The most important attributes of any bathroom are a bathtub and sink. More recently, the faience products varied in shape and color have become the compositional center of the bathroom. But design fantasies have brought the problem of choice into our lives.
Wanting to make a small room spacious, full of light and air, we use glass and, of course, glass sinks for the bathroom.
In this material we will talk about the varieties of glass sinks and give some of the best manufacturers of such plumbing.
Glass sinks: the pros and cons
Glass is not the most revolutionary material that is used today to create plumbing fixtures. If your goal is to amaze the imagination of the guests of your home, then you can choose a sink made of wood or natural stone.
When giving preference to a glass product, you should be well aware of the advantages and disadvantages of your choice.
Parsing the arguments of supporters
We will listen to the opinion of experts and list the main characteristics of high-quality glass plumbing fixtures, which they do not tire of listing:
- Strength. Indeed, tempered glass is stronger than the same earthenware. Its minimum thickness is 12 mm, so it is problematic not only to smash it, but just to scratch it. Products from it will last for years without losing their wonderful qualities.
- Durability. Not only high, but also low temperatures, as well as their sharp drop, do not have a destructive effect on the material. Moreover, glass is resistant to aggressive environments. Of course, cleaning the sink with coarse abrasives and metal brushes is not worth it, but liquid detergents and a soft sponge are ideal for polishing it.
- Safety. We are used to treat glass products with caution and suspicion. What if the sharp edges of the sides or the drain can be cut? Do not worry, the edges of modern washbasins are so carefully polished that they are absolutely safe.
- Tightness. Even looking closely, you will not be able to discern the joints of the parts of the product. And this is not surprising: to see them with the naked eye is simply impossible. Improved soldering methods make them invisible, ensuring complete tightness of the structure.
- Hygiene The whole structure is easily and quickly washed. You can polish it with a clean, dry cloth. It does not start fungi, mold or other unwanted microorganisms. Indeed, in this material there are no pores into which they so love to penetrate.
- Universality. Due to its transparency, these sinks will successfully complement not only interiors with the predominant use of glass, but also any others. Universal sanitary devices have special aesthetic characteristics, with the help of which they easily penetrate various stylistic concepts, like water or air, decorating them with their presence.
Fans of stained glass, which were formerly produced in Czechoslovakia, need not be convinced that this material easily overshadows the popular crystal with its beauty. The richness of the proposed forms, the play of light and colors make the choice of customers very difficult. It is very difficult to choose the best, abandoning all other worthy offers of the modern market.
Glass is not the most original material from which modern plumbing fixtures are made, but for some reason it is such models that wealthy buyers are increasingly choosing
Arguments against skeptic claims
And now we’ll try to find that fly in the ointment that spoils our barrel of honey. Well, can this option have advantages without disadvantages?
It is said that the transparency of the design flaunts everything underneath. But you can buy a matt or color washbasin, not to mention the use of cabinets with built-in sinks. The ideal companion for transparent material is metal chrome frames. Due to its moisture resistance, this tandem will delight you for a long time.
The universality of a transparent washbasin is beyond doubt: it is able to simply dissolve in space without overshadowing other details of the bathroom interior
Sometimes they try to include the difficulties of leaving the list of alleged deficiencies. But modern detergents do not leave any “stains” from this “minus” or stains. Glass surfaces are no more difficult to clean than faience. You should only do this at least 2 times a week.
The only real drawback of the product is its high price. This is so, and there is nothing to argue with. But sometimes we allow ourselves to spend money almost to the wind, and here we get a thing that will decorate our life and even increase our self-esteem: we can afford it!
Chrome metal constructions go well with the glass of the sink, highlighting the features of this material and emphasizing its apparent fragility with its presence
The main types of glass sinks
As already mentioned, these glass products are so diverse that they simply run their eyes. They differ in shape, color, and ability to transmit light. Among them are those whose coloring resembles ornamental and even precious stones.
Bowls with notches on their surface are very similar to crystal. Among all the classifications of these products, we will select only a few to tell you more about them.
Classification by the method of manufacture
All glass sinks are produced in one of three main possible ways:
- Glass is melted to a liquid state, and then it is given the necessary shape by casting. The next stage is quenching cooling. Most of the products we are interested in are made in this way.
- If you need a thin-walled product with a high degree of transparency, then another method is used for its production - blasting. To create such a bowl, expensive blowing equipment is used. With its help, glass structures of a rather large volume are blown and tempered.
- The sintering method is used when it is necessary to make the bowl multilayer or mosaic. It is in this way that unique patterns or transitions from one color to another are created within a single surface. To do this, use the base of the bowl, on the surface of which glued mosaic elements. Sintering of parts into a monolithic product is achieved by firing.
Even a single description of the technology used makes our imagination work. What beauty can provide everyone who wants to make a purchase, the modern building materials market!
By sintering parts create surprisingly original products that look advantageous on a surface made in the same technique
Mounting division
The types of glass sinks listed below can be considered basic. They differ from each other by the method of fastening, which is used during the installation process.
Constructed or Console Type
Hinged structures are the most suitable option for small bathrooms. With this method, special mounts — consoles — are used for mounting the bowl. These metal brackets can have an original look, wonderfully complement the bowl and create a single ensemble that successfully decorates the interior.
Shiny chrome consoles and a transparent washbasin can be multiplied by mirrors, resulting in the illusion of an endless space
At the same time, the space located directly under the washbasin remains free. The room is not cluttered, and unallocated space can be used at your own discretion.
And how to install a hanging sink for the bathroom can be found in this material.
A separate type of cantilevered washbasins are designs of an angular type. They provide even greater savings in the space of the bathroom.
Practical overhead and built-in options
Both overhead and built-in glass sinks are mounted using additional horizontal surfaces. It can be special panels, for example, countertops, or cabinets from the same or different material.
The overhead washbasin looks like a fruit vase or a luxury gift: the material turns the sanitary fixture into a very attractive interior element
The overhead sink is simply mounted on a countertop or cabinet. The bowl of the product rises above the horizontal plane and is clearly visible from all sides. It looks like a vase, which was set to decorate the interior.
Built-in washbasins seem to be buried in the surface that serves as their support. They can be mounted in it from above or from below, and also are built in flush with a table-top. And how to install a sink built into the countertop, read on.
Separately, we can mention the semi-built model. Its back is securely fixed in the countertop, and the front remains free. It all looks quite unusual and stylish.
Both types of installation also save valuable room space. In addition, the surfaces around the sink can be used to place cosmetics or hygiene items on them. This is very convenient: everything you need is literally at hand.
A frosted glass washbasin integrated in an opaque countertop or pedestal looks harmonious and quite functional.
Opaque cabinets can hide from the eyes that part of the communications, which cannot be hidden in the wall of the room for security reasons. Communications become invisible, but continue to be available in case of repairs or scheduled monitoring.
However, today not only sinks are made of glass, but also those surfaces on which or in which they are mounted. All this looks very attractive, but also costs a lot. Therefore, more often designers are limited only to glass decor elements that enliven the countertops and emphasize the unity of style of the interior space of the room.
Original model on a support
The idea of using sink supports is not new. It was widely used by manufacturers of earthenware products. Behind the support on which the bowl was installed, you can hide not too attractive elements of the drainage system. The pedestal of the Tulip model - this is the very support.
The fragile appearance of this support is deceptive: a stainless steel pedestal can be used, for example, as a towel rack
But for all its tradition, a product on a support made of glass looks very different. The glass sink fixed to the support actually resembles an elegant flower reaching for the sun. A skillfully illuminated mirror mounted above the washbasin only enhances the skillfully created illusion. This product completely lacks a heavy faience monumentality.
You can read about installing sinks with a pedestal here.
Product geometry grouping
What a form manufacturers do not give to washstands made of glass!
We list only the most common configurations:
- Round. This one is often used in bathroom interiors. It is convenient, practical, aesthetic.
- Oval. Oval is the most popular version of the bowl. This geometric figure fits perfectly into a room of any size, regardless of its layout.
- Rectangular To successfully place a rectangular or square sink in the bathroom, it is necessary that it harmoniously fits into the overall interior. It turns out this is not always the case. The abundance of angles requires additional space.
- Triangle or sector. If you plan to install an angular model, then it or the stand for fixing it will have a triangular shape or will be made in the form of a sector. This option is ideal for a small bathroom.
If a model is created to order, it can have a very bizarre configuration: a real waterfall erupting along the side of a mountain, a carved bowl of an exotic flower, a tree leaf, or something else. Human imagination has no limits.
We also recommend that you read the material, where we talked in detail about what parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing a bathroom sink. More details - follow the link.
Interestingly, organically fitting a square into the space of a small bathroom is much more difficult than such a transparent circle
Presentation of the best manufacturers
The market of sanitary fixtures also has its own recognized leaders, whose products are especially favored by customers. Popular glass sinks are available under the trademarks Kraus, Senli, Frap, Ledeme and Lamxon. These brands are leaders in mass sales, and their products are in high demand.
Ledeme. Ledeme's production facilities are located in China, but the brand itself is registered in Russia. This allows the company to keep prices for its products in the range accessible to the consumer.
Ledeme products are distinguished by a variety of color and design solutions. Not only individual models are on sale, but also entire sets of this brand, which allows you to design a bathroom in a single style. Graceful models from Ledeme do not clutter up space, but deftly fit into it, creating a feeling of spaciousness and airiness.
The metal elements that are widely used by Ledeme brand manufacturers look as sophisticated as the neat sink itself
A feature of the brand is the widespread use of forged parts and stainless steel elements. Such models are able to decorate the interior in the style of art deco or classics.
The buyers are attracted by the cute Ledeme bowls made in ethnic style. They are decorated with elements that give them Chinese flavor. Today, when much attention is paid to eastern practices, such models are predictably popular.
Frap. On the one hand, the products of the Chinese brand Frap fully meet European standards, and, on the other hand, the prices for it correspond to the capabilities of Russian wallets. Agree that products with similar characteristics are doomed to popularity.
Frap brand products delight customers with a wide palette of colors and original fixtures, on the shelves of which you can place everything that should be at hand
Frap models are distinguished by a variety of colors and the original embodiment of design ideas. Offered collections include sinks in black, green, burgundy, red, blue and other colors. The unusual design of the bowls allows you to realize a popular Japanese style in the bathroom. They are also great for translating high-tech ideas. The most striking models of the brand successfully complement the glamorous style.
Under this brand, the washbasins are mounted and built-in type, as well as bowls on the supports. All sorts of shelves and towel racks complement the design. The glass from which the Frap products are made has a thickness of 15 mm.
Installation of Frap models is extremely simplified. Even a novice home master can cope with it, and the result will please you.
Senli. Another brand of Chinese origin is Senli.Its models are difficult to confuse with products of other brands due to two distinctive features.
Firstly, most Senli sinks are designed right away with mirrors. This design move allows you to simultaneously solve the problem of two critical elements of the bathroom. They wonderfully harmonize and complement each other in the interior.
A wide illuminated mirror with shelves perfectly complements the glass sink built into the chrome construction and makes up a single set with it
Secondly, the bright and catchy colors of many Senli products are very popular among children. If it is possible to equip a separate bathroom for children in the house, the brand’s products will be exactly what you were looking for.
And finally, the attention of owners of small bathrooms will undoubtedly attract the elegant Senli corner washbasins with neat shelves. They are made with such diligence and love that it is simply impossible to ignore them.
Kraus. The young American company Kraus is always focused on customer satisfaction. Therefore, its designers are in constant search. The products of a brand that mainly produces overhead models are created manually.
Fancy glass sinks of the Kraus brand are made by sintering, which provides them with an original texture and constant attention of domestic buyers
The company uses extremely safe and shock-resistant glass in the production. We suggest you familiarize yourself with the brand’s products by watching the video in the final part of this article.
Lamxon Lamkson brand glass sinks feature ergonomic shapes and elegance. The company pays special attention to the development of new competitive models of sanitary fixtures and furniture.
It doesn't matter what style your bathroom is made in. Whether it is unfading classic or trendy hi-tech, Lamkson models will always be relevant and relevant. True, they are decent, but this price is justified by the quality and beauty of your purchase.
Do not forget that, in addition to mass-produced products, there are piece products. And their creators deserve to be known to you, our readers.
After all, it's up to you to decide what your final choice will be:
- Glass Design is an Italian brand that produces recognized plumbing masterpieces.
- Laguna Murano is a brand whose models are made of magnificent Murano glass.
- Flower Evolution - a collection of products of this brand consists of shells stylized as lilies.
- Moon Over Ice - the bowls of this brand's products are handmade from dazzlingly shining crystal.
You thought in vain that domestic producers are unable to do something as attractive. The company "Atlantic-ST" (Russia), working to order, creates only exclusive models. At the same time, the appearance of the finished products depends entirely on the wishes and preferences of the client himself.
Crystal is far from the typical material for the production of washbasins, so such products are considered exclusive and are quite expensive
Before buying a glass sink in the bathroom, I would like to have a visual representation of these products. The more options you see with your own eyes, the brighter you can imagine the model you would like to purchase:
Today, when you got an informational and visual idea about the plumbing fixture that you are going to buy, the glass sink for the bathroom ceased to exist only in your fantasies. Gradually, it will take on a real shape and very soon decorate your bathroom. Do not doubt, dreams should come true.
If you already use a glass sink, please share your impressions and photographs with our readers, tell us how to care for such plumbing. Leave your comments in the box below.