To Double or Not to Double

As I stood in our cramped little bathroom, staring down the sad, single sink that had been my morning and evening companion for years, I couldn’t help but wonder – are double sinks really worth the hype? I mean, Garrett and I have managed just fine with one our entire marriage. But then again, I’ve always secretly coveted those luxurious, his-and-hers vanities I see in magazines and home decor blogs. Is there something I’m missing out on by stubbornly clinging to our lone basin?

The Case for One

Let’s start by examining the pros of a single sink setup. For one, it’s undeniably more efficient in terms of space utilization. Our current bathroom is on the, shall we say, cozy side, and a double vanity would undoubtedly eat up precious real estate. Plus, Garrett and I have pretty different morning routines – he’s a quick, no-frills kind of guy, while I tend to linger a bit longer, meticulously applying my makeup and skincare. Having just the one sink has never really caused conflicts or bottlenecks.

Another point in the single sink’s favor? Less cleaning. I’ll admit, I’m not exactly what you’d call a cleaning enthusiast. The thought of having to wipe down and maintain two sinks instead of one? Yeah, that’s a hard pass. And let’s not forget the cost savings – a single vanity is simply more budget-friendly than its double-basin counterpart.

The Double Trouble

But then I started reading through the comments on that Reddit thread [1], and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. So many people extolled the virtues of having their own designated sink space, where they could leave their toothbrush, contact solution, and an array of serums and creams without fear of encroachment. As one user so eloquently put it, “it’s not about whether you use the sink at the same time – it’s about having your own stuff right at your own sink where you’ve left it.”

And then there’s the resale factor. According to the Houzz discussion [2], double sinks are seen as a desirable feature by many homebuyers, potentially adding value to the property. While I’m not designing our dream bathroom with an eye towards flipping the house anytime soon, it’s still a consideration worth keeping in mind.

Finding the Balance

After weighing all the pros and cons, I think I’ve landed on a compromise. We have the room for a 72-inch vanity, which could comfortably accommodate two sinks without feeling like a cramped, awkward setup. Plus, as Brooke from Nesting with Grace pointed out [3], a double vanity doesn’t have to mean splitting the counter space exactly in half. We could opt for an offset configuration, with one sink slightly larger or positioned to the side, leaving more elbowroom for me to spread out my various potions and lotions.

And who knows, maybe Garrett will surprise me and actually start taking a bit more time on his morning routine. Having his own designated sink space might just inspire him to up his grooming game. A girl can dream, right?

Customizing the Experience

Beyond the simple choice between one sink or two, there are so many ways we can customize the vanity experience to suit our needs. For instance, we could incorporate some clever storage solutions, like drawers and cubbies, to keep our respective items organized and within easy reach. Or we could play around with the faucet and mirror styles, infusing the space with a bit of personality.

Heck, we could even get really adventurous and explore some of those double trough sink designs I’ve been ogling on Houzz [4]. Talk about a conversation piece! Though I suppose that might be taking the whole “sharing” thing a bit too far.

A Bathroom Meant for Two (or One)

At the end of the day, I think the choice between a single or double sink setup comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. For some couples, the ability to coexist peacefully in the bathroom, each with their own designated space, is a must-have. For others, like Garrett and me, a single sink might be the more practical and harmonious solution.

But the beauty of designing a custom home is that we get to make that decision for ourselves, without any pesky contractors or well-meaning-but-unsolicited advice getting in the way. As long as we end up with a bathroom that’s tailored to our unique needs and aesthetics, I’ll consider the project a resounding success – whether that means one sink or two.

References

[1] Reddit. (2022). Double sinks: Yay or nay? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/s3v2pw/double_sinks_yay_or_nay/

[2] Houzz. (n.d.). Are double sinks a waste of space? Retrieved from https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2293889/are-double-sinks-a-waste-of-space

[3] Nesting with Grace. (2018). Bathroom upstairs design plan: Before and inspiration. Retrieved from https://nestingwithgrace.com/bathroom-upstairs-design-plan-before-and-inspiration/

[4] Wetstyle. (n.d.). Vessel sinks: Styles and options. Retrieved from https://wetstyle.com/vessel-sinks-styles-options/