The Best Bathroom Sinks & Faucets on a BUDGET
By Kylie
July 4, 2021
Affordable Bathroom Update Ideas
They say the devil is in the details, but DAMN those details add up fast! This is why I wanted to share some budget-friendly ideas to add style to your bathroom without breaking the bank.
You might’ve already read about affordable laminate countertop ideas and fabulous small bathroom decorating ideas on my blog, which is why today, we’re talking about SINKS & FAUCETS.
But before we get started, let’s have a quick chat about STYLE.
OVAL OR ROUND SINK
When coordinating your sink and faucet, you want to put like with like, for example, an oval or round sink will suit a faucet and light fixture with round lines – no straight lines or too much squared-off detail.
This next bathroom is looking good with the round sink and rounded faucets – even the cup pulls on the drawers are rounded…MAD LOVE!
See the BEFORE & AFTER HERE
SQUARE OR RECTANGLE SINK
If your room and style are best suited to straight lines, you’ll want to make sure your sink, faucet and light fixture are coordinated with regard to SHAPE. However, some rectangular sinks have rounded curves on their INNER BOWL and can handle a transitional faucet with lightly curved lines.
This next bathroom is WELL-coordinated as the shape of the faucet, sink and light fixture all are pickin’ up what the other is puttin’ down (cabinet hardware too)…
See this gorgeous NEW CONSTRUCTION bathroom HERE
DROP-IN BATHROOM SINKS UNDER $150
VESSEL SINKS
I don’t love traditional vessel sinks, you know, the ones that look like a literal BOWL on your countertop? However, there are some darn pretty ones if you take a more modest approach…
(Take note of the countertop in this photo, another FAB money-saver)
The above photo is my fave style for sure. I used this one with my client, Laura, and get TONS of comments on it. This Jacuzzi brand sink (below) will give you a look similar to what’s shown above and save you some moula. Anna Farmhouse Sink by Jacuzzi.
The above sink is a great example of a sink with a rectangle border and rounded bowl, making it more flexible towards a faucet with a ‘bit’ more curve to it. Decolav also has a semi-vessel sink with a similar look. I also love this one, but it’s a bit more shallow and I wonder how much splashback I’d get (not as bad as toilet backsplash, but still…).
If you aren’t digging the square look and want something softer looking, THIS is one stunning sink! I love the soft curved oval shape. This is definitely a sink that wants a faucet and light fixture with curved, rounded lines rather than straight lines…
I also like the look and the price of this Ronbow vessel style sink.
Now I KNOW that you might get better quality with brands like American Standard and Kohler, but money talks (when I’ve had too much wine, everything does) and sometimes you can get a bit more bang for buck at a lower price point when it comes sinks (I feel different about faucets).
TRADITIONAL LOW-PROFILE DROP-IN SINKS
This first sink is simple and straightforward and best suits a faucet with round curves and a light fixture with similar lines…
If you prefer a square or rectangle shape, a vanity like this next one should do the trick at the right price…
UNDERMOUNT SINKS (only with non-laminated countertops)
While the photo of this next sink is no screamin’ glory, it’s a great example of a simple oval under-mount sink…
If you’re into clean lines, this next one will do the job…
And lastly, a style that’s RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE…(my fave)
Rectangle sink with rounded interior
THE BEST AFFORDABLE VANITY FAUCETS
Now, this could be a blog post all unto itself, so I’m going to focus on a few faves to get you started…
In the above photo, because the sink has a rounded interior, it can handle a curvy faucet (although the faucet could be a bit LESS curvy, just sayin’).
This next photo is about as curvy as you’d want to go with a clean-lined sink (The Glyde Collection from Moen)…
BATHROOM FAUCETS FOR UNDER $150
MOST OF THESE FAUCETS ARE AVAILABLE IN OTHER FINISHES
Just remember, there’s a BIG difference between what’s a good price and what’s a CHEAP FAUCET. If you aren’t familiar with the brand’s name and the price seems too good to be true, I HIGHLY advise you look elsewhere. Personally, I stick with Moen, Kohler, American Standard, Delta and Grohe. I’m not AS familiar with Pfister (but haven’t heard BAD things), same with Glacier Bay.
This first faucet by MOEN is a great partner to a square or rectangle sink; whether it’s under-mount or drop-in…
If you like slightly more traditional lines but the ease of a single handle, this next faucet should do the trick. And the CHROME finish is only $69!
For a curvier approach (round or oval sink) this gorgeous faucet comes in CHROME, BLACK, POLISHED NICKEL OR GOLD!
The Farrington Faucet by Glacier Bay offers a more transitional approach with square lines and a curved faucet with clean lines…
Now PERSONALLY, I’m not a big fan of single hole, two-handle faucets. I find they look too squished and I don’t love cleaning in those tight nooks and crannies. BUT it’s not all about me, so I picked a pretty one for you that’s ALSO budget-friendly…
READ MORE
4 Ideas to Update Your Kitchen on a Budget
Countertop Update Ideas: High-End Ideas, Low-End Prices
The 12 Best Gray & Greige Paint Colours
4 Subway Tile Ideas for Your Bathroom or Kitchen Backsplash
And I’m just BURSTING with ideas for saving money, so if you want to know what is best for you and your home, check out my affordable and fun…
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Chat soon,
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Homeowner’s Guide: White Kitchen Cabinets
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Homeowner’s Guide: Exterior Paint Colors
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This isn’t a list of ‘the best trim colors’, although you’ll get a ton of links to great shades, you’ll learn how to look at your home and understand whether it needs contrast, repetition, connection, or a little visual peacekeeping to pull it all together.
Because trim might seem like a small detail…
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