skip to main content

Above counter sinks in kids bath?

14 years ago

Anyone with kids and above counter sink in bathrooms have any issues (i.e., too tall even with step stool)? I've always been partial to undermount sinks, but our architect wants us to consider some that reach 2-4" above the counter (Duravit for example). Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

tanem
14 years ago
We are putting the duravit 2nd floor sinks in our master. 2 of my children will need step stools for their undermount sinks.
monicakm_gw
14 years ago
If you prefer undermount sinks, I think that's what you should get. Your architect isn't using it your children are :) I like the look of vessel sinks but at 5', even if it was sunk somewhat into the counter, it wasn't the wisest decision. Undermount sinks give you a little more usable counterspace. Drippage is less of a problem too. You didn't say how old your children are but they must be pretty young if a step stool would be necessary. IMO an undermount would work better for them :)
Monica
Related Discussions
Counter material for a kids bath
Q
Comments (4)
We are using Corian for a kids' bath remodel. We have it in our 2 other baths, and love it. Many colors to choose from (with speckles and variation to hide water spots), easy to clean (I use Bon Ami when regular cleaning stuff isn't enough), and not too hard a surface. We also find that having the integral sink makes cleaning very easy. You may find that it isn't the most popular choice as so many people like natural stone, but it works well for us.
...See More
Need bath counter top suggestions to match honey onxy and travert
Q
Comments (1)
We chose ceasarstone for the countertop in one of our bathroom remodels. It has not been completed yet so I don't have pictures, but I chose it to go with slate floors and porcelain/slate shower and alder cabinets. I was told that you have to buy a whole slab so its not economical if you have a small space to do, but we have a long counter so it worked. I did not want to do granite because I have never been on the granite bandwagon, for kitchens or bathrooms, and was looking for durable alternatives. The ceasarstone website shows lots of really modern options but I bet a google image search or something on www.houzz.com could show you color options that aren't super modern. Our bathroom is the opposite of ultra modern in our wood trim, mountain home. I chose paperstone counters in another bathroom but that might not be what you are looking for. It's not shiny and has more of a honed quality look to it. Its durable though (that was chosen for the kids bath).
...See More
above counter vessel sink above a dishwasher
Q
Comments (29)
I understand unusual ideas. I had a few myself, and 85% have worked out (so far!). You might go directly to the Plumbing Forum on some of these technical issues. It is by no means as active as Kitchen Forum, but you never know. On another point, scrappy25 got me thinking -- WOULD a simple pot filler meet your needs? Perhaps with a pretty bowl underneath for spillage? You could just lift that up, and tip it into the sink. Running the plumping up for a wall-mounted pot filler would be easy. I can't imagine you'd violate code; if you can put one over an electric range, why not a DW? Good luck.
...See More
One piece sink and countertop in master bath
Q
Comments (7)
You may want to post on the "Bathroom" forum. I don't think it necessarily looks "cheap;" it depends on the materials. I have seen poured concrete trough sinks and integrated sinks made from natural stone (marble or travertine). Stone and concrete are porous; and the installation would be expensive. The photo below is of a bathroom in a $7M home. I don't know what material was used to make the sink. The walls are glass tile and the floor is a porcelain or ceramic penny-round tile.
...See More
dianne47
14 years ago
Listen to your own instincts in this case. Have you used a vessel sink? I never had until I stayed at a hotel with one in the bathroom - I hated it (too high and too much splashing) and vowed to never have one. I would think a vessel sink in a kids' bathroom would be a poor choice.
tarnator
14 years ago
Yup.
Just nixed the vessel sink for our powder room for that reason. Our designer also suggested extra long handles for the cabinet too so that the step stool won't damage the cabinet.
sweeby
14 years ago
I like vessel sinks personally, but then, I know how tall I am and set my sink at the right height for me.

But for kids, their heights are changing, which means vessel sinks that are 'just right' at some point won't be at all comfortable at other points. (Though it's not like an under-mount sink is height-adjustable!) I guess the discomfort of using a wrong-height sink is just more noticeable on a vessel.

If the kids don't clean the bathroom themselves (and well), I'd go with an under mount just for clean-ability.
jennchris
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I like the look, but doesn't seem practical for us. My child is only 3, so step stools will be around awhile.. I'm only 5'3 myself and think it'll be a pain for me as well in master bath. Undermount sinks all around seem the way to go.

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN A Window Above the Bathroom Sink: Feature or Flaw?

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

See how clever design solutions let you have your vanity mirror and a great view, too

KITCHEN DESIGN Dish-Drying Racks That Don’t Hog Counter Space

By Christine Tusher

Cleverly concealed in cabinets or mounted in or above the sink, these racks cut kitchen cleanup time without creating clutter

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Durable, Easy-Clean Soapstone

By Ivon Street Studio

Give bacteria the boot and say sayonara to stains with this long-lasting material that's a great choice for kitchen and bath countertops

MOST POPULAR Homeowners Give the Pink Sink Some Love

By Mary Jo Bowling

When it comes to pastel sinks in a vintage bath, some people love ’em and leave ’em. Would you?

BATHROOM DESIGN Floor-to-Ceiling Tile Takes Bathrooms Above and Beyond

By Becky Harris

Generous tile in a bathroom can bounce light, give the illusion of more space and provide a cohesive look

BATHROOM DESIGN Bathroom Workbook: 7 Natural Stones With Enduring Beauty

By Shana Ecker Home Stylist

Not everyone wants a marble bath. Bring organic warmth to counters, walls or floors with these hard-wearing alternatives

KITCHEN APPLIANCES 9 Places to Put the Microwave in Your Kitchen

By Toronto Interior Design Group

See the pros and cons of locating your microwave above, below and beyond the counter

BATHROOM DESIGN Vessel Sinks: Elegant Updates on a Classic Form

By Debbie Snider

14 Ways Wash Basins Add Glamour to Bath and Powder Rooms

BATHROOM DESIGN Accent Sinks: Jewels of the Bath

By Shawn Gauthier

Treat Your Eye to a Sculptural Statement Piece on the Vanity

KITCHEN DESIGN Wonderful Wood Countertops for Kitchen and Bath

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Yes, you can enjoy beautifully warm wood counters near water sans worry (almost), with the right type of wood and sealer

Sponsored

More Discussions

What are these countertop spots?

16

Bathroom countertop material

4

why does my perimeter grout in new shower look darker?

5

Recommendations for soaking/freestanding tub

2

Kohler Heated BubbleMassage with Bask tubs

0