A New Craze In Bathroom Decoration: Trough Sinks

Although they are not as well know as other types of sinks, trough sinks are a very modern and efficient type of basin for the bathroom. Trough sinks, for anyone not familiar with them, are larger, single basin sinks, which accommodate two or more wash stations and thus have two or more faucets.

These are perfect for the new small houses, with smaller size bathrooms that are becoming so popular today. They are also very attractive and new looking in larger bathrooms as well.

These sinks were inspired by troughs, long narrow vessels hollowed out on top and filled with water, which have been used historically (and still are) to provide drinking areas for farm animals. Those troughs were typically hand-carved out of wood or stone since the materials were cheap, abundant and durable. Early trough sinks in the home were made of enamel over cast iron. Today, they have become much more sophisticated, as demand as grown for these types of basins.

Today trough sinks are available in many materials, including concrete, porcelain, stone and metal and a multitude of styles, including country looks and very modern, sleek ones.

The advantages to using trough sinks in the bathroom include easier plumbing, with only a need for a single drain, and aesthetics of a single unit. If the trough sink is resting on a vanity, a single drain would also take up less storage space in the cabinetry. Trough sinks also take up less space in a small bathroom, where two people will want to use a basin at the same time.

Integrated trough sinks, in which the countertop and sink basin are one seamless object, can also be more hygienic, as they are devoid of seams and crevices, making them easier to clean and less prone to bacterial build-up. Stainless steel sinks are the industry standard in uber-hygienic settings such as hospitals and restaurants. Trough sinks can be designed to be either wall-mounted (floating) or resting on vanities or washstands. Faucets can be either deck-mounted or wall-mounted and the shape of the sink can be rectangular, oval, and with a  “ramp” (interior on a slant) or almost any option.

According to Casey Williams, product manager at Signature Hardware, “Trough sinks are great for those who desire the functionality of dual sinks but are looking for a statement piece different than your typical double vanity. The basin angles inward toward a single drain, allowing more storage space below the sink in comparison to a double vanity setup, which requires two separate P-traps.”

This 48 inch console trough sink is stone with a brass stand. The A variety of stones are available including Beige Travertine, Black Granite, or Carrara Marble and a variety of metal bases, such as brushed or polished Nickel, and Rubbed bronze. The sink was manufactured by Signature Hardware.

Photo courtesy o Signature Hardware.

Many companies today are offering trough sinks as part of their bathroom lines. They are available in a multitude of styles from very modern to very country.

Trueform Concrete, is a custom concrete designs and fabrication company. All of their sinks are handmade in New Jersey by skilled craftsmen. Paul Grech of Trueform says the use of concrete enables them to have precise control of the color, shape, size, and texture of their sinks, with the ability to totally customize each.

Duravit offers a wide range of trough sinks in many sizes with the option of one or two faucets. Their wide surface area (especially when combined with double faucets) allows for 2-in-1 use, making them ideal for shared bathroom spaces. These double washbasins offer a built-in solution to busy mornings while maintaining their modern look of streamlined forms.

I have seen several of these trough sinks in houses  I have reviewed in my books. They offer a very practical and attractive look to todays bathrooms.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.