What is a Sink Shroud & Why Do You Need One?
When designing a bathroom, there are a lot of factors that can detract from how sleek and polished the space looks.
For one, if you haven’t added plenty of storage, you’ll run the risk of cluttering areas that should be left clean, like the toilet tank or the vanity.
For two, certain sink models come with a lot of complicated piping and plumbing, which can be hard to conceal and become a major eyesore.
As an example, many models of floating sinks will have exposed plumbing attached to the wall beneath it. This type of visible piping can cheapen the modern feel of the sink, which is supposed to look like a cool, contemporary optical illusion – not a mess of plumbing!
What is a sink shroud?
This is where sink shrouds come into play and solve the issue of exposed plumbing. A sink shroud – also known as a plumbing shroud or plumbing guard – is essentially a cover for any visible piping on the underbelly of a sink.
Most common in public or commercial spaces such as hotel or restaurant bathrooms, sink shrouds are ideal for the hospitality industry as they will elevate the design and make the overall space look more organized and intentional. Plus, they will prevent any curious guests from tampering with the plumbing!
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When is it important to use a sink shroud?
Installing a sink shroud is important in commercial bathrooms, though they can also look nice in any bathroom where the plumbing would be otherwise exposed. In a restaurant with multiple sink basins, you can install a series of sink shrouds for optimal balance and harmony.
Ultimately, if you are going for a sleek, elegant look that neatly conceals unsightly plumbing and other related systems, a sink shroud is essential for covering up any hardware that nobody really wants to see.
Is a sink shroud a necessity or a design choice?
Many commercial design experts would likely affirm that adding a sink shroud to a commercial bathroom is indeed a necessity. When pipes are exposed, they can be accidentally bumped, knocked, or scraped – leading to damages and potential leaks. Moreover, cleanliness in commercial bathrooms is a big concern, and exposed piping does nothing but create more surfaces to scrub down.
For these reasons, it is best to hide any plumbing or piping behind a sink shroud. Making this design choice will instantly add a more contemporary and unanimous feel to the bathroom. Just as the plumbing beneath your kitchen sink is concealed by cabinetry, so too should your bathroom plumbing be hidden by a cover that prevents tampering and the need for extra cleaning.
Tips for choosing the right sink shroud
When selecting the sink shroud that will look best in a commercial bathroom or at home, the first and most important factor is the size. You don’t want to overwhelm a small sink with a gigantic sink shroud – this will only look confusing and out of place. If you can’t seem to find a standard sink shroud that complements the size of your sink, you can request a custom sink shroud based on specific measurements.
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Another factor that should be considered is how easily you can remove the sink shroud to access the plumbing beneath it. If you ever run into a leak or the water stops flowing properly, you’ll need to take off the shroud to address the source of the issue. It’s best to choose a sink shroud that reflects a keyhole slot design, which makes it incredibly simple to take the shroud on or off the wall.
Looking for other ways to enhance the design of your bathroom? Check out some of our top picks for traditional, unique, and modern concrete sinks.