When it comes to sinks, you have a lot of choices. From pedestals to vanities, porcelain to glass, there are many different styles, colours, materials, and other options to choose from. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a new sink for your bathroom.

Measure your space. You should never buy a sink without first measuring the dimensions of the space it will occupy in your bathroom. If you have a small amount of space, you may want to fool the eye by using a pedestal, console, or wall-hung sink without a cabinet beneath. These sinks can make a small bathroom look more spacious, although they don’t include storage—and that can be an issue for any small bathroom.

Know your style. Your sink is the focal point of your bathroom, and it needs to match the overall theme. There are many different styles of sinks, and some are chameleons that can match any décor. Pedestal sinks, for example, are made in many different styles—from streamlined contemporary designs to ornate Victorian. Vessel sinks look a bit more distinctive, and may not match all bathroom designs. Whatever type of sink you choose, it should match your other fixtures such as bathtubs and toilets.

Choose your materials. Porcelain and vitreous china are two of the most common materials used to make sinks. Both are durable, easy to clean, and provide a simple, traditional look. They also come in a wide range of colours. Other materials include glass, enamel-coated cast iron, natural stone and wood. Glass sinks should be made of tempered glass—check the manufacturer’s label.

How much storage? In many bathrooms, the space under the sink is essential for storage. In small bathrooms, redesigners often have a choice between using a sink with no space beneath to give a more spacious look, or using a cabinet or vanity sink with a cabinet underneath to add more storage space. What’s right for you depends on whether design or practicality is more important.

Consider your fixtures. Your fixtures should match your sink’s style and theme. Chrome and stainless steel are common materials for faucets and handles; they give a contemporary, streamlined look. For an antique theme, you may need more ornate faucets and less artificially shiny materials; consider burnished metals instead. The faucet’s height may also be a consideration, depending on the type of sink you’ve chosen; a vessel sink, for example, needs a faucet tall enough to reach the basin, but not so tall that it will splash when it hits the sink.

Do-it-yourself or hire a contractor? Installing your own sink can present some challenges. In general, under-counter vanity and cabinet sinks are the easiest to install—the plumbing is concealed, and it doesn’t have to look perfect.

Pedestal, console, and wall-mounted sinks can be more difficult; pipes must be accessible at the right height, and measurement must be extremely accurate. These sinks must be attached securely to the wall, unlike a drop-in countertop sink; but if you tighten the screws too much, you can crack the porcelain. Consider hiring a professional to install pedestal and other open-front sinks.

A sink to match your lifestyle. Will your new sink be placed in the kids’ bathroom, the master bath, or the guest bath? Practicality and durability are important when it comes to a heavily used bathroom, especially for kids; you’ll want a durable, easy-to-clean material such as porcelain. Drop-in sinks are a common choice for high-traffic bathrooms because they’re easy to clean. These sinks are placed beneath the countertop tiling, so there’s no rim to catch dust and dirt.

Master bathrooms are also heavily used, particularly if you’re sharing the bathroom with a spouse. In this case, two vanity sinks are a popular choice, with plenty of counter space for his and her toiletries.

The guest bath is often the luxury bath where homeowners like to showcase their taste. Striking vessel sinks, natural stone and glass, and hand-painted sinks and tiles are often on display in guest bathrooms. These are a bit more high-maintenance, but guest baths are usually not the most heavily used bathrooms in the house.

A good sink is more than a place to wash up—it’s a piece of functional art. The right sink should fit into your lifestyle and your bathroom’s design. Take your time and consider the pros and cons of the various materials and designs available, and you’re sure to find the right match.