later this problem was solved with the help of a sink and a sanitary system to drain water in the form in which we used to see it today.

The practical function is provided by the presence of a ceramic, earthenware, metal or other bowl with a deepening and drain hole.The deep sink shape allows you to wash your hands, objects, and head, without splashing water all over the room.

A sink drain is usually fitted with a rubber stopper or lever mechanism so that you can get water into the sink. This method allows you to save water during washing, so that it does not flow in vain.

Aesthetic function provides the appearance of the product. First of all, behind the "body" of the shell hides the unsightly system of drainage of used water. In addition to pipes, it includes items such as water trap and garbage bags. The water lock (also called a siphon) does not allow odors from the sewer system to enter the room through the drain pipes, and the nets are needed to trap large debris. And in the second, the sink itself is a decoration of a bathroom or bathroom of a different type.

Plumbing sinks differ in several factors, and each type has its own characteristics. Combine all kinds of specific characteristics.

• Convenience. If the sink does not have an intricate design form that does not imply its active use, this is a practical and convenient device for household and hygienic procedures.
• Hygiene. It follows directly from the first item.Having a sink simplifies daily toilet rituals for all family members.

• The organization of space. The sink in the bathroom or other type of room is placed so that its location allows you to minimize the required number of actions when washing, cleaning, washing, cooking and other procedures. Therefore, the sink is considered a kind of central element for the functional area with a tap in the room.

If this is a toilet area, then next to the sink there is a mirror, lockers with personal hygiene items. If it is a double sink, then it is convenient to place children's or women's pastes, brushes and jars over the female or children's half, and hygiene items for men or parents above the male or adult. If it is a kitchen sink, then the distance from it to the cutting table is minimal, and all the necessary kitchen utensils are located next to the sink. This simplifies the life of a modern person and helps save time on elementary actions, without which it cannot be done day after day.

• Aesthetics. The sink doesn't have to be boring. In some interiors, bolder colors and shapes would be appropriate, than traditionally white elongated ceramics with a uniform recess towards the center.

Types of sanitary sinks are distinguished according to several criteria: according to the material, size, shape, color, installation method, and functional purpose.

The choice of material affects not only the beauty of the sink and its compliance with the design idea. Depending on which raw material became the basis for the manufacture of the shell, it has some form, weight, anti-bacterial properties, strength and durability. For example, the faience sink can be much thicker than the cast-iron sink, and it will be easier to wash it.

Numerous manufacturers of plumbing offer a choice of products from different materials.

Ceramic sinks, porcelain and earthenware are popular. Porcelain - more expensive and reliable. They are less porous in structure than porcelain, so small cracks, chips and other defects do not appear in them. They do not turn yellow and do not turn gray over time. Porcelain sinks are beautiful, not capricious in the care, for a long time retain their original appearance.

Earthenware products have a more porous structure.prone to cracks, chipping and shading, so they are glazed for protection. They are cheaper, but less durable. From their surface any pollution is easily removed.The material is not afraid of aggressive chemistry.

Mostly marble is used, but granite is also found. Materials are very expensive and not suitable for all interiors of bathrooms and kitchens. Objects surrounding natural stone must be appropriately elite.

The virtues of marble and granite sinks - lack of sensitivity to temperature changes, strength, natural origin.

Disadvantages of plumbing from stone - spoils from improper household care products, the top layer of the product is easily damaged, chips and cracks appear, it has a very high weight and high price.

It is a worthy alternative to natural stone in all respects. The material has a less porous structure, which makes it resistant to mechanical damage. It is also smoother on the surface, so it is easier to wash.

The artificial stone is made of acrylic and epoxy resin.therefore it weighs a lot less than real marble. But the main thing is that according to aesthetic and operational characteristics the artificial stone is not inferior to the present, but costs several times cheaper.

For plumbing only durable tempered glass is used. The usual does not have the necessary virtues that tempered glass has. It is resistant to sudden temperature changes, is superior in strength to ceramics, has a smooth surface, which is easily washed with any chemistry, does not crack and does not become coated. The aesthetic quality of glass plumbing provides the ability to make sinks of any color, shape and thickness.

The disadvantages of such shells also exist. First of all, it is ugly traces of frozen drops of water. This is typical of glass, black stone, brass and copper: if you do not wipe the sink dry after washing your hands, it will be covered with stains. This is a serious disadvantage at the high cost of the product.

Combines the advantages of artificial stone and tempered glass.

Stainless steel sinks and sinks are mainly used for kitchens, and are set as an exception in bathrooms, if style demands.

The advantages of stainless steel: low weight, easy maintenance, resistance to mechanical damage, durability, long service life, low cost.

The disadvantage is the same as in the case of glass and granite: on the surface without dry rubbing there are ugly traces of drops. Over the years, the steel car wash may change color to darker or whitish, and it will be difficult to remove this coating.

Copper sink is also predominantly installed in the kitchen. Its advantages: beautiful appearance, the material easily lends itself to fine decorative processing (it is possible to apply volumetric and carved decorations), it fits well into the semi-antique interior. Serve sink will be long, but not without problems.

Its main disadvantage is that copper tends to oxidize when it interacts with oxygen, water, household chemicals and other metals. On the surface of the shell will often appear black, green, white, reddish bloom.

Of cast iron is often made not only sinks, but also baths. The fact is that the material has a number of advantages: strength, long service life, low price. But he also has shortcomings.

So that the cast iron does not rust and is easier to wash off, it is covered on top with a porcelain layer. On the one hand, it gives you the opportunity to purchase a solid cast-iron bathtub of any color that is easy to wash, on the other hand, you have to take care of the porcelain coating. Over time, it will be erased, and if a microcrack appears in it and water will regularly fall on the cast iron, the sink will rust from the inside. It is also important to know that the cast iron is very heavy, you will need solid fasteners for it.

Sinks from brass have many positive properties. Among them - resistance to corrosion and damage, strength, no plaque, beautiful appearance, convenient cleaning. The lack of brass products is one, but significant - brass looks old-fashioned. It is only suitable for retro interiors. In modern bathroom products made of brass often look out of place.

Wooden shells - a rarity.In some interiors, they are simply necessary and this product looks extraordinary, but it has more disadvantages than advantages.

The plus wooden sink is that the material is environmentally friendly. If it is a coniferous species, for example, larch, it will disinfect the air and prevent the formation of bacteria on the surface of the shell. And bacteria is the biggest problem of sanitary facilities. Moisture is less problematic, but in the end it will ruin a wooden sink. Even if the product is made not from plywood and recycled materials, but from expensive wood, it will serve many times less than a ceramic or glass sink, but will cost more.

From the dimensions of the sink depends on the ease of use. And not always a big sink is more practical than a small one. But nevertheless it must be of sufficient size in order to use it for its intended purpose and not to pour all the space around it.

The size of the sink is chosen in accordance with the size of the room. There are no strict criteria, but in a small bath a small sink would be more appropriate, and in a spacious one a large one.

Overall dimensions of the sanitary sink are calculated by the parameters width-depth-height.The width is measured from edge to edge of the product, the depth is determined by the distance from the outer edge to the wall, and the height is an indicator of how concave the bowl is inward.

The minimum width of the sink is 30 cm. It looks compact in a small bathroom, but for operation it is inconvenient because splashes fall outside the sink.

A large sink, which is about 100 cm wide, can also be an unfortunate acquisition. It looks cumbersome, it needs good support, and not all family members are comfortable using it. The exception is made by designer sinks, whose width is many times greater than the depth and height.

If you choose a large sink, it is better to prefer 50–90 cm doubled between bowls. The total width of the two sinks without taking into account the distance between them will be about 120 cm, so this option is intended only for spacious bathrooms.

The double sink helps maintain the hygiene of family members. the fact that children's supplies are on the one hand, and adults - on the other, and nothing is confused with each other.It also saves time for fees in the morning and teaches children to monitor cleanliness in the area set aside for their use.

The depth of the bowl also matters. The larger it is, the less spray falls outside the sink. It should not be less than 10 cm. The optimal depression for a sink 50-55 cm wide is 15-20 cm.

The shape of the sink is determined by the shape of the bowl. As a rule, it follows the contours of the product itself, with rare exceptions, for example, when the sink is flat or figured, but deep.

The main types of sinks in shape.

• Rectangular. Such a sink may have rounded outer and inner edges, and the shape of the sink itself either repeats a rectangle, slightly tapering towards the center, or forms an oval shape.
• Square Strict geometric sink of faience or marble in the bathroom may have a square outer edge and sink. Softened corners and a large bowl depth are characteristic of kitchen sinks. In a deep square sink it is convenient to make up the dishes before washing.

• Oval. The shape of the oval is considered one of the most common.An oval can only be a bowl or the whole sink.
• Round. Beautiful, but not widely spread form. The fact is that the larger the diameter of the round sink, the more space is required to install the sink in the bathroom. But it looks original and beautiful.

• Corner. The corner bowl can be square, rectangular, elongated, flat, deep, semicircular and rounded. It is irrational to put in a corner round or complex in shape.

• Figured. The unusual form of the shell affects only the material of manufacture. Depending on the design idea, it can be both beveled, and resembles a bowl with sharp edges, and egg-shaped, and faceted, and even resembles quite specific things. For example, it could be a cup-shaped sink, a seashell, a multi-level helical design, an asymmetric sink, and any other product.

Figured sinks look interesting and add zest to the bathroom interior, but you need to take into account their features. They are more expensive, require careful treatment, more difficult to wash and will not always be convenient.

The color of the shell, as well as its purpose, is voiced by most people without thinking: white. But this is not the only possible option. Modern technologies for the production of plumbing available opportunities, including the choice of color products.

Often the color of the shell depends on the material from which it is made.

Products from natural stone are quite limited in shades: white, black, graphite, milky, beige, light gray, green, terracotta. Some marble sinks contain blotches of a different color. For example, the white shell may be blue speckled.

Sinks from various metals are also not distinguished by a rich choice of shades: copper, chrome, silver, bronze, yellow gold, rose gold, brass.

Glass washers can be completely transparent, black or have a brighter color. Colored glass shells are usually made when glass is opaque.

A large variety of colors, shades and even patterns provide ceramics. Earthenware, porcelain or ceramic sink can be white, black, red, green, blue and any other color. A brighter or lighter shade is possible, a combination of two or more colors, the application of a simple and complex pattern. Colored ceramics can mimic other materials.

There are several types of sinks according to the type of installation.

• Suspended. Simple and common type of installation. Suspended sink mounted on brackets in the wall and has no base in the form of a table, pedestal or leg. Such installation costs quickly and cheaply, but you need to make sure that the waste pipes look neat and do not spoil the view.
• On a pedestal. The sink is the dream of all Soviet women - on the leg of ceramics. Due to the peculiarities of its appearance, it has a second name - a tulip shell.

• Embedded. This type of installation solves three problems at once: the sink is fixed at the right level, the piping system is closed by the pedestal in which the sink is mounted, and the pedestal itself (the cupboard, any other furniture) serves as a place for storing necessary things in the bath. The same applies to the kitchen.

• Mortise. They are a kind of embedded. They are attached to the bottom of the countertop or cabinet and look like a single whole with the working surface, but they are cheaper.
• Laid on or desktop. This type of shell is usually represented in the form of a bowl, rounded or oval, sometimes spherical in shape. Its base is attached to the table, cabinet or stand on top, so it is called "table". It looks beautiful, but not always convenient in terms of functionality.

The scope of sanitary sinks is slightly wider than the average user imagines. Immediately comes to mind a few places where it can be installed: in the bathroom, sauna, in the kitchen.However, the sink is not only a "washbasin" for the bathroom and a container for washing dishes in the kitchen area. A device for washing hair in a beauty salon, a surgical washstand, washing in a restaurant, or plumbing in a kindergarten are also varieties of a sink with its own functions. From the purpose of the sink depends on its location and appearance.

In addition to the usual plumbing, to which it is convenient to reach adults, the bathroom needs a baby sink. Thanks to her, the child will quickly learn the techniques of personal hygiene and responsibility for the order in their territory.

If the family has a person with disabilities, he needs his own convenient sink for the disabled. It differs in size more than average, with a front edge bent inwards and the presence of handrails on one or several sides. It is important to understand that the fastening of such a shell can not be any. The built-in sink and the design on the leg will not work, but the suspended model will be convenient.

If you did not find a suitable shell in the usual department, you can purchase a surgical one in medical equipment. It is also suitable for use by the disabled.

For those who like to wash their hair, not in the shower or above the bathtub, but in the sink, a sink with great depth and a convenient bowl shape will be useful. This design is especially convenient with an individual water heater. It can be used in those moments when hot water is turned off due to maintenance work or accidents.

If there is not enough space in the bathroom, and the sink is suspended, it is recommended to purchase the option “with a wing”. One of the sides of the shell, elongated in the form of a shelf, acts as a wing.

When a room is designed in a certain style, every detail matters. If we are talking about a bathroom, then all the plumbing in it plays the role of an accessory. With the help of a shell of a suitable shape and color, it is possible to emphasize the peculiarities of different styles.

It is difficult enough to translate into reality canonical classicism. It originated several centuries ago, when there could be no plastic cabinets, no stretch ceilings, no electric lighting in the bathroom, which is why it is characterized by excessive luxury and expensive natural materials. Now they can be replaced by modern imitation, but few would suit such a strict and majestic style of the bathroom.

But if the choice fell on the classics, then it would be important to use white or light marble, artificial stone, beautiful porcelain for the sink. Plumbing should be chosen in golden color, and accessories (soap dishes, hangers, cabinets) with elements of classical decor. Beautiful furniture with figured legs and a large bath of unusual shape will help to keep the entourage.

The classic style looks beautiful, but it is expensive and does not fit into the small bathrooms of new buildings. For small premises more relevant minimalism. It welcomes simple and clear geometric lines and the absence of unnecessary accessories. It is important to use a white, steel or black sink with a “smart” water supply system. The built-in sinks look good, since the cabinet under them makes it possible to hide from prying eyes all the bright jars and tools that are out of place in minimalism.

Close to the austerity of minimalist tech hi-tech. It is very suitable for small rooms, where a modern shower cabin is installed instead of a bathroom.

A distinctive feature of the bathroom in the style of hi-tech - the presence of an unusual shape of the sink, glass and metal surfaces. For example, a flat glass sink, a chrome-plated faucet with motion or heat sensors, soap dishes, dispensers and handrails made of chrome will look perfect.

Minimalist styles look too boring without an individual touch. It can bring a designer elements of decor in a small amount or a bright accessory that attracts attention with its color or shape. They may be the sink itself. For example, a gray-glass high-tech is perfectly complemented by a glossy red sink or bathtub.

The Japanese-style bath is simple and beautiful. Here, a white sink of rounded shapes, accessories with thematic Asian patterns and built-in furniture are appropriate. The sink itself can be either built-in or desktop. Unusual faucets that imitate stones and water flowing from them look good in Japanese style.

Original look sink in loft style. It uses industrial features and coarse materials, so the sink can look like a large steel funnel, or a round bowl made of natural stone. Suitable products from thick glass.

For more romantic natures suitable bathrooms in the style of Provence. Sink and bath can be lightly pink, purple or lilac. Complement their accessories with floral patterns and soft towels.

Pure style can be difficult to recreate with your own hands, so more and more pseudo-styles appear. For example, the popular design of the bathroom in the spa-style, where beautiful plumbing of delicate shades, flowers and textile decor prevail. No less in demand marine style. Here the shell can have a shade of blue, green or turquoise, in aqua or completely repeat the look of the shell. From the accessories used everything related to the marine theme.

Whatever the style and design of the sink, its beauty is not enough for normal functioning. It is necessary to purchase all the component parts for the system to work properly.

Accessories for the sink include all fasteners., hose, pipes, adapter rings, siphon.If we consider the system as a whole with a faucet, then we need mixers and all elements for the normal functioning of the faucet. In some cases, equipment includes a handrail or several handrails. As a rule, this applies to plumbing for people with disabilities.

A mandatory element of the kit is a drain plug. It can be in the form of a rubber stopper or a built-in mechanism that is controlled manually. Also, do not forget that large debris does not always pass through the pipes freely, so the drain must be protected from the ingress of debris with a nylon, plastic or steel strainer. One strainer can be supplied immediately, but it is better to purchase several spare pieces.

The design of some shells involves the use of identical in style soap dishes and bottles with dispensers. At some manufacturers they are already sold all together, and some offer to assemble a set of several parts of different colors and materials.

When choosing a sink you should pay attention to various factors.

• The conformity of the shape and size of the product to the size of the bathroom and the purpose of the sink.For small premises, it is wiser to choose a suspended corner model or a “water lily” with a special water drainage system, which can be positioned above the washing machine.
• Compliance with state standards. It regulates important points, and some need to pay attention first. So, all plumbing should have a noise absorbing coating on the outside. High-quality internal coating - smooth, without irregularities and chips, with a roughness of not more than 0, 30 microns. Manufacturer's warranty is required. Without it, the product can not be returned or exchanged when a defect is detected.

• The strength of the product. In the first place on the strength are metal sinks, on the last - faience and glass.
• Type of coverage. They use the sink constantly, so it is important that the material inside is resistant to the constant effects of water and household chemicals. This cannot be said about copper, brass and marble products.
• Antibacterial properties. In this respect, good porcelain plumbing.
• Resistant to moisture and temperature extremes. Different materials somehow suffer from constant contact with water and the switching of water fromcold on hot and back. The least damaged under such conditions is artificial stone.

• Weight. There should be a good base under the heavy sink. Stone, ceramic and cast iron products have great weight. Light are considered thin stainless steel sinks, brass, wood.
• The design of the sink should be in harmony with the bathroom or kitchen.
• If a stopper is used in the sink to shut off the drain, an upper drain must be provided. He will not allow water to flow over the sides of the sink and to arrange a flood if someone from the household forgets about the tap turned on.
• Acquire plumbing costs only from a trusted manufacturer.

The reputation of the manufacturer is an important factor when choosing plumbing. Italian and Turkish products are popular in the Russian market, and also gained the confidence of several domestic manufacturers.

Among Italian manufacturers, plumbing firms receive positive feedback. Hatria. The company produces classic ceramics mainly in white. Some rulers are distinguished by innovative design.Russian buyers had to taste the excellent quality of the product and its appearance. Plumbing is easy to maintain, does not break, does not turn yellow and justifies the investment in it. The price segment is above average.

Another Italian manufacturer - Migliore - creates a luxurious in style, design and quality of plumbing. It fits well into the classic interiors and serves for many years. Many consider the disadvantage of an unnecessarily high price, as well as a high risk of acquiring a fake eminent manufacturer.

The top three Italian leaders also include plumbing brands Gid.

Turkish sanitary ware manufacturer Vitra also estimated by buyers mainly from positive sides. Praise the entire range of the manufacturer, not only sinks, but also components. There are no obvious flaws, but when ordering through online stores you need to consider that the color of the product may differ slightly from the picture on the website.

Belgian deserves attention Ideal standard with its sanitary ceramics and sanitary ware, made according to modern design solutions.

Buyers call the company's products convenient, beautiful and inexpensive plumbing Dreja. Also among Russian manufacturers are popular products firms Sanita Luxe, Della, Aquaton, Obi, Aquatex. When quality is not inferior to European manufacturers, they are cheaper and belong to the economy class.

Any plumbing, even from the most bona fide manufacturer, requires care, preventive checks, and sometimes repairs. Compliance with simple recommendations for each day will help extend the life of the sink in its original form.

The outer shell coating is usually damaged for two reasons: mechanical impact and the use of improper household chemicals. To avoid chipping, cracking and other damage, you need to have soap dishes and shelves so that they are as little as possible in contact with the surface of the sink.

In the sink in the kitchen should not leave dirty dishes, it may remain scratches and dark spots.

Once a month it is recommended to cover stainless steel or brass shells with a special protective compound that forms a thin film on the surface of the product that is resistant to minor scratches.

Once a week you need to clean the sink from plaque and dirt. To do this, carefully choose a cleaning agent that is suitable for a particular material.

In this respect, the sink of copper is considered the most capricious. She does not tolerate contact with aggressive household chemicals, abrasives and many types of cleaning products. For ceramic shells, any liquid products with a mild effect are suitable, and for steel shells it is better to choose ready-made napkins, and then wipe the surface with a dry towel.

The sink in the kitchen and in the bathroom is sometimes clogged with large debris. Characteristic signs of this are the water in the sink gurgles and leaves more slowly than usual from the bowl of the sink. That means it's time to clean it up.

Clean the sink in different ways. You can disassemble the pipe in the place where the "knee" is located and clean the garbage, you can pull it out with a special cleaning fixture for plumbing with a tenacious nozzle at the end, or simply pour a chemical solution that in a few hours will split the grease and garbage that prevents water from leaking normally through the pipes .

Beautifully look in the bathroom or in the kitchen can both small and cheap, so large and expensive sink, if it is chosen correctly.

There are several proven ways to make the sink a beautiful element of the interior: use the flaws of the layout to turn them into an advantage, choose an unusual shape, color, material, or design of plumbing.

Angular sinks and minimalistly thin products help to “pull out” an inconvenient layout. Bivalve shells look practical and aesthetically pleasing in the corner. They save space and fill the voids of the room. The sinks of the type built into the console work in the same way.

The unusual shape, for example, a two-colored shell in the shape of a seashell, will add to the interior of originality.

Bright color in a monochrome interior - red, yellow, green, or even a sink with a pattern attracts attention and imparts individuality to the room.

From unusual materials it is worth looking at glass, wood and imitation wood from synthetic materials. With their help, you can add a highlight to the room and embody in the bathroom even such a complex style, like country music and loft.

A striking accent can also be an unusual design: a sink in a retro style, in the form of a waterfall, or an item made to order by an individual sketch.

How to choose a sink, see the next video.