You can’t really appreciate all the choices that go into bathroom design until you are faced with them yourself. Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes. They are often THE selling point of a new home, and a good one will add tremendous value to your home. Therefore, it’s important to take the issues of bathroom design very seriously, no less so when we’re just talking about what kind of sink you need. Bathroom sinks come in 4 distinct styles, each with a variety of eras and sub-styles. You can get lost in the options for days, but by understanding the four main genres of bathroom sink, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices greatly.

1. Drop in Sinks. Drop in sinks are the least expensive option of them all. Basically, a hole is cut into your vanity surface or countertop, and the sink is dropped into the hole, the area around the edge sealed to be a seamless part of the surface. These sinks sit slightly atop the counter. They usually have a faucet built in. You can buy these new or explore charming old reclaimed units from earlier eras. When buying new, you have hundreds of different colors and styles. Though economical, drop in sinks can last for decades, so choose a style that will last as long as the materials.

2. Pedestal Sinks. These sinks will be very familiar, but some people don’t know what they are called. Pedestal sinks are so-called because the sink sits atop a (usually) porcelain pedestal that is fitted into the floor. The whole contraption is one unit, with plumbing built right in. Fixtures are removable and may not be included if you are buying it new. This is a nice option, because the pedestal itself is a very classic look, while fixtures tend to change with styles and preferences more quickly. People choose this style because pedestals take up very little floor space and are not very expensive.

3. Under-mounted sinks. The more expensive alternative to Drop-In sinks, under-mounted models are fitted from beneath the counter. This way, the plane of your countertop is unbroken. In the case of a granite counter, you’ll see the a cross section of the material when you look into the sink, the sink’s material beginning where the granite ends. This is a more expensive and more elegant look. But it does have its practical benefits. Under mounted sinks make for easier cleaning, as there are no “seams” for things like grime and mold to get caught in. Due to their more expensive appearance, they will add more value to a bathroom.
4. Vessel Sinks. These are the fanciest of all. Vessel sinks can be made of any material, but are often seen in glass. They are specially formed vessels, resting atop a counter. These look and are the most expensive, but they will make a very impressive bathroom appearance indeed.

Of course, there is endless variety in any of these broad categories, but this will give you a sense of what to look for in your next bathroom renovation or new construction project.