"Visibility is definitely a plus, but I gotta admit, the storage loss was a bigger deal for me than I expected."
I get the appeal of pedestal sinks, especially in smaller bathrooms where every inch counts. But honestly, in my experience, the storage issue isn't just a minor inconvenience—it's usually the number one complaint I hear from customers after installation. Sure, you can get creative with carts or shelves, but it doesn't always solve the problem completely. The rolling cart idea is clever, but I've seen plenty of bathrooms where even those slim carts can't fit comfortably or end up looking cluttered anyway after a few weeks of actual use.
If openness is your goal but you still want functionality, have you considered a wall-mounted vanity? These can be pretty sleek and minimalist, while still giving you at least some cabinet space underneath to stash essentials. Plus, because they're off the floor, you still get that spacious feeling and easy leak detection you're after. Installation-wise they're not much tougher than a pedestal sink—just make sure you've got solid studs or blocking behind the drywall to support it.
And yeah, speaking of drywall...you're definitely right about checking behind the existing vanity first. I've had plenty of calls from folks halfway through a DIY pedestal sink install who suddenly realize they've got water damage or rough patches to fix before they can finish up. That's never fun mid-project.
Bottom line: if storage matters even slightly more than aesthetics for you, think twice before committing fully to a pedestal sink. A floating vanity might give you the best of both worlds—open feel without losing all your storage space. Just my two cents from seeing this scenario play out over and over again on the job...
Totally agree on the floating vanity option. Pedestal sinks look great in theory, but man, I've seen homeowners regret that lost storage big time. Recently did a job where the customer went for a pedestal sink to open things up visually—fast forward two months and they're calling me back to install extra shelving because they're tired of balancing toiletries on the sink edge...lesson learned, I guess. Floating vanities definitely strike a better balance between looks and practicality.
Had a similar experience myself. When we redid our small bathroom, I fell in love with this sleek pedestal sink—thought it'd make the space feel bigger. Well, it did...but within weeks, I was stacking stuff on the toilet tank and window ledge. Ended up installing shelves too, which kinda defeated the whole minimalist vibe. Floating vanity would've saved me some hassle for sure. You're spot-on about balancing looks and practicality. Live and learn, right?
"Ended up installing shelves too, which kinda defeated the whole minimalist vibe."
Totally agree with this point. A pedestal sink might look sleek, but people often overlook plumbing accessibility issues. From a maintenance standpoint, pedestal sinks can make basic repairs and drain cleaning a bit trickier—less space to maneuver tools and pipes. Floating vanities or even compact cabinets usually offer easier access and hidden storage, balancing aesthetics with practicality. It's worth factoring in long-term maintenance convenience along with the visual appeal.
Had a customer recently who swapped out their vanity for a pedestal sink to open up the space. Looked great at first, but when their drain clogged a few months later, it was a real pain getting tools behind that pedestal. Ended up taking twice as long to clear the blockage. They eventually regretted losing the storage too—ended up cluttering the bathroom with baskets and shelves anyway. Something to think about...
