Wall Mounted Sinks

There are so many types of sinks and installations, but one outshines the rest in terms of design. A wall mounted sink with exposed pipes is the perfect way to add style and function to a small space.

Adding a wall mount sink to a bathroom, utility space or laundry room is the ultimate way to add a touch of vintage charm. They are hard-working, space-saving and so easy on the eyes!

We’re sharing the pros and cons of this style of sink, as well as shopping inspiration if you’re on the hunt.

Whether you’re looking for a modern wall mounted sink, or a ceramic wall mount farmhouse sink like ours, we’ve got the sources in this curated guide!

I love adding a touch of vintage charm to spaces in my home. My style is more traditional with a special attention to classic, timeless details. By following that pattern throughout my home, everything feels cohesive and well thought out.

I don’t ignore hardworking areas like laundry rooms and bathrooms. Yes, their purpose is utilitarian, but that doesn’t mean they have to look like it! With intentional design decisions, you can make your work spaces flow with the overall design of your home.

I did this in my home’s laundry room by incorporating a classic wall sink. Wall mounted sinks are the perfect example of form meets function. Bathrooms and laundry rooms need sinks, so why not choose one to be a unique design element?

Learn more about my modern laundry room, including how I mixed modern and classic elements. I paired new Shaker style cabinets with gorgeous brass hardware, hung a classic peg rail for storage, and added a Frame TV that doubles as art.

And of course, I introduced a gorgeous wall mount sink with exposed plumbing! Get the details on our wall sink in the source section at the end of this post.

What is a Wall Sink?

Wall sinks, also called wall mounted sinks, attach to the wall rather than to a pedestal or cabinet. They’re open underneath, leaving their pipes exposed to view.

I should note that some wall sink designs include a cover for plumbing. These are called semi-pedestal sinks, since they have the look of a pedestal but don’t go all the way to the floor.

Like other sink styles, wall sinks come in a range of sizes and styles. Typically they’re 22-24 inches wide and 16-23 inches long, but you can find them in double basin lengths as well.

A wall sink is typically installed 30 inches above the floor, although it can be adjusted up or down to suit your preferences and needs.

Where to Use a Wall Mount Sink

• Ideal for small spaces – A wall sink can make your small space look bigger than it actually is.
• Laundry room – Whether it’s a second level laundry, main level laundry, or a combined mudroom laundry room, a sink in a laundry room is always a good idea. It’s so convenient for soaking or treating stains.
• Mudroom – Stop the dirt in its tracks before it comes into your house. A wall mount mudroom sink is ideal for washing hands, dusty little feet, and other outside messes. P.S. I love my mudroom brick floors for keeping dirt out of our house!
• Bathroom – Whether you’re wanting the style or just to save some space, a wall sink would look beautiful in any bathroom.
• Powder room – A small powder room is the perfect place, because space is usually at a premium. Plus, a wall sink is a great way to bring in your style!

Pros

• Saves Space – Since it is only the sink and not a surrounding cabinet, wall sinks conserve valuable space. In small spaces like laundry rooms and bathrooms, every inch counts!
• Leaves Floor Open – This is the only type of sink that leaves the floor underneath completely clear. Visually this makes a space feel more open, plus it’s easier to clean underneath.
• High Style – A wall mount sink is the perfect place to introduce a unique style into an otherwise utilitarian space. There are so many styles to choose from – traditional to modern and everything in between.
• Exposed Plumbing – Okay, this can be a pro or a con, depending how you look at it. I love the look of exposed pipes. Keep reading to see why!
• Wheelchair Access – Because it is open underneath, a wall mount sink is a good choice if you need easy wheelchair access.

Cons

• No Storage Space – Often sink cabinets provide extra storage for bathroom and laundry essentials. Since wall sinks are open underneath, they provide no storage space. With the built-in cabinetry in our laundry room, the extra storage wasn’t an issue for us. But keep your storage needs in mind as you consider your options. Read about my best laundry room organization tips!
• Special Installation – Wall sinks may require blocking inside the wall to support the weight of the sink, the same as pedestal sinks. They may also require some changes to the in-wall plumbing. Consult a professional to make sure your sink is installed correctly and everything is up to code.
• Exposed Pipes – If your water is very hot then exposed pipes can pose a burn risk, especially to small children. I’ve never had a problem with this, but it is something to be aware of.
• Clipped to Wall – The exposed plumbing is often secured in place to the wall with small metal clips. That means you’ll have small holes through wall tiles or whichever other wall treatment you have. It’s probably not a deal breaker, but it’s good to know in advance.

Styles of Wall Mount Sinks

Just like any type of sink, wall sinks come in any design style you’re looking for. The style depends on the shape of the sink you choose, the type and look of the metal pipes, and of course, the sink hardware.

I’ve already shown you that it lends itself beautifully to a traditional style. Before this, we had a utility sink that I made a cloth skirt for. It was cute and functional, but the addition of the wall sink really took this room to the next level.

I paired the sweet little sink with a vintage inspired brass faucet and plumbing. Even the exposed pipes underneath have the sweetest turn handles. It’s these little details that add up to make your home truly you.

If traditional isn’t your look, you can find wall mount sinks in shapes that will look right at home in modern spaces. Squared off lines and sleek shapes will do the trick. Pair it with a modern faucet and industrial plumbing to complete the look.

Exposed Plumbing

I love the look of beautiful exposed pipes. Choose whichever metal will best complement your design – copper, brass, steel (black or galvanized), and more.

If you prefer, you an also paint your exposed plumbing. Painting it the same color as the walls will make it “disappear” in the space. Or paint it a bold, contrasting color for a dramatic statement. Make sure when you paint that you can still open and close the water valves.

Personally, I’d rather see the beautiful exposed plumbing than paint it. I think it’s a great opportunity to match it to other metals (or mix and match if you prefer) for a subtle, layered look.

An added bonus to exposed plumbing is that you can rest easy knowing if there’s ever a problem with a water leak you’ll see it right away!

Now for the downside of exposed plumbing. Since it’s visible, you’ll have to clean it more regularly to keep it looking its best – especially if you choose brass since it will tarnish over time. But then again, perhaps we be occasionally cleaning our plumbing anyway, whether it’s hidden behind a cabinet or not?

What do you think? Would you ever try a wall sink with exposed pipes in your home? If so, which style would you choose?

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Please note: our sweet little wall mount sink pictured in our laundry room was difficult to install, and the hardware was ill-fitted.

With that said, I am linking it here because it has excellent reviews, and perhaps our unit was just faulty or our plumber was inexperienced!

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