The Ensuite Dilemma: One Sink or Two?
Along with space comes choice. Get an architect's advice about dual vs solo sinks, including the pros and cons of both
Tiffany Carboni
20 November 2017
Houzz Contributor. I am a home design writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Houzz Contributor. I am a home design writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area.... More
One sink or two? This is the classic debate for couples renovating a sizeable master bathroom. There are pros and cons to both. So what’s right for your bathroom? I spoke with architect Thayer Hopkins, who offered up what you need to consider about installing either a single or double sink during your ensuite renovation.
“Couples these days usually prefer the idea of two sinks for one simple reason,” says Hopkins. “They lead busy lives and need access to the bathroom at the same time.”
On paper the double sink looks ideal. But let’s walk through this two-sided argument.
On paper the double sink looks ideal. But let’s walk through this two-sided argument.
Some benefits of two sinks
Personal space: With two sinks, theoretically no one will ever again spit toothpaste on your hand as you’re trying to wash up. Also, your very own sink means you can keep your make-up, moisturisers or shaving kit out as necessary without having your partner knock anything over.
And by having your own designated sink, you don’t have to stare at your partner’s toothpaste residue while you’re brushing your own teeth. Even in the best of partnerships, there are some things that neither of you want to see of the other.
Two sinks can help make you and your partner feel like you’re in a loving, adult relationship rather than siblings fighting over a single tap.
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Basin
Personal space: With two sinks, theoretically no one will ever again spit toothpaste on your hand as you’re trying to wash up. Also, your very own sink means you can keep your make-up, moisturisers or shaving kit out as necessary without having your partner knock anything over.
And by having your own designated sink, you don’t have to stare at your partner’s toothpaste residue while you’re brushing your own teeth. Even in the best of partnerships, there are some things that neither of you want to see of the other.
Two sinks can help make you and your partner feel like you’re in a loving, adult relationship rather than siblings fighting over a single tap.
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Basin
Some disadvantages of two sinks
“The convenience of two sinks has its tradeoffs to consider,” Hopkins notes.
Cost: It costs more to plumb two sinks than one. Add to that the additional cost of finishes and a larger vanity.
Space: A typical sink basin is about 40 to 50 centimetres wide. “If there isn’t a solid 180 centimetres or more available for two sinks, I will counsel clients to stick with just one sink basin,” says Hopkins. “These 180 centimetres or more will give the minimum 27- to 30-centimetre buffer needed between basins to keep a couple from banging elbows and crowding each other out.”
“The convenience of two sinks has its tradeoffs to consider,” Hopkins notes.
Cost: It costs more to plumb two sinks than one. Add to that the additional cost of finishes and a larger vanity.
Space: A typical sink basin is about 40 to 50 centimetres wide. “If there isn’t a solid 180 centimetres or more available for two sinks, I will counsel clients to stick with just one sink basin,” says Hopkins. “These 180 centimetres or more will give the minimum 27- to 30-centimetre buffer needed between basins to keep a couple from banging elbows and crowding each other out.”
Even if you do have a good amount of space, two sinks will eat into bench space that could be used for tasks, displays etc. Two sinks will also double the amount of under-cabinet space taken up by the double drain pipes.
If you’ve got ample storage or bench space elsewhere in the bathroom, this space tradeoff may not pose any problems.
13 Bonus Bits of Bathroom Storage
13 Bonus Bits of Bathroom Storage
Two-sink styles you can both agree on
The prefabricated two-sink vanity is one of the easiest styles to choose and install in a bathroom because of its fixed dimensions. In other words, there’s no guessing if elbow clearance might be an issue for you and your partner. You can see for yourself in the showroom, or tape out the dimensions prior to ordering a vanity online to test the sink measurements.
Custom vanities offer even more benefits, as they can be tailored to your exact wishes. But you and your partner have to be willing to work with a designer or cabinetmaker to cull through the endless possibilities.
The prefabricated two-sink vanity is one of the easiest styles to choose and install in a bathroom because of its fixed dimensions. In other words, there’s no guessing if elbow clearance might be an issue for you and your partner. You can see for yourself in the showroom, or tape out the dimensions prior to ordering a vanity online to test the sink measurements.
Custom vanities offer even more benefits, as they can be tailored to your exact wishes. But you and your partner have to be willing to work with a designer or cabinetmaker to cull through the endless possibilities.
You can also use two freestanding pedestal sinks, either for aesthetics or to overcome any space limitations, as they can be put side by side or on separate walls. “Pedestal sinks have made a resurgence in the last 10 to 15 years,” Hopkins says. “As a result, there’s more product available to suit different needs.”
If you don’t need the bench space or storage space in a vanity, two pedestals will create an airy feel that may sway your choice.
If you don’t need the bench space or storage space in a vanity, two pedestals will create an airy feel that may sway your choice.
You can also use a single basin with two separate taps.
This sort of double sink performs duties for two people while acting like one sink underneath with its single drain, which leads us to…
Find a bathroom professional near you
This sort of double sink performs duties for two people while acting like one sink underneath with its single drain, which leads us to…
Find a bathroom professional near you
amorybrown.co.uk
The benefits of the single sink
Leaves room for other amenities: “I might push for a couple to install only one sink if there’s a possibility of using that extra space for a separate shower and tub instead,” says Hopkins.
Cost and cleaning: One sink, with one hardware set, is cheaper than two, and one sink is easier to clean than two.
More storage: You can have more storage underneath if there’s only one drainpipe. If you’re the kind of person who loves to pull out every bit of make-up, you’re going to get frustrated if you don’t have enough room for it because of that extra sink.
Leaves room for other amenities: “I might push for a couple to install only one sink if there’s a possibility of using that extra space for a separate shower and tub instead,” says Hopkins.
Cost and cleaning: One sink, with one hardware set, is cheaper than two, and one sink is easier to clean than two.
More storage: You can have more storage underneath if there’s only one drainpipe. If you’re the kind of person who loves to pull out every bit of make-up, you’re going to get frustrated if you don’t have enough room for it because of that extra sink.
More bench space: You can get a lot more usable bench space if there’s only one basin. More benchtop space equals more display opportunities and more room for your everyday toiletries.
Tell us
Does your ensuite have one or two sinks? Share how this works for you in the Comments. And if you found this story helpful, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Browse more thoughtfully designed ensuites for inspiration
Tell us
Does your ensuite have one or two sinks? Share how this works for you in the Comments. And if you found this story helpful, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Browse more thoughtfully designed ensuites for inspiration
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In our last house, which had a tiny master bath, I kept my hair tools in the kids' bathroom, as my girls used the same blowdryer and curling iron. My makeup was kept in a caddy to be taken to whichever bathroom was available when I was ready to put it on. When we built our current home we were able to put in a much more substantial master bathroom that works for both of us, even if we're getting ready for bed or for the day at the same time. It was worth buying my girls their own hair tools to be able to keep everything I need in my own bathroom, shared with the husband, on my own counter or in my own cabinet and drawers which are not. We put the toilet behind a door in its own little closet so that takes care of privacy where it's really needed.
Growing up, six kids and our parents, 1 bathroom. Married, three kids, 1 bathroom. we survived. It wasn't an extra sink I wanted, it was a toilet and shower!
In some homes, the most important thing in a shared bathroom is the exhaust fan. A proper exhaust fan, whether in a kitchen or bathroom, takes odors and expels them completely from the house. I think my ideal master bathroom would be a long two-sink vanity positioned between two small private shower-and-toilet rooms. Age and bad knees make using a tub impossible for some, and I would not miss having a tub.