It’s important to know what the sink wall essentials are when designing a bathroom. It is actually a very complicated vignette that involves several tradespeople as well as specifications made by the homeowner.
Let’s start at the beginning:
SPECIFICATIONS: Before construction begins, it’s essential for the homeowner to have made most if not ALL decisions on specifications for plumbing, lighting, and cabinetry. These specifications will determine the measurements of everything involved in this vignette:
- Plumbing: Specify the type of faucets – deck mounted vs. wall mounted. This is very important before plumbing starts. At what height will you want your finished sink?
- Lighting: What type of vanity lights do you want – sconces either on the sides or on top of the mirror or pendant lights. Do you want recessed and if so where will they go? Buying lighting online is completely reasonable.
- Electrical: Do you have a specific location where you would like switches and outlets? Typically, if you can have it off to the side of the sinks that is preferred. You will want an exhaust vent in the bathroom. It typically goes close to the toilet and shower and decide where this will be switched early in the project. Also decide on any other electrical options such as a heated towel bar, make-up mirror, and TV early in the project. Deciding on the location of these items in advance will make or break your vignette. It costs the same regardless of location, so you might as well put some forethought into space.
FINISHES: Typically the sink faucet and the light fixture finish are the same. Accessory finishes look best if they match as well – these would include: towel bars and rings, robe hooks and toilet paper holders.
VANITIES: This piece of cabinetry is surprisingly expensive, so brace yourself. If you have a space that requires custom, make sure that you are getting exactly what you want and you can feel good about having the perfect finish, layout, and design. If you can get away with buying something online, this is my recommendation. Just be sure to buy the right size. (Note: If it is free standing, I recommend at least 2” away from a wall.) Buying a vanity at a box store or plumbing supply house is not wise, as they are overpriced and low quality.
BACKSPLASH: A backsplash is the barrier between the sink surface and the wall. You can either use tile or continue the countertop up the wall. It’s important to think about how you want this to both look and function.
Creating this vignette is complex but also very fun. Let me know if you need help with the project.