My friend, Sandi, was looking for a small bathroom

There was room for a toilet and a small lavatory, but no more. I thought she'd have a hard time finding the right piece, but she said, 'No problem!'

And she was right! There are dozens of small wash basins available on the market now. I had no idea!

Small Bathroom Sinks Can Be Any Shape and Size

Small lavatories come in all kinds of shapes and sizes today. You can find pedestal sinks that are tiny, self-rimming sinks, undermount sinks, vessel style sinks from round to square to even triangle shaped, console sinks (they usually have two legs standing in front and the back is mounted on the wall) and wall-hung sinks.

You don't have to settle for the old fashioned wall-hung lavatory that you might have grown up with.

Instead there are sinks shaped in a square, sinks that are oval or round, sinks that sit on top of a vanity or sinks that simply float on the wall. There are even sinks that are designed to fit snugly into a corner!

Small bathroom sinks today are also made in a wide variety of materials. These can include traditional porcelain, but also copper, stainless steel, glass and more.

These water receptacles are designed for spaces where a full vanity and countertop are just too much. A small bathroom wash basin can open up your area and make the space feel expansive and elegant instead of tight and closed-in.

Small Bathroom Wash Basins Come In All Price Ranges

You may think because these type of receptacles are trendy that small bathroom sinks can be quite expensive.

However, that's not the case. Sandi and I were able to find little bathroom lavatories in all price ranges. Two inexpensive models were the Renda Wall Mount Corner Sink at $100 and the elegant black Yorkshire Corner Sink at $118. We also found the Verona small pedestal sink at $126.

The small Flamingo Wall-Hung Washbasin was $64. In addition, the Valencia Mosiac Copper Vessel Sink was $140.

Of course, if you want to spend more, there are plenty of small bathroom sinks that will slim down your pocketbook!

What Else Do You Need to Know About Little Bathroom Sinks?

The main thing you'll want to be aware of is that not all new lavatories come with hardware. For example, you'll want to know if you need to buy additional fittings and mounting hardware if your chosen wash basin doesn't come with it.

It's a drag to get home with your new sink and find that you need to go back to the store for more parts!

Also, you'll want to doublecheck with the manufacturer about whether there are any special or unique instructions about mounting your new sink.

For example, glass vessel sinks are not 'snugged down' when installed (the screws are not tightened with a pipe wrench), since that can actually crack the glass of your new sink. Ask if there are any special installation points that you or your plumber will need to be aware of.

You May Need to Change Your Cleaning Products and Habits

Many of the new small bathroom sinks, and larger lavatories as well, are made of non-traditional materials. Cleaning them the way you might a regular porcelain sink may actually ruin your wash basin if it's copper, glass or some unique metal.

For example, I clean my glass vessel sink with a mixture of vinegar and water because that removes water stains and makes the glass shine, but doesn't corrode or pit the glass.

Make Sure Your Faucet Will Complement Your New Sink

You'll want to look too, at your faucet, since having a small wash basin may mean that you'll need a smaller fixture in order for them to be compatible. Even a regular faucet may dwarf a small bathroom sink.

Otherwise, go crazy! Artists and manufacturers are all competing for your business, and they've provided a wonderful variety of small bathroom receptacles.

You'll be sure to find the perfect (and maybe more than one!) small bathroom sink for your space.