I like them for hand washing. I will never ever ever have one as a master sink. They splash- toothpaste spit, makeup splatter, shaving cream. If I were to consider one, I'd honestly ask if I could have it hooked up and try doing everything I would need to in it. Pro- they are east to clean. No edges collecting gunk from inside the sink.

I've had four vessel sinks in my various bathrooms for the last ten years. Never noticed a problem with splashing...my countertops stay cleaner than when I have had undermount sinks. One advantage is that some vessel sinks have a vase shape (narrow base) so you have a bit more countertop space, which can be helpful with a small vanity top. Another advantage with a vessel sink is that -- unlike a conventional sink -- it can often be changed out easily without having to replace the countertop if you ever want to replace it or have damaged it.

I hadn't thought about being able to change them out easier. That is a pro!

My wife insisted on vessel sinks in our master bath and I'm glad she did. The counters stay cleaner than with an undermount it seems.

In my smaller master bathroom, do you think it would become the focal point? Maybe that's ok....

It depends what sink and what you pair it with. My in laws have a royal blue glass one in a room full of neutral stone and tan. Yes. It is the focal point. They also have a white porcelain one on a great vanity. It blends into the background and the vanity is the star. (I'm on mobile, but my thread about glass subway and mosaiques has a pic of it)

Pros:

- Easy installation

Cons:

- Must clean inside and outside of sink ... plus the small area between the sink and the wall

- Taste-specific and likely to go out of style

I find them almost always too tall, making them uncomfortable to use, and thus, I end up splashing.

The "too tall" situation can be remedied by installing them in a shorter vanity. About going out of style, if they are as functional as everyone reports than I would think that would add lasting power to the design and thus become a classic design. Actually they are classic, as in the old days when there weren't sinks, but a bowl set on a washstand.

Vessel sinks are all about the look. They are great for a lightly used bathroom (ex. powder room/guest bathroom). Not practical for everyday use.

Chanel-

You're entitled to your opinion, but have you actually lived with them in a heavy use situation? The vessel sinks in our bathroom have been subjected to daily use for the last ten years, and are doing just fine. In fact, my experience is that there is little countertop mess that accumulates with my vessel sinks...as compared to the standard, rim-mounted sinks I had for 20 years before that.

Kudzu9-

This isn't an opinion. I work in the high end kitchen and bath industry. I share my knowledge as I work with it everyday. I work with the customers issues and I listen to the good and bad feedback. Lots of people enjoy the vessel sink, but this is probably more of a 60/40 weigh out. More people prefer undermount for everyday use and people typically purchase a vessel for the look factor. I'm glad you enjoy your vessel sink.

Chanel DesRoches:

I thought my wife was nuts when she picked vessel sinks for our master bath. That vessel swallows everything it seems. I was amazed at the functionality and practicality.

Look great. Fine for powder rooms. The ones I've had in different houses I didn't like to try to wash my face...kept bumping my head. But I'm a blonde, so it could be user error.

Joe- I know I loved your master bath remodel when you shared it but now I cant find it, would you repost?