"Sure, pedestal sinks look sleek and open up the bathroom visually, but tenants always seem to underestimate how much they'll miss having a cabinet underneath for towels, cleaning supplies, or even just extra toilet paper rolls."
This is exactly what I'm worried about. We're first-time homeowners and our bathroom is pretty small, so I was thinking a pedestal sink might help open things up visually. But now I'm second-guessing myself... storage is already tight as it is. Where do people usually stash all their stuff if there's no vanity? Shelves above the toilet seem like an okay compromise, but I can totally see how that might defeat the purpose of making the room feel bigger.
Also, good point about plumbing visibility—I hadn't even thought about that. Our pipes aren't exactly Instagram-worthy either, haha. Painting them sounds like a decent workaround, but does it really blend in enough to not be noticeable?
I guess my main question is: has anyone found a creative solution that balances aesthetics with practicality? Like maybe some kind of narrow cabinet or shelving unit that's not too bulky but still holds essentials? Or do you just end up regretting the pedestal sink altogether?
Thanks for sharing your experience—definitely giving me something to think about before we dive into this project.
"Shelves above the toilet seem like an okay compromise, but I can totally see how that might defeat the purpose of making the room feel bigger."
Yeah, shelves over the toilet can quickly start to feel cluttered, especially if you're tight on space already. Have you considered recessed shelving between wall studs? I've seen a few homeowners do this—it's subtle, doesn't crowd the room, and you can stash essentials without sacrificing aesthetics. Just double-check what's behind your drywall first (pipes, wiring...) before cutting in!
Recessed shelves can be a decent solution, but honestly, they're not always as simple as they sound. I've seen folks run into unexpected plumbing or wiring issues behind the drywall—can turn into a bigger project than planned. Still, if you're careful and check thoroughly first, it can definitely pay off in terms of space and looks. Worth considering if you're handy enough to tackle surprises...
Pedestal sinks look great, no doubt, but honestly, they're not always worth the hassle. I swapped mine out a couple years back thinking it'd free up space and look sleek. Sure, it did both those things, but I lost all my storage underneath. Ended up scrambling to find alternative storage solutions—like recessed shelves, ironically—and ran into exactly the plumbing nightmare you're talking about. If you're set on it, just be prepared for some curveballs...
Yeah, pedestal sinks can be a bit deceptive. They look sleek and minimalist, but I've seen plenty of folks surprised by the plumbing headaches they cause—like pipes not aligning right or having to redo wall finishes. Plus, storage is a real issue. If you're tight on space, you might wanna think twice or at least plan ahead for shelves or cabinets nearby. Definitely doable, just gotta know what you're getting into...
