I’m one of those seemingly smug homeowners blessed with a bathroom boasting double sinks. And yes, it is nice to have some separation from my husband’s shaved-off man hairs. But I have a lot more to say about this beloved amenity, and—brace yourself—it’s not good.
Double sinks are revered as a must-have across HGTV. Interior designers and house flippers alike say they elevate a mere bathroom to a whole new luxurious level. And if you’re thinking of dollars and cents (and frankly, who isn’t?), double sinks are a smart return on investment. If you ever decide to sell your home, buyers will very likely enter your bathroom and gush, “Oh look, honey, double sinks!”
“A double vanity in the primary bathroom is a must if the space allows, but it’s also practical since it adds value to your home,” says Jamie King of JLK Interiors.
“A single sink in the master bathroom looks lonely, and it’s definitely less luxurious,” says Pamela O’Brien of Pamela Hope Designs, who encourages couples to take it up a notch, with “two mirrors and some glamorous lighting.”
On a more subconscious level, double sinks are a sign that you’ve achieved the dream of coupledom along with the means to own or rent a home where you can maintain your own turf, in a place where privacy is paramount.
After all, sharing a bathroom is often a matter of necessity rather than choice. Unless you have room for two bathrooms, double sinks are supposedly the next best thing.
Yet as someone who’s achieved the dream of double sink-dom, I’ve since realized that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
What’s wrong with double sinks
For starters, I’m not alone: None other than Drew Barrymore detests double sinks, too.
The actress and beauty guru verbalized her distaste on a recent episode of her talk show, “The Drew,” with Whoopi Goldberg.
“Nothing makes me angrier than the double sink movement,” Barrymore says.
Barrymore’s main beef with double sinks? They’re a waste of space if you’re single, and since she’s sworn off relationships for the time being, her antipathy makes sense.
Plus, even if you dohave a live-in partner, do you really need or want to use the loo at the very same time? Who needs to floss their teeth right when their other half is tweezing their nose hairs?
Whether you’re shopping for a home or remodeling one, heed this warning on the surprising downsides of double sinks.
Double sinks are twice the cleaning
Let’s face it—more sinks mean that much more toothpaste, shaving cream, and other foamy bits clinging to the bottoms of the basins. How in the world do these spaces end up looking like this every single day? I could, of course, walk on by the bathroom and let the sinks fester, but I’m too type-A to leave them for long.
And don’t forget, two sinks also mean more counter space to clean up, plus hand towels at each end that are no doubt askew, and mirrors above each station to wipe down.
Double sinks mean more clutter
Photo by Lauren Levant Interior
If you have two sinks, you might also have two medicine cabinets that are no doubt groaning under the weight of beauty products, dental floss, toothbrushes, and other personal care items that need sorting out fairly regularly.
All the bathroom organizing tip stories in the world won’t help me get these two spaces under control.
My husband’s side alone is truly a black hole that contains ankle braces, lost combs, foot sprays, a 12-pack of toilet paper, the heating pad, two plungers—because he insists they’re different from each other—and a sizable collection of small shampoos and hotel soaps.
Bathrooms aren’t for couple time
Photo byHouzz
Many real estate agents and decor experts extol double sinks, which allow two people to get ready for the day (or night) at the same time—but that, my friends, is the biggest reason not to celebrate this particular amenity.
Yup, I’ll say it: I want to be alone in the bathroom. Please—just give me 10 minutes to brush my teeth and moisturize without having to hear someone else gargle mouthwash and clip his fingernails.
A writer for the Wall Street Journalagreed with my aversion to double sinks: “During a remodel a few years ago I decided to install two sinks. Instead, I should have used the space to put in a linen closet. In the seven years since the remodel, the number of times the sinks have been used simultaneously: zero.”
In sum, double sinks are something you’ll never get to enjoy as they’re meant to be. In this sense, they are an empty aspirational beacon homebuyers might flock to that, in reality, has no commonsense purpose. And in an era when every square inch of a house should pull its weight, what’s the point of that?
As someone deeply immersed in the world of home design and functionality, particularly when it comes to bathrooms, I can attest to the nuanced considerations that go into crafting the perfect living space. My expertise in this realm is not just theoretical but stems from hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the evolving trends in interior design.
Now, let's delve into the concepts touched upon in the article about the pros and cons of double sinks in bathrooms:
1. Luxury and Home Value:
The article suggests that double sinks are often considered a luxurious addition to bathrooms, endorsed by interior designers and house flippers. From my expertise, I can confirm that this perception aligns with current trends. The concept of luxury in bathrooms goes beyond mere functionality; it's about creating an ambiance that adds value to the home, as pointed out by Jamie King of JLK Interiors.
2. Privacy and Coupledom:
Pamela O’Brien emphasizes the psychological aspect of double sinks, viewing them as a symbol of achieving the dream of coupledom and the ability to maintain personal space within a shared living environment. This resonates with the evolving preferences of homeowners who seek privacy even in shared spaces, a concept I've witnessed gaining prominence in recent years.
3. Celebrity Opinions:
The article cites Drew Barrymore's distaste for double sinks, highlighting that personal preferences, even those of celebrities, play a role in shaping perceptions of home amenities. Celebrity opinions can influence trends, and it's interesting to note that even well-known figures like Barrymore may have reservations about certain design elements.
4. Practical Downsides:
The article presents practical downsides to double sinks, such as increased cleaning efforts and the potential for clutter. These observations resonate with the reality of maintaining a space with multiple sinks, aligning with the broader conversation in the design community about balancing aesthetics with practicality.
5. Personal Space and Bathroom Time:
The article argues that the push for double sinks for simultaneous use contradicts the desire for personal space and alone time in the bathroom. This notion reflects a growing awareness of the need for individual relaxation and self-care, even in shared spaces, which is a key consideration in modern home design.
6. Empty Aspirational Beacons:
The article concludes by questioning the practicality and common-sense purpose of double sinks, suggesting that they might be perceived as aspirational but lack real functionality. This aligns with the broader conversation in design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of every aspect of a house serving a purpose beyond aesthetics.
In summary, the discourse around double sinks in bathrooms encompasses elements of luxury, privacy, practicality, and individual preferences. As an expert in the field, I recognize the importance of striking a balance between these factors to create a harmonious living space that caters to both aesthetic and functional needs.
